Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting AUGUST 2025 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting AUGUST 2025 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 9/17/2025.

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

KAIMUKĪ NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 4

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2025 AT 6:30 P.M.

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

AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K32rRKUsakM&list=PLfqRwVpRroom3zp43KJkZZ4nynu8uuap1

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

1. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:12]: Chair Kang called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL [0:00:24]: Quorum was established with 10 members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Brian Kang (Chair), Audrey Abe (Secretary), James Logue (Treasurer), Christine Otto Zaa, Calvin Hara, Kelsie Aguilera, Becky Gardner, John Arnest, Sean Koegel, and Carole Mandryk.

Board Members Absent: Paul Hoe (Vice Chair).

Total Guests: Fire Captain Vail Minn (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department); Department of Information Technology (DIT) Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Director Brian McKee (Mayor Blangiardi); Tasha Luke (City Council Chair Waters); State Representative Jackson Sayama; Eric McCutcheon, Paula Bender, Robert Dewitz, Juanita Liu, and Sarah Chinen (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. About 30 participants joined the meeting.

3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) [0:01:26]: Fire Captain Minn provided the incident statistics for July 2025 and shared safety tips regarding emergency notifications and resources.

• July 2025 Statistics: There were zero (0) structure fires, zero (0) brush fires, zero (0) nuisance fires, zero (0) cooking fires, three (3) activated alarms (no fire), 57 medical emergencies, one (1) motor vehicle collision with pedestrian, three (3) motor vehicle crash/collisions, zero (0) mountain rescues, zero (0) ocean rescues, and one (1) hazardous materials incident.

• Safety Tip: Understanding how to be alerted during urgent emergencies and knowing where to find accurate official information is a key part of being prepared. Alert methods include opt-in alerts (HNL Alert and official government social media) and public alert and warning systems (Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alert Systems, and outdoor warning sirens). Sign up at hnlalert.gov to receive notifications.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XPX3lgN1BSOiMrKBNWSPsdu4Y2SvdKz/view?usp=drive_link

4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) [0:03:59]: Lieutenant Nishimura provided the statistics for July 2025.

• July 2025 Statistics: There were nine (9) motor vehicle thefts, 13 burglaries, 20 thefts, 12 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), and 5,662 total calls for service.

• Safety Tip: HPD echoed HFD's recommendation to sign up for HNL Alert at hnlalert.gov to receive notifications about weather events and other emergencies, especially in light of recent incidents including fires and the tsunami warning.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:05:11]:

• Tsunami Warning Traffic: Hara asked about traffic issues that occurred during the recent tsunami warning. Lieutenant Nishimura responded that HPD has examined different challenges that arose throughout the island and will likely work with civil defense to develop area-specific plans that address how traffic moves through different districts.

5. COMMUNITY REPORTS [0:06:42]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:18:35]: No representative present.

Hawai'i Bicycling League Walk Bike Drive Presentation -- [0:07:03]: Paula Bender presented a video highlighting the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety on Hawai'i's roads. The presentation emphasized the Vulnerable Road Users law, which addresses risks faced by those traveling outside of motorized vehicles. Ms. Bender noted that traffic fatalities in 2025 have more than doubled compared to 2024, with 85 fatalities statewide (54 on Oahu) as of August 2025.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:13:00]:

• Education Campaign: Gardner asked and Bender responded that there should be more efforts to remind adults about road rules, especially regarding specific features like green bike boxes and hand signals used by cyclists.

• Law Enforcement Limitations: Bender noted that police cannot pursue speeding cars or groups of youth on e-bikes or mopeds doing wheelies, which presents enforcement challenges.

Hawai'i Bicycling League Update and Presentation -- [0:18:26]: Eric McCutcheon presented on vehicle safety, focusing on how car design affects both occupants and vulnerable road users. He shared data showing that while vehicle miles traveled have increased dramatically in the US, fatalities for car occupants have decreased significantly due to improved safety features. However, pedestrian fatalities have increased, correlating with the rise in sales of larger vehicles.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:28:26]:

• Vehicle Safety Ratings: Gardner asked and McCutcheon responded that he focuses on data for his presentations but encouraged researching specific vehicle safety ratings online. He noted that small imported Japanese K cars generally have lower safety technology and right-hand drive in a left-hand drive culture presents additional risks.

• Fatality Data: Koegel asked and McCutcheon responded that while there is data available on traffic fatalities, more detailed information about timing, causes, and circumstances would be beneficial for improving road safety. Paula Bender added that HPD's media page provides synopses of accidents.

Status Update on Mau'umae Park Kyudojo -- [0:33:51]: Robert Dewitz reported that the agreement between the city and his private foundation has been concluded. The city will make land available while the private foundation will fund construction and operation of the Japanese archery range (kyudojo). Currently, they are working through the bureaucratic process to obtain building permits and are preparing an environmental assessment. In the coming weeks, they will be formally soliciting feedback from the board, neighbors, and relevant agencies.

6. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [0:20:17]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [0:35:45]: Director McKee reported that Mayor Blangiardi recently visited Japan's sister cities. He highlighted a major land acquisition on South Beretania Street to support future HPD operations, new city leadership team additions including Assistant Zoo Director Jackie Peeler and MOCA Director Jennifer Santos, demolition beginning at 1615 Ala Moana Boulevard for a new affordable housing complex, and installation of solar canopies at the Ala Wai golf course parking lot. The city has also partnered with Johnson Controls to install PV panel projects at bus terminals and other locations.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:38:31]:

• Queen Theater: Gardner asked about the status of condemnation proceedings for the Queen Theater and expressed concern about a vape shop that has established a permanent presence nearby despite previous assurances it would be temporary. McKee responded that he would research the issue and provide an update.

• Honolulu 311 App: Koegel shared positive feedback about the Honolulu 311 app, noting that her reported stop sign issue was resolved within two weeks. She also mentioned ongoing illegal dumping at Maukalani Nature Park.

• Traffic Safety: Brown suggested adding a left-turn arrow on 16th Avenue facing mauka (but not on the other side) at the Waialae/16th intersection to reduce accidents. McKee said he would bring this suggestion to the Department of Transportation Services.

• Speed Limit Concerns: A resident expressed concern about speeding on Maunaloa Avenue from 12th Avenue to almost 9th Avenue, noting there is no speed limit sign on the downhill slope where drivers frequently exceed 45 mph. McKee said he would mention this to DTS.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters (District 4) -- [0:48:52]: Tasha Luke reported that Chair Waters' office has been following up on several community concerns. A contractor cleaned up concrete slurry runoff on Koko Head Avenue after a constituent report. Missing street name signs on Pahoa Street and Maunaloa Avenue were replaced last month. The office is working with Representative Grandinetti's office on solutions for the derelict conditions at the DOE facility on 22nd Avenue, where dead trees and large debris have blocked sidewalks.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [0:50:29]: No representative present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:50:42]:

• Emergency Sirens: Hara requested that the Governor's representative provide information on the timeline for repair or replacement of inoperable emergency sirens, noting a Honolulu Civil Beat article about sirens that have been non-functional for extended periods, including ones in Palolo and at Maunalani Park.

Senate District 9: Senator Stanley Chang -- [0:52:19]: No representative present.

Senate District 10: Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- [0:52:28]: No representative present.

House District 20: Representative Tina Grandinetti -- [0:52:34]: No representative present.

House District 21: Representative Jackson Sayama -- [0:52:48]: Representative Sayama reported that he is part of a paid family leave working group that recently began meeting. The group is helping the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations set parameters for an actuarial study to determine costs and financing options for a paid family leave program. He continues to work with constituents, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Department of Education to address feral chicken issues in Kaimukī. He also expressed concern about the inoperable emergency siren in Palolo District Park and has received conflicting information about repair timelines.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:55:30]:

• Paid Family Leave: Gardner asked about the differences between the current study and previous studies on paid family leave, and about prospects for passing legislation. Representative Sayama explained that the new study will examine how paid family leave would interact with Hawaii's prepaid healthcare law, ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) exemptions, and other state programs like temporary disability insurance. He noted that with a new House Finance Committee chair, Representative Chris Todd, there may be new opportunities to advance the legislation, and he committed to discussing the issue with Chair Todd.

U.S. Congressman Ed Case's Representative -- [1:02:52]: No representative present.

7. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS [1:03:15]

Feral Chickens: Resident Sarah Chinen reported that after calling the Humane Society and city departments with no results regarding feral chickens in her neighborhood, residents took matters into their own hands by having someone catch the chickens and relocating the chickens to a park.

8. BOARD BUSINESS [1:05:15]

Discussion and Consideration of Resolution in Response to Letter Dated Monday, April 21, 2025 from the City & County of Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation, Requesting Community Input Regarding Which Park(s) or Park Area(s) to Allow Leashed Dogs -- [1:05:22]: Member Abe presented a draft resolution focusing on protecting four well-used sports parks in the neighborhood that are utilized by children and adults from across Oahu. The resolution recommends that these parks remain dog-free due to safety and health concerns and limited land area. Juanita Liu from the Joint Transportation Committee of Neighborhood Boards 4 and 5 shared that their research found approximately 80% of parks in the East Honolulu area already allow dogs. She noted that the committee published an article on July 10th in Island Voices (Honolulu Star-Advertiser) and sent information to all 33 neighborhood board chairs, receiving positive responses.

[1:24:54] -- Koegel MOVED and Mandryk SECONDED to adopt the resolution as amended by adding that Maunalani Park be designated as a dog park between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-2 (Aye: Kang, Logue, Otto Zaa, Hara, Arnest, Koegel, Mandryk, and Abe; Nay: None; Abstain: Aguilera and Gardner) -- [1:29:58].

Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 -- [1:30:10]: [1:30:26] -- Logue MOVED and Arnest SECONDED to adopt the written summary as written. The written summary was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Kang, Logue, Otto Zaa, Hara, Aguilera, Gardner, Arnest, Koegel, Mandryk, and Abe; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:30:39].

Approval of Correction to Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Written Summary for Video Record Regarding Board's Approval of TheBus Route 200 Resolution -- [1:30:44]: Chair Kang explained that the original version of the written summary did not accurately reference the adoption of the Bus Route 200 resolution. The corrected version states that Member Abe shared a draft resolution urging DTS to address safety concerns of the newly installed Bus Route 200 on Alohea Avenue, Member Abe moved and Member Judi-Ann Smith-Kauhane seconded, and the resolution was unanimously adopted by voice vote. [1:32:15] -- Logue MOVED and Abe SECONDED to adopt the written summary as corrected. The corrected written summary was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Kang, Logue, Otto Zaa, Hara, Aguilera, Gardner, Arnest, Koegel, Mandryk, and Abe; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:32:27].

Reports of Board Members Attending Other Neighborhood Board and Public Meetings -- [1:32:33]: Member Hara reported attending the town hall meeting hosted by City Council Chair Waters and Representative Grandinetti on July 23, 2025.

9. 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. Chair Kang made a 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.

Next Meeting -- [1:02:29]: The next regular meeting of the Kaimukī Neighborhood Board will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kaimukī Public Library meeting room and online via Webex.

10. 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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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting AUGUST 2025 Minutes

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