Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting DECEMBER 2025 Minutes

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting DECEMBER 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, DECEMBER 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=QJXNCXRn1Kk&list=PLfqRwVpRroolsFSNpDzklm59N89al2XyQ

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:06]: Chair Welch called the Neighborhood Board No. 5 meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Quorum WAS NOT established with 5 members present. This 15-member board requires eight (8) members to establish a quorum and take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Julia Allen, Rafia Hasina, Michelle Matson (Secretary joined at 6:13 p.m.), Anthony Miranda (joined at 6:46 p.m.), Laura St. Denis, Arleen Velasco (Vice Chair), Chad Wasden (joined at 6:25 p.m.), Ronan Witherwax (joined at 7:49 p.m.), Bruce Wong (joined at 6:13 p.m.), Kendric Wong (appointed at 6:39 p.m.), Linda Wong (joined at 6:35 p.m.), Winston Welch (Chair).

Board Members Absent: Angie Knight (Treasurer), Margaret Murchie, and Samo Rozman.

Guests: Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department District 7); Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); Kekoa Kaluhiwa (U.S. Congressman Ed Case); Department of Community Services Director Anton Krucky (Mayor Blangiardi); Tasha Luke (Council Chair Tommy Waters); Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Scott Nishimoto); State Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; State Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti; Steve Davidson, Daisy Murai, Laura Ruby, Joe Walker, Liz Tatola, and Wesley Aoki (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 -- [0:00:20]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- [0:00:20]: No representative was present at this time.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 -- [0:00:20]: No representative was present at this time.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 -- [0:00:26]: Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura shared the statistics for November 2025 which included 11 motor vehicle thefts, 2 burglaries, 10 thefts, and 2 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles. Total calls for service in District 7 were 5,540. Lieutenant Nishimura provided holiday safety tips regarding locking doors and windows, parking in well-lit areas, hiding valuables in vehicles, and verifying sources for online shopping. He advised that customers should not leave valuables visible in vehicles and should place purchases in the trunk. He also recommended checking sources for online shopping and reporting any suspicious activity to the police department.

[0:02:35] -- Chair Welch asked if there was a quorum of board members. Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call and 5 board members were present (Allen, Hasina, St. Denis, Vice Chair Velasco, and Chair Welch).

3. FILLING OF ONE VACANT DISTRICT-AT-LARGE BOARD SEAT -- [0:03:33]: This agenda item was postponed due to a lack of quorum.

4. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025 -- [0:03:33]: This agenda item was postponed due to a lack of quorum.

5. PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS AND EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [0:03:58]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [0:03:58]: Kathleen Pahinui reported no main breaks in the district in November 2025. She warned residents to be vigilant against holiday utility scams, advising that the Board of Water Supply would never ask for money over the phone and would never accept payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or app payments. She cautioned against individuals claiming to test water in homes, noting that the Board of Water Supply does not conduct in-home water testing and already has chlorine in the water supply. Pahinui reported that Monsarrat Avenue construction project is moving along as planned (https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/monsarrat-wsi). She also provided an update on Diamond Head landscaping and indicated that she would arrange a site visit after the rainy season.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:05:48]:

1. Tree Planting and Maintenance: Chair Welch asked about the status of tree planting requests and whether the city conducts inspections for root intrusion in utility lines. Pahinui responded that she had not yet received a response to the tree planting request but assured Welch that she would stay on top of it. Regarding root intrusion, Pahinui explained that tree roots can be a problem for any utility line, including water lines. She clarified that the Board of Water Supply would not inspect private property but would inspect public right-of-way areas if trees in those areas were suspected of causing problems.

Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) -- [0:06:58]: No representative was present at this time.

Announcements of Public Events, Races, Parades -- [0:07:11]: Chair Welch announced that the Honolulu Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2025, so motorists should avoid the area unless necessary.

Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club Events -- [0:07:40]: Steve Davidson reported that the Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club will host the Chapson 8K on January 18, 2026 at 7:00 a.m., starting at Kapiʻolani Park and going up and over Diamond Head to Triangle Park. The Johnny Faerber 10K will be held on February 1, 2026 at 7:00 a.m., also starting at Kapiʻolani Park with a larger loop up Diamond Head Road and returning via Kahala Avenue (https://runsignup.com/MemberOrg/MidPacificRoadRunnersClub/Page/Races_1).

Secretary Matson and Board Member Bruce Wong joined the meeting at 6:13 p.m.; 7 board members present.

6. PRESENTATION AND REPORT: U.S. CONGRESSMAN ED CASE -- [0:10:42]: Kekoa Kaluhiwa, Deputy Chief of Staff and District Director for Congressman Ed Case's Office shared a report, including FAA public comment regarding the Hawaii Airspace Modernization Project (https://www.faa.gov/airtraffic/communityengagement/community-engagement-hawaii). The public comment deadline is January 31, 2026. This five to seven year process aims to modernize airspace procedures that could change flight paths, altitudes, and operations.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:18:10]:

1. Tour Helicopter and Airline Overflight Noise: Secretary Matson raised concerns about helicopter and airline overflight noise over Diamond Head. Kaluhiwa acknowledged the concern and indicated that it would be part of the public comment process.

2. Military Range Safety: Questions were raised about military range safety and how it intersects with commercial aviation. Kaluhiwa noted that military and civilian airspace considerations are part of the modernization planning.

3. Aircraft Noise and Health Impacts: Residents expressed concern about aircraft noise and potential health impacts in the Kapahulu area. Kaluhiwa indicated that these concerns should be submitted as part of the public comment process to the FAA.

4. FAA Jurisdiction Over Military Aircraft: A question was raised regarding FAA jurisdiction over military aircraft. Kaluhiwa explained the jurisdiction structure and noted that military aircraft operations are coordinated but operate under different authorities.

5. Prior Complaint Channel Responsiveness: Board Member St. Denis inquired about the responsiveness of prior complaint channels. Kaluhiwa indicated that the FAA maintains complaint mechanisms and encouraged continued use of those channels.

6. Military Land Use and Eminent Domain Policy: Laura Ruby raised concerns regarding military land use implications and eminent domain policy related to the pending National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Board Member Chad Wasden joined the meeting at 6:25 p.m.; 8 board members present. Quorum was established.

3. FILLING OF ONE VACANT DISTRICT-AT-LARGE BOARD SEAT -- CONTINUED -- [0:29:22]: Kendric Wong expressed interest in filling the at-large vacancy. Matson MOVED and Allen SECONDED to nominate Kendric Wong to fill the vacant District-At-Large seat. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Matson, St. Denis, Velasco, Wasden, B. Wong, L. Wong, Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: None). Kendric Wong subscribed to the oath of office and joined the board with 12 board members present.

Board Member Linda Wong joined the meeting at 6:35 p.m.; 9 board members present.

Kendric Wong subscribed the oath of office and joined the Board; 10 board members present.

4. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025 -- CONTINUED -- [0:33:46]: Secretary Michelle Matson summarized her review of the draft minutes and recommended adoption of the corrected version posted to the Board's Google Drive. She noted that the Neighborhood Commission Office website had experienced a security certificate issue the previous day which was resolved. She also raised a concern about YouTube restricting access to the meeting recordings and requiring payment for viewing, though Director Krucky later indicated he would investigate this issue. Welch MOVED and Velasco SECONDED to adopt Matson's reviewed and corrected minutes for Thursday, October 9, 2025. The motion was ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Matson, Miranda, St. Denis, Velasco, Wasden, Witherwax, B. Wong, L. Wong, K. Wong, Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

7. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS -- [0:40:10]

Mayor's Representative: Director Krucky provided the Mayor's updates, HNL 311 app launch (hnl311.com), and extensive follow-ups on previously raised issues, including Gold Coast erosion inspections, food truck enforcement principles, restroom feasibility at Leʻahi Beach Park, Ala Pono bridge procurement timeline, bus detour signage practices, rail/bus W Line connectivity and signage, Monsarrat/Lēʻahi turn restriction review, rooster control program costs, fencing/sod propagation area at Ala Wai Golf Course entrance for course maintenance and water efficiency, homeless enforcement status, a recent Diamond Head brush fire response, and a Queens Beach promenade engineering award.

Board Member Anthony Miranda joined the meeting at 6:46 p.m.; 11 board members present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Use of Ala Wai Frontage for Sod: Board members and residents asked about the use of Ala Wai frontage for sod propagation and requested committee and board briefings on this project. Director Krucky acknowledged the concern and indicated that the project serves course maintenance and water efficiency purposes.

2. Long-Parked Van with Potential Habitation on Pākī: A question was raised regarding a long-parked van on Pākī Avenue with potential habitation. Director Krucky indicated he would follow up on this issue.

3. Disposal of Traffic Barricades: Questions were raised about the disposal of traffic barricades recovered by student volunteers. Director Krucky noted he would follow up on this matter.

4. Natatorium Safety Conditions: Vice Chair Velasco raised concerns about safety conditions at the Natatorium. Director Krucky acknowledged the concern and indicated he would provide updates.

5. W Line Wayfinding Signage in Waikīkī: Board members asked about wayfinding signage for the W Line transit service in the Waikīkī area. Director Krucky noted that improved signage would be addressed as part of the rail and bus connectivity project.

6. TheBus Route 200 Safety and Routing: A question was raised about Route 200 safety and routing. Director Krucky indicated he would follow up on this transportation concern.

7. Secure Parking Towing Practices: Board members inquired about towing practices. Director Krucky indicated he would address this matter.

8. FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- [1:17:59]

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz: No representative was present at this time.

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono: No representative was present at this time.

Governor Josh Green's Representative: No representative was present at this time.

State Senator Stanley Chang: No representative was present at this time.

State Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- [1:33:35]: State Senator Ihara addressed concerns regarding the Side Street Inn parking lot and stated he would investigate the original land lease regarding public parking requirements to clarify any obligations related to public parking availability.

State Senator Carol Fukunaga: No representative was present at this time.

State Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti -- [1:17:59]: Representative Grandinetti reported that her office manager Emily Cristobal is leaving the office and Erin Enriques will be joining as the new office manager. She shared updates on the Good Government Caucus and reported on a private purchase of Kilohana Square by a self-storage company. She indicated she is exploring policy approaches and coordination on land use implications in areas suited for housing.

7. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS -- CONTINUED -- [1:34:44]

City Council Chair Tommy Waters -- [1:34:44]: Tasha Luke reported on the HPD collective bargaining agreement, noting that the city council unanimously approved a new collective bargaining agreement granting HPD officers a 27% raise through 2029, with officers receiving a 5% across-the-board raise each year. Resolution 25-284 introduced by Chair Waters also includes a one-time $1,800 retention bonus in 2026 along with continued employer contributions covering 60% of health premiums and 100% of life insurance coverage. This agreement addresses one of HPD's most pressing challenges of recruitment and retention. Luke also reported on Bill 46, which requires the Honolulu Police Department to release certain urgent or emergent information to the media and public, such as alerts for active shooters in the community. Bill 46, sponsored by Chair Waters and Councilmember Tulba, passed out of full council earlier in the month and reflects Chair Waters' belief that the media plays a critical and essential role in informing the public about situations that could impact resident safety.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Kuilei Cliffs Area Funding: Board Member Linda Wong asked about $100,000 that Chair Waters allocated in the budget for Kuilei Cliffs area water-related needs. Luke indicated she would follow up with Chair Waters to clarify the status and commitment of that funding.

2. Follow-up from Previous Meeting: Secretary Matson requested confirmation that Luke had informed Chair Waters of a follow-up item from the previous meeting. Luke apologized for technical reception issues and offered to follow up via email.

3. Resolution Regarding Ala Wai Golf Course Entrance: Chair Welch suggested that Chair Waters might work with the office to pass a resolution regarding the board's preferred alternative for the entrance to the Ala Wai Golf Course. Luke indicated she would bring that up with Chair Waters.

4. Chair Waters' Attendance at Board Meetings: Secretary Matson requested that Chair Waters attend a future board meeting either remotely or in person to allow for more direct communication and timely responses to board concerns. Luke confirmed she would ask Chair Waters about his availability.

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto -- [1:39:21]: Kylie Tokujo extended holiday greetings from Councilmember Nishimoto's office and invited St. Louis Heights residents to reach out for assistance with any questions, comments, or concerns. She provided the following message in the Webex chat:

Aloha! Happy Holidays from Councilmember Nishimoto's office! For any questions, comments concerns in the St Louis Heights area--please email scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov or give our office a call at (808) 768-5005. Subscribe to the D5 e-blast here: http://eepurl.com/jssPn6 Mahalo all!

8. FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- CONTINUED -- [1:17:59]

State House Representative Jackson Sayama: No representative was present at this time.

State House Representative Andrew Garrett: No representative was present at this time.

State House Representative Ikaika Olds: No representative was present at this time.

9. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS OPEN FORUM -- [1:41:56]

Kuilei Cliffs -- [1:41:56]: Board Member Linda Wong raised concerns about the relationship between the City and volunteers working on Kuilei Cliffs restoration efforts and advocated for a reset in this relationship to improve coordination and support. Chair Welch acknowledged the concern and noted it would be addressed through ongoing discussions with city representatives.

Cell Towers -- [1:43:20]: Liz Tatola expressed health concerns regarding radio frequencies emitted by cell towers in the neighborhood and requested information about safety standards and monitoring. No specific response was provided during the forum but the concern was noted for future agenda consideration.

Ala Wai Watershed Special District -- [1:45:10]: Laura Ruby raised concerns about the lack of engagement from the Ala Wai Watershed Special District organizers and expressed concerns about their responsiveness to community needs (https://sites.google.com/hawaiigreengrowth.org/ala-wai-sida/home). Chair Welch indicated the board would follow up with the special district.

Monsarrat Avenue Construction -- [1:47:05]: Joe Walker urged better coordination between the Board of Water Supply and the Complete Streets program on Monsarrat Avenue construction projects to minimize disruptions and ensure comprehensive planning.

Waialae Avenue Safety -- [1:49:30]: Wesley Aoki requested installation of speed humps on Waialae Avenue heading westbound towards the freeway onramp to address speeding concerns. Aoki also requested maintenance of Manoa Stream and Palolo Stream near Koali Road. Chair Welch committed to forwarding these transportation requests to the appropriate City and State departments.

Board Member Ronan Witherwax joined the meeting at 7:49 p.m.; 12 board members present.

10. BOARD ACTION ITEMS -- [2:21:17]

Establishing a Committee on Property Taxes -- [2:21:17]: Welch MOVED and Velasco SECONDED to establish a Committee on Property Taxes. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-3 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Matson, St. Denis, Velasco, Wasden, B. Wong, L. Wong, and Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: Miranda, Witherwax, and K. Wong). Without objection, Bruce Wong was designated as the committee chair. Linda Wong, Laura St. Denis, Arleen Velasco, Kendric Wong, and Rafia Hasina were appointed as committee members. Existing Property Tax Permitted Interaction Group members may join with confirmation at the next meeting. The Property Tax Committee continues until it reports, after which it will dissolve per the Sunshine Law.

Establishing an Air Traffic Noise and Safety Committee -- [2:21:17]: Matson MOVED and Velasco SECONDED to establish an Air Traffic Noise and Safety Committee. The motion was ADOPTED; 10-2-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Matson, St. Denis, Velasco, Wasden, B. Wong, L. Wong, K. Wong, and Welch; Nay: Miranda and Witherwax; Kendrick: None). Without objection, Chad Wasden was appointed as the committee chair. Michelle Matson and Laura St. Denis were appointed as committee members. Committee Chair Wasden will organize an early-January meeting to prepare Board comments before the FAA January 31, 2026 scoping deadline.

11. BOARD BUSINESS -- [2:33:54]

Chair's Announcements -- [2:33:54]: Chair Welch thanked members and the public for a productive year.

Committee Reports and Updates: No reports were presented.

Board Subdistrict Reports:

St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1: Board Member Allen shared that the St. Louis Heights Association has recessed for December 2025 with the 2026 schedule forthcoming.

Kapahulu Subdistrict 2: A read-in notice was received from Ocho's 888 LLC regarding a special liquor license application. Chair Welch indicated he will agendize this for January and invite the applicant to present to the board.

Diamond Head Subdistrict 3: Kuilei Cliffs volunteer efforts continue. Linda Wong requested that Managing Director Formby be invited to present the Kapiʻolani Park trust exchange concept plan in January. An early January meeting was recommended for development of FAA comments before the January 31, 2026 deadline.

Reports of Board Members Attending Other Board and Public Meetings: None were presented.

12. BOARD MEETING MINUTES PENDING CORRECTION & APPROVAL: The Board adopted the corrected October 2025 minutes.

13. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:43:14]

Agenda Requests: Anyone wishing to request agenda items should email Chair Welch and copy the Neighborhood Commission Office at least two weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.

Next Meeting: The next Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse Ballroom and via Webex.

Ōlelo Broadcast: Channel 49 broadcasts board meetings at 9:00 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of the month and at 2:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.

Reporting Neighborhood Issues: Residents can report neighborhood concerns at www.honolulu.gov/csd/report-a-concern or via the HNL 311 website or mobile app at HNL311.com.

14. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:43:30]: Chair Welch adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. and wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

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 DECEMBER 2025 Minutes

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