Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting FEBRUARY 12, 2026 Minutes

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting FEBRUARY 12, 2026 Minutes
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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, FEBRUARY 12, 2026 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=cxlDD6V46wU&list=PLfqRwVpRroolsFSNpDzklm59N89al2XyQ

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

CALL TO ORDER [0:00:00]: Chair Winston Welch called the Neighborhood Board No. 5 meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Quorum was established with 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, Angie Knight (Treasurer), Michelle Matson (Secretary), Anthony Miranda, Margaret Murchie, Laura St. Denis, Arleen Velasco (Vice Chair), Chad Wasden, Bruce Wong, Kendric Wong, Linda Wong, Ronan Witherwax, and Winston Welch (Chair).

Board Members Absent: Samo Rozman.

Guests: Lieutenant Cyrus Hanuna and Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department); Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); Anton Krucky (Mayor Blangiardi); Laura Thielen and Nate Serota (Department of Parks and Recreation); Ryan Aguilar (Governor Green); Council Chair Tommy Waters; Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti; Representative Jackson Sayama; Eiichi Abe (Rainbow Ekiden Operation); Amy Fuller, Juanita Liu, Laura Ruby, Andrew Phomsouvanh, and Kenna Reed (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Names may not be included if not legible or identified. About 44 participants joined the meeting.

1. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS [0:00:37]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Waikīkī Station [0:00:34]: No representative was present.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9h9fFBiDaIsXLyLa_SVQeImLNIlJZrj/view

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- District 6 (Waikīkī/Kapiʻolani Park/Diamond Head) [0:00:48]: Lieutenant Hanuna reported January 2026 statistics as follows: there were three robberies (compared to six in December), 11 burglaries (compared to 16 in December), 115 thefts (compared to 85 in December), nine unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (compared to seven in December), 31 assaults (compared to 37 in December), six sex crimes (compared to three in December), six bike or skateboard on sidewalk citations (compared to zero in December), 23 speeding citations (compared to 24 in December), 1,975 parking citations (compared to 1,584 in December), nine loud muffler or prohibited noise citations (compared to three in December), zero warnings, 81 park closure citations, and 32 arrests (compared to zero warnings, 69 citations, and 16 arrests in December), 22 arrests for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (OVUII), and 4,472 calls for service (compared to 4,357 in December).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:02:36]:

1. Crime Statistics Location: A resident asked whether historical crime statistics are available online. Lieutenant Hanuna confirmed statistics are available online (https://www.honolulupd.org/information).

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- District 7 (Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights/East Honolulu) [0:03:32]: Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura reported January 2026 statistics (eight motor vehicle thefts, two burglaries, 13 thefts, two unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), and 5,804 total calls for service). Lieutenant Nishimura provided a safety tip on scams, warning residents about fraudulent contacts from entities posing as the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) or law enforcement demanding payment via Bitcoin or other means online. He noted law enforcement will never contact residents to demand payment, and also warned of auto repair scams and money scams. Lieutenant Nishimura encouraged residents to call 911 and request an officer if they suspect a scam. Lieutenant Nishimura also provided follow-up on two accidents from the prior month's questions. Regarding the Wai'alae Avenue accident (involving a female pedestrian), the pedestrian was crossing outside of the crosswalk when a turning driver collided with her; no critical injuries and only minor damage. For the City Mill area accident, there were no serious injuries or damages reported.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:06:30]:

1. Hit-and-Run on Diamond Head Road: Member Kendric Wong inquired about a reported hit-and-run in December on Diamond Head Road involving a female pedestrian. Lieutenant Nishimura indicated he was not familiar with the incident, but would look it up and provide information at a later date.

2. PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS AND EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS [0:07:40]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:07:40]: Kathleen Pahinui reported no main breaks to report for January 2026. For the 2026 Poster and Portrait Contest, the last day for submissions is February 27, 2026. BWS is seeking over 1,000 entries (997 were received in 2025). Recent rainfall has been beneficial. Diamond Head fencing/landscaping area appears to be thriving. Monsarrat water line work continues on Campbell Avenue. New service laterals will be connected to the new main at the intersection of Monsarrat Avenue/Leahi Avenue.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I4PSO2mqvyFfr2FsHvZHW89ivcJby0d8/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:09:07]:

1. McCully Bridge Equipment: Member Murchie asked about the status of rusting equipment on the McCully Bridge. Pahinui confirmed the straps holding pipes to the bridge need to be replaced. An initial design was submitted, but comments from the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) required a redesign. BWS hoped to present to the McCully Neighborhood Board in a couple of months.

2. Street Trees and Community Forestry: Chair Welch asked about the possibility of extending the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) street tree planting program through community forestry initiatives in coordination with BWS. Pahinui stated she coordinates regularly with DPR's Nate Serota and would explore options.

3. BWS Project: A resident asked and Pahinui confirmed that equipment visible on Campbell Avenue is related to the water supply project.

Diamond Head State Monument Updates [0:11:23]: No representative was present.

Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) [0:11:40]: No representative was present.

Announcements of Public Events [0:11:55]: Rainbow Ekiden Race Director Eiichi announced the 10th Anniversary Rainbow Ekiden relay race will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Kapiʻolani Park. The race consists of five-runner teams, each completing a 5K leg, with approximately 120 teams and 700 total participants expected. The race route proceeds along Kalākaua Avenue and Diamond Head Road to the second lookout and returns. Traffic restrictions will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. until approximately noon. HPD officers will direct local traffic to minimize inconvenience to area residents and businesses.

• Traffic Notice: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s7Zf9_6PcOrZbjhrLvZOmXLOzbkJc8Nn/view

• Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ngPNJ3lxWCMXu7zwZmgzuATjcAB1_2QE/view

3. PRESENTATIONS [0:15:33]

Kapiʻolani Park Four Proposed Changes Presentation [0:15:33]: DPR Director Laura Thielen and Public Information Officer Nate Serota presented four proposed park improvement projects at Kapiʻolani Park. Three of the four projects address wear, tear, and erosion from existing uses. Projects will be funded through a combination of donations, master agreement contractors, and departmental budget. The four proposed projects are:

1. Garden Pathway: A paved walkway along the main pedestrian access path through the community garden between Leahi Avenue and Pākī Avenue. The pathway has experienced years of erosion. DPR proposes a paved walkway (possibly 4 ft to meet ADA requirements) to address erosion without impacting garden beds. Design/build funding expected in FY2027 (beginning July 2026).

2. Bocce Ball Court: A synthetic grass surface bocce ball court in a currently underutilized area of the park to support a growing community of bocce ball players. Donor support being explored.

3. Fitness Station Expansion: Freshening up the existing fitness station area and installing dedicated slack line posts to accommodate fitness enthusiasts who currently attach slack lines to trees, which damages them. Equipment would be donated by a community partner.

4. Sand Volleyball Courts: Four adjacent sand volleyball courts (using the design from Ala Moana Beach Park) to consolidate and concentrate volleyball play and reduce wear on the park's grass areas, consistent with the City Council's direction to address shrinking beach space.

DPR Director Thielen also described an Adopt-a-Park agreement being pursued with a beachfront hotel to address erosion in the coconut palm corridor between Kapiʻolani Park and the beach. The hotel would install permeable pavers and higher-quality grass, and provide ongoing maintenance, while all areas remain open to the public.

• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I5VLI-WIOuhMXyENAVa7aT9Btd8uiOIv/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:21:32]:

1. Garden Pathway Width and Drainage: Vice Chair Velasco (a garden plot member) expressed concern that a 5 ft pathway would affect adjacent garden plots and noted the pathway becomes a waterfall in heavy rain. She requested the width be minimized to approximately 3 ft, proper drainage design, and that garden members be consulted in the design process. Director Thielen agreed the width could be reduced to approximately 4 ft (ADA minimum) and that DPR's MSS staff would meet with the gardeners before construction.

2. Bocce Ball Court Location: Velasco recommended relocating the bocce ball court from the area near the median park (which is heavily used by locals and school programs) to the vicinity of the fitness station area. A representative of the Friends of Italian Society Hawaiʻi supported the current proposed location due to its proximity to parking, restrooms, and shade. Chair Welch and others agreed the fitness station area might be more appropriate. Director Thielen said the site selection would be further evaluated.

3. Volleyball Court Concerns: Velasco expressed concern that placing sand volleyball courts in an area used by soccer teams and children was inappropriate and suggested beach locations instead. Director Thielen explained that beaches are shrinking due to erosion and the City Council had encouraged inland park alternatives for volleyball.

4. Fallen Trees: Member St. Denis asked whether a tree that came down in the recent storms would be replaced. Director Thielen confirmed DPR's Urban Forestry Division has been working actively to plant trees throughout, including at Kapiʻolani Park, and will continue that effort.

5. Dog Park Provisions: Member Murchie asked about dog walking in the Diamond Head/Waikīkī area, noting it is illegal across much of the area. Nate Serota explained DPR is preparing to announce 38 parks where dogs will be allowed unleashed, and a phased approach is underway to get neighborhood board input. Chair Welch noted the board had previously passed a unanimous resolution supporting an off-leash dog area at the park entrance.

6. Parks Committee Referral: Secretary Matson moved and Chad Wasden seconded to refer the entire DPR proposal to the Parks Committee for review. Without objection, the motion was approved.

7. Signage for Bike Path: Member St. Denis noted the need for signage along the bike/walking path on the Pākī Avenue side of Kapiʻolani Park to separate cyclists and pedestrians. Director Thielen agreed to coordinate with DTS on signage.

8. Driving Range/Softball Complex: Member Bruce Wong suggested converting the Ala Wai Golf Course driving range into a first-class softball complex to serve the community and attract tournament visitors. Director Thielen noted DES manages that property and suggested asking DES for an update on their plans.

9. Kuilei Cliffs Water Pressure: Board members raised concerns about low water pressure at Kuilei Cliffs affecting fountains and showers. Director Thielen said systems were undersized, funding is appropriated for pump upgrades pending HECO (Hawaiian Electric) work, and irrigation should shift to non-peak hours. Secretary Matson recommended morning irrigation. DPR requested an email copy and expressed support for volunteers.

10. Adopt-a-Park/Coconut Palm Corridor Erosion: Vice Chair Velasco asked about a persistent puddle in the corridor area. Director Thielen said it is likely due to uneven terrain (not an irrigation leak) and the project will address this; work would be phased in quadrants to keep the corridor open to the public throughout construction.

11. Agenda Description: Member Linda Wong requested that future agenda items include more descriptive language so residents can decide whether to attend.

4. BOARD BUSINESS-PART 1 [0:57:45]

A. Recommendations and Board Action: NCO Promotional Brochure Permitted Interaction Group for Review [0:57:45]: Chair Welch introduced this item, noting the NCO (Neighborhood Commission Office) had recently distributed a promotional brochure. The NCO has stopped distributing and is currently reviewing the brochure.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:57:45]:

1. Context and Background: Treasurer Knight (also a Neighborhood Commissioner) provided context, noting board members had raised concerns at the commission meeting and the NCO had responded by stopping distribution. She questioned whether a PIG was necessary given the NCO was already reviewing it.

2. PIG Formation: Secretary Matson moved to form a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to review, refine, and define an appropriate brochure for Neighborhood Board No. 5, allowing this board to provide direct recommendations to the commission. Member Linda Wong agreed the brochure poorly represented the board. The motion was seconded and, without objection, the PIG was formed.

3. PIG Membership: Chair Welch appointed Members Linda Wong (Chair), Michelle Matson, and Angie Knight to the PIG. Margaret Murchie also requested that Nancy (a guest present at the meeting) be included. Chair Welch asked PIG members to complete their review by the next meeting.

4. Materials Request: A board member requested the brochure PDF be posted to the Google Drive approximately one week before the next meeting for board review.

B. Committees on Environment, Parks & Recreation and Planning & Zoning Report on the Tuesday, February 10, 2026 Joint Committee Meeting -- Co-Chairs Arleen Velasco and Michelle Matson [1:05:28]: Vice Chair Velasco reported on the February 10, 2026 joint committee meeting attended by Velasco, Matson, DCS Director Anton Krucky, and state representative Wayne, focusing on Kapiʻolani Park trust land for Ocean Safety headquarters. The Kapiʻolani Trust owns the two 0.35-acre Leahi Avenue parcels; the City proposed exchanging them for 2.21 acres at the park entrance. The committee discussed time-limited leases to keep parcels in the Trust and identified Kewalo Basin as a relocation site per the 2011 master plan. Secretary Matson recommended court-determined relocation dates and follow-up meetings. Director Krucky confirmed Managing Director Formby's agreement for constructive discussions; Welch and Krucky noted the approach preserves trust land.

C. Vote on Consolidation of the Environment Committee and Parks & Recreation Committee [1:15:16]: Chair Welch introduced this item, which had been on the prior month's agenda but was not acted upon. [1:15:28] Secretary Matson MOVED and Member Murchie SECONDED to consolidate the Environment Committee and the Parks & Recreation Committee.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:16:27]:

1. Recusal Scope: Member Miranda clarified that his recusal applied specifically to the land swap issue. Secretary Matson claimed that Miranda's City employment would require frequent recusals on many City-related parks matters, undermining the committee's effectiveness.

2. Scope of Combined Committee: Member Linda Wong asked that the merged committee's scope clearly include environmental issues beyond just parks.

[1:20:55] Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call vote on the consolidation of the Environment Committee and the Parks & Recreation Committee with Arleen Velasco as the Environment, Parks, & Recreation Committee Chair. The motion was ADOPTED 11-0-3 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Matson, St. Denis, Velasco, Wasden, Witherwax, B. Wong, K. Wong, L. Wong, and Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: Knight, Miranda, and Murchie).

5. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS [1:21:40]

A. Mayor Blangiardi -- DCS Director Anton Krucky [1:22:00]: Director Krucky provided several updates:

• Mayor's Newsletter: Available online; highlights include the Black History Month celebration at the UH Mānoa Andrews Amphitheater, where approximately 10,000 people gathered when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Hawaiʻi and spoke.

• HNL 311 App Update: Residents are urged to delete the old app and download the new updated version. By registering in the app, residents receive notifications from the department on what action was taken on their report. Residents can report downed trees, potholes, or homeless encampments via photo or text.

• Gold Coast Condominiums: DPP (Department of Planning and Permitting) Deputy Director Brian Gallagher has personally conducted two inspections and is in the process of contacting the property owners and the association about their plans. A violation notice may follow if plans are inadequate.

• Street Lighting on Kapahulu Avenue: Vice Chair Velasco had raised concerns about poor lighting near private parking lots on Kapahulu Avenue and towing practices at those lots. DFM referred the matter to DEC. Per DEC: street lighting is designed for the public right-of-way, not private lots; improving right-of-way lighting would not improve visibility of signs on private property. Private lot owners are responsible for illuminating their own signage. City towing (through Motor Vehicle Control Branch) only covers abandoned/derelict vehicles on public property. Parking at 614 Kapahulu Ave is managed by Secure Parking; 600 Kapahulu Ave by Elite Parking Services.

• Leahi Avenue Pedestrian Signage: DTS will conduct an investigation and report findings back to the board.

• Ala Wai Bridge Project: Currently in environmental review with the Federal Highway Administration. DTS anticipates release of the final environmental assessment and request for proposals in winter 2026.

• Monsarrat and Leahi Intersection: The current intersection configuration was modified to allow TheBus Route 200 to safely negotiate the right turn from Pākī Avenue northbound onto Monsarrat without encroaching into oncoming traffic, consolidating two northbound lanes into one.

• Lifeguard Parking Spaces on Kalākaua Ave: Spaces are reserved for lifeguards on duty, even if they appear unoccupied. Ocean Safety needs those spaces available for all lifeguards who may drive to their shift. DTS will continue to monitor usage patterns.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:29:50]:

1. Gold Coast Uneven Sidewalks: Member Kendric Wong reported on behalf of a neighbor numerous cracked and uneven sidewalks in the Gold Coast neighborhood (particularly on Kalākaua Avenue). Member Kendric Wong requested an inspection of the sidewalks. Director Krucky suggested the issue be submitted via the HNL 311 app.

2. Emergency Shelters During Storms: Treasurer Knight asked about the county's policy for opening emergency shelters during storms, noting concerns about trees and power lines in the district. Director Krucky explained the Emergency Operations Center activates at various levels and makes real-time decisions on when to open shelters; shelters are generally at schools and opening decisions are made late to minimize disruption. He noted during the recent storm, the Super Bowl complicated public communications, and ultimately all school closures were announced at 11:00 a.m. Homeless shelters are separate from general emergency shelters.

3. Hazardous Trees and Power Lines: Treasurer Knight asked how to report hazardous trees near power lines. Director Krucky said HNL 311 can be used for city trees and DFM will investigate; HECO should be contacted for their own lines.

4. Leahi Park Collapse: Vice Chair Velasco reported that the cordoned area at Leahi Park appears to be expanding and collapsing further, with the road running over it. Director Krucky advised submitting a report via HNL 311.

5. Ala Wai Bridge / EIS Concerns: Secretary Matson raised concerns that the City issued an RFP for the Ala Wai Bridge without a full Environmental Impact Statement, bypassing review of the historic Ala Wai Canal, promenade, and view planes. Chair Welch and Member Linda Wong supported requiring a full EIS. Director Krucky noted the assessment may lead to one and agreed to have the project manager present to the board.

6. Monster Home on 9th Avenue: Member Murchie reported a property at 9th Avenue newly listed for sale with 12 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and 4 parking spaces on a 5,000 square foot lot, appearing to be an oversized residential structure with previously signed-off permits. Director Krucky was offered the address for review but noted limited options once permits have been approved.

7. Feral Rooster Elimination: Member Hasina asked about rooster elimination updates. Director Krucky explained that on public land, residents can contact the City's Customer Service Division, which will arrange contractor trapping. On private property, the homeowner must arrange and pay for trapping. He noted that DPR has information available on the Google Drive about how to report rooster issues.

8. Ala Wai Flood Wall: Laura Ruby asked whether the City dismissed the Army Corps of Engineers' flood wall option. Director Krucky stated the mayor remains engaged on flood plain matters, discussions with the Army Corps continue, and he will provide an update. Secretary Matson noted the pedestrian/bicycle bridge design raises questions about its evacuation justification and highlighted the canal's historic and cultural significance.

B. City Council Chair Tommy Waters [1:46:41]: Council Chair Waters reported receiving a fraudulent DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) text message, which the Department of Customer Services (CSD) Director confirmed as a scam, and urged vigilance. His office requested HPD address Starbucks delivery drivers blocking Kapahulu roadway; HPD will coordinate with the company and store, and Waters contacted the store directly. For 201H projects, Waters confirmed he will refer them to neighborhood boards first before City Council review, noting state Bill 38 limits council to up-or-down votes without amendments. He introduced Bill 11, requesting the Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) evaluate developer incentives (permit fee waivers, property tax exemptions, open space/parking waivers, cash awards) for producing affordable housing, and will share findings with the board.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:50:40]:

1. Definition of Affordable Housing: Vice Chair Velasco questioned whether the state's 140% AMI definition of affordable housing is realistic. Council Chair Waters agreed, noting the state defines affordable as up to 140% AMI and the city at 120% AMI, but the greatest unmet need is for households between 60--100% AMI. He referenced a UH study on housing needs and noted the city provides cash grants for 60% AMI and below but there are almost no programs addressing the gap group between 60--100% AMI.

2. AMI Formula Concerns: Member Linda Wong noted the AMI calculation is based on a police officer and registered nurse salary, which is unrepresentative of average household income in Hawaiʻi. She suggested the City Council examine revising the formula. Waters agreed it is inaccurate but noted a firefighter and school teacher combined approximates 120% AMI.

3. Property Tax Waivers and 201H Projects: Member Linda Wong asked about property tax waivers for rental properties. Waters explained: Bill 7 projects receive a 10-year property tax waiver for the entire building; when a large market-rate building includes an affordable component, the entire property pays no property taxes. He introduced a bill to evaluate or limit this practice. He also discussed the "Residential A" property tax category which requires second-home owners (over $1M) to pay higher taxes, which landlords then pass on to tenants. He is exploring repealing the Residential A category or creating a provision where proving rental use entitles the owner to pay the regular residential rate.

4. HPD Traffic Fine Revenue: Treasurer Knight asked whether HPD ticket revenue goes to the state or county. Waters confirmed all traffic fine revenue goes to the state, not the city. He previously attempted legislation to give the city unadjudicated traffic fines (those not requiring court appearances) but the bill died in the Senate. He noted a potential conflict of interest concern if the city retained fine revenue.

5. Kuilei Cliffs Appropriation: Member Linda Wong asked about Waters' appropriation for Kuilei Cliffs. Waters confirmed he has supported funding for pump improvements and is pushing the departments to spend the appropriated funds; he will continue to advocate until the project is completed.

6. Zoning/Housing Discussion: Chair Welch provided historical context on the 1960s Land Use Ordinance, which reduced zoning density and affected smaller builders who constructed more affordable housing. Discussion addressed regulatory impacts on small versus large developers, high LIHTC unit costs ($700,000/unit), and limited allocations (25 applicants yearly, 5 awarded). Waters noted Kalihi's priority for future funding. Matson raised concerns about the Kobayashi project replacing low-income housing with market-rate units. Welch referred the topic to Planning & Zoning Committee and invited Chair Waters to host a town hall.

C. Councilmember Scott Nishimoto [2:16:07]: No representative was present.

6. FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS [2:16:07]

A. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz [2:16:07]: No representative was present.

B. U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono [2:16:07]: No representative was present.

C. U.S. Congressman Ed Case [2:16:07]: No representative was present.

D. Governor Josh Green -- Ryan Aguilar [2:16:35]: Ryan Aguilar shared Governor Green's February 2026 newsletter (https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsletter) recapping the State of the State address on housing, economy, and healthcare. He announced the Red Hill 2026 Survey by the Department of Land and Natural Resources seeking public input on awareness of the 2021 fuel spill; all Hawaiʻi residents can complete the 10-minute anonymous survey by February 28, 2026. Aguilar also provided follow-up on CDC immunization guidelines: House Bill 2313 would create the Hawaiʻi Preventive Services Advisory Committee for evidence-based recommendations, require health plans to cover immunizations without cost-sharing, and authorize pharmacists to administer them, with a companion Senate bill pending.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:19:39]:

1. Condo Management Associations: Member Murchie raised concerns about legislation on condo management associations and the need for stronger enforcement of professional standards by DCCA (Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), noting that many local management companies have closed and been replaced by out-of-state firms. Aguilar agreed to take the concern back to the Governor's communications team.

E. State Senator Stanley Chang [2:21:12]: No representative was present.

F. State Senator Les Ihara, Jr. [2:21:12]: No representative was present.

G. State Senator Carol Fukunaga [2:21:12]: No representative was present.

H. State House Representative Tina Nakada Grandinetti [2:21:24]: Representative Grandinetti presented her legislative package addressing housing ownership, sustainability, affordability, renter protections, and grocery/medicine costs. She co-chairs the Working Families Caucus with Representative Kapela; their package examines tax policies amid federal budget reductions and state revenue shortfalls. Immigration legislation is progressing through committees. She opposed SB 38, which eliminated council amendments to 201H projects. She reintroduced HB 1777 requiring 201H developers to offer relocation assistance and priority access to displaced tenants; the bill advanced through two hearings. HB 1715, maintaining HHFDC (Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation) units as affordable with 4% appreciation caps for owner-occupants, cleared the housing committee.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:25:39]:

1. Environmental Assessment Bills: Secretary Matson raised concerns about HB 1650 and SB 2997, which would eliminate environmental assessments for Waikiki Special District and historic properties, potentially bypassing review for the Ala Wai Bridge. She requested Representative Grandinetti's opposition. Representative Grandinetti noted the bills had not reached her committees but would monitor them.

2. Historic Preservation Concerns: Member Linda Wong echoed Matson's concerns, stating that removing environmental review requirements would destroy historic preservation laws.

I. State House Representative Jackson Sayama [2:28:25]: Representative Sayama reported that HB 2163 (Crosswalk/Pedestrian Safety Bill), recommended by the board, passed the House Transportation Committee with amendments; he encouraged written testimony from members and residents. HB 2561 (Feral Chicken Bill) advances in the House, classifying feral chickens as controllable pests in Honolulu County with escalating fines ($250, $500, $1,000) for repeated feeding on state property. He urged testimony on the FAA Hawaiʻi Airspace Modernization Project via their online form (https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/community_engagement/community-engagement-hawaii). Representative Sayama introduced his session staffer Ariel, who will manage his office during the legislative session.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:31:39]:

1. Pedestrian Crosswalk Bill Clarification: Member Linda Wong asked for clarification on HB 2163: the bill would require drivers to stop until a pedestrian has fully exited the crosswalk (not just reached the halfway point). Sayama confirmed. Wong expressed strong support.

2. Feral Chickens at Waikīkī Fire Station: Secretary Matson noted the Waikīkī Fire Department has a large flock of feral chickens and roosters on the premises. She also asked for guidance on submitting the board's FAA resolution as an attachment to the FAA comment form. Amy Fuller (online) clarified that the FAA comment Google Form includes an email address where attachments such as the board's resolution and photographs can be submitted.

3. Good Government Partnership: Secretary Matson asked whether Sayama would continue Senator Ihara's good government legacy.

J. State House Representative Ikaika Olds [2:36:41]: No representative was present.

K. State House Representative Andrew Garrett [2:36:41]: No representative was present.

7. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS OPEN FORUM [2:37:11]

TheBus Route 200 Restoration Advocacy [2:37:35]: Juanita Liu (Transportation Committee member, Kaimukī and Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Boards) reported that the Pālolo Neighborhood Board voted to support the TheBus Route 200 restoration resolution, joining Kaimukī and Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Boards after 1.5 years of advocacy. She analyzed Kūhiō/Kapahulu bus service, noting four lines (2, 14, 42, 200) provide 439 daily buses (one every 2.5 minutes), increasing to six lines and 750 buses without Route 200 (one every 1.5 minutes). Spot surveys show 60--90% of Route 200 riders board in Pālolo with sparse Kaimukī/Waikīkī ridership due to overlap with Routes 2 and 3. Liu recommended restoring Route 9 through Kaimukī instead. Chair Welch referred the matter to Traffic & Transportation Committee.

State Senate District 10 Candidacy [2:44:40]: Jackson Sayama, in his personal capacity (not as a representative), announced his candidacy for State Senate District 10. He thanked the board and community and expressed hope to continue serving after the election. Jackson Sayama began his public service in 2020 on the Neighborhood Board.

State House District 21 Candidacy [2:45:51]: Andrew Phomsouvanh announced his candidacy for State House District 21. He cited his state and city government experience, including work with Calvin Say at Honolulu City Council, and efforts with St. Louis Heights residents on homelessness, speeding, public safety, and oversized residential structures.

Beach Showers Survey [2:47:35]: Vice Chair Velasco announced that developers of new beach showers along the shoreline from Waikīkī to the Natatorium are seeking community input via a survey. The PowerPoint presentation is available at https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1go2pIT1bV9xnSb_6Zzn929JMsUsDlVUC/edit?rtpof=true&sd=true, and feedback is requested by Friday, February 20, 2026.

State House District 21 Candidacy [2:48:12]: Kenna Reed, a small business owner, community organizer, and mother, introduced herself as a candidate exploring a run for House District 21. She highlighted her work with the Lāhainā community after the 2023 fires and her advocacy to phase out short-term rentals in that community.

Ala Wai Watershed Special Improvement District [2:50:01]: Laura Ruby invited board members and community to participate in upcoming meetings for the Ala Wai Watershed Special Improvement District (under the Green Growth Hawaiʻi umbrella), which is forming. Ruby expressed concern that the current membership is primarily top-down with little community-based representation and requested active participation to ensure balanced representation, noting a significant overlap with the Diamond Head and Waikīkī Special Improvement Districts.

Community Free Market [2:51:32]: Treasurer Knight announced a free community market/swap event on Monday, February 16 (Presidents' Day), 7:00 p.m. behind Diamond Head Theater on Wai‘alae Avenue, featuring free clothing, books, electronics, and food from local vendors for sale. Look for the giant octopus as a marker.

8. BOARD BUSINESS-PART 2

A. Chair's Announcements and Updates: Postponed.

B. Committee Reports and Updates: Postponed.

C. Board Subdistrict Reports:

1. St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 -- Julia Allen: Postponed.

2. Kapahulu Subdistrict 2 -- Anthony Miranda: Postponed.

3. Diamond Head Subdistrict 3 -- Linda Wong: Postponed.

D. Approval of Board Meeting Minutes: Thursday, November 13, 2025; Thursday, December 11, 2025; Thursday, January 8, 2026: Postponed.

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:25:55]

A. Agenda Topic Requests: To request a meeting agenda item, please contact Chair Winston Welch at (winstonwelch@gmail.com) and copy Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov) at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.

B. Next Meeting: The next Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Club House Ballroom, and online via Webex.

C. ‘Ōlelo Board Meetings Broadcasts (https://olelo.org/tune-in): Neighborhood Board No. 5 meetings can be viewed on Channel 49 on the fourth Sunday of the month at 9:00 p.m. and on the first Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m. or on demand at https://olelo.org/olelonet (Community/Informational section).

D. Report City Issues: Use the HNL 311 mobile app or website (HNL311.com).

10. ADJOURNMENT [2:53:02]: Chair Winston Welch adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:53 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 FEBRUARY 12, 2026 Minutes

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