No 32 Waimānalo Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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Waimanalo Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 2026
Honolulu Fire Department Report
Captain David Schubert of the Waimanalo Fire Station reported December 2025 incident statistics, noting 35 medical calls, two mountain rescues, one motor vehicle accident, one brush fire, one nuisance fire, and one activated alarm. He shared an electrical safety tip for household appliances, advising residents to plug major and heat-producing appliances directly into wall outlets rather than using extension cords or power strips. The captain concluded by encouraging the community to have a licensed electrician install additional outlets if needed.
Honolulu Police Department Report
Lieutenant Sanford Yu and Sergeant Krekel, representing HPD District 4, highlighted an overall decrease in crime statistics for December 2025 when compared to the prior month. They reported one motor vehicle theft, zero burglaries, two thefts, zero motor vehicle break-ins, and zero robberies. The board and community expressed concerns about unauthorized vehicles on beaches, referencing five vehicles spotted at Hunananiho with delayed response times due to increased caseloads. HPD recommended continuing to call 911 and clarified that coordination between HPD, DOCARE, and military police remains a challenge in these areas. The conversation also touched on fireworks enforcement, where HPD explained their recent efforts, the use of drone technology, and the complexity of issuing citations unless officers personally witness violations or community members provide statements or video evidence.
Ocean Safety Update
Lieutenant Akka Tamashiro from Honolulu Ocean Safety discussed the December 2025 activity in Waimanalo. Tower 6 Alpha at the beach park observed approximately 27,000 beachgoers, around 1,000 preventive actions, 200 first aids, and four major rescues. Beach 6, Hunananiho, saw about 22,000 visitors, 1,100 preventives, 200 first aids, and four significant rescues. Bellows, open only on weekends and holidays for Ocean Safety, had around 7,000 visitors and no major incidents. Sand Island and Makapu‘u saw elevated rescue numbers, with Sandy Beach logging 32 significant rescues in December and Makapu‘u completing around 40. The board thanked Ocean Safety for its collaboration during emergencies and for keeping the community informed about beach conditions.
Board of Water Supply Announcement
Board of Water Supply community relations liaison Dani reported no water main breaks in Waimanalo for December 2025, along with no planned work projects for January. The Water Sensible Rebate Program has doubled many of its rebates, such as offering $150 for Energy Star washers, $200 for WaterSense toilets, and $400 for smart water monitors. Dani clarified that the recent main repair used ductile iron piping and noted that watershed grant information would require more follow-up. Community discussion focused on the financial impact of rising water and sewer rates and the possibility of hosting more conversations with leadership figures like Board of Water Supply Manager Ernie Lau to address community concerns.
Mayor’s Representative Report
Director Dawn Thielen, speaking on behalf of Mayor Rick Blangiardi, mentioned the appointment of two new City directors, Chief of Ocean Safety Kurt Lager and Director Kealoha Fox at the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency. She noted June 10, 2026, as the revised effective date for new federal flood risk maps and encouraged residents to consult resilientoahu.org/getfloodready to determine if they are newly included in flood zones. Thielen outlined various improvements under way at Waimanalo Beach Park, including pavilion renovations, comfort station design revisions to include shower repairs, and reconstruction of the arts and crafts building destroyed by arson. The city also plans to replace existing water and electrical lines, using copper pipes below certain depths and protective PVC conduits encased in concrete for the new electrical lines. Extensive conversation ensued about the community’s desire for improved maintenance, more specialized park vehicles and equipment, and dedicated space for youth sports.
State Department of Transportation Update
DOT Highways representative Casey Abe mentioned that school speed limit signs along State highways remain at 25 mph despite a recent City law reducing certain school zones to 20 mph, because the law applies only to City roads. Reflective markers were installed on Kīko poles near Waimanalo, and the Board of Water Supply’s poles around a meter were painted yellow. A homeless encampment and trash along the guardrail system near 41-692 Kalanianaʻole Highway was addressed by the state’s homeless coordinator. Abe also noted issues with beach runoff erosion near Nalu Street and said repairs were targeted by the end of March. Additional “No Parking” signs were installed near 41-668 Kalanianaʻole Highway to deter unsafe parking.
Neighborhood Board Vacancies
The board announced four at-large vacancies. Two community members, Hoku and Kukui Akana, were newly appointed after providing proof of Waimanalo residency and taking the oath of office. Both will serve in at-large seats focused on improving community-driven priorities and events. Two at-large positions remain open for additional residents who wish to participate in board decision-making.
Community Organization Reports
Windward Community College Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg highlighted upcoming campus activities, including an “Aloha Giveaway” event offering free items on a first-come, first-served basis and a Robert Cazimero exhibit at Gallery ‘Iolani starting January 23. Hawaii Job Corps Center Director Julie Dugan announced active enrollment opportunities and multiple staff vacancies, as well as an upcoming graduation ceremony in February honoring around 25 young adults who completed major milestones or high school diploma requirements. Waimanalo Health Center promoted free programs related to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes management, and smoking cessation support. Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i staff previewed events such as Makahiki ceremonies, 5K runs open to the community, and outreach partnerships where single Marines assist community projects.
Kawai Loa Youth & Family Wellness Center Master Plan
Consultants and representatives from the Office of Youth Services outlined a master plan to transform the former Hawai‘i Youth Correctional Facility into a rehabilitative and cultural healing campus. The plan’s timeline extends from environmental impact statements to design and construction, funded through the legislature. Proposed improvements span from additional secure, dormitory-style buildings to expanded mental health treatment, vocational training, and agricultural programs, with an emphasis on Native Hawaiian-based cultural practices. Public engagement, legislative backing, and partner agency collaboration remain key elements for achieving the proposed campus vision.
Resident and Board Member Concerns
Community member David Larson reiterated longstanding worries about insufficient park equipment, underscoring the need to prioritize youth sports, establish volunteer-friendly guidelines for community-led park maintenance, and ensure local children have easier access to the Waimanalo gym. Some board members also called for clarity regarding city and state laws that prohibit certain community-driven efforts, such as residents mowing overgrown grassy fields in public areas.
Elected Officials’ Updates
City Councilmember Esther Kia‘āina confirmed continued coordination on speed humps for Laumilo Street and Hi‘i Manu Street, lamented delays within the Department of Planning and Permitting, and discussed proposed legislation to require Major Conditional Use Permits for large-scale agritourism projects rather than Minor CUPS. She also noted ongoing efforts to revoke the permit for the controversial proposed gondola project on the North Shore. State Representative Lisa Marten highlighted her legislative priorities for Human Services, including bills to preserve Medicaid, SNAP, and housing benefits for those at risk of losing federal assistance due to new engagement requirements, and a statewide master database for streamlined benefit applications.
Old and New Business
The board deferred the dog-friendly parks proposal pending additional community feedback. The board moved forward with new signage requests for Waimanalo public parks, intending to better enforce rules and address concerns about unauthorized vehicles. A request from the Waimanalo Apartments renovation project was formally acknowledged, with the board voting to submit an updated letter of support to seek state financing resources. Discussion around a resolution granting the board chair authority to issue future letters of support for funding applications will occur at a subsequent meeting.
Adjournment and Next Meeting
The meeting concluded at approximately 9:58 p.m. The next Waimanalo Neighborhood Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, and meeting materials remain available on the Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office’s Google Drive. Members and community participants expressed gratitude for the chance to share issues, concerns, and progress on neighborhood initiatives.