Last Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting NOVEMBER 2025 Minutes

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Last Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting NOVEMBER 2025 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 1/21/2026.

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, NOVEMBER 19, 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=wLSl0fBuXnA&list=PLfqRwVpRroom3zp43KJkZZ4nynu8uuap1

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:08]: Chair Kang called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL -- [0:00:17]: Quorum was established with 7 members present. This 11-member board requires six members to establish quorum and to take official board action.

Board Members Present: Brian Kang (Chair), Audrey Abe (Secretary), James Logue (Treasurer), John Arnest, Becky Gardner, Calvin Hara, and Carole Mandryk.

Board Members Absent: Kelsie Aguilera, Paul Hoe (Vice Chair), Sean Koegel, and Christine Otto Zaa.

Guests/Residents: Fire Fighter Cole Brehm (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Robert "Bob" Dewitz (Hawaii Kyudo Foundation); Brian McKee (Mayor Blangiardi); Tasha Luke (Council Chair Waters); Representative Jackson Sayama; Eric McCutcheon, Lori Yamada, and Liz Tatola (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). About 28 participants joined the meeting.

3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT -- [0:01:05]: Fire Fighter Brehm provided the incident statistics for October 2025. There was one wildland or brush fire, three activated alarms, 49 medical calls, and three motor vehicle collisions. He shared that cooking safety is important during the holidays as cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home injuries. Stay alert when cooking and avoid using the stove or stovetop if sleepy or if alcohol has been consumed. Always stay in the kitchen while cooking and never leave the stove and heated appliances unattended. Use a timer to remind yourself to check on food regularly. Keep combustible items like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels away from the stovetop. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from any cooking areas.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cGcq8KIYzx8lpnekgOL9YgARo22nIj--/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:02:24]:

1. Brush Fire Location: Secretary Abe asked where the brush fire occurred. Fire Fighter Brehm responded he would have to get back to the Board on the exact location.

4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT -- [0:03:01]: Lieutenant Nishimura provided the crime statistics for October 2025. There were 10 motor vehicle thefts, 10 burglaries, 26 general thefts, two unauthorized entry into motor vehicles, and 5,987 total calls for service in District 7. As the holiday season approaches, remember to lock all doors and windows at home. During Black Friday shopping, park in areas that are well lit and safe. Always lock and secure the car when leaving. When shopping, if packages and valuables must be stored in the car, keep them out of view so thieves do not target the vehicle. When shopping online, if the site or offer looks suspicious, it could be, so double check and use trusted websites.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:04:27]:

1. Sharing Safety Tips: Member Mandryk asked if there is a way to pass on the safety tips beyond just board members listening to them. Lieutenant Nishimura responded that many of the tips can be found online at honolulupd.org. Chair Kang added the tips are also posted online in the board's Google Drive.

5. COMMUNITY REPORTS -- [0:05:44]

Board of Water Supply -- [0:05:44]: Lorna Heller reported one main break on October 18th. When a main break occurs, Board of Water Supply works quickly to reduce the impact to customers, protect public safety, and restore service. For the latest updates on main breaks, generally four inches or larger, information on how repairs are made is available on the website at www.boardofwatersupply.com/mainbreaks. Residents can also stay informed on Facebook and Nextdoor for larger, more impactful breaks. BWS encourages residents to sign up for HNL Alert (https://www.honolulu.gov/dem/hnl-alert).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:06:48]:

1. Spray Paint Markings: Yamada thanked BWS for the quick work done on Noa Street and asked if the spray paint markings on the street would be removed or if they would just fade away over time. Heller thanked Yamada and explained that markings are placed in the beginning to figure out where the main break may be occurring. She had not heard of them being removed and believed they just fade over time. If it is a concern, she can reach out to see what can be done and have someone take a look to see if the markings are unusually bigger or older than normal.

6. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:09:08]

Update on Kyudojo (Archery Training Facility) at Mauʻumae Nature Park -- [0:09:08]: Robert "Bob" Dewitz presented an update on the Kyudojo project at Mauʻumae Nature Park. The mayor held a press conference on site last month, which generated a surge of interest and questions from the community (https://www.honolulu.gov/dpr/dpr-news/oahus-first-public-kyudojo-planned-for-kaimuki-thanks-to-partnership). In response, the Hawaii Kyudo Foundation created a FAQ page on their website at https://www.hawaiikyudofoundation.org that answered many questions about construction duration and traffic impacts during construction.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:10:16]:

1. Arrow Safety and Protection: A resident asked to see the arrow that will be used and what protection exists for the area where arrows will be shot. The resident was primarily concerned about being hit by an arrow because of a past experience where a small dog was hit by an arrow in Japan. Dewitz responded the arrows are blunt tip practice arrows and offered to send a photo. The entire project will be fenced off with a chain link fence. On each side of the shooting gallery will be a curtain to contain any arrows that go to the side. Overhead there will be a skynet, which is a fairly wide four or five foot tall band of netting that will preclude any arrows from going out over the top. They have given quite a bit of thought to safety. Unlike western archery, Japanese archery uses a traditional bow with no compounding, levers, or pulleys, so they are not very strong and most archers have a hard time reaching the target.

2. Netting: The same resident asked about the positioning of the five-foot wide netting and whether it covers adequately. Dewitz explained the function of the skynet is that if archers are standing in position and draw a line of sight, if they cannot see the sky, the arrow cannot get to the sky. It is positioned at a distance, height, and depth so arrows cannot go clear and will either hit the side nets or the skynet before leaving the area. This is a very common structure in Japan that has been used for as long as there have been modern dojos, probably 100 to 150 years.

3. Project Timeline: Member Gardner congratulated Dewitz on getting support from the mayor's office and asked if the mayor gave a projected breaking ground date or completion date. Dewitz responded they are doing the project and hoping for first quarter breaking ground, but it really depends on Department of Planning and Permitting and how quickly plans are permitted.

4. Environmental Assessment Letters: Yamada asked when letters would go out to residents in the community. Dewitz responded that about 65 letters for the draft environmental assessment were sent out to the community almost 30 days ago, and the 30--day comment period expires today or tomorrow. Those initial comments are compiled into the draft report, which will be submitted to the city hopefully by December 1st. The city reviews it, forwards it to the state, and then there are a couple more levels of review and another 30--day public comment period. The environmental assessment is progressing as it should be.

5. Arrow Safety Concerns: A resident expressed continued concern about arrows because of the past experience where a dog was hit by an arrow 55 years ago in Japan. The resident wanted to see the arrow and know more about the skynet and its protection. Dewitz offered to provide as much information as desired and noted that hitting something small with an arrow is pretty hard to do, suggesting someone must have deliberately tried to hit the dog. The dojo will never operate with archery and practice without supervision and without a qualified range master.

Kaimukī Vision Zero: Road Rights and Safety for Everyone -- [0:17:12]: Eric McCutcheon presented on holiday shopping for road safety. As of November 16, he reported 117 road deaths statewide and 88 in Honolulu, compared to the same time last year. Kaimukī Vision Zero is no longer vision zero as there was a fatality within the neighborhood board this year. McCutcheon shared that the City is purchasing and installing pedestrian counters on Kapahulu, Waialae, and King Street. These are pyroelectric devices that count pedestrians when hot bodies walk by. Better data for all especially vulnerable road users leads to better infrastructure. McCutcheon presented various safety innovations, vehicle safety features, and V2X (vehicle to everything) technology, which involves data sharing between vehicles, infrastructure, networks, vulnerable road users, phones, and roadside units.

• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OlVDHioKSAWwAb5PW-oG0AEnWEEOCBVR/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:28:22]:

1. Roadside Units Definition: Tatola asked what RSU means. McCutcheon responded it stands for roadside units, which are structures that collect data and share that data, including traffic lights, walk signals, and pedestrian counters.

2. Small Cells and Data Collection: Tatola asked if small cells are also collecting data as part of telecommunications infrastructure. McCutcheon responded he was not sure but guessed that anything that can contribute to data sharing to let driving cars, driverless cars, and road users in any way have data that would help them navigate safely would be part of the V2X idea.

3. E-Bike Legislation: Member Arnest asked if anything is going on about e-bikes that are actually e--motorcycles with big lobby tires and very fast performance like motorcycles but are still considered e-bikes. McCutcheon responded the bill that did not pass last legislative session will be modified and brought to the legislature again this session to specifically help clarify the rules and regulations for e-bikes.

7. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- [0:31:06]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [0:31:06]: Brian McKee shared several City updates. The second segment of the Skyline rail opened, adding five miles and four new stations, including stops at Pearl Harbor and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The city's early education center relocated to allow multi-year repairs on a municipal parking structure whose roof was damaged by tree roots; those repairs are expected to take about 18 months. New sewer rates for Oahu residents began on January 1st. The Royal Hawaiian Band will hold a free concert featuring Henry Kapono and Raiatea Helm on November 28th, followed by Honolulu Hale's tree lighting and the electric light parade on November 29th. HPD and DTS responded to speeding concerns on Maunaloa Avenue and Kaimukī Avenue, while DTS reported stable growth in ridership for TheBus Route 200 and plans to meet with residents.

• Newsletter: https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:36:32]:

1. Speed Enforcement Credibility: Secretary Abe stated that if the police are in uniform to observe or enforce speeding on Maunaloa Ave, then likely drivers will slow down when they see them. She (and residents) observes frequent speeding on the downslopes of Maunaloa Ave and also asked for an update on installing a 25 MPH sign (there are none on Maunaloa Ave between 12th Ave to about 9th Ave). McKee responded he had no information about the traffic sign and there is no movement on that at this point.

2. TheBus Route 200 and Ridership Statistics: Secretary Abe explained that Route 200 replaced Route 9, which was a more popular bus route that operated for a long time. The new Route 200 is not seen as servicing Kaimukī like the old Route 9 did, making it more of a hardship to get to the library, school, and other places.

3. Ridership Statistics: Secretary Abe asked if there is a breakdown of the 1,400 riders for Route 200, such as which section of the bus route accounts for this number, and if they take a test for sections like Alohea Avenue which residents say is usually empty. She noted that common sense suggests looking at the whole route itself for the count because if they are counting the more congested area from Palolo to where McDonald's is on Waialae Avenue, there would probably be people going to work in the morning, but the count needs to look at the whole route. McKee responded the numbers appear to be total daily ridership and he cannot tell when people got off. He will ask for details on old ridership statistics from Route 9 to compare.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters (District 4) -- [0:41:15]: Tasha Luke provided updates from Council Chair Waters' office. A constituent reached out concerned about the intersection at Waialae Avenue and 3rd Avenue. Vehicles heading westbound on Waialae often block the intersection in the morning, creating a safety hazard for St. Louis and Chaminade students, pedestrians, and cyclists. From October 23rd to October 31st, officers conducted checks and issued five crosswalk violation warnings. HPD will continue to monitor the area. Luke shared that Chair Waters strongly agrees that speed mitigation is needed on 16th Avenue near Claudine Street intersection. DTS reports that due to the steep grade, it cannot install devices. A raised crosswalk at the five-way intersection would require full reconstruction since no curb ramps exist. A roundabout was also evaluated but is not feasible due to nearby driveways. This remains a challenging location and DTS is reviewing possible options. A meeting with DTS, Chair Waters, and surrounding neighbors is proposed once DTS completes its review.

Governor Josh Green's Representative: No representative present.

State Senator Stanley Chang (District 9): No representative present.

State Senator Les Ihara, Jr. (District 10): No representative present.

State House Representative Tina Grandinetti (District 20): No representative present.

State House Representative Jackson Sayama (District 21) -- [0:43:37]: Representative Sayama provided updates. The Ohana Thanksgiving picnic event will be held on November 23rd from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kaimukī Community Park with live music. The Kaimukī event is on November 29th and is a great time to go shopping for Christmas gifts and support local Kaimukī businesses. Events will be at Aliʻiolani Elementary School and the trolley system will continue from Aliʻiolani Elementary along Waialae Avenue to the Kaimukī Small Business District. The Kaimukī Christmas Parade is on December 4th with lane closures starting at 5:00 p.m., so those not participating should avoid Waialae Avenue before 5:00 p.m.

Representative Sayama's office is ramping up for the next legislative session, starting interviews for session hires and working on legislation. He is currently working on labor issues relating to tax incentives for apprenticeship programs and for preceptors in the healthcare industry, as well as continuing with the paid family leave issue. He encourages residents to reach out with any ideas for bills and resolutions.

U.S. Congressman Ed Case: No representative present.

8. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS -- [0:46:23]

Cell Tower Radiation Concerns -- [0:47:26]: Liz Tatola raised concerns that cell towers cause trees to lose leaves due to radiation from electromagnetic frequencies. Tatola shared there has been an exponential increase in cell towers since 2019 when 5G was rolled out due to deregulation in the telecommunications industry. Tatola is concerned about the health of people as she said that cell towers, antennas, and small cells can cause health impacts such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Tatola asked who is testing radiation in Honolulu, noting the Public Utilities Commission said they are not involved. Tatola believes the community needs to look at cell towers and Hawaiian Electric power lines to see how much radiation is being emitted, especially with electric cars and solar power installations.

9. BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 -- [0:53:28]: Chair Kang requested a motion to approve the written summary of video record for Wednesday, October 15, 2025. [0:53:48] -- Arnest MOVED and Logue SECONDED to approve the written summary of video record for Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0. (Aye: Abe, Arnest, Gardner, Hara, Kegel, Mandryk, and Kang; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:53:57].

Reports of Board Members Attending Other Neighborhood Board and Public Meetings -- [0:54:05]: Chair Kang asked for reports of members attending other neighborhood board and public meetings since last month. No reports were provided. Chair Kang noted that NCO advised if members have a report and attend a neighborhood board or another meeting, they should inform him a couple of weeks before the meeting so it can be agendized and placed on the agenda.

10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [0:54:28]

Kaimukī Christmas Parade -- [0:54:40]: Board members who are available and their families will be participating in the annual Kaimukī Christmas Parade on December 4, 2025. The Board hopes to see many people out there.

December 2025 Recess -- [0:54:48]: As a reminder, this Board is in recess in December 2025.

Next Meeting -- [0:54:36]: The next meeting of the Kaimukī Neighborhood Board is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kaimukī Library and online via Webex.

ʻŌlelo Broadcast and Reporting Neighborhood Issues -- [0:55:01]: This Neighborhood Board meeting may be viewed on ʻŌlelo channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month (https://olelo.org/olelonet). Residents can report neighborhood issues using the link provided or the HNL 311 app (https://web5.hnl.info/hnl311/home).

11. ADJOURNMENT -- [0:55:19]: Chair Kang adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.

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

Reviewed by: Audrey Abe, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No. 4

Final approval by: Audrey Abe, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No. 4

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