Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting JULY 2025 Minutes

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting JULY 2025 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 8/14/2025.

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

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

DRAFT INITIAL CONVENING MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

THURSDAY, JULY 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=keymDpB5P50

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:21]: Chair Pro Tem Welch called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Quorum WAS NOT established with 7 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 Pro Tem), Arleen Velasco, Michelle Matson, Angie Knight, Julia Allen, Ronan Witherwax, Samo Rozman, Margaret Murchie (joined at 6:08 p.m.), and Laura St. Denis (joined at 6:43 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Bruce Wong and Anthony Miranda.

Guests: Lieutenant Cyrus Hanuna and Lieutenant Michael Thompson (Honolulu Police Department); Steven Norstrom (Board of Water Supply); Lisa Yamamoto (Kapiʻolani Community College); Bekah Stinehour and Max Kalhammer (Department of Transportation Services); Department of Community Services (DCS) Director Anton Krucky (Mayor Blangiardi); Kevin Imanaka (City Council Chair Waters); Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Nishimoto); Casey Shoji (State Senator Chang); Emily Cristobal (State House Representative Grandinetti; State House Representative Ikaika Olds; Dylan Davis, Laura Ruby, Chad Wasden, Linda Wong, Tony Mastroianni, Chris Salas, and Daisy Murai (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible or stated for the record. Approximately 33 total participants joined the meeting.

2. PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:00:51]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD), Waikiki Station -- [0:00:51]: The Waikiki Fire Department representative provided the monthly incident statistics for June 2025: one structure fire, three nuisance fires, two activated alarms, 68 medical emergencies, five motor vehicle crashes, and one mountain rescue. The safety tip focused on wildland fire awareness, prevention, and preparedness.

• July 2025 Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D7twm-pYiH_7kszqAeezt9RFq1zIoaWw/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:03:54]: Velasco raised concerns about campfires on Diamond Head cliffs between the pathway and beach, noting this poses a significant fire risk. The HFD representative acknowledged they are familiar with the area and have plans to prevent fires from spreading but noted they cannot prohibit cooking fires. Matson raised concerns with the Fire Response Search Tool and Incident Trend Dashboard website, stating it lacks specific location information for fires on Diamond Head to monitor potential fire hazards in this high-risk area. Matson requested a presentation from HFD at the August 2025 board meeting to demonstrate how to use the website.

Murchie joined the meeting at 6:08 p.m.; 8 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 -- [0:12:43]: Lieutenant Hanuna provided the monthly statistics for June 2025: seven robberies, 10 burglaries, 122 thefts, nine unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, 30 assaults, four sex crimes, four bicycle/skateboard on sidewalk violations, two speeding citations, 1,808 parking violations, 14 loud muffler/prohibited noise violations, 87 park closure citations with 14 arrests, and 4,419 total calls for service.

• July 2025 Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E6Ianf9SpBtqr77kBy25JKnv5snbjvXa/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:14:01]: Velasco inquired about HPD's policy regarding cooperation with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Lieutenant Hanuna suggested directing this question to the City's Corporation Counsel. Welch asked about park citations and Lieutenant Hanuna explained that an ATV night detail patrols Kapiolani Park, Waikiki Beach Park, and other areas. Dylan Davis requested traffic division reports from HPD at future meetings.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 -- [0:17:00]: Lieutenant Thompson provided the monthly statistics for June 2025: nine motor vehicle thefts, seven burglaries, 11 thefts, 11 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, and 5,453 total calls for service. Lieutenant Thompson warned residents about phone scams where callers claim the recipient missed jury duty or has a warrant. Please call HPD to report abnormal phone calls.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:18:42]: Matson requested statistics on Diamond Head Road accidents and raised concerns about traffic safety. Laura Ruby thanked District 7 for apprehending individuals at the Mōʻiliʻili Japanese Cemetery and raised concerns about disparaging remarks made about police during the July 2025 Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting. Dylan Davis asked about HPD's process for handling scam reports. Murchie raised speeding concerns and requested statistics on sex crimes. Noela suggested creating an office and hotline for reporting scams.

3. INITIAL CONVENING BUSINESS -- [0:35:08]

[0:35:46] -- Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi administered the oath of office to board members.

Filling of Board Seats -- Vacancies -- [0:36:39]

St. Denis joined the meeting at 6:43 p.m.; 9 members present.

Subdistrict 2 -- Kapahulu -- [0:36:44]: There were no nominations for Subdistrict 2, so three seats remain vacant.

Subdistrict 3 -- Diamond Head, Ft. Ruger, Kapiolani Park, Monsarrat -- [0:37:01]: Chad Wasden and Linda Wong volunteered to fill one vacant seat in Subdistrict 3. Chad Wazden introduced himself as a 10-year resident of the neighborhood who lives on Hayden Street and expressed interest in helping the community. Linda Wong introduced herself as a 30-year board member with a history of working on community issues, including the parade law. [0:45:51] -- Knight nominated Chad Wasden. [0:45:56] -- Matson nominated Linda Wong. [0:46:03] -- Witherwax also nominated Chad Wasden. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Neither candidate received a majority vote of all the members to which the board is entitled per the Neighborhood Plan Section 2-14-104(c); 3-3-3 (Wasden: Knight, Murchie, and Witherwax; Wong: Allen, Velasco, and Matson; Abstain: Welch, St. Denis, and Rozman).

Election of Officers (To Serve Until Tuesday, June 30, 2026) -- [0:48:12]

Chair -- [0:48:19]: [0:48:22] -- Matson MOVED and Murchie SECONDED to nominate Winston Welch for Chair. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Welch was elected Chair; 9-0-0 (Welch: Knight, Allen, Murchie, Witherwax, Welch, Velasco, St. Denis, Matson, and Rozman; Abstain: None).

Vice Chair -- [0:49:37]: [0:49:45] -- Murchie nominated Michelle Matson for Vice Chair. [0:49:52] -- Knight nominated Arleen Velasco for Vice Chair. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Velasco was elected Vice Chair;

8-1-0 (Welch: Knight, Allen, Murchie, Witherwax, Welch, Velasco, Matson, and Rozman; Matson: St. Denis; Abstain: None).

Secretary -- [0:51:21]: [0:51:40] --Murchie MOVED and St. Denis SECONDED to nominate Michelle Matson for Secretary. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Matson WAS NOT elected Secretary; 7-0-2 (Matson: Allen, Murchie, Witherwax, Welch, Velasco, St. Denis, and Rozman; Abstain: Knight and Matson). [0:53:11] -- Matson stated that she will change her vote in favor of the nomination. Matson was elected Secretary; 8-0-1 (Matson: Allen, Murchie, Witherwax, Welch, Velasco, St. Denis, Rozman, and Matson; Abstain: Knight).

Treasurer -- [0:53:30]: [0:54:40] -- Murchie nominated Angie Knight for Treasurer. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Knight was elected Treasurer; 8-0-1 (Welch: Knight, Allen, Murchie, Witherwax, Welch, Velasco, Matson, and Rozman; Abstain: Matson). Matson suggested an executive committee and Welch asked if an executive committee is subject to the Sunshine Law (https://oip.hawaii.gov/laws-rules-opinions/sunshine-law).

Regular Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Online Webex Option -- [0:58:11]: Without objection, the Board will maintain the current meeting schedule on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse with an online Webex option. Velasco encouraged board members to attend all board meetings in person when possible.

Determination of Recess Schedule -- [1:00:00]: Without objection, the Board will not take any recesses. Thursday, June 11, 2026 is King Kamehameha I Day, so the June 2026 board meeting will need to be canceled or rescheduled.

Adopt Board Meeting Rules of Speaking -- [1:03:21]: Without objection, the Board will maintain the current rules of speaking, including a two-minute time limit for public comments, while acknowledging the need for flexibility when questions arise.

Request the Neighborhood Commission to Change the Representation of the Members on Neighborhood Board No. 5 From Subdistricts to the District At-Large -- [1:05:10]: [1:14:19] -- Welch MOVED and Murchie SECONDED to request to change one vacant Subdistrict 2 seat to an At-Large seat for the 2025-2027 board term. Without objection, the motion was adopted; 9-0-0 (Aye: Knight, Allen, Murchie, Witherwax, Welch, Velasco, St. Denis, Matson, and Rozman; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:15:02].

Designation of Board Committees and Committee Chairs -- [1:15:33]: Without objection, Arlene Velasco will chair the Environment Committee, Anthony Miranda and Margaret Murchie will co-chair the Parks & Recreation Committee, Michelle Matson will chair the Planning & Zoning Committee, and Margaret Murchie and Angie Knight will chair the Traffic & Public Safety Committee. The Board also discussed creating an executive committee and potentially establishing a social media committee in the future.

4. PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS AND EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [1:25:18]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [1:25:18]: Steven Norstrom reported no main breaks in the Diamond Head Neighborhood Board District for June. He shared information about Smart Irrigation Month, including rebates for rain barrels ($40) and smart irrigation controllers ($100). He noted the Monsarrat Avenue Water System Improvement Project is projected for completion in Q3 2026.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:27:21]: Board members inquired about the BWS lawsuit against the Navy and requested clarification on the timeline for the Monsarrat Avenue project.

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Updates -- [1:30:15]: Lisa Yamamoto reported that the KCC Farmers Market's location across from Diamond Head Theater is now permanent.

5. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS OPEN FORUM -- [1:31:04]

Diamond Head Road Safety Concerns -- [1:31:12]: Tony Mastroianni raised concerns about a dangerous asphalt area on Diamond Head Road (3249 Diamond Head Road) that is used for illegal u-turns. He suggested extending the sidewalk through this area for safety and beautification purposes. He also mentioned two permanent homeless camps near his home that pose fire risks.

Diamond Head Infrastructure Concerns -- [1:36:16]: Velasco raised concerns about the collapsed pavilion at Leahi Park and potential road safety issues where drainage infrastructure meets Diamond Head Road.

Ala Wai Bridge Project Concerns -- [1:37:34]: Laura Ruby requested a presentation from the Department of Transportation Services regarding the current status of the proposed Ala Wai Bridge, specifically seeking information about geological analysis, design criteria, and visual characteristics of the transit corridor.

Honolulu Century Ride Announcement -- [1:40:52]: Chris Salas from Hawaii Bicycling League announced the Honolulu Century Ride scheduled for September 28, 2025, starting and finishing at Kapiolani Regional Park with live music and food vendors.

6. PRESENTATIONS -- [1:42:05]

Department of Transportation Services -- Interactive Parking Scenario Plan -- [1:42:05]: Bekah Stinehour and Max Kalhammer presented information about the HNL Connect transportation demand management program. The program aims to encourage the use of different transportation modes to decrease road congestion and increase access to multimodal transportation options. Current initiatives include launching a steering committee, implementing a restricted parking zone program in Kalihi Valley, developing a mobile and web application, and conducting marketing campaigns.

• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BgDEJyQrEcolJJ5XgvDJDa29dIaozRwf/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:48:32]: Board members and residents raised concerns about bus routes, red bus-only express lanes, traffic congestion, and parking issues. Murchie raised concerns about bus lanes in Waikiki and expressed concerns about traffic impacts from development projects. Laura Ruby raised concerns about parking impacts from the 43-story building on Kapiolani and suggested implementing resident parking permits. Dylan Davis noted the need for balanced discussion about development and transportation planning.

7. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS -- [1:54:00]

Mayor's Representative -- [2:05:42]: Director Anton Krucky and Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi provided the report, including the mayor's newsletter, the Neighborhood Commission Office's use of various media outlets to advertise the 2025 board elections, roadway repaving on South King Street that began on Monday, June 30, 2025, the City providing bicycle education through the Hawaii Bicycling League, reporting fire hazards to the Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-723-7161, property owners' responsibility for maintaining sidewalk areas per ordinance 14-5.1, the Ala Wai Golf Course undergoing several improvement projects, and the City is exploring options for providing public internet access at the Ala Wai Golf Course clubhouse.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:19:38]: Matson raised concerns about feral chickens at Kapiolani Park, noting that Sandwich Isle Pest Solutions has not effectively addressed the issue despite having a contract with the city. Velasco requested a status update on the Natatorium design. Davis expressed concerns about traffic management during road construction projects.

Council Chair Tommy Waters (Council District 4) -- [2:25:00]: Kevin Imanaka reported that Bill 46, which requires HPD to provide local media outlets with access to dispatch radio communications, passed first reading. He also promoted the upcoming town hall at Liholiho Elementary School on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, which will address speeding, traffic safety, crime, monster homes, homelessness, and cost of living issues.

• Town Hall Information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Uxi9Ef-dYpOQbjK9AME2eRZEiC2g8zip/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:27:00]: Velasco inquired about Chair Waters' position on hiring a new police chief. Knight expressed appreciation for Chair Waters' recognition of the ADA's 35th anniversary.

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (Council District 5) -- [2:29:32]: Kylie Tokujo reported that the recently passed budget includes funding for infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, streets, city parks, and homeless services in District 5.

8. FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- [2:31:00]

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [2:32:00]: Ryan Aguilar was not present. Velasco noted she had asked about the Ala Wai Boat Harbor's lack of a pump-out station, which negatively affects water quality. She reported that the Harbor Master confirmed the pump-out station has not been functioning for years, despite the Governor's office being told otherwise.

• Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OLboZBaGQ1omzqz9hlKD8i4gGpUo6ur6/edit?tab=t.0

Senator Stanley Chang -- [2:34:06]: Casey Shoji announced that the Hawaii Public Housing Authority has opened multiple federal public housing waiting lists for low-income residents from June 30 to July 7, 2025.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:35:17]: Board members inquired about Senator Chang's planned trip to Vancouver and Maryland to study housing funding models.

Representative Tina Grandinetti -- [2:37:40]: Emily Cristobal reported that Representative Grandinetti has been assigned as vice chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee. She highlighted the Representative's work on the condo insurance crisis and Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. Cristobal also mentioned the upcoming town hall on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 and the Representative's planned attendance at the National Conference of State Legislators in Boston.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:41:03]: Dylan Davis requested information about the Hurricane Relief Fund and expressed concerns about its sustainability, referencing issues with Florida's similar program.

Representative Ikaika Olds -- [2:43:40]: Representative Olds announced that Governor Green signed his bill HB943, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Center Program, as Act 299. He thanked Knight for her advocacy on this issue. He also reported that he is conducting an interim survey in House District 23 to assess constituent priorities and concerns.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:45:53]: Velasco raised concerns about ICE raids happening in Los Angeles and Hawaii. She requested Governor Green's position on protecting citizens from racial profiling and ensuring proper identification of federal agents.

9. BOARD BUSINESS -- [2:48:29]

Chair's Announcements -- [2:48:29]: Chair Welch announced that Board Member Angie Knight has been nominated by City Council Chair Waters to serve on the Neighborhood Commission.

Board Committee Reports:

Environment: No report.

Parks & Recreation: Chair Welch mentioned that Anthony Miranda is planning a committee meeting.

Planning & Zoning: No report.

Traffic & Public Safety: No report.

Board Subdistrict Reports -- [2:49:21]:

St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 -- [2:49:21]: Julia Allen announced that the St. Louis Heights Community Association will meet on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hokulani Elementary School, focusing on the legislative session recap.

Kapahulu Subdistrict 2: No report.

Diamond Head Subdistrict 3: No report.

Reports of Board Members Attending Other Board and Public Meetings -- [2:51:27]: Murchie reported attending the Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting. She highlighted the red bus lanes and the lack of a police station between Waikiki and Hawaii Kai.

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes -- [2:52:52]: Chair Welch skipped ahead to announcements.

12. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:52:54]

Next Meeting -- [2:52:54]: The next Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse and virtually via Webex.

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes -- [2:53:07]: Matson indicated she would make a proposal at the next meeting to address ongoing issues with the minutes. Chair Welch postponed approval of previous meeting minutes.

13. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:57:16]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:57 p.m.

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

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

Finalized by:

To view agenda and minutes, visit our board website.

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting JULY 2025 Minutes

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