Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting APRIL 2025 Minutes

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting APRIL 2025 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 5/8/2025.

With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

DIAMOND HEAD - KAPAHULU - ST. LOUIS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 5

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M.

ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE BALLROOM -- 404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96815

AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Video Recording of Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDTogViza2w&list=PLfqRwVpRroolsFSNpDzklm59N89al2XyQ

Google Drive Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WKnOJqdvqoRuGhJ7E9rg5u7AtruuZZZn

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:58]: Chair Pro-Tem Allen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum WAS established with 9 members present. This 15-member board requires 8 members to establish a quorum and to take official board action.

Board Members Present: Winston Welch (Chair), Arleen Velasco (Vice Chair), David Beutel (Secretary), Julia Allen, Angie Knight, Michelle Matson, Anthony Miranda, Laura St. Denis, Bruce Wong, and Linda Wong (arrived at 8:18 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Rafia Hasina, Margaret Murchie, and Kendric Wong.

Guests: Fire Captain Elden Tanaka and Fire Fighter Mikel Morita (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiʻolani Community College); Roberta Hickey-Gomez (The Mediation Center of the Pacific); Isis "Izzy" Usborne and Emily Sarasa (Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaiʻi Coalition); Marion Cadora (Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts); Donnie Cervantes (Aupuni Space); Department of Community Services Director Anton Krucky (Mayor Blangiardi); City Council Chair Tommy Waters and Adam Doo (City Council Chair Waters); Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Nishimoto); Ryan Aguilar (Governor Green); State House Representative Ikaika Olds; Laura Ruby, Dylan Davis, Daisy Murai, and Samo Rozman (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 30 total participants.

[0:01:29] -- Chair Welch assumed the responsibilities of the presiding officer from Chair Pro-Tem Allen.

2. PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:01:38]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD), Waikīkī Station -- [0:01:41]: Fire Captain Tanaka and Fire Fighter Morita provided the report and safety tips for evacuation planning. Should you have questions, please email the HFD's Public Affairs & Media Liaison at HFDNHB@honolulu.gov.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WiNhYbzkGx79FW2EKzNYCmDsBeXLxpP3/view?usp=drive_link

• Website: https://fire.honolulu.gov

• Request for Information: https://fire.honolulu.gov/requests-for-information

• Response Mapping: http://www.responsemapping.com/map.aspx?aid=2d8b134f-7c9f-4f42-8ef7-424c4cfe3ae5

HFD recommends anyone wanting more details to use the response map to search for the incidents near them. The map contains data from the last 6 months and can be filtered by date, type of incidents, and location, making it easy for residents to learn more about what is going on in their neighborhood.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:03:35].

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 -- Waikīkī/Kapiʻolani Park/Diamond Head -- [0:08:02]: No representative present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 -- Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights/East Honolulu -- [0:08:22]: Lieutenant Nishimura provided the report and statistics for March 2025. There were 10 motor vehicle thefts, 5 burglaries, 14 thefts, 9 unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV) offenses, and 6,194 calls for service. For more information, visit https://www.honolulupd.org. On Thursday, March 27, 2025 and Friday, March 28, 2025, in conjunction with state and city partners, HPD conducted a cleanup operation for the Diamond Head area.

• HNL Alert: https://www.honolulu.gov/dem/hnl-alert

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:10:14].

3. FILLING OF BOARD SEATS -- TWO VACANCIES -- [0:16:49]: Isis "Izzy" Usborne expressed interest in filling a vacant Diamond Head Subdistrict 2 (Kapahulu, East Ala Wai) board seat.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:17:37].

Usborne was ineligible to fill a vacant seat. There were no nominations, so the seats remain vacant.

4. PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS AND EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [0:23:24]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report -- [0:23:25]: No representative present.

• Website: https://boardofwatersupply.com

Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) Updates -- [0:23:43]: Dean of Community & Continuing Education Carol Hoshiko (hoshiko@hawaii.edu) provided the report, including community workshops and Culinary Institute of the Pacific updates.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:29:02].

5. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS & EVENT ANNOUNCMENTS OPEN FORUM -- [0:36:20]

Ala Wai Bridge Project -- [0:36:56]: Laura Ruby thanked the Diamond Head Neighborhood Board for adopting a resolution requesting a full environmental impact statement (EIS) regarding the Ala Wai Bridge project.

Turtle Bay Development -- [0:38:35]: Arleen Velasco raised concerns about a development at Turtle Bay on the north shore.

6. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:39:31]

Early Eviction Mediation -- [0:39:52]: Roberta Hickey-Gomez presented about an early eviction mediation program, which aims to support both landlords and tenants in resolving housing disputes early before they escalate to eviction proceedings. The Mediation Center of the Pacific is committed to fostering open communication and helping individuals reach mutually beneficial agreements. The program has achieved a 90% agreement rate over the past two years, which has helped many tenants remain in their homes and landlords continue receiving rental income. Visit www.mediatehawaii.org/eem for details or call (808) 521-6767.

• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cSa29c5vwnjmQXvs9IzIhA42XjWisT2y/view?usp=sharing

• Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HS-_NyOGlq1O41D3S-2Mx-g-i6bXa04U/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:47:45].

Reimagining Public Safety Coalition -- [0:50:36]: Isis "Izzy" Usborne and Emily Sarasa presented how the coalition of community organizations and individuals are committed to reimagining what public safety looks like in Hawaiʻi. Usborne provided an overview of the coalition's research and work. Sarasa shared the coalition's 2025 budget recommendations. Visit www.acluhi.org/reimagining-public-safety-hawaii-coalition for details or email reimaginesafetyhawaii@gmail.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:06:00].

Wahi Pana Public Art Installation Follow Up -- [1:22:20]: Marion Cadora (Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts) presented an overview of the Wahi Pana (storied places) temporary public art project of the City and County of Honolulu Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA). The project includes art installations across the island of ʻOahu that connect each site with their indigenous, Native Hawaiian moʻolelo (stories). Donnie Cervantes provided a history and overview of the Wahi Pana installation at Kapiʻolani Park, which will open by the end of May 2025. Visit wahipana.com for details or email aloha@wahipana.com.

• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W0_X-2fVXzEYF0YlzuoiK8aEKJ8Dhkze/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:28:08].

7. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS -- [1:44:48]

Mayor's Representative -- [1:45:06]: Department of Community Services (DCS) Director Anton Krucky provided the report and responded to constituent concerns, including homeless encampments, Ala Wai Community Garden, walkway repair at Queen's Beach Park, Kaimana Beach showers, and Diamond Head Community Garden. Director Krucky highlighted the City's Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (C.O.R.E.) Program (https://emergencyservices.honolulu.gov/core), new Iwilei Transitional Shelter at the City's Iwilei Center complex (https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/city-state-unveil-new-kumu-ola-hou-transitional-shelter-in-iwilei), and Mayor Blangiardi's town hall meetings (https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/townhall).

• Newsletter: https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter

• Contact Mayor Blangiardi: https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:51:41].

City Council Chair Tommy Waters, City Council District 4 -- [2:08:57]: Council Chair Waters experienced technical difficulties online via Webex.

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto, City Council District 5 -- [2:10:18]: Kylie Tokujo (kylie.tokujo@honolulu.gov) provided the report, including information about an Easter egg hunt and community food drive. Should you have any questions, call (808) 768-5005 or email scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov.

• E-Blast: http://eepurl.com/dI6xMz

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:11:26].

8. FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS -- [2:12:44]

U.S. Congressman Ed Case -- [2:12:45]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz -- [2:12:47]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono -- [2:12:48]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [2:12:55]: Ryan Aguilar did not share a report and was available for questions.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:13:17].

Linda Wong joined the meeting at 8:18 p.m.; 10 members present.

7. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS -- CONTINUED -- [2:23:54]

City Council Chair Tommy Waters, City Council District 4 -- [2:24:03]: City Council Chair Waters provided the report, including Bill 60 (2024) related to the proposed increase in Honolulu sewer rates, Bill 24 (2024) to adopt the Primary Urban Center Development Plan, property tax rates, addressing erosion on Diamond Head, the Department of Transportation Services' (DTS) traffic calming plan for Diamond Head Road, and affordable housing. Should you have any questions, call (808) 768-5004 or email tommy.waters@honolulu.gov.

• Webpage: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district4

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:35:26].

8. FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS -- CONTINUED -- [2:52:32]

State Senator Stanley Chang: No representative present.

State Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: No representative present.

State Senator Carol Fukunaga: No representative present.

State House Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti: No representative present.

State House Representative Jackson Sayama: No representative present.

State House Representative Andrew Garrett: No representative present.

State House Representative Ikaika Olds -- [2:52:59]: Representative Olds shared legislative updates (homeless triage bill and housing). Should you have any questions, call (808) 586-8515 or email repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov.

• Webpage: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/legislature/memberpage.aspx?member=300&year=2025

• Subscribe to Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/capitol/email-sign-up

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:55:25].

9. BOARD BUSINESS -- [2:57:27]

Chair's announcements -- [2:57:27]: Chair Welch announced next month's board meeting scheduled on the second Thursday.

Board Committee Reports -- [2:57:59]: No reports.

Board Subdistrict Reports -- [2:58:01]:

St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 -- [2:58:07]: The St. Louis Heights Community Association will meet on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at Hokulani Elementary School with a meet-and-greet at 6:00 p.m.

Kapahulu Subdistrict 2: No report by Anthony Miranda.

Diamond Head Subdistrict 3 -- [2:58:21]: No report by Linda Wong.

Reports of Board Members Attending Other Board and Public Meetings -- [2:58:37]: Velasco shared a neighbor's text about a main water break in the Diamond Head area around Waikiki Elementary School.

Approval of Board Written Summaries of Board Meeting Videos with Meeting Recording Timestamps -- [2:59:00]: Postponed to the next meeting.

Board Committee Reports -- [2:59:09]: Matson shared a comment related to the Planning and Zoning committee regarding the property ownership of a proposed development on Kanaina Avenue.

10. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting: The next Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Club House Ballroom, and online via Webex.

‘Olelo Broadcast (https://olelo.org/tune-in): The Board meetings can be viewed on Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of the month and at 2:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.

Reporting Neighborhood Issues: Visit https://www.honolulu.gov/csd/concern or use the Honolulu 311 App (https://honoluluhi.citysourced.com) to report neighborhood issues.

2025 Neighborhood Board Elections: Only Subdistrict 1 (St Louis Heights) will appear as contested on ballot

Friday, April 25, 2025 -- Voting Begins

Friday, May 16, 2025 -- Voting Ends

For more information, visit https://web5.hnl.info/nbe or https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco.

Contact NCO@honolulu.gov or call (808) 768-3710

City and County of Honolulu and Hawai'i Foodbank Food Drive: Your Neighborhood Assistant will be collecting donated canned goods at tonight's meeting on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

11. ADJOURNMENT -- [3:00:35]: Chair Welch adjourned the meeting at 9:01 p.m.

Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office

Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, Neighborhood Commission Office

Finalized by: J. David Beutel, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No. 5

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting APRIL 2025 Minutes

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