Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting OCTOBER 2025 Minutes

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting OCTOBER 2025 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 11/13/2025.

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, OCTOBER 9, 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=BudJjYGbq-o&list=PLfqRwVpRroolsFSNpDzklm59N89al2XyQ

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:25]: Chair Welch called the Neighborhood Board No. 5 meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call. Quorum WAS established with 8 members present. This 15-member board requires a majority of eight (8) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Julia Allen, Rafia Hasina (appointed at 6:20 p.m.), Angie Knight, Michelle Matson (joined at 6:07 p.m.), Anthony Miranda (joined at 6:04 p.m.), Margaret Murchie, Samo Rozman, Laura St. Denis, Arleen Velasco, Chad Wasden, Linda Wong (joined at 6:15 p.m.), and Winston Welch.

Board Members Absent: Ronan Witherwax and Bruce Wong.

Guests: Lieutenant Steven Ono (Honolulu Police Department District 6); Lieutenant Michael Thompson (Honolulu Police Department District 7); Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); Department of Community Services (DCS) Director Anton Krucky (Mayor Blangiardi); Tasha Luke (Council Chair Tommy Waters); Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Nishimoto); Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti; Representative Ikaika Olds; Casey Shoji (Senator Stanley Chang); Myles Ritchie (City & County Arborist Advisory Committee); Jordan Lee, Hillarie Hamilton, and Adam Kurtz (Clark Hatch Bark Park); Daisy Murai, Noela Von Weigant, Laura Ruby (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Names may not be included if not legible or identified. About 30 participants joined the meeting.

2. PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:01:33]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- [0:01:38]: No representative was present.

• October 2025 Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GeY49AHbpY-7DGgaKEEeOAM-DVM6f2br/view

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 -- Waikīkī/Kapiʻolani Park/Diamond Head -- [0:02:00]: Lieutenant Ono reported the September 2025 statistics: 3 robberies (1 in previous month), 6 burglaries (12 in previous month), 148 thefts (133 in previous month), 7 unauthorized entries into 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/exhaust noise (4 in previous month), 34 citations and 25 arrests for park closures (74 citations and 22 arrests in previous month), and 4,926 total calls for service (4,400 in previous month).

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:03:28]:

1. Waikīkī Events and Street Closures: Board Member Murchie raised concerns about street closures and events scheduled in Waikīkī over the next month and a half, noting traffic congestion issues, particularly at Royal Hawaiian Avenue and Kalākaua Avenue. Lieutenant Ono acknowledged the concern and stated he would bring it up with the special duty officers who handle traffic control for these events.

Board Member Miranda joined the meeting in person at 6:04 p.m.; 9 board members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 -- Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights/East Honolulu -- [0:06:11]: Lieutenant Thompson reported the September 2025 statistics: 10 motor vehicle thefts (12 in previous month), 3 burglaries (7 in previous month), 27 thefts (16 in previous month), 5 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (8 in previous month), and 5,864 total calls for service (5,662 in previous month). Regarding an assault near Mākālei Beach Park, Lieutenant Thompson confirmed an adult male was arrested on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at approximately 10:30 a.m. at Diamond Head Road and Coconut Avenue for a minor altercation between two adult males. For September 2025, there were two major motor vehicle collisions resulting in minor injuries (not requiring ambulance transport) and two hit-and-run incidents in the Diamond Head neighborhood. Lieutenant Thompson shared home security tips including locking all exterior doors and windows, making homes look occupied when away, securing garage doors and sheds, trimming shrubbery, installing motion-sensitive lighting, never leaving keys in obvious hiding places, avoiding notes on doors, marking valuables with identification numbers, keeping inventory of possessions, securing safes to floors, changing locks when keys are lost or stolen, securing louvered windows, and considering burglar alarm systems.

Secretary Matson joined the meeting in person at 6:07 p.m.; 10 board members present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:09:16]:

1. Hit-and-Run Clarification: Chair Welch asked about the six hit-and-runs mentioned on a display versus the two mentioned in the report. Lieutenant Thompson clarified that the display showed island-wide statistics, while his report focused specifically on the Diamond Head neighborhood.

2. Location of Accidents and Incidents: Secretary Matson requested more specific information about accident locations, dates, and times on Diamond Head Road to support a DTS (Department of Transportation Services) study of dangerous locations. Lieutenant Thompson provided general locations of recent accidents (near Waikīkī Elementary, Beach Road on Diamond Head Road, near the lookouts, and near Monsarrat Avenue and Campbell Avenue) and noted that DTS could obtain detailed information through HPD's traffic division. Board Member Murchie shared comments about incidents in Waikīkī and asked Lieutenant Thompson about the exact location of accidents. Lieutenant Thompson responded that there is information on HPD's website (https://www.honolulupd.org/information).

3. Homeless and Trespassing: Board Member Knight asked about individuals experiencing homelessness hiding in apartment garages and dumpsters. Lieutenant Thompson explained that for private property, HPD needs someone representing the property to call and confirm the individuals do not belong there before HPD can ask them to leave.

Board Member L. Wong joined the meeting in person at 6:15 p.m.; 11 board members present.

3. FILLING OF VACANT AT-LARGE BOARD SEATS -- [0:15:42]: Chair Welch reported that one vacant Kapahulu Subdistrict 2 seat had been changed to an At-Large seat for the remainder of the 2025-2027 Board term as approved by the Neighborhood Commission. [0:16:13] -- Chair Welch NOMINATED Rafia Hasina to one of two vacant At-Large Board seats. Rafia Hasina introduced herself as a candidate for the At-Large seat, noting her previous service on Neighborhood Board No. 5 since 2021 and interest in serving the community again. Secretary Matson and Board Member L. Wong spoke in support of Hasina, noting Hasina's commitment to the entire neighborhood, responsible engagement on issues, and attendance at numerous meetings beyond regular Board meetings. Hearing no other nominations, Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call vote. Rafia Hasina was APPOINTED to serve as an At-Large Board Member for Neighborhood Board No. 5; 11-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Knight, Matson, Miranda, Murchie, Rozman, St. Denis, Velasco, Wasden, L. Wong, and Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:19:27]. One At-Large Board seat remains.

Board Member Hasina subscribed to the oath of office in person at 6:20 p.m.; 12 board members present.

4. PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS AND EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [0:20:43]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report -- [0:20:44]: Kathleen Pahinui reported no water main breaks for September 2025. BWS is requesting a 20% reduction in water usage due to drought conditions with emphasis on reducing outdoor water use. BWS Water Matters newsletter copies were distributed. The water system improvement project on Monsarrat Avenue is progressing between Lēʻahi Avenue and Campbell Avenue with some traffic impacts. Pahinui confirmed the Kuilei Cliffs irrigation line issue is the jurisdiction of the City's Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). According to BWS customer service, the low pressure issue is being addressed between the City and organization that installed additional sprinkler lines.

• October 2025 Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QEQmqduYlm9-9YaHObEVv22rRF671ny3/view

• Water Matters Newsletter: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/bws/media/images/water-matters-2025-10-01.pdf

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:24:09]:

1. Irrigation Issues: Chair Welch and Secretary Matson raised concerns about the dying naupaka plants along Diamond Head Road from Lēʻahi Beach Park to the Diamond Head Lighthouse. Secretary Matson noted that the water had been shut off and there was a rockfall mitigation project by Prometheus Construction that installed a new line and replanted naupaka plants. Pahinui stated that BWS' jurisdiction is only up to the meter box. Board Member L. Wong asked if this issue was related to the removal of the water feeding system at Kuilei Cliffs.

2. Water Conservation Programs: Vice Chair Velasco asked about rebate programs for water conservation. Pahinui responded that BWS offers a robust rebate program including $100 off toilet replacements, and noted BWS is working on additional rebates. Chair Welch asked about credits for planting trees and Pahinui stated the idea had been shared with BWS management.

Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) Updates -- [0:30:16]: No representative was present.

5. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS OPEN FORUM -- [0:30:21]

Food Trucks on Diamond Head Road -- [0:30:54]: Vice Chair Velasco reported seeing a coffee truck parked at the ocean side of Diamond Head Road without a visible permit and asked if anyone had information about it.

Major Event Notices -- [0:32:03]: Board Member St. Denis asked the City to provide Neighborhood Board No. 5 advance notice of major events like the Fiji concert.

Feral Cat Feeding -- [0:32:46]: Board Member Hasina raised concerns about people bringing food to feed feral cats near the City Mill entrance creating unsanitary and potentially unsafe conditions.

Parade and Event Notifications -- [0:34:02]: Board Member L. Wong reported that she called the head of the department of parades who promised to improve communication with the public about parades, street closures, and other events.

Beach Shower Redesign -- [0:34:52]: Vice Chair Velasco announced that the City is planning to redesign beach showers and reached out to Surfrider Foundation for feedback. She suggested the designs should be presented to Neighborhood Board No. 5 and the Waikīkī Neighborhood Board for input.

Waikīkī Shell Event Notices -- [0:36:22]: Board Member Murchie requested a list of upcoming concerts and events at the Waikīkī Shell.

Mākālei Beach Park Issues -- [0:37:39]: Noela raised concerns about Mākālei Beach Park, including: 1) young people using the lawn for clothing sales, 2) excessive moped parking and use on grass areas, 3) yoga groups taking over sections of the park and showing contempt for other users, and 4) concerns about the installation of new benches. She suggested installing signs prohibiting motorized vehicles and involving the State DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) to protect monk seals that rest in the area. Secretary Matson emphasized that this is a City jurisdiction issue, noted dangerous traffic on the blind curve, and mopeds parking inappropriately. She suggested requesting the DPR Director to attend a Board meeting. Vice Chair Velasco noted the health issue of no bathrooms in the area despite heavy use by hundreds of people. Treasurer Knight shared an update from DTS about plans for an all-way stop on Diamond Head Road by Mākālei Beach Park (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cBXaHJiGC0aufsVYUfj9xvztz8pT_xSe/view).

Traffic Cameras -- [0:44:41]: Board Member Rozman watched the Fiji concert on public traffic cameras. He suggested installing traffic cameras on Diamond Head Road to help visualize issues and identify the license plates of vehicles.

Aircraft Noise and Safety -- [0:45:35]: Board Member Wasden raised concerns about aircraft noise and safety following a recent Rainbow Tours helicopter landing in Kapiʻolani Park, and requested guidance on addressing aircraft issues.

6. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:46:26]

City & County Arborist Advisory Committee Update on Exceptional Tree Program -- [0:47:02]: Dr. Myles Ritchie, Chair of the Arborist Advisory Committee, presented on Hawai'i's Exceptional Tree Program. The program began in 1975 when the state legislature passed Act 105, mandating counties to have mayor-appointed Arborist Advisory Committees to receive nominations for exceptional trees worthy of indefinite preservation. Trees qualify as exceptional based on historic/cultural value, age, rarity, location, size, aesthetic quality, or endemic status. Trees can be individual specimens or groves, such as the monkey pods on Kapiʻolani Avenue and Pākī Avenue. Exceptional trees cannot be removed unless they die, threaten public safety, or lose their exceptional traits. A $3,000 tax deduction every three years is available to private property owners with exceptional trees. The program faces challenges from an aging exceptional tree population and reduced space for trees due to development. There are geographic gaps in exceptional tree designations, particularly in west side of O'ahu.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:53:14]:

1. Tree Death Causes: Board Member Rozman asked about the biggest causes of early tree death in Hawai'i. Dr. Ritchie identified developmental pressures as the primary issue, with trees being removed prematurely and insufficient space provided for newly planted trees.

2. Green Setbacks: Laura Ruby advocated for continuing monkey pod trees along Kapiʻolani Avenue to Waiʻalae and suggested ordinances requiring green setbacks for new developments.

3. Development: Vice Chair Velasco noted that many developments are being approved under Governor Green's emergency affordable housing act, which eliminates requirements for open spaces, permeable surfaces, and setbacks.

4. Invasive Species Impact: Secretary Matson raised concerns about invasive species destroying trees, including coconut rhinoceros beetles affecting palms and other species like papaya and taro.

5. Tree Canopy Coverage: Chair Welch shared his concern about the lack of tree canopy coverage in the Kapahulu neighborhood. Chair Welch asked Dr. Ritchie to share this concern with the City's Arborist Advisory Committee.

6. Palm Tree Concerns: Noela shared her observation of a palm tree on the way to Diamond Head Theatre that has been decimated with an exposed stump. She also raised concerns about coconut rhinoceros beetles.

7. Sidewalk Frontage and Insurance Issues: Board Member Wasden raised concerns about sidewalk frontages being turned into concrete and mentioned that some neighbors had cut down trees because homeowners insurance would no longer cover tree damage to houses. Board Member St. Denis said that her apartment building has to be careful about trees touching the building structure.

8. Tree Death on Kalanianaʻole Highway: Board Member Rozman asked about tree deaths on the median along Kalanianaʻole Highway by Kalani High School. Dr. Ritchie suggested drought conditions and pests like gall wasp and lobate lac scale affecting Chinese banyan trees could be responsible.

9. Contact Information: Contact Dr. Ritchie at myles@outdoorcircle.org.

Clark Hatch Bark Park Presentation -- [1:12:17]: Jordan Lee, Hillarie Hamilton, and Adam Kurtz presented on the Clark Hatch Bark Park. Lee shared that Clark Hatch Bark Park was founded in 1997 by Clark Hatch and is the oldest dog park in Hawai'i and is run entirely by volunteers with private funding. Located along Diamond Head Road near KCC, it provides a safe space for the dog community with shaded trees and seating. The presenters explained that many people do not realize the park is not a municipal facility and relies on donations. With Clark Hatch's recent passing, the non-profit organization lost Hatch's connections, loyalties in government, and financial backing. The presenters asked the Board to: 1) help honor Clark Hatch's memory by officially renaming the facility "Clark Hatch Bark Park," and 2) keep the park in mind during discussions about local dog parks. Adam introduced a video tribute to Clark Hatch, which highlighted his contributions to the community, including the dog park, exercise stations along Diamond Head Road, and naupaka plantings.

• Slideshow: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1iMGPSBYxUwlHsXKOH-FCQIAHOrwz1-avLibpReeGfww/edit?slide=id.p#slide=id.p

• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kub4zUOz7Jk

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:23:08]:

1. Lease Status: Vice Chair Velasco asked about the park's lease status. The presenters confirmed they renewed the lease around 2016 and have approximately another decade remaining.

2. Operating Budget: The presenters explained their modest operating budget of $12,000-$15,000 per year, noting they prefer to remain free to users rather than charging membership fees.

3. Volunteer Needs: Board Member Miranda asked if they needed volunteers. The presenters explained they sometimes need volunteers, but other times have sufficient volunteers and need financial support instead.

4. Kapahulu Dog Park Proposal: Chair Welch noted that the Board has also requested that the City create a dog park at the entrance to the Ala Wai Golf Course, as additional dog park spaces are needed in the district.

7. BOARD ACTION ITEMS -- [1:32:00]

Resolution on Pesticide Usage and Hazards to Human Health -- [1:32:00]: Vice Chair Velasco provided background on the resolution regarding pesticide usage, noting she had reviewed the resolution and found material safety data sheets for the pesticides being used. She raised concerns about dangerous pesticides being used near water to kill rhinoceros beetles in palm trees. Due to confusion about different versions of the resolution and its availability in the Google Drive, Chair Welch suggested postponing the item until the November 2025 meeting to ensure everyone had access to the correct version. WELCH MOVED and VELASCO SECONDED to postpone the Resolution on Pesticide Usage and Hazards to Human Health until the November meeting. The motion was ADOPTED without objection; 12-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Knight, Matson, Miranda, Murchie, Rozman, St. Denis, Velasco, Wasden, L. Wong, and Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Resolution on Ala Wai Harbor Bowls Surf Spot Parking Issues -- [1:37:33]: Vice Chair Velasco clarified that this topic would be a future presentation and not a resolution.

Creation of Permitted Interaction Group on Property Taxes -- [1:38:41]: Chair Welch noted that Board Member Bruce Wong, who had proposed this item, was absent but had previously requested that the Board move forward with creating the group. Velasco MOVED and St. Denis SECONDED to create a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) on property taxes with Bruce Wong as chair. The motion was ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Knight, Matson, Miranda, Murchie, Rozman, St. Denis, Velasco, Wasden, L. Wong, and Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:40:18]. Board Members Linda Wong, Laura St. Denis, Arlene Velasco, and Margaret Murchie volunteered to serve on the committee.

Creation of a New Committee Focused on "Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness" -- [1:44:36]: Secretary Matson explained a proposal to separate the current Traffic & Public Safety Committee into two committees: 1) Traffic and Transportation, and 2) Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness. She noted that traffic and transportation issues are distinct from broader public safety concerns like fires, floods, hurricanes, and tsunamis. Treasurer Knight, currently co-chair of the Traffic & Public Safety Committee with Board Member Murchie, expressed willingness to chair the new Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness Committee, while Board Member Murchie would continue as chair of the Traffic and Transportation Committee. Knight MOVED and Matson SECONDED to form two separate committees: 1) Traffic and Transportation chaired by Margaret Murchie, and 2) Public Safety chaired by Angie Knight. The motion was ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Knight, Matson, Miranda, Murchie, Rozman, St. Denis, Velasco, Wasden, L. Wong, and Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:51:19].

Committee assignments were updated as follows:

• Traffic and Transportation Committee: Margaret Murchie (Chair), Michelle Matson, Julia Allen, Bruce Wong, Rafia Hasina, and Angie Knight.

• Public Safety Committee: Angie Knight (Chair), Arlene Velasco, Samuel Rozman, Laura St. Denis, and Linda Wong.

8. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS -- [1:56:07]

Mayor's Representative -- Anton Krucky, Department of Community Services Director -- [1:56:07]: Director Krucky reported the Mayor's Newsletter highlights, including the Fiji concert, Ocean Safety Commission's first meeting, Honolulu Charter Commission taking input on charter amendments until Friday, November 7, 2025, and opening of the Skyline rail to the airport, Pearl Harbor, and Middle Street. Director Krucky provided the Mayor's Report:

• Irrigation Line/Valve Control Box: No update available, will follow up

• Gold Coast Seawall Repair: Seawall repair is the responsibility of building owners, not the city. DPP can issue fines if complaints are filed.

• Climate Change Resources: The city has climate change design guidelines on its website, and the SOWIS has a sea level rise viewer showing potential impacts.

• Bus Route 20 and W Line: Riders can take Route 42 (Ewa Beach-Waikīkī) which operates along similar corridors as Route 20 except for River Street. Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights residents can access River Street via specific bus stops.

• Bus Fire Incident: Only one bus caught fire (delivered March 17), caused by a manufacturer defect. The bus was returned to the manufacturer, restored, and returned at no cost to the city.

• Fiji Concert Parking Restrictions: Street parking was restricted near Kapiʻolani Park for traffic management and emergency vehicle access due to the anticipated 25,000-30,000 attendees.

• Biki Station on Kanaina Avenue: The station is highly used and will not be relocated. A field investigation showed at least 16 feet of clearance for emergency vehicles even with illegally parked cars opposite the station.

• Vehicles Parked on Sidewalks: DTS will conduct an investigation of the reported areas and take necessary action.

• Homeless Encampments: The City is working with the State on areas near the golf course and along the Ala Wai.

• Firewise Community: This is not under HFD jurisdiction; interested parties should contact Hawai'i Wildfire Management Organization.

• Waialae Avenue Road Markings: DTS completed an investigation and will issue a work order to repaint faded crosswalks between 2nd and 4th Avenues.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:08:05]:

1. Skyline Free Fare Days: Treasurer Knight asked about free fare days for the Skyline rail opening. Director Krucky confirmed free rides would be available the weekend of Friday-Saturday, October 19-20, 2025 after the Thursday, October 16, 2025 service launch.

2. Traffic Cameras on Diamond Head Road: Board Member Rozman suggested installing traffic cameras on Diamond Head Road to monitor problem areas. Director Krucky said he would inquire about this possibility.

3. Barefoot Cafe Seawall Repair: Board Member Linda Wong asked about responsibility for the Barefoot Cafe seawall repair. Director Krucky confirmed the repair had been completed.

4. Gold Coast Building Foundations: Vice Chair Velasco expressed concern about foundations of Gold Coast condos being undermined by erosion, noting the potential for building collapse similar to incidents in Florida. She also mentioned erosion under the bridge at Lēʻahi Park that appears to be extending under Diamond Head Road.

5. Homeless Encampment Progress: Secretary Matson thanked Director Krucky for the city's efforts addressing homeless encampments at Diamond Head, noting that HFD reported no nuisance or brush fires in the area during the past month.

6. Chicken Highway Fence Repair: Secretary Matson asked about the status of repairing the fence at the Kapiʻolani Park nursery that allows feral chickens and roosters to enter surrounding neighborhoods. Director Krucky explained that Parks and Recreation staff were unable to complete the repair because it would require accessing private property, but he offered to personally help resolve the issue.

7. Pedestrian Safety Improvements: Board Member Murchie described highly visible flashing pedestrian crossing signals she had seen in Victoria, Canada and asked if similar systems could be implemented locally. She also asked about the status of left turn issues on Monsarrat Avenue that cause traffic backups.

8. Diamond Head and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Enforcement: Vice Chair Velasco thanked the City for addressing the cliff dwellers on Diamond Head. She also asked for the Mayor's position on the City cooperating with ICE and federal law enforcement.

9. Leonard's Bakery Crosswalk: Chair Welch requested that the unmarked crosswalk in front of Leonard's Bakery be painted to improve visibility.

10. Trash Bin at Recycling Center: Chair Welch suggested placing a city trash bin next to the Reynolds recycling center to reduce litter in the surrounding area.

11. Dog Park at Ala Wai Golf Course: Chair Welch asked about advancing the Board's resolution for a dog park at the entrance to the Ala Wai Golf Course. Director Krucky said he would inquire with DPR Director Thielen.

12. Bus Route Concerns: Murai expressed concerns about TheBus Route 20 replacement services and the status of TheBus Route 200, which she described as dangerous through the Kapahulu and Kaimukī areas. She suggested rerouting it similar to TheBus Routes 13 and 14.

Council Chair Tommy Waters -- [2:31:05]: Tasha Luke reported about a vehicle dwelling at Pākī Park and recent resolutions passed by the Honolulu City Council. City Council Chair Waters' office has reached out to the Mayor's office regarding individuals living in vehicles at Pākī Park to request outreach services and enforcement. Resolution 25-279 reaffirming support for the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative and Resolution 25-280 supporting Kamehameha Schools' mission and contributions to the Native Hawai'ian community were passed by the full council.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:32:28]:

1. Kapahulu Dog Park Proposal: Secretary Matson requested that Chair Waters introduce a bill to establish the dog park at the Ala Wai Golf Course entrance as approved in the Board's resolution. Luke agreed to relay this request.

2. Skyline Extension Concerns: Murai expressed concerns about the Skyline rail extension to the University of Hawai'i and associated transit-oriented development that could transform established communities.

3. Development Impacts: Secretary Matson agreed with Murai's concerns, noting examples of a 400-foot high-rise along Waiʻalae and a proposed high-density development at Waiʻalae Avenue and the freeway entrance that would cause traffic problems. She emphasized that established communities need respect.

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto -- [2:37:05]: Kylie Tokujo from Councilmember Nishimoto's office announced a joint cleanup with Representative Jackson Sayama's office at Palolo Valley District Park on Saturday, October 18 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Volunteers should email either office to RSVP for bento lunches afterward.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:37:57]:

1. City Council Changes: Board Member Linda Wong expressed disappointment that Councilmember Nishimoto was not present to explain recent changes to the City Council leadership and requested his attendance at a future meeting.

9. FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- [2:39:18]

U.S. Congressman Ed Case -- [2:39:18]: No representative was present.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz -- [2:39:18]: No representative was present.

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono -- [2:39:18]: No representative was present.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [2:39:18]: No representative was present.

State Senator Stanley Chang -- [2:39:35]: Casey Shoji shared Senator Chang's newsletter for district updates.

• Newsletter: https://www.senatorchang.com/newsletters

State Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- [2:40:09]: No representative was present.

State Senator Carol Fukunaga -- [2:40:09]: No representative was present.

State House Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti -- [2:40:32]: Representative Grandinetti reported about a Lawmakers Listen Town Hall scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Liholiho Elementary School cafeteria with State House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, Majority Leader Sean Quinlan, Majority Caucus Leader Kirsten Kahaloa, House Finance Chair Chris Todd, and House Judiciary Chair David Tarnas. Representative Grandinetti attended a DOT traffic safety summit addressing the 65 traffic fatalities this year (a 50% increase in the first six months of 2025 compared to 2024). Research shows fatalities can be reduced by slowing cars through design and enforcement, and making long-term investments in public transportation and multimodal connectivity. Representative Grandinetti shared that she serves on State House Transportation and Housing committees and vice chair of the Consumer Protection committee.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:44:23]:

1. HOA (Homeowner Association) Regulation: Board Member Knight asked whether HOA regulations fall under Housing or Consumer Protection committees. Representative Grandinetti indicated they would start in Housing, and noted that while insurance rates must go through the rate commission, there is no legislated cap on increases.

State House Representative Jackson Sayama -- [2:46:17]: No representative was present.

State House Representative Andrew Garrett -- [2:46:17]: No representative was present.

State House Representative Ikaika Olds -- [2:46:17]: Representative Olds reported that he is collecting surveys from residents in his precinct (Kapahulu behind Safeway) to help formulate bills for the upcoming session. Representative Olds mentioned plans for legislation addressing feral chicken and cat issues, noting that the current statute allows reporting when animals become a "problem" but the language needs strengthening. He discussed challenges with homeless populations under bridges and along canals, noting that his bill to prevent domiciling in first-water streams (for safety and environmental reasons) did not pass but will be reintroduced. Representative Olds will continue as vice chair of Human Services and Homelessness, and serve on Education, Higher Education, and Health committees.

• September 2025 Newsletter: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/MemberFiles/House/Olds/Newsletters/2025SepNewsletter.pdf

• Sign Up for Digital Newsletters and Email Blasts: https://mailchi.mp/capitol/email-sign-up

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:47:03]:

1. City Mill Area Concerns: Board Member Hasina raised concerns about non-residents feeding feral cats near City Mill and homeless individuals camping under bridges and along the freeway. Representative Olds explained that homeless populations tend to seek natural shelter under bridges and overpasses, and noted that government property often sees slower enforcement response than private property.

10. BOARD BUSINESS ITEMS -- [2:56:32]

Committee Reports & Updates -- [2:56:32]: Only the Traffic & Public Safety Committee provided a report.

Traffic, Transportation & Public Safety Committee -- [2:56:55]: Committee Chair Knight reported on the October 7 committee meeting. Three DTS representatives attended, including Kelly Akasaki who provided updates including the all-way stop at Diamond Head Road and Mākālei Place. The committee discussed the possibility of implementing RPZs in the Diamond Head area that would prioritize resident parking and push visitors to metered stalls. The city can only designate one RPZ per year, so Diamond Head would need to get on the list for consideration.

12. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:59:01]

Next Meeting: The next Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse Ballroom and online via Webex.

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

Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)

Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)

Finalized by:

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting OCTOBER 2025 Minutes

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