Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting SEPTEMBER 2025 Minutes

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting SEPTEMBER 2025 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 10/9/2025.

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, SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M.

ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE BALLROOM

404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96815

AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFT8O669bNs

Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wezRyARsyx1JlCFN56ejBuKud14s8u5P

1. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:02]: Chair Winston Welch called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum WAS NOT established with seven (7) members present.

Board Members Present: Julia Allen, Angie Knight (joined at 6:03 p.m.), Michelle Matson (joined at 6:09 p.m.), Anthony Miranda (joined at 6:06 p.m.), Margaret Murchie, Samo Rozman, Laura St. Denis (joined at 6:17 p.m.), Arlene Velasco, Chad Wasden (appointed), Ronan Witherwax, Bruce Wong, Linda Wong (appointed), and Winston Welch.

Board Members Absent: None.

Guests: Captain Joshua Chase (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Michael Thompson (Honolulu Police Department District 7); Lieutenant Steven Ono (Honolulu Police Department District 6); Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); Lisa Yamamoto (Kapiʻolani Community College); Tasha Luke (Council Chair Waters); Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Nishimoto); Ryan Aguilar (Governor Green); Casey Shoji (Senator Chang); Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti; Representative Jackson Sayama; Representative Ikaika Olds; Olivia Eagle (Climate Future Forum); Daisy Murai, Noela Von Weigant, and Kathryn Stanaway (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office).

2. PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS [0:00:47]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD), Waikīkī Station [0:00:59]

Captain J. Chase reported the following:

August 2025 Statistics:

• Fires: 1 structure fire, 1 wild/brush fire, 1 nuisance fire, 2 cooking fires, and 8 activated alarms (no fire)

• Medical Incidents: 76 medical calls

• Vehicle Incidents: 4 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, 5 motor vehicle crash collisions

• Rescues: 3 mountain rescues, 1 ocean rescue

Fire Safety Tip - Lithium Ion Batteries: This year's NFPA Fire Prevention Week campaign focuses on lithium ion battery safety. These batteries can overheat, start fires, or explode if overcharged or damaged. Safety recommendations, including buying only products with safety certification marks (UL, ETL, or CSA), using manufacturer-approved charging cords, charging devices on hard surfaces, not overcharging devices, and recycling batteries responsibly.

Upcoming Event: HFD Fire Prevention Family Day on October 4, 2025, at Honolulu Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12OAnJ7TjF4ZcB45aPgeevOQnYUHHlnkX/view?usp=drive_link

Treasurer Knight joined the meeting in person at 6:03 p.m.; 8 members present. Quorum WAS established.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:03:13]:

• Firewise Communities: Chair Welch asked about "Firewise communities" mentioned at a recent public safety meeting at the legislature. Captain Chase was not immediately familiar with the term but promised to research it and report back at the next meeting. Chair Welch noted that the topic is relevant to the area, particularly regarding fires on state lands, evacuation routes (especially in areas with limited access like St. Louis Heights), and other disaster preparedness concerns.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 -- Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights/East Honolulu [0:05:49]

Lieutenant M. Thompson reported the following:

August 2025 Statistics:

• 8 motor vehicle thefts (12 in previous month)

• 5 burglaries (7 in previous month)

• 16 thefts (same as previous month)

• 2 unauthorized entries to motor vehicles (8 in previous month)

• 5,882 total calls for service

Motor Vehicle Collision Statistics:

• 3 minor vehicle collisions (no injuries, minor damages)

• 1 major collision in Diamond Head area involving a pedestrian (taken in good condition)

• Total: 4 collisions (3 minor, 1 major)

Safety Tip: Lieutenant Thompson shared NHTSA's Safe Driving Top 10 Tips for 2025 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/ten-tips-for-safe-driving). Lieutenant Thompson noted these tips can be found on the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration website.

Board Member Miranda joined the meeting in person at 6:06 p.m.; 9 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 -- Waikīkī/Kapiʻolani Park/Diamond Head [0:08:02]

Lieutenant S. Ono reported the following:

August 2025 Statistics:

• 3 robberies (1 in previous month)

• 6 burglaries (12 in previous month)

• 148 thefts (133 in previous month)

• 7 unauthorized entries to motor vehicles (13 in previous month)

• 48 assaults (43 in previous month)

• 5 sex crimes (4 in previous month)

• 2 citations for bicycles/skateboards on sidewalks (5 in previous month)

• 13 citations for speeding (0 in previous month)

• 2,296 parking citations (2,332 in previous month)

• 14 citations for loud mufflers and prohibited noise (4 in previous month)

• 34 citations and 25 arrests for park closures (74 citations and 22 arrests in previous month)

• 4,926 calls for service (4,400 in previous month)

Lieutenant Ono also mentioned the upcoming Fiji tribute concert on Saturday night and advised residents to avoid Waikiki due to anticipated crowds.

Secretary Matson joined the meeting online via Webex at 6:09 p.m.; 10 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:09:41]:

• Makalei Park Assault: A board member inquired about an assault at Makalei Park the previous week involving surfers. Lieutenant Thompson (District 7) responded that he didn't have specific information about the incident but would look into it. He advised everyone to remain vigilant regardless of whether arrests had been made.

• Waikiki Block Party Traffic Issues [0:10:50]: Board Member Murchie described severe traffic problems during the previous Saturday's "Summer Festival" block party in Waikiki. She reported complete gridlock, with hotel guests unable to reach their accommodations, blocked access to restaurants and events, and even emergency vehicles unable to get through. She expressed concern about the upcoming Fiji concert potentially causing similar issues. Lieutenant Ono explained that Special Duty officers handle traffic control for such events, not patrol officers, and noted that road closures are posted in advance.

• Waikiki Shell Events [0:15:41]: Secretary Matson commented that disruptive commercial events at the historic Waikiki Shell are affecting surrounding neighborhoods. She suggested the Parks Committee might consider a resolution to maintain the quality of established neighborhoods around the historic park and ensure events are compatible with the park's history.

Board Member St. Denis joined the meeting online via Webex at 6:17 p.m.; 11 members present.

3. FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES [0:18:06]

Chair Welch explained that the Neighborhood Commission determined that the previous month's board member elections did not conform to the Neighborhood Plan, as they required a majority of the full board (8 votes) regardless of vacancies. The Commission approved the board's request to allow one vacant Subdistrict 2 seat to become a representative for the District At-Large for the remainder of the term.

[0:20:15] -- Chair Welch MOVED and Vice Chair Velasco SECONDED to add an agenda item to request the Neighborhood Commission to change the designation of two (2) Subdistrict 2 board seats to At-Large board seats. Without objection, the meeting agenda was AMENDED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Knight, Matson, Miranda, Murchie, Rozman, St. Denis, Velasco, Witherwax, Bruce Wong, and Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:25:19].

[0:26:48] -- Chair Welch MOVED and Board Member Murchie SECONDED to request the Neighborhood Commission to change the designation of two (2) Subdistrict 2 board seats to At-Large board seats. Without objection, the motion was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Knight, Matson, Miranda, Murchie, Rozman, St. Denis, Velasco, Witherwax, Bruce Wong, and Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:29:36].

Subdistrict 3 Seat (Diamond Head, Ft. Ruger, Kapi'olani Park, Monsarrat) [0:31:54]: Linda Wong volunteered and was nominated by Secretary Matson. The Board conducted a roll call vote and LINDA WONG WAS APPOINTED to the Subdistrict 3 seat; 10-0-0 (Linda Wong: Allen, Knight, Matson, Miranda, Murchie, Rozman, St. Denis, Velasco, Bruce Wong, and Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: None). Please note that Board Member Witherwax was online via Webex with his camera off and did not respond to the roll call vote.

At-Large Seat [0:35:37]: Chad Wasden volunteered and was nominated by Board Member Miranda. The Board conducted a roll call vote and CHAD WASDEN WAS APPOINTED to the At-Large seat; 11-0-0 (Wasden: Allen, Knight, Matson, Miranda, Murchie, Rozman, St. Denis, Velasco, Bruce Wong, Linda Wong, and Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: None). Please note that Board Member Witherwax was online via Webex with his camera off and did not respond to the roll call vote.

4. PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS AND EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS [0:38:35]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report [0:38:35]

Kathleen Pahinui reported the following:

• Main Break: One 6-inch main break occurred at 3658 Kanaina Street/Avenue last month

• Upcoming Event: "Imagine a Day Without Water" on September 20 at Windward Mall from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring over 20 city, state, and community organizations and a 45-gallon rain barrel giveaway

• Monsarrat Water Systems Project: The project extends from Paki Avenue to Campbell Avenue (where Diamond Head Market and Grill is located)

• Diamond Head Fencing Project: Maintenance is progressing well; BWS would like to wait until plants take root and grow before arranging a site visit

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:40:22]:

• Drought Status [0:40:23]: Vice Chair Velasco asked about the current drought situation. Pahinui reported that August had only 18% of normal rainfall, making conditions very poor. BWS is increasing conservation messaging and asking for 20% reduction in water use. She noted that in the past 14 months, only 6 months had above-average rainfall.

• Monsarrat Project Details [0:41:30]: Secretary Matson confirmed that the cross street near Diamond Head Grill is Campbell Avenue.

• Kanaina Street Development [0:41:58]: Board Member Murchie asked about a proposed townhouse project on Kanaina Street. Pahinui was not aware of the project but offered to look into it.

• Rain Barrels and Trees [0:42:53]: Chair Welch asked if rain barrels are subsidized. Pahinui explained that BWS offers a $40 rebate for attending their workshop, which essentially makes the typical $40 rain barrel free. Chair Welch also inquired if BWS has considered giving away trees to help with stormwater runoff. Pahinui mentioned they don't typically grow large plants but have provided cuttings for projects like one with Malama Maunalua.

• Monsarrat Water Project Feedback [0:44:19]: Board Member Murai complimented BWS and their contractors on the Monsarrat water project, noting their professionalism, traffic management, and efficiency.

• Diamond Head Tree Transplanting [0:45:25]: Secretary Matson, as a member of the Diamond Head State Monument Foundation board, mentioned they have Tacoma trees that could be transplanted since they are not indigenous species. She offered to discuss potential collaboration with BWS for appropriate relocation of these trees.

Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) Updates [0:46:49]: Lisa Yamamoto announced a correction regarding the upcoming Fiji concert: KCC will NOT be a designated parking venue or shuttle service site for the Saturday event, contrary to previously reported information. The media is being notified of this correction.

Announcements of public events, parades and similar upcoming activities of community interest [0:47:47]

No additional announcements were made beyond the previously mentioned Fiji concert on Saturday.

5. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS OPEN FORUM [0:48:50]

Scam Warning [0:48:56]: Board Member Murai cautioned about phone scams, including calls from "Honolulu Hawaii" and fake Spectrum communications claiming unpaid bills. She advised everyone to be vigilant.

Concert Parking Restrictions [0:50:07]: Board Member St. Denis expressed concern about parking restrictions on Leahi Avenue from Monsarrat to Noella for the upcoming concert. She noted that residents in her building don't have enough parking spaces and some will be unable to park on their street from 11:00 p.m. Friday to 11:00 p.m. Saturday.

Residential Parking Permits [0:52:25]: Secretary Matson suggested exploring residential permit parking for areas like Leahi Avenue, similar to systems in San Francisco. Treasurer Knight mentioned that DTS has reached out about a parking scenario discussion and noted that a residential permitted parking zone was recently made permanent in Kalihi, which could serve as a model.

Kanaina Street Access Issues [1:01:54]: Resident Katherine Stanaway described serious access problems at the 3700 block of Kanaina Avenue, which is her only point of ingress/egress. The area is frequently blocked by delivery trucks, illegally parked cars, and a Biki station, creating dangerous conditions. She reported that no-parking signs are repeatedly removed, and suggested moving the Biki station and finding a permanent solution to the parking issues.

ACLU Information Request [1:05:05]: Vice Chair Velasco mentioned that the ACLU of Hawaii has filed a Freedom of Information Act request for documentation on agreements between the Honolulu Police Department and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

Property Tax Permitted Interaction Group [0:58:41]: Board Member Bruce Wong proposed forming a permitted interaction group to discuss property tax issues. Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi explained that such a group would allow up to seven board members to meet and discuss solutions without violating sunshine laws, and could include members from surrounding neighborhood boards. The group would then present recommendations to the full board. Vice Chair Velasco suggested bringing this up at the next meeting for a vote.

Street Traffic Concerns [1:06:17]: Board Member Rozman described ongoing traffic hazards, including delivery vehicles, cars parked in driveways, and general congestion. Chair Welch suggested asking DTS to conduct a comprehensive safety study of the area, particularly the dangerous five-way intersection where Diamond Head Circle meets the shopping center.

Monsarrat Avenue Lane Configuration [1:08:19]: Board Member Murchie raised concerns about problematic lane changes on Monsarrat Avenue near Paki Avenue, where the current configuration forces right-turning vehicles to wait through multiple light cycles when cars ahead are going straight.

6. PRESENTATION: RESTRICTED USE OF PESTICIDES AND HAZARDS TO HUMAN HEALTH; CLIMATE FUTURE FORUM (CFF) [1:09:55]

Olivia Eagle from Climate Future Forum and Representative Perusso's office presented on pesticides and their effects on neighborhoods. Eagle shared information about pesticides, Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs), and harmful pesticides. She also shared exemptions and issues with Act 45, legislative recommendations, and how residents can help. Eagle also shared information about "Rewild Your Campus," an organization focused on reducing pesticide use in schools and promoting organic land care.

• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UP9VZEXobl5mXrvCPIu36vOUK4FWan2r/view?usp=drive_link

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

• Beach Tree Pesticides [1:18:24]: Vice Chair Velasco expressed concern about pesticides injected into coconut trees along beaches to combat the coconut rhinoceros beetle. She noted these chemicals are toxic to marine life and could enter the ocean during high tides or storms. Eagle acknowledged this as a serious issue and offered to research it.

• Legislative Contacts [1:20:21]: Board Member Murchie suggested contacting a senator from the windward side who was previously involved with the Department of Agriculture and is knowledgeable about these issues.

• Date Palm Pesticides [1:21:17]: Board Member St. Denis asked about Roundup sprayed on date palms in Kapiolani Park around 2006 and how long the poison remains active. Eagle explained that Roundup can remain active from 60 days to years, depending on application conditions and environment.

• Chemical Naming Clarity [1:22:20]: Vice Chair Velasco suggested that any resolution should include both chemical names and common brand names to help the public understand what chemicals are being used.

• Government Use of Roundup [1:23:25]: Chair Welch asked if city and state agencies still use Roundup. Eagle wasn't certain but offered to research this. Secretary Matson noted that the city had previously committed to stop using Roundup in Kapiolani Park. Representative Grandinetti clarified that while Honolulu County doesn't have a ban on glyphosate, Kauai and Maui counties do.

7. RESOLUTION ON PESTICIDE USAGE [1:25:20]: Chair Welch noted that the draft resolution was posted in the Board's Google Drive. Chair Welch recommended referring the draft pesticide resolution to the Environmental Committee for further review and refinement.

• Draft Resolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ep7XkdTDfev1r1ObIKo2HRVvSfOG7xce/edit

8. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS [1:32:37]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi -- [1:32:37]

Director Anton Krucky was not present. Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi shared the following updates from the Mayor's Memo:

• Charter Review: The Honolulu Charter Commission is conducting a once-per-decade review of the city charter. Residents can submit proposals by November 7, 2025, and the commission will hold community meetings in October.

• Bus Route Changes: With the opening of Skyline Segment 2 on October 16, the W Line will replace Route 20.

• Bicycle-Friendly Initiatives: The city has made progress installing bike lanes, with additional projects planned including a 30-mile South Shore bikeway from Nanakuli to Manoa. Honolulu was awarded a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation in 2024, up from bronze level.

• Tsunami Response: The Department of Emergency Management has been meeting with stakeholders to evaluate aspects of tsunami response. The state is also conducting a review led by Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

• Ala Wai Golf Course Hot Zone Internet: The city does not plan to install internet at the clubhouse due to no agency requests, limited public advocacy, and technical challenges with the high ceilings.

• Lane Markings: DTS completed an investigation of faded lane markings along Waialae Avenue between Second and Fourth Avenues and will issue a work order to repaint the crosswalks.

• Mayor's Memo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k3gtb2LjCoYSjGbqjBlrf0x-yOmave-N/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:38:28]:

• Chair Welch asked about the Mayor's Memo, which was uploaded to the Board's Google Drive on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 2:48 p.m. Secretary Matson asked for the source and purpose of the memo.

• Biki Station Relocation: Resident Katherine Stanaway requested moving the Biki station on Kanaina Avenue that is taking up residential parking and contributing to traffic hazards.

• Comprehensive Traffic Safety Study: Chair Welch suggested asking DTS to conduct a comprehensive safety study of the Monsarrat/Diamond Head Circle intersection area, which he described as "terribly dangerous" with pedestrians darting across the street, vehicles speeding, blind curves, illegal parking, and tourists creating hazardous conditions.

• Residential Parking Permit Program: Secretary Matson proposed exploring a residential permit parking program for areas like Leahi Avenue, similar to systems in San Francisco, to protect residents who have limited parking.

• Traffic Management for Events: Board Member Murchie described severe traffic problems during the "Summer Festival" block party in Waikiki, with complete gridlock preventing hotel guests, emergency vehicles, and others from accessing their destinations. She requested better planning for the upcoming Fiji concert and similar events.

• Monsarrat Avenue Lane Configuration: Board Member Murchie raised concerns about problematic lane changes on Monsarrat Avenue near Paki Avenue, where the current configuration forces right-turning vehicles to wait through multiple light cycles when cars ahead are going straight.

• Firewise Community Information: Chair Welch requested information about "Firewise communities" and whether the district qualifies, particularly regarding fire management on state lands, evacuation routes, and disaster preparedness.

• Feral Chicken Control: Secretary Matson requested repair of a gap in the city's fence at Kapi'olani Park where feral chickens and crowing roosters enter the adjacent neighborhood.

• Homeless Shelter Information: Board Member Bruce Wong asked for verification of information he received that the vacant corner lot near the Ala Wai Golf Course is being targeted for a homeless shelter.

• Winham Street Traffic Hazards: Board Member Rozman described dangerous conditions on Winham Street between Mooheau and Hoolulu, particularly regarding parking on the mauka side that creates a bottleneck.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters, City Council District 4 [1:53:40]: Tasha Luke reported the following:

Property Tax Relief: Bills 49 and 50 passed third and final reading at the September Council meeting. These bills increase the home exemption to $140,000 and the kupuna exemption to $180,000 starting in 2027, providing hundreds of dollars in annual property tax savings.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:54:49]:

• Cemetery Maintenance: Chair Welch asked about the city's policy on abandoned graveyards, citing examples of private cemeteries that have gone bankrupt. Luke promised to look into this issue.

• Property Assessment Process: Board Member Bruce Wong commented that the tax relief bills don't address the fundamental problem of the assessment process, which continues to escalate property values based on market sales rather than long-term ownership. He noted that this forces multi-generational families off their properties.

• Ocean View Cemetery: Resident Von Weigant mentioned a small cemetery in Kahala between Zippy's and Public Storage that could benefit from beautification efforts. She suggested collaboration between businesses and the community to maintain this historic site.

• Property Tax Reform: Secretary Matson suggested looking into California's Proposition 13 property tax controls as a model to protect long-term property owners who want to maintain their properties for future generations.

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto, City Council District 5 [2:04:27]: Kylie Tokujo announced that Hawaii Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is partnering with the Giving Circle Church in Makiki on Sunday, September 17, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. to prepare taxes free of charge for those who meet low-income requirements. Appointments are required.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

• Bill 53 Appreciation [2:04:57]: Secretary Matson expressed appreciation for Councilmember Nishimoto's Bill 53, which requires development projects under city review to be presented to Neighborhood Boards, ensuring communities can openly review proposals.

9. FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [2:10:51]

Governor Josh Green -- Ryan Aguilar [2:10:51]: Ryan Aguilar shared the September edition of the Governor's newsletter, highlighting students graduating in December can apply early for state jobs, wildfire preparedness remains a priority during drought conditions with the Hawaii Army National Guard supporting the Honolulu Fire Department.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:12:02]:

• Ala Wai Boat Harbor Pump-Out Station: Vice Chair Velasco asked for an update on the non-functional pump-out station at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, which she reported has been inoperable for 12-15 years. Aguilar promised to look into this issue.

• Healthcare Coordination: Vice Chair Velasco asked about reports that Hawaii is joining with western states (California, Oregon, Washington) on healthcare coordination and vaccine distribution. Aguilar offered to research this for the next meeting.

• Supreme Court Housing Ruling: Board Member Murchie mentioned a recent Hawaii Supreme Court ruling questioning the governor's executive order that relaxed rules for developers. She noted this had allowed developments in their area to exceed height restrictions. Aguilar was not personally familiar with the ruling but would take this back to the governor's team.

• Abandoned Properties: Board Member Murai asked if the state can take ownership of properties considered abandoned even if property taxes are being paid, citing a friend who cannot live in his home due to requiring 24-hour care. Aguilar offered to research this question.

• Disaster Coordination: Chair Welch asked about coordination between city and state agencies for disaster management, particularly regarding fire safety on state properties like Diamond Head and evacuation planning. He referenced a recent legislative hearing that revealed concerning gaps in emergency preparedness.

State Senator Stanley Chang [2:19:41]: Casey Shoji introduced himself and shared that he would be attending monthly meetings going forward. He directed board members to Senator Chang's monthly newsletter in the chat and offered to take questions or concerns back to the senator.

State Senator Les Ihara, Jr. [2:20:51]: Senator Ihara reported that while the legislature is in interim, they are monitoring potential federal government shutdown impacts. He noted that a special session might be needed, with possible dates reserved for November 17-21, but this would depend on congressional actions and would be narrowly focused if it occurs.

State House Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti [2:23:07]: Representative Grandinetti reported that she partnered with Council Chair Waters for a town hall in July 2025 with about 100 attendees, featuring HPD's community policing team and DTS representatives. The discussion focused heavily on traffic and road safety concerns. She will host a "Legislators Listen" event on Tuesday, October 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Liholiho Elementary School, featuring House Speaker Nakamura, Majority Leader Quinlan, and Judiciary Chair Tarnas. In August 2025, she attended several conferences in Boston, including the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, National Asian and Pacific American Caucus of Legislators, and the National Conference of State Legislators. As a member of the Transportation Committee, she reported that the House Transportation Chair strongly opposes proposed changes to helicopter flight altitude limits and is working with representatives from affected districts on FAA deliberations.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:27:18]:

• Transportation Committee Chair: Secretary Matson asked who chairs the Transportation Committee. Representative Grandinetti identified Representative Darius Kila of Nanakuli and Secretary Matson expressed appreciation for his stance on helicopter issues.

• Property Tax Testimony: Board Member Bruce Wong asked about a resident who testified at the town hall about owning her property since 1959. Representative Grandinetti offered to check the sign-in sheet to identify this person.

State House Representative Jackson Sayama [2:28:55]: Representative Sayama reported:

Special Session Update: The Speaker has confirmed there will be no special session in September or October, though November 17-21 remains reserved if needed. He is working on a comprehensive paid family leave policy for Hawaii to address costs and sacrifices involved when workers need to care for loved ones. Representative Sayama has started a new email blast initiative in addition to physical newsletters and is conducting a survey on foot throughout the district, with about 600 responses collected so far. The survey will continue through October 31 to inform legislation for January.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:31:27]:

• Special Session Scope [2:31:28]: Chair Welch asked if a special session would be strictly limited to budget impacts from the federal government. Representative Sayama confirmed it would be very narrowly focused, as agreed upon by the House Speaker and Senate President.

State House Representative Ikaika Olds [2:32:38]: Representative Olds reported that his district's event on September 2 featured Speaker Nakamura, Vice Speaker Chama, Majority Floor Leader, and Finance Chair Chris Todd. He noted that city issues raised by constituents were directed to appropriate channels, with the focus kept on state matters. Representative Olds has been walking the district, focusing on community time rather than traveling during the interim. He is conducting a survey on foot with about 600 responses collected so far, which will inform legislation for the upcoming session. The survey cutoff is October 31 to allow time to draft bills for January introduction.

10. BOARD BUSINESS [2:35:14]

Chair's Announcements [2:35:14]: Chair Welch had no specific announcements but mentioned he would follow up with the Neighborhood Commission about the board's request for flexibility with At-Large seats.

Confirmation of Board Committees, Committee Chairs and Committee Members [2:35:35]: Chair Welch reviewed the current committee assignments and asked members to notify him of any desired changes or additions.

Board Subdistrict Reports [2:37:37]

St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 -- Julia Allen [2:37:38]: Board Member Allen announced that the St. Louis Heights Community Association meeting has been rescheduled from Monday, September 8 to Monday, September 15, and will be held via Zoom. Those interested in attending should contact Maha Ira, the board president, whose contact information is available on the Neighborhood Commissioner's contact list.

Kapahulu Subdistrict 2 -- Anthony Miranda [2:39:03]: No report.

Diamond Head Subdistrict 3 -- Linda Wong [2:39:12]: Board Member Linda Wong thanked the board for her re-election and the governor for weighing in on the moratorium at Kaimana Beach. She also thanked Laura Thielen for completing the seawall repair at Barefoot Cafe, noting that while the repair is finished, the fencing has not yet been removed.

11. BOARD MEETING MINUTES [2:40:29]

Chair Welch discussed issues with draft meeting minutes provided by the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO), noting they often lack sufficient detail. He highlighted that the July 2025 minutes, created with AI assistance, represented a substantial improvement and could serve as a model.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:45:44]:

• AI Technology: Board Member Murchie mentioned seeing effective transcription technology at an Elks Club meeting that provided accurate minutes. She suggested the Neighborhood Commission should adopt similar technology.

• Previous Consensus: Secretary Matson noted that the board had previously agreed to return the minutes to the NCO for completion. She emphasized that the July and August minutes created with AI assistance properly reflected proceedings and participants' views, unlike earlier minutes. She also expressed frustration that draft minutes are often provided with insufficient time for review.

• Responsibility Clarification: Board Member Bruce Wong asked whose job it is to write the minutes. Secretary Matson explained that the NCO is responsible for drafting complete minutes as required by state statute, which are then provided to the board for review and approval.

• AI-Assisted Minutes: Treasurer Knight confirmed with Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi that the July and August 2025 minutes were created with AI assistance. Hayashi clarified that while AI helps create accurate minutes, he still reviews and corrects any mistakes.

• After discussion, Chair Welch stated he would ask the Neighborhood Commission to consider using AI assistance to complete all pending draft minutes from previous meetings.

12. ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:59:50]: The next Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse Ballroom and online via Webex.

13. ADJOURNMENT [3:00:03]: Chair Welch adjourned the board meeting at 9:00 p.m.

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

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

Finalized by:

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