Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JULY 2025 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JULY 2025 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 8/20/2025.

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

KAIMUKĪ NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 4

DRAFT INITIAL CONVENING MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025 AT 6:30 P.M.

KAIMUKĪ PUBLIC LIBRARY MEETING ROOM -- 1041 KOKO HEAD AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96816

AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH7nlIQhXC8

Meeting materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Wt9pOrbakhHBtITFDEP84GlbdXeCis0s

I. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:00]: Chair Kang called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was established with 7 members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action. Board members must be in person or have video access.

Board Members Present: Brian Kang (Chair Pro Tem), Paul Hoe, Audrey Abe, Becky Gardner, James Logue, John Arnest, and Carole Mandryk.

Board Members Absent: Kelsie Aguilera (Secretary), Christine Otto Zaa, and Sean Koegel.

Total Guests: Fire Fighter Farfer Cobrame (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Miura (Honolulu Police Department); Civil Engineer Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); CIO and Director Brian McKee (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Tasha Luke (Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters' Representative); Amanda Stevens (Governor Josh Green's Representative); State Senator Les Ihara, Jr., District 10; State Representative Tina Grandinetti, District 20; State Representative Jackson Sayama, District 20; Kaimuki Fire Station; Eric McCutcheon, Lori Yamada (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. About 21 participants joined the meeting.

II. CITY/STATE MONTHLY REPORTS [0:00:58]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) [0:00:58]: Fire Fighter Farfer Juan Cobrame provided the monthly statistics for June 2025 (2 fire structures, 1 wildlander brush fire, 1 nuisance which is a rubbish fire outside of a structure or vehicle, and 3 activated alarms with no fire. For Emergencies had 45 medical, 8 motor vehicle collisions, and 1 hazmat). The fire safety tip of the month is wildland fire awareness, prevention and preparedness. For more information visit (fire.honolulu.gov), Honolulu Department of Emergency Management and Hawaii Wildfire Management.

• July 2025 Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15VstuQbaJ3cykNTvUl56qY9uGo_TMKVD/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:02:53]. Lori Yamada questioned if there were any fireworks fires this past 4th of July. No specific details were available, but they will check and report back.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) [0:03:34]: Lieutenant Miura from District 7 provided crime statistics for June 2025 (12 vehicle thefts, 15 burglaries, 19 thefts, 16 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles, and 5,453 calls for service). He presented some security tips for businesses. Alarms are a good deterrent and are recommended for all businesses. Change alarm codes whenever an employee leaves the company. Leave a few interior lights on at night, because dark rooms are easy target for criminals. If a thief confronts you or employees, don't argue or fight with suspect and give them whatever they're asking for. Note description of suspect and get away to a safe place.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:04:56]. Lori Yamada stated her area was nice and quiet on 4th of July and asked if there were any trouble areas in town. Lt. Miura agreed it was quieter, and it could be attributed to the fireworks incident this past January 1, and he thinks for 4th of July more proactive measures in our community were implemented and with law enforcement in general.

III. INITIAL CONVENING BUSINESS [0:06:07]

Election of Officers (to serve till Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [0:06:07]

Chair: Hoe nominated Kang for Chair. Hearing no other nominations, the Board conducted a roll call vote.

Kang was elected Chair: 7-0-0 (AYE: Kang, Logue, Gardner, Arnest, Mandryk, Abe, Hoe; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None.)

Vice Chair: Logue nominated Hoe for Vice Chair and Abe seconded. Hearing no other nominations, the Board conducted a roll call vote.

Hoe was elected Vice Chair: 7-0-0 (AYE: Kang, Logue, Gardner, Arnest, Mandryk, Abe, Hoe; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None.)

Secretary: Hoe nominated Abe for Secretary and Arnest seconded. Hearing no other nominations, the Board conducted a roll call vote.

Abe was elected Secretary: 7-0-0 (AYE: Kang, Logue, Gardner, Arnest, Mandryk, Abe, Hoe; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None.)

Treasurer: Hoe nominated Logue for Treasurer and Abe seconded. Hearing no other nominations, the Board conducted a roll call vote.

Logue was elected Treasurer: 7-0-0 (AYE: Kang, Logue, Gardner, Arnest, Mandryk, Abe, Hoe; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None.)

Filling of Subdistrict 1 Vacant Seat: ) [0:11:08] Resident Calvin Hara volunteered to fill the Subdistrict 1 vacant seat. He shared a brief introduction: he grew up in the Kaimuki, previously served on the Kaimuki NB Board 8 years ago, his background is in senior care running facilities. There were no other volunteers. Hoe nominated Calvin Hara to fill the current Subdistrict 1 vacancy and Mandryk seconded. A roll call vote was conducted and ADOPTED; 7-0-0 (Kang, Logue, Gardner, Arnest, Mandryk, Abe, Hoe; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None)

Recess ) [0:14:22]

Regular Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Online Webex Option [0:14:54]:

Hoe moved and it was seconded by Abe to maintain the current schedule meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Kaimuki Library and on WebEx as well. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (AYE: Kang, Logue, Gardner, Arnest, Mandryk, Abe, Hoe; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None.)

Determination of Recess Schedule (up to 3 per year and no consecutive months) 0:16:24]: Hoe moved and it was seconded by Abe to recess in December only. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (AYE: Kang, Logue, Gardner, Arnest, Mandryk, Abe, Hoe; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None)

Adopt Board Meeting Rules of Participation 0:17:17]: Hoe moved and it was seconded by Arnest to maintain the same rules of participation, that once a speaker has been recognized by the chair that they limit their comments or questions to 3 minutes, and we limit presentations and reports to 3 minutes unless otherwise noted in the agenda. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (AYE: Kang, Logue, Gardner, Arnest, Mandryk, Abe, Hoe; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None)

IV. COMMUNITY REPORTS [0:18:16]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:18:35]:

Civil Engineer Lorna Heller presented announcements for this month. No main breaks reported. Announcement for the month is their 2025 Annual Unthirsty Plant Sale at Hālawa Xeriscape Garden, at 99-1268 Iwaena Street, on Saturday, August 2, from 9 am to 1 pm. For more information visit our website at www.boardofwatersupply.com/plantsale

V. ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS [0:20:17]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative [0:20:51]: Director Brian McKee from the Department of Information Technology (DIT) presented the report. The City began an 80 acre master planning effort in Iwilei-Kapalama sub-corridor for new construction that will be in the corridor where the light rail comes through. Mckee also announced Mayor Blangiardi signed a three bills into law designed to improve public safety on Oahu especially along the Waianae Coast. He also reported the City driver's license permit tests are now online and NO need for appointments anymore.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:22:04]: For more information go to Honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter

Honolulu City Council (HCC) Chair Tommy Waters' Representative [0:22:04]: Tasha Luke Constituent Services Specialist for Council District 4, presented the report. An abandoned vehicle reported on Ocean View Drive was removed by HPD. Bill 46 passed 1st reading which requires HPD to provide local media outlets with access to radio communications in emergency situations when public is at risk. She announced a Joint Town Hall Meeting with Chair Waters and Representative Tina Grandinetti on July 23 at Liholiho Elementary School, to hear community concerns.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:25:03]: Resident Sarah Chinen asked why the July 23 Joint Town Hall Meeting doesn't include our Senator.

Eric McCutcheon asked what were concerns at the recent Hawaii Kai meeting with Chair Waters. Luke stated it was mainly about the JAIMS Building in Hahaione with the lease expiration coming up.

Governor Josh Green's Representative [0:42:03]: Ms. Amanda Stevens provided the report. She shared concerns for the proposed federal changes that could reduce funding to health care coverage, and food assistance programs across the State. The Department of Human Services (DHS) is here to answer any questions you all might have. You can send your email questions to DHS.DHS.Hawaii.gov

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:45:39]: Eric McCutcheon stated Governor Green did veto House Bill 958 the Omnibus electric bike bill, to classify and describe safe riding and helmets for age 18 and other things. He encourages the Governor to reconsider this bill at the next legislative session.

State Senator Stanley Chang, District 9 [0:26:42]: No representative present.

State Senator Les Ihara, Jr., District 10 [0:27:09]: Senator Ihara discussed the Community Investment Vehicle (CIVic) for the Ala Wai Watershed and he wants to request a presentation to be made at the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board to inform people in the area about it. He stated there is a city council bill on this topic. The University of Hawaii confirmed the potential for Waikiki's storm drain systems to experience backflow during heavy rainfall and sea level rise and addressed the flood risks in Waikiki.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:31:54]: Resident Sarah Chinen asked why the Hawaii State Museum of Art name was changed to Capital Modern, because the new name has no sense of Hawaii or of art.

Chair Kang thanked Senator Ihara for the suggestion and stated the board has not received a recent Ala Wai CIVic presentation and will need to look into it.

State Representative Tina Grandinetti, District 20 [0:33:17]: Representative Grandinetti stated she was focusing on the Insurance Commission and our Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund (HHRF) which began accepting application two weeks ago to assist with condo association insurance. For her Joint Town Hall on July 23 with Chairs Waters, she stated it was an oversight to not invite Senator Chang but is happy to send him an invitation.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:37:37]: Hara suggested Representative Grandinetti reach out to the Executive Office of Aging on their programs to help Kupuna (elderly) getting ripped off and affected with cyber crime.

State Representative Jackson Sayama, District 20 [1:53:20]: Representative Sayama mentioned Friends of Kaimuki Library support programming. Continue to work on labor related legislations.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:41:38]: None

Congressmember Ed Case, Congressional District 1 [0:46:31]: No representative present.

VI. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS [0:46:58]

No response from 911 call to report truck illegally parked [0:47:12]: Resident reported that the other day a box truck was parked illegally on red zone on 9th Avenue and Keanu Street and it was a dangerous situation. He dialed 911 but it took over 15 minutes to get through and got NO response at all. It was very concerning.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:48:36]: Chair Kang suggested he hold that thought for the next meeting when HPD comes back to discuss with them.

Traffic Fatalities Statewide [0:48:53]: Eric McCutcheon reported as of July 12 this year there are 73 fatalities Statewide for all forms of transportation. We were at only 49 fatalities at this time last year. So please continue to be safe with whatever means of travel the road.

Traffic Fatalities Statewide [0:50:08]: Hara announced Kupuna spelling bee sponsored by Kiwanis Service organization to benefit Alzheimer Association.

VII. BOARD BUSINESS [0:51:35]

Approval of June 18, 2025 Written Summaries of Video Record [0:51:35]: Abe requested for the following revisions for the June 18, 2025 Written Summaries:

Paragraph IX Traffic and Transportation Committee: Treasurer Abe (Chair of Transportation Committee) reported we are working on scheduling a follow-up meeting with the Department of Transportation (DTS) regarding our Joint Transportation Committee Meeting held on March 4, 2025.

Paragraph III Designating Dog-Friendly Park Sections: Resident Ms. Juanita Liu provided an update on her group's report in response to

the Department of Parks and Recreation's (DPR) request for public input regarding dogs in parks. An inventory of parks in East

Honolulu indicates about 80% of parks allow dogs, and 5 of the parks that do not allow dogs are "sports parks" which should be left dog

free. Liu invited Treasurer Abe for further discussion. Abe emphasized that due to the shortage of sports parks and health and safety

concerns for our children, dogs should not be mixed with sports activities in these sport parks.

Add Valedictorians names [0:53:09 Corrections Hoe requested to under section III Public Input if could add names of the Valedictorians, it's a nice touch because we have their names as well as on certificates we provided.

Approval of June 18, 2025 Written Summaries of Video Record [0:53:26]: Hoe moved to approve the Written Summaries of Video Record as corrected and it was seconded, and motion was approved.

Designation of Board Committees and Committee Chairs: [0:54:02]: Motion was made to reestablish the Transportation Committee with Chair Abe, member Juanita Liu, Leolani Iwaki, and James Logue. The motion was seconded and approved. 7-0-0 AYES: 7, NAY: none, ABSTAIN: None

Requests for other Board Committees [0:54:59]: Sarah Chinen suggested a committee for the elderly to help assist in solutions for care homes. [0:57:39]: Member Abe added there are a lot of elderly scams and stressed the importance to help by providing more awareness and assistance for the elderly, and where to get help and gain knowledge on how to deal with such scams. [0:57:39]: Member Hara added the Board could obtain information from the Governor's office and Mayor's office on what's available to prevent seniors from getting ripped off. 0:58:19]: Mandryk supports having this committee as very important. 0:58:47]: Member Gardner stated she supports having this elderly committee and she used an example for her concern of an elderly neighbor. 0:58:47]: Chair Kang suggested we have a discussion on the elderly committee placed on our agenda for the next board meeting.

Reports of Board Members Attending Other Neighborhood Board and Public Meetings [1:00:24]: Chair Kang: seeing none, we will move on.

VIII. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS [1:00:50]: Chair Kang announced Vintage Books Hawaii LLC on Waialae Avenue, has applied for a dispenser general category 3 liquor license Will be heard by liquor license on September 4, 2025. Will be posted on google drive. [1:01:49]: Chair Kang second announcement, regarding House concurrent resolution 177 which was passed by the Hawaii legislature, which encourages the City & County of Honolulu to initiate a summer streets pilot program to allow pedestrians, bicycles, skate boarders and other modes of transportation from traditional motorized vehicles to use certain streets during the summer. Will be posted on google drive.

IX. NEXT MEETING OF THIS BOARD [1:02:29]

The next regular meeting of the Kaimukī Neighborhood Board will be on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kaimukī Public Library meeting room and online via Webex.

X. ADJOURNMENT [1:03:19]: Chair Kang adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m.

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

Reviewed by: Audrey Abe, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No. 4

Final approval by: Audrey Abe, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No. 4

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