Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting AUGUST 2025 Minutes

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting AUGUST 2025 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 9/11/2025.

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, AUGUST 14, 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=J0T8UfB_Azk

Google Drive Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wezRyARsyx1JlCFN56ejBuKud14s8u5P

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:11]: Chair Winston Welch called the Neighborhood Board No. 5 meeting to order at 6:05 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.

Members Present: Bruce Wong, Julia Allen, Margaret Murchie, Winston Welch, Arlene Velasco, Laura St. Denis, Samo Rozman, Michelle Matson (joined at 6:07 p.m.), and Ronan Witherwax (joined at 6:11 p.m.).

Members Absent: Angie Knight and Anthony Miranda.

Guests: Lieutenant Cyrus Hanuna and Lieutenant Michael Thompson (Honolulu Police Department); Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); Lisa Yamamoto (Kapiʻolani Community College); Anton Krucky (Mayor Blangiardi); Adam Doo (City Council Chair Waters); Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Nishimoto); Paula Bender (Hawai'i Bicycling League); Amy Fuller, Andrew Salenger, Daisy Murai, Gil Riviere, Laura Ruby, Racquel Achiu, Kathryn Stanaway, Linda Wong, Chad Wasden, Reggie Ching, and Roy Tanaka (Residents/Guests); Rachel Cristobal (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Names may not be included if not legible or identified. About 40 total participants joined the meeting.

2. PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:00:20]

Honolulu Fire Department -- [0:00:25]: No representative was present at this time.

● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J0LVaZU9qEdrUYo6u5QuiFL-R_9haKvI/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department -- [0:00:42]

District 6 -- Waikīkī/Kapiʻolani Park/Diamond Head -- [0:01:00]: Lieutenant Hanuna reported:

• July 2025 Statistics: 1 robbery (7 in previous month), 12 burglaries (10 in previous month), 133 thefts (122 in previous month), 13 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (9 in previous month), 43 assaults (30 in previous month), 4 sex crimes (4 in the previous month), 5 citations for bicycles/skateboards on sidewalks (4 in previous month), 0 citations for speeding (2 in previous month), 2,332 parking citations (1,808 in previous month), 4 citations for loud mufflers/exhaust noise (14 in previous month), 74 citations with 22 arrests for park closures (87 citations and 14 arrests in previous month), and 4,400 total calls for service (4,419 in previous month).

Member Matson joined at 6:07 p.m.; 8 members present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:02:22]

1. Loud Muffler Law Implementation: Chair Welch asked about the implementation of the loud muffler law. Lieutenant Hanuna responded that the department is still working with their legal team to determine how to enforce it, particularly regarding whether it can be used as probable cause for a stop.

2. Wheelies on Mopeds: Velasco expressed concern about young men doing wheelies on mopeds, motorcycles, and e-bikes in the Kapiʻolani Park area, especially in light of a recent fatality on the east side. Lieutenant H. confirmed that the department is aware of the issue and has ongoing enforcement efforts.

District 7 -- Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights/East Honolulu -- [0:04:16]: Lieutenant Thompson reported:

● July 2025 Statistics: 12 motor vehicle thefts (9 in previous month), 7 burglaries (7 in previous month), 16 thefts (11 in previous month), 8 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (11 in previous month), and 5,662 total calls for service.

● Diamond Head Road Collision Statistics: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, through Thursday, August 14, 2025, from the District 7 side of Kapiʻolani Park to Paki Avenue, there were 13 major collisions and 34 minor collisions, with 11 injuries including four requiring hospitalization. Two drivers were arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence, and five were flee-scene cases.

● Safety Tips: Back-to-school safety tips for bicycling and walking to school, emphasizing the importance of helmets, visibility, and teaching children about traffic safety.

Member Witherwax arrived at 6:11 p.m.; 9 members present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:07:36]

1. Diamond Head Road Accident Statistics: Matson requested statistical reports on Diamond Head Road accidents from Kapiʻolani Park through the third lookout. Lieutenant Thompson responded that he had provided those statistics.

2. Stop Sign Installation: Matson mentioned that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) would be installing two stop signs going east and west at Mākālei Place, which should help with safety in the area.

3. Printed Statistics Request: Matson requested printed statistics for board members to review. Lieutenant Thompson agreed to email the statistics to the Chair.

3. FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS -- [0:09:59]: The item was discussed later in the meeting.

4. PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS AND EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [0:10:05]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report -- [0:10:05]: Kathleen Pahinui reported:

● Main Break: One main break occurred at 2863 Kalākaua at the end of July, 2025 involving an 8-inch main.

● Water Wisdom Program: It is a program designed to support condominium and townhome residents, owners, and property managers in reducing water usage.

● Rebates: $100 rebates are available for toilet replacements for condominium and townhome residents.

● Monsarrat Project: A water system improvement project on Monsarrat Avenue began the week of July 21, 2025, which will have some traffic impacts.

● Lawsuit Update: It is too early to provide updates on the $1.2 billion lawsuit.

● Diamond Head Fencing: Painting is complete on the Diamond Head fencing project, with native plants now being established that will eventually hide the fencing.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:13:26]

1. Diamond Head Plantings Irrigation: Chair Welch asked if the plantings at Diamond Head were being irrigated. Pahinui confirmed they were.

2. Monsarrat Project Road Closures: Chair Welch asked about potential road closures for the Monsarrat water main project. Pahinui explained it would affect the area near Unity Church and the school with daytime lane closures.

Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) Updates -- [0:15:00]: Lisa Yamamoto announced that the fall semester will begin on Monday, August 25, 2025, for KCC and the rest of the ten campuses of the University of Hawai'i system.

3. FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS (CONTINUED) -- [0:16:56]: Chair Welch explained that the Board approved to request the Neighborhood Commission on changing one vacant Subdistrict seat to an At-Large seat for the 2025-2027 board term. He asked the Board if they would like to extend the other vacant Subdistrict seats to At-Large.

Subdistrict 2 -- [0:18:05]: No volunteers.

At-Large -- [0:18:43]: Two candidates, Kathryn Stanaway and Chad Wasden, introduced themselves and expressed interest in the At-Large seat:

● Kathryn Stanaway: Has lived in Hawai'i for 17 years, graduated from William S. Richardson School of Law in 2017, works for the State of Hawai'i in natural resource management.

● Chad Wasden: Has lived in District 3 for ten years, works as an emergency care doctor for Straub, concerned about issues around Waikīkī Elementary, Diamond Head, fire safety, and preservation of neighborhoods.

Matson nominated Kathryn Stanaway and Velasco nominated Chad Wasden. The Board conducted a roll call vote. Chad Wasden was ELECTED to the At-Large seat; 5-2-1 (Wasden: Murchie, Velasco, Rozman, Denis, Welch; Stanaway: Matson, Allen; Abstain: Bruce Wong) -- [0:25:40]

Please note: Upon further review, this appointment requires 8 votes per the Neighborhood Plan. As this requirement was not met, the At-Large position remains vacant and will be revisited at the next meeting. Member Witherwax was online via Webex, but did not unmute to vote.

Subdistrict 3 -- [0:30:10]: Two candidates, Kathryn Stanaway and Linda Wong, introduced themselves:

● Kathryn Stanaway: Reiterated her background in natural resource management and interest in property issues.

● Linda Wong: Has been on the board since 1993 (about 30 years), worked on various projects including proving that the beach in front of the Kahala Hotel is public land, served in various board positions including chair, vice chair, secretary, and treasurer.

Velasco nominated Linda Wong and Welch nominated Kathryn Stanaway. The Board conducted a roll call vote. Linda Wong was ELECTED to the Subdistrict 3 seat; 5-2-1 (Wong: Allen, Welch, Velasco, Matson, Rozman; Stanaway: Murchie, Denis; Abstain: Bruce Wong) -- [0:37:58]

Please note: Upon further review, this appointment requires 8 votes per the Neighborhood Plan. As this requirement was not met, the Subdistrict 3 position remains vacant and will be revisited at the next meeting. Member Witherwax was online via Webex, but did not unmute to vote.

Subdistrict 2 - [0:38:12]: There was discussion if the Board should open 1 or both of the Subdistrict 2 vacancies to At-Large.

Chair Welch called a recess to have the Neighborhood Assistant to conduct the Oath of Office with Chad Wasden and Linda Wong at 6:47 P.M.

Chair Welch called the meeting back to order at 6:49 P.M.

Linda Wong and Chad Wasden were sworn in; 11 members present.

Please note: Upon review of the Neighborhood Plan, both Linda Wong and Chad Wasden's appointments did not meet the required eight-vote threshold. Their swearing-in occurred in error, and their positions will be subject to re-voting at the next meeting.

Matson MOVED and Velasco SECONDED to ask the Neighborhood Commission to open up the two vacant Kapahulu seats to At-Large seats with the provision that if someone from Subdistrict 2 comes forward, they have the right of first refusal. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Murchie, Witherwax, Welch, Velasco, Denis, Matson, Rozman, Wong, Wasden; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:48:01]

Please note: Per Neighborhood Plan requiring 8 votes for board appointment, Linda Wong and Chad Wasden's votes were not included in this count as their board membership remains unconfirmed.

5. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS OPEN FORUM -- [0:49:18]

University of Hawai'i's Education Development Concerns -- [0:49:36]: Ruby raised concerns about plans to convert the University of Hawai'i's Education lab school/charter school area into retail/snack space. She emphasized that community input should come from the bottom up, not top down.

Ala Wai Bridge Project -- [0:50:40]: Ruby raised concerns about the lack of responsiveness from DTS regarding the Ala Wai Bridge project. She noted that multiple neighborhood boards requested a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the historic canal, promenade, and park.

Escalating Property Tax Concerns -- [0:54:41]: Bruce Wong shared concerns about escalating property taxes, noting that a resident who has lived in her home since 1959 has seen taxes increase dramatically without adding anything to the home. He suggested revamping the assessment process to prevent outside investors from driving up property values and forcing local residents out.

Rising Housing Costs -- [0:56:37]: Linda Wong expressed concern about being priced out of paradise, noting that her monthly expenses increased by at least $2,000 between property tax and maintenance. She mentioned that many local friends are leaving Hawai'i due to rising costs.

Bicycle and Road Safety Concerns -- [0:57:40]: Paula Bender from the Hawai'i Bicycling League presented on the Walk Bike Drive initiative promoting calm interactions between road users. Murchie expressed concerns about bike lanes replacing vehicular lanes and suggested Young Street as a better location for bike lanes than King Street. Paula Bender responded by explaining the vulnerable users' law and cyclists' rights to use the entire lane, encouraging driver patience. Linda Wong shared an experience of being harassed by cyclists doing wheelies, requiring her to pull over and call police. Chair Welch commented on a traffic safety meeting with Chair Waters and Representative Grandinetti, noting that the overwhelming concerns were traffic-related issues including speeding and unsafe street design.

Property Tax Reform Proposal and Designated Lanes -- [1:05:35]: A resident suggested taxing investment properties at a higher rate to offset costs for local residents. He also proposed dedicated lanes for different transportation modes to improve traffic flow. Bruce Wong suggested creating a bike lane on Young Street that would run from Isenberg Street to Thomas Square and Hotel Street to Ala Park and behind the State Capitol, providing a safer alternative to the current bike lanes.

6. PRESENTATIONS -- [1:14:37]

Restricted Use of Pesticides and Hazards to Human Health; Office of Representative Amy Perruso, District 46 -- [1:14:52]: No representative present. Chair Welch noted that the presenter could not attend the August 2025 meeting. The presentation will address pesticide use around green spaces like Kapiʻolani Park and the Ala Wai Golf Course. Velasco requested a discussion of chemicals being used to inject palm trees against pests, particularly those near water.

7. RESOLUTIONS FOR BOARD ACTION -- [1:15:40]

Resolution for the Establishment of a Kapahulu Dog Park on the Ewa/Mauka Corner of Kapahulu Avenue at the Entrance to Ala Wai Golf Course -- [1:15:45]:

● Resolution Draft: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yngM-cZUgAnHT2Ym5196CPcAGqMHEUx5/view?usp=drive_link

● Site History: Chair Welch explained that this resolution concerns a remnant parcel that was previously used as a base yard.

● Alternative Proposals: The City has proposed various uses for the property, including a base yard for parks, a base yard for the golf course, a volleyball field, a homeless homing center, and a transit hub.

● Dog Park Proposal: The resolution proposes establishing a dog park on this site, which is within the Diamond Head special district with protected scenic view planes.

● Design Requirements: Matson had made a friendly amendment to include that the dog park be appropriately set back from walkways and surrounded by landscaping to hide any fencing.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:18:24]

1. Location Accessibility: Matson emphasized that the location needs to be within walking distance of residents who have dogs.

2. Landscaping Importance: Matson noted that proper landscaping consistent with the Diamond Head special district would transform the currently neglected industrial-looking area into a beautiful green space.

3. Design Layout: Matson explained that the proposed dog park would be set back from the street frontage with an entrance closer to the central portion of Kapahulu to accommodate dog owners.

4. Shaded Trees: Velasco stated that she would like to make sure that there were plenty of trees to provide shade due to a dog owner asking her.

Velasco MOVED and St. Denis SECONDED to adopt the resolution as written in the Google Drive. The Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-1 (Aye: Allen, Murchie, Witherwax, Welch, Velasco, St. Denis, Matson, Rozman; Nay: None; Abstain: Bruce Wong) -- [1:22:24]

Please note: Per Neighborhood Plan required 8 votes for board appointment, Linda Wong and Chad Wasden's votes were not counted as their board membership remains unconfirmed. The original vote was 10-0-1 (Aye: Allen, Murchie, Witherwax, Welch, Velasco, St. Denis, Matson, Rozman, Linda Wong, Wasden; Nay: None; Abstain: Bruce Wong).

Resolution Opposing Proposed Gondola Ride on North Shore to the Top of Mount Ka'ala -- [1:22:48]: Kathleen Pahinui presented the following:

● Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xz3NNZNbYgOTIvmFEKKnbM5D-gvBqVzh/view?usp=drive_link

● North Shore Community Opposes Canadian Developer's Mount Ka'ala Adventure Tourism Project: In 2018, a Canadian developer who owns Outdoor Adventures received conditional use permit approval for an extensive tourism project on Mount Ka'ala that would include zip lines, trail rides, a gondola, and motorized chair lifts, potentially bringing 1,650 visitors daily to the North Shore via the state's most dangerous road, Kaukonahua Road. Now seeking permit modifications, the developer wants to remove lighting restrictions despite environmental concerns about impacts on seabirds, bats, and native species, while significantly reducing forestry acreage in the updated plans and claiming agricultural use through a cattle-leasing arrangement that could end post-approval. The project faces overwhelming community opposition, with North Shore Neighborhood Board Chair Kathleen Pahinui reporting that at a multi-board meeting attended by approximately 200 people from North Shore, Wahiawā, Mililani, and Mililani Mauka neighborhoods, no one spoke in favor except the owner of Skydive Hawai'i.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:37:29]

1. Development Concerns: Matson expressed concern about the project, noting that there had previously been a proposal for a tram on Diamond Head. She emphasized the importance of protecting lands with historic and cultural designations.

2. Resolution Strengthening: Matson suggested strengthening the resolution by explaining the threat more clearly and changing "respectfully requesting" to "urge" in the final resolution.

3. Support for Resolution: Velasco expressed full support for the resolution as written, stating it conveys the potential disaster the development would represent for the North Shore.

Matson MOVED and Linda Wong SECONDED to adopt the resolution with the modification to change "respectfully requesting" to "urge."

Questions, comments and concerns followed (continued) -- [1:40:02]

4. Development Project Updates: Murchie inquired about recent developments in the Turtle Bay area. Pahinui informed her that Andy Anderson's project received nearly 900 testimonies at the 11th hour, prompting Councilmember Kiaʻāina to recommit it to the zoning committee. Kathleen Pahinui, Racquel Achiu, and Denise Antolini are now working with Councilmember Kiaʻāina on solutions.

5. Environmental Protection Advocacy: A resident (Noela) praised Pahinui's presentation and shared her college botany experience visiting Mount Ka'ala bog with DLNR, describing it as magical and mystical with incredible biodiversity including rare snails. She strongly opposed any development in the area and applauded Murchie for raising Andy Anderson's proposal. Noela noted a concerning onslaught of rural development and concluded by referencing Queen Liliʻuokalani, emphasizing they must never let anything get to Ka'ala ever.

6. Community Impact and Safety: Pahinui highlighted that the North Shore receives 12,000 daily visitors despite having only 15,000 total residents, nearly doubling their population each day. She shared an emotional story about recent tsunami warnings preventing their Vice Chair from reaching her elderly mother just 10 minutes away, emphasizing this as their daily reality with traffic congestion.

The Board continued with the active motion and conducted a roll call vote. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-1 (Aye: Bruce Wong, Allen, Murchie, Welch, Velasco, Denis, Matson, Rozman; Nay: None; Abstain: Witherwax) -- [1:48:14]

Please note: Per Neighborhood Plan required 8 votes for board appointment, Linda Wong and Chad Wasden's votes were not counted as their board membership remains unconfirmed. The original vote was 10-0-1 (Aye: Allen, Murchie, Bruce Wong, Welch, Velasco, St. Denis, Matson, Rozman, Linda Wong, Wasden; Nay: None; Abstain: Witherwax).

8. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS -- [1:49:04]

Mayor's Representative -- Anton Krucky, Department of Community Services Director -- [1:49:16]: Director Krucky reported the following:

● Mayor's Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-ZQI1SRSZmPEVyQVZh9rLgYEX3megBNZ/view?usp=drive_link

● Development Projects: Demolition begins at 1615 Ala Wai Blvd. as the City prepares to build a new affordable housing complex on the property.

● New Leadership: Mayor Blangiardi announces additions to the City's leadership team, including a new Assistant Zoo Director at the Honolulu Zoo.

● Solar Project: A massive new solar canopy is coming to the Ala Wai Golf Course parking lot, keeping cars cool and powering the clubhouse.

● Concerns Raised from the Previous Meeting:

○ Feral Animals: The City does feral cat removal on city properties and partners with the Hawai'i Humane Society for initiatives to control free-roaming cats.

○ Internet Access: Director Krucky will follow up on a request for HotZone internet at the Ala Wai Golf Course

○ Traffic Island: DTS completed an investigation of the traffic island by Leonard's Bakery and plans to replace temporary traffic cones with permanent delineators when resources are available.

○ U-Turn Concerns: Regarding illegal U-turn concerns at 3249 Diamond Head Road, DTS determined that U-turns are allowed on this street as it does not meet the prohibitions outlined in the revised ordinance; however, a site inspection found missing pavement markings, missing raised pavement markers, and several parking signs in need of replacement, so a work order has been issued.

○ Land Collapse: Regarding concerns about the collapse of land near a drainage pipe at Lēʻahi Beach Park and the integrity of Diamond Head Road where there's a bridge, DTS referred this to Parks and Recreation, which does not have jurisdiction over Diamond Head Road; the Department of Design and Construction may be the appropriate agency.

○ Ala Wai Bridge: For questions and/or comments on the Ala Wai Bridge Project, please contact project manager, Peter Garino, Department of Transportation Services (DTS) at (808) 768-6651, or via email at peter.garino@honolulu.gov.

○ Intersection Concerns: Regarding the intersection of Waiʻalae Avenue and South King Street, he noted that the area in front of the Humane Society is under state jurisdiction, so DTS has forwarded the request to the State Department of Transportation.

○ Traffic Advisories: For construction and traffic advisories, he recommended signing up for HNL Alerts (https://www.honolulu.gov/dem/hnl-alert), which provides notifications via text or email.

○ Sidewalk Repair: The sidewalk repair project at Queen's Beach has been completed.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:56:14]

1. Chicken Control: Matson discussed chicken control at Kapiʻolani Park, noting that the nursery staff confirmed the flocks come from the main park into the nursery area. She identified a gap in the fence where chickens enter the neighborhood and requested that it be repaired. Director Krucky responded that he would put in a work order to fix the fence once he knew the exact location.

2. HNL Alerts Interface: Murchie mentioned difficulty signing up for HNL Alerts due to the confusing interface. Chair Welch offered to help Murchie to sign up.

3. Bus Route Changes: Murai asked for clarification about TheBus Route 20 changes, noting conflicting messages from DTS officials. She asked which information was correct regarding whether Route 20 would be discontinued or continue alongside the W Line.

4. Bicycle-Friendly Streets: Murai asked if the City is considering to make streets more bicycle-friendly.

5. Seawall Repairs: Swan asked if there were plans to repair the seawall walk along the "Gold Coast" area from the Elks Club to the end of Coconut Avenue. Director Krucky responded that there are currently no plans for repairs.

6. Ala Wai Canal Project: Ruby expressed concern about the lack of action regarding the Ala Wai Canal conveyance project and the need for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the historic canal, promenade, and park. Director Krucky responded that he was not the appropriate person to address these concerns and suggested contacting the project manager directly.

7. Homeless Encampment Removal: Ruby mentioned that the city removed unhoused individuals' possessions from the area crossing over the Mānoa stream and did not close off access points that allow people to return to the area.

8. Diamond Head Encampments: Velasco asked about the status of removing encampments on Diamond Head from Beach Road to the pathway up to the lighthouse. Director Krucky stated that removing people from Diamond Head is a priority and they are working with the state on enforcement efforts.

9. Seawall Repairs (continued): Velasco expressed concern about the damage to the seawall from recent extreme king tides, requesting an inspection. She noted some condos along the Gold Coast have no seawall protecting their foundations. Director Krucky noted that he will urge a review.

10. Lēʻahi Park Confusion: Linda Wong asked which Lēʻahi Park was being referenced. She clarified there are multiple parks with similar names causing the confusion. Velasco responded that the question was about Lēʻahi Beach Park.

11. Solar Panel Project: Matson inquired about the solar panel covered parking at the Ala Wai Golf Course, expressing surprise that the project was never presented to the Neighborhood Board. She questioned what department approved it, what review process it underwent, and whether impacts on view planes were considered. Director Krucky responded that the Department of Design and Construction handled the project and it was fully permitted.

12. Tsunami Warning Review: Chair Welch asked about debriefing and lessons learned from the recent tsunami warning. Director Krucky stated that emergency situations are always reviewed, and he offered to invite the new head of emergency management to a future board meeting.

Council Chair Tommy Waters -- [2:17:56]: Adam Doo reported the following:

● Traffic Safety: DTS plans to install an all-way stop at the intersection of Diamond Head Road and Mākālei Place.

● Resolution Support: Expressed Council Chair Waters' support for both resolutions passed earlier in the meeting (opposing the North Shore gondola and supporting the Kapahulu dog park).

● Dog Parks: Noted that the dog park location is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Enterprise Services, and they will request that someone from DES (Department of Enterprise Services) attend a future board meeting.

● Homeless Outreach: The Department of Customer Services is aware of a homeless encampment near the Board of Water Supply booster station on Kapahulu Avenue, and IHS (Institute for Human Services) and CORE (Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement) will conduct weekly outreach services; no-trespassing signs are being fabricated and should be installed within two weeks.

● Town Hall: Chair Waters recently held a well-attended Kaimukī town hall focused on traffic and safe streets issues.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:22:05]

1. Dog Park Management: Chair Welch suggested that the dog park area might be better managed if it were returned to the Department of Parks and Recreation rather than remaining under DES, noting the confusing jurisdictional situation where multiple city agencies are responsible for different portions of a small area.

2. Bus Route 200 Concerns: Murai expressed concern about bus route 200, stating that DTS has not responded to community concerns about potential changes to the route. Doo responded that they had sent a request to DTS for a status update.

3. Bus Route Safety: Velasco shared that she nearly had a head-on collision with a bus making a difficult turn on 6th Avenue along route 200, emphasizing the danger of having large buses navigate that area. Doo responded that he would make a note of that and send it over to DTS.

4. Department Engagement: Matson clarified that while multiple city agencies are involved with the Ala Wai Golf Course area, the land is owned by the state. She emphasized that the dog park resolution specifically requests that the Department of Parks and Recreation engage with the board and community members on the design and operation of the dog park.

5. Director Attendance: Matson requested for the Director of Enterprise Services (DES) to attend their parks committee meeting, but she declined and said the Director of Parks and Recreation (DPR) would attend instead. However, that director also failed to show up. She emphasized that city departments need to be represented at meetings, especially when agenda items directly relate to or require input from those specific departments. Doo responded that he would work with Director Krucky to get a representative to attend.

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto -- [2:29:01]: Kylie Tokujo announced that Hawai'i VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is partnering with the Giving Circle Church in Makiki on Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. to prepare taxes free of charge for those who meet income requirements; appointments are required.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:30:12]

1. Bill 53 Appreciation: Matson thanked Councilmember Nishimoto for introducing Bill 53, which specifies that neighborhood boards must be presented with development projects under review. She expressed appreciation for this addition to the ordinance, noting that it will help ensure boards can review projects and proposals that the city is involved in. Kylie Tokujo responded that she would pass the comment on to the councilmember.

9. FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- [2:31:40]

U.S. Congressman Ed Case -- [2:31:46]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz -- [2:31:53]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono --- [2:31:53]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [2:31:53]: No representative present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:32:04]

1. Non-Functional Pumpout Station at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor: Velasco requested a review of the Ala Wai small boat harbor's pumpout station and received a response from the governor's office claiming it was functioning. However, she did her own investigation with photos that revealed the station has not been working for 12-15 years. This created an embarrassing situation during the recent prestigious Transpacific Yacht Race, where none of the visiting boats could use the pumpout station at the harbor. Despite providing evidence to the governor's office nearly a month ago that the station is non-functional, they have received no response. Chair Welch requested that this issue be specifically noted in the meeting minutes and that they formally ask the governor's office about it again.

State Senator Stanley Chang -- [2:33:24]: No representative present.

State Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- [2:33:32]: No representative present.

State Senator Carol Fukunaga -- [2:33:32]: No representative present.

State House Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti -- [2:33:38]: No representative present.

State House Representative Jackson Sayama -- [2:33:40]: No representative present.

State House Representative Andrew Garrett -- [2:33:54]: No representative present.

State House Representative Ikaika Olds -- [2:33:54]: No representative present.

10. BOARD BUSINESS -- [2:34:18]

Chair's Announcements -- [2:34:18]: Chair Welch stated he would follow up with the Neighborhood Commission Office about the request for flexibility with At-Large seats.

Confirmation of Board Committees, Committee Chairs and Committee Members -- [2:34:45]: Chair Welch reviewed the current committee assignments and asked members to notify him of any changes or additions.

Do We Want to Have a New Homeless Committee? -- [2:36:22]: Matson expressed opposition to creating a new homeless committee, stating that while there are serious homeless issues in the area, the board can comment on situations as they arise without needing a dedicated committee structure.

Board Subdistrict Reports -- [2:38:37]:

● St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1: Allen announced that the St. Louis Heights Community Association would meet on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at Hokulani Elementary School.

● Kapahulu Subdistrict 2: No report.

● Diamond Head Subdistrict 3 - [2:39:16]: No report.

Reports of Board Members Attending Other Board and Public Meetings -- [2:39:28]:

● Community Meeting: Chair Welch reported a well-attended community meeting of 200-300 residents with State Representative Grandinetti and City Council Chair Waters at Liholiho Elementary School. Several board members participated along with representatives from police, the mayor's office, and DTS. The elected officials listened to community concerns about speeding, traffic safety, and bus routes. Welch noted that the meeting ran smoothly but could have used more time given the high level of community engagement.

11. BOARD MEETING MINUTES WITH MEETING RECORDING TIMESTAMPS FOR APPROVAL -- [2:42:53]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Suggestion and Return Request -- [2:42:53]: Chair Welch suggested returning the draft minutes to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) for completion using AI tools. Matson raised concerns that the minutes have been insufficient with the omission of comments, questions, concerns, and responses. Matson noted that the July 2025 minutes included summaries of comments, questions, and concerns with speakers noted, possibly due to new leadership at the Neighborhood Commission. Matson recommended returning the minutes to the NCO.

Ninja AI -- [2:48:47]: Neighborhood Assistant Rachel Cristobal announced that the Neighborhood Commission Office is now using AI software called "Ninja AI" to create their written summary for video record. With this new AI system, the questions asked and responses provided during meetings are included in the written summary for video record. This change was made because some board members requested a return to the older, more detailed record of board meetings.

Sending Minutes Back to NCO -- [2:51:16]: Matson MOVED to return the minutes to the NCO to properly complete them as drafts, but there was no second.

Tsunami Preparedness -- [2:51:30]: St. Denis shared comments about tsunami preparedness.

12. ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Club House Ballroom and online via Webex.

13. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:52:37]: The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

Submitted by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Michelle Matson, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No. 5

Finalized by:

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting AUGUST 2025 Minutes

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