Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting SEPETEMBER 2025 Minutes

Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item
Powered by MBC NewsMaker
Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting SEPETEMBER 2025 Minutes
Tweet

NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 10/15/2025.

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, SEPTEMBER 17, 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=6RuBHa2YjfQ&list=PLfqRwVpRroom3zp43KJkZZ4nynu8uuap1

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

1. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:04]: Chair Kang called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL [0:00:19]: Quorum was established with 9 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), Kelsie Aguilera, John Arnest, Becky Gardner (joined at 6:31 p.m.), Calvin Hara, Sean Koegel, James Logue (Treasurer), Carole Mandryk, and Christine Otto Zaa.

Board Members Absent: Paul Hoe (Vice Chair).

Guests: Fire Fighter Cole Brehm (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Michael Thompson (Honolulu Police Department);

Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Olivia Eagle (State Representative Perruso); Jonathan Lance (State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission);

Department of Information Technology (DIT) Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Director Brian McKee (Mayor Blangiardi); Tasha Luke (City Council Chair Waters);

Representative Jackson Sayama; Representative Tina Grandinetti; Amanda Stevens (Governor Green);

Eric McCutchen, Pete, Scott, Stephen Lung, Amy Brown (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) [0:00:55]: Fire Fighter Brehm provided the August 2025 statistics and shared safety tips regarding lithium-ion batteries.

• August 2025 Statistics: There were one (1) structure fire, two (2) nuisance fires, fifty (50) medical emergencies, and four (4) motor vehicle collisions.

• Safety Tip: Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small place. These batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged. By learning how to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE these batteries safely, you can help prevent a fire in your home.

• 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/1vFiLiu0IUK7ma9F9GqSg1qoV9uyO7Hls/view

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:02:51]:

• Accident Information: Eric McCutchen requested information about motor vehicle accidents on Waiʻalae Avenue from 10th Avenue to 11th Avenue.

Board Member Gardner joined the meeting at 6:31 p.m.; 10 members present.

4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) [0:03:35]: Lieutenant Thompson provided the August 2025 statistics.

• August 2025 Statistics: There were nine (9) motor vehicle thefts (same as previous month), seven (7) burglaries (down from 13), sixteen (16) thefts (down from 20), six (6) unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (down from 12), and 5,882 total calls for service.

• Safety Tip: Lieutenant Thompson shared safety tips from the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration as part of the Chief's Drive Aloha campaign, including: buckle up every trip, ensure children are in appropriate car seats, drive sober, pay attention to the road, obey speed limits, never drive drowsy, share the road responsibly, pay attention to flashing lights, talk to teen drivers, and check for recalls.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:05:09]:

• Accident Information: Eric McCutchen requested information about motor vehicle accidents on Waiʻalae Avenue from 10th Avenue to 11th Avenue in the past 48-72 hours. Lieutenant Thompson confirmed there was a critical accident a couple nights ago at 10th and Waiʻalae, with a passenger hospitalized in critical condition.

5. COMMUNITY REPORTS [0:06:04]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:06:07]: Lorna Heller reported one main break on August 12 on 20th Avenue. She announced the "Imagine a Day Without Water" event on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Windward Mall's Center Court. The free family-friendly event will feature interactive displays from over 20 organizations, hands-on activities, and prize giveaways including a 45-gallon rain barrel.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:07:22]:

• Drought Conditions: Lori Yamada asked if Oahu was experiencing drought conditions similar to Maui. Heller confirmed there is currently no drought on Oahu but encouraged water conservation regardless to help future generations.

Effects of Pesticide Use in Hawai‘i Presentation -- [0:08:44]: Olivia Eagle from State Representative Perruso's office and Climate Future Forum presented on pesticides in Hawai‘i. She explained the difference between general use pesticides (GUPs) and restricted use pesticides (RUPs), noting that RUPs require certification for purchase and use due to their significant environmental and health impacts. She highlighted that in 2019, over 175,000 pounds of a groundwater contaminant and carcinogen and 30,000 pounds of metam sodium (which can drift up to a mile) were sprayed. Eagle discussed exemptions to Act 45 of 2018, including neonicotinoids and experimental field trials, and proposed solutions including better reporting systems, increased buffer zones, and larger fines for illegal RUP use.

• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N1LrpCWMkrLpAExAIspV2geWAMKROQM9/view

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:17:44]:

• Slideshow: Board Member Mandryk requested a copy of the PowerPoint.

• Pesticide Use Distribution: Board Member Hara asked why central Oahu has higher pesticide use. Eagle explained that larger farming corporations like Syngenta use more RUPs in that area.

• Park Pesticide Restrictions: Board Member Gardner inquired about restricting pesticide use in public parks, particularly concerning pets and animals. Eagle noted that glyphosate (Roundup) is still being sprayed on county lands but isn't subject to RUP reporting requirements. A 2021 resolution asked counties to explore alternatives to glyphosate, but implementation status is unclear.

State of Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission Draft Climate Action Pathways Report -- [0:21:54]: Jonathan Lance presented the draft Climate Action Pathways report, a 180-page document (with a 20-page executive summary) developed over 18 months through stakeholder engagement. The report contains 23 recommendations covering energy efficiency, transportation, food security, forestry, water quality, building resilience, and workforce development. Lance invited public feedback through September 30, 2025, at hiclimate.consider.it.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:28:25]:

• Link: Chair Kang asked for Jonathan to share the link for the report. Lance shared the link: hiclimate.consider.it.

6. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION ON PESTICIDE USE [0:29:17]: Chair Kang shared the proposed resolution from Representative Perruso's office, which calls for comprehensive pesticide reform, detailed reporting requirements, expanded buffer zones, soil and water testing, and research on organic alternatives. Logue MOVED and Arnest SECONDED to adopt the resolution. Board Member Hara requested to spell out the acronym FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act). The motion was ADOPTED by voice vote; 10-0-0 (Aye: Abe, Aguilera, Arnest, Gardner, Hara, Koegel, Logue, Mandryk, Otto Zaa, and Kang; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:32:45].

7. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [0:33:02]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [0:35:45]: Director McKee reported that the city honored Oahu's Purple Heart recipients at a ceremony at Honolulu Hale with new signage designating Honolulu as a Purple Heart City. HART (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation) broke ground on new guideways and rail stations for the third segment from Kalihi to Kaka'ako. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Region 9 Administrator met with the Mayor to discuss housing and homelessness. New members of the Honolulu Youth Commission were sworn in, and Oahu's junior lifeguards returned from the state championship on Maui with a historic victory.

Director McKee shared updates on previous inquiries:

• Queen Theater: After viewing the permitting records for 3588 Waiʻalae Avenue, the City has not received a building permit for a vape shop. The status of the City's acquisition of Queen's Theater should be referred to the Department of Land Management.

• Traffic Safety: The City's Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is in the process of conducting an investigation for a left-turn study for 16th Avenue at the intersection of Waiʻalae Avenue and 16th Avenue, which may require research, site inspections, a left-turn study, and an analysis of the area's traffic collision history. DTS will share its findings by the end of March 2026.

• Speed Limit Concerns: DTS will look into speeding concerns on Maunaloa Avenue from 12th Avenue to 9th Avenue. DTS will assess the situation and consider the installation of the appropriate traffic controls based on our findings. From August 27 to September 7, 2025, HPD District 7(East Honolulu) patrol officers conducted speed limit enforcement on Maunaloa Avenue. During the checks, officers observed no violations. HPD encourages the public to immediately call 911 when violations are observed so that an officer can be dispatched to make checks.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:38:26]:

• Speeding Concerns: Board Member Abe thanked Director McKee for following up on her speeding concerns and expressed surprise that HPD found nothing unusual regarding speeding on Maunaloa Avenue, noting that people frequently race down the hill. She hoped for a thorough study.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters (District 4) -- [0:39:24]: Tasha Luke reported that 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. Construction is underway on the 11th Avenue drainage improvement project, expected to be completed by the end of September. The non-operational lights at Kapāolono Community Park are in the planning and design phase for repairs.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:40:44]:

• Park Lights Clarification: A resident asked for clarification about the Kapāolono Park lights. Sean Koegel explained these are the high pole lights by the baseball field, which have not worked in years.

• Queen Theater Update Request: Chair Kang requested an update next month on negotiations or condemnation proceedings regarding Queen Theater, suggesting coordination with the Department of Land Management.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [0:42:37]: Amanda Stevens addressed a previous question about the name change of the Hawai‘i State Art Museum to Capital Modern, explaining that the change better reflects its historic location and contemporary art experience while helping differentiate it from other similarly named venues. She announced early job opportunities for bachelor's degree graduates in various state positions. Stevens also reported that the Hawai‘i State Youth Commission was sworn in during August and is partnering with Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke on Digital Aloha Month to promote safer online spaces.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:45:39]:

• Emergency Sirens: Board Member Hara requested information for next month regarding the timeline for repair or replacement of inoperable emergency sirens.

Senate District 9: Senator Stanley Chang -- [0:46:04]: No representative was present at this time.

Senate District 10: Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- [0:46:17]: No representative was present at this time.

House District 20: Representative Tina Grandinetti -- [0:46:23]: No representative was present at this time.

House District 21: Representative Jackson Sayama -- [0:46:34]: Representative Sayama reported an update on his work with a paid family leave working group. In response to Board Member Gardner's question during last month's meeting, Representative Sayama spoke with Representative Todd who is supportive of the policy and co-sponsor of legislation from the last legislative session. Representative Sayama launched his email blast service in addition to physical newsletter. Representative Sayama highlighted constituent concerns and his efforts to reduce the feral chicken population.

U.S. Congressman Ed Case's Representative -- [0:48:50]: No representative was present at this time.

7. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS [0:49:02]

Dangerous Intersection at H-1 Off-Ramp/Koko Head Avenue -- [0:49:31]: Pete and his neighbor Scott presented concerns about the H-1 eastbound off-ramp at Koko Head Avenue. They shared photos of numerous accidents, including vehicles crashing into poles, guardrails, and nearly hitting their homes. They requested safety improvements such as water barriers to prevent vehicles from coming straight off the highway. Chair Kang offered to forward their presentation to the Department of Transportation (HDOT) representative and add this to next month's agenda. Board Member Gardner offered to help draft a resolution, and Lori Yamada noted that former DOT representative Brian Kimura had been working on changes to the intersection lights and lane configurations.

• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ns2oc00kGCRe0Bh9NMLruuiIwTACxYoZ/view

Pahoa Avenue Road Condition -- [1:04:23]: Resident Stephen Lung raised concerns about the poor condition of Pahoa Avenue between 6th and 8th Avenues, noting that while surrounding roads were resurfaced, this stretch was overlooked. Lung had previously submitted a concern but received no response.

Road Safety -- [1:05:50]: Resident Eric McCutchen noted that the yellow light at 16th and Waiʻalae Avenue had been repaired after being out for weeks. He reported that statewide traffic fatalities stand at 93 (compared to 66 at this time last year), with 71% being vulnerable road users outside of vehicles. He showed the debris he collected from a bike lane, thanked street sweepers, and encouraged everyone to help keep streets clean and safe.

8. BOARD BUSINESS [1:09:36]

Discussion of Resolution in Response to Letter Dated Monday, April 25, 2025 from the City & County of Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation, Requesting Community Input Regarding Which Parks or Park Areas to Allow Leashed Dogs Adopted by the Board on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 -- [1:09:42]: Chair Kang clarified that Exhibit A to the resolution reflected the current status of parks regarding dogs, while the resolution proposed designating Maunalani Community Park as a dog park between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Audrey Abe confirmed this understanding.

• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lRMOlomvJixnHEllXc0qT0f75tySn_Xj/view

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:12:28]:

• Additional Parks Consideration: Becky Gardner noted she had abstained from voting last month because she wanted further discussion on possibly extending similar hours to other parks. Amy Brown asked if Wilson Park had been included in the resolution for dogs allowed on leash between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Lori Yamada confirmed that Mauʻumae Nature Park's current status allowing leashed dogs would remain unchanged.

Discussion/Consideration of Establishing Committee or Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to Address Monster Homes -- [1:17:23]: John Arnest proposed creating a permitted interaction group to address monster homes and related housing issues (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LvELyJkVNkwAlSdHeDYEA3W9DotDpi8j/view). Chair Kang explained the differences between committees and permitted interaction groups, noting that PIGs can interact outside sunshine law requirements but must report back to the board and then dissolve. Arnest suggested expanding the scope beyond monster homes to include broader housing issues related to zoning and density. He explained that the focus would be on zoning code violations and lack of enforcement rather than building code violations. Kelsie Aguilera shared that a previous PIG on monster homes had tracked properties suspected to be monster homes and contacted DPP (Department of Planning and Permitting) about their status.

Arnest MOVED and Otto Zaa SECONDED to create a PIG incorporating the points in Arnest's memo and additional concerns raised by Otto Zaa regarding housing issues related to zoning and density. The PIG members will be John Arnest, Christine Otto Zaa, Sean Koegel, Kelsie Aguilera, and Audrey Abe. The motion was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Abe, Aguilera, Arnest, Gardner, Hara, Koegel, Logue, Mandryk, Otto Zaa, and Kang; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:31:32].

Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 -- [1:32:16]: Logue MOVED and Arnest SECONDED to approve the written summary. The motion was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Abe, Aguilera, Arnest, Gardner, Hara, Koegel, Logue, Mandryk, Otto Zaa, and Kang; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:32:36].

7. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS (CONTINUED) [1:32:38]

House District 20: Representative Tina Grandinetti (CONTINUED) -- [1:32:38]: Representative Grandinetti provided updates about attending several conferences in Boston and hosting a legislators listen session on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Liholiho Elementary School. The State House leadership, including Speaker Nadine Nakamura, Majority Leader Sean Quinlan, and Judiciary Chair David Tarnas, will be joining to hear from residents. Representative Grandinetti also held a town hall in partnership with City Council Chair Tommy Waters in July 2025.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:35:59]:

• Campaign Finance Record: Board Member Gardner shared her thoughts on a forum that Grandinetti participated in before the last election. Representative Grandinetti shared that she just got married last month and signed on to the "Our Hawaiʻi Pledge" to not take campaign contributions from special interests, real estate, and hotel lobbies. Representative Grandinetti said that she is proud of her campaign finance record.

8. BOARD BUSINESS (CONTINUED) [1:38:07]

Reports of Board Members Attending Other Neighborhood Board and Public Meetings -- [1:38:08]: No reports were given.

9. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS [1:38:25]

Next Meeting -- [1:38:25]: The next regular meeting of the Kaimukī Neighborhood Board will be on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Kaimukī Public Library meeting room and online via Webex.

10. ADJOURNMENT [1:38:50]: Chair Kang adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m.

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

Reviewed by: Brian Kang, Chair, Neighborhood Board No. 4

Finalized by:

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting SEPETEMBER 2025 Minutes

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item