Last Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2026 Minutes

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Last Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2026 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 4/15/2026.

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, MARCH 18, 2026 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=9lmZkKQfzdQ&list=PLfqRwVpRroom3zp43KJkZZ4nynu8uuap1

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

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

2. ROLL CALL [0:00:21]: Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call of board members. Quorum was established with nine members present. This 11-member Board requires six members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Audrey Abe (Secretary), Kelsie Aguilera (Treasurer), John Arnest, Becky Gardner, Calvin Hara, Paul Hoe (Vice Chair), Carole Mandryk, Christine Otto Zaa, and Brian Kang (Chair).

Board Members Absent: Sean Koegel.

Guests: Fire Fighter I Sean Fergusson (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Michael Thompson (Honolulu Police Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Adam Doo (Council Chair Waters); David Patterson (Governor Green); Zephanii Smith-Eisenstat (Senator Chang); Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Representative Tina Grandinetti; Representative Jackson Sayama; Patrick Smith (Neighborhood Commission); Robert "Bob" Dewitz (Hawaiʻi Kyudo Foundation); Eric McCutcheon, Susan, Heidi, Dr. Grace O'Neal, Kauʻi, Hiroko Dewitz, and Lori Yamada (Residents/Guests). Note: Name was not included if not legible or stated for the record. About 65 participants joined the meeting.

3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) [0:00:59]: Fire Fighter Fergusson provided HFD statistics for February 2026: five activated alarms, 32 medical emergencies, one motor vehicle crash, and one hazardous materials incident. The fire safety tip for the month addressed smoke alarms. Ferguson stated that smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home; tested monthly; and replaced when they are ten years old or stop responding when tested.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P8cxObgmtDzP7mqXOuhSy4_I1DMquXNG/view

4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) [0:02:05]: Lieutenant Thompson provided crime statistics for February 2026. There were eight motor vehicle thefts, six burglaries, 27 thefts, four unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs), and 5,229 total calls for service in District 7. Lieutenant Thompson's safety tip for the month covered safe driving in wet weather. Key tips included exercising extreme caution after a dry spell, as oil and grease on the road mix with rainwater and become slippery; allowing extra travel time; braking earlier and with less force; staying toward the middle of the road; avoiding large puddles; using headlights; watching for pedestrians; and knowing how to respond to hydroplaning by releasing the gas pedal slowly and steering straight.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:04:56]:

1. ICE Enforcement Bill: Member Gardner stated for the record her support of HB 1768, which would prohibit state and county law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements with federal authorities to engage in immigration enforcement. She expressed hope that HPD would support the bill.

5. FILLING OF SUBDISTRICT 1 (EAST KAIMUKĪ & BUSINESS DISTRICT) VACANT SEAT [0:05:46]: Chair Kang invited residents to fill the seat, but there were no volunteers. The seat remains vacant.

Without objection, Chair Kang took the agenda out of order.

8. PRESENTATIONS [0:06:45]

Kaimukī Vision Zero: Road Rights and Safety for Everyone [0:06:45]: Eric McCutcheon presented telematics updates, highlighting insurance apps that monitor and reward safe driving with discounts. He noted data privacy concerns and his personal $419 savings. The Hawaiʻi Safe Roads Challenge (Jan--Dec 2026) offers a $100,000 prize pool. Statewide fatalities as of March 17, 2026: 18 (down from 32); none in Kaimukī Neighborhood Board area.

• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_EfTOn8rkEXlprMlj9ySpM6j7IH1wEMR/view

6. BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) [0:15:11]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:15:11]: Lorna Heller reported no main breaks for the month of February. Heller announced that World Water Day falls on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The annual United Nations observance raises awareness that approximately 2.2 billion people live without access to safe water. This year's theme is "Where Water Flows, Equality Grows," highlighting the disproportionate burden the global water crisis places on women and girls. Heller encouraged residents to visit https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/wwd for resources and stories throughout the month of March.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:16:41]:

1. Sewer Fee Increases: Member Arnest asked whether sewer fee increases would revert after the project they fund is paid for, and why a general obligation bond was not used instead of rate-payer funding. Heller clarified that sewer fees fall under the Department of Environmental Services (ENV), not the Board of Water Supply, and offered to forward the questions to ENV for a response.

2. Board of Water Supply Property on Claudine Street: Susan asked about the history and current status of the Board of Water Supply property on Claudine Street, including whether it had been an active well within the last 50 years and what is currently occurring there.

7. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [0:21:31]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative [0:21:31]: Director Brian McKee was unable to attend because of the Mayor's State of the City Address. Chair Kang highlighted that the City launched a new HNL 311 system, the floor area ratio issue at 3615 Sierra Drive was resolved, a sign permit near Kaimukī District Park was legally issued, and the proposed change to TheBus Route 200 will not be implemented now, though public comments will be kept for future review.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18Es9rEHZS7Af8IpZsMp-0CORhh_GBu9u/view

City Council Chair Tommy Waters (District 4) [0:23:37]: Adam Doo, from Council Chair Waters' office, provided updates. Chair Waters was also attending the Mayor's State of the City Address. Regarding 3615 Sierra Drive, Doo stated that Chair Waters' office received numerous calls and emails about the resumption of construction and was caught off guard as well. Chair Waters contacted DPP Director Apuna directly and requested she attend the next Kaimukī Neighborhood Board meeting in person, which Director Apuna committed to. Regarding Bus Route 200, Doo thanked Secretary Abe for forwarding the Board's resolution and the Palolo Neighborhood Board's resolution. Chair Waters agreed to speak directly with DTS Director Morton to explore solutions, and Doo committed to following up with the Board.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JeMKPK67icBvSMCAy01lXPLbucf_fQm1/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:26:45]:

1. Queen Theater Report: Chair Kang asked whether any written report or correspondence existed documenting the administration's determination that Queen Theater redevelopment was not feasible. Doo stated there was no formal report and that the determination was based on a conversation with the managing director's office. He noted that Chair Waters remains committed to the theater's restoration, is using the Hilo Palace Theater as a model, and has included funding in the FY 27 budget proposal.

Governor Josh Green's Representative [0:29:42]: David Patterson provided updates on behalf of the governor's office. He reminded residents that the U.S. Postal Service now postmarks mail on the date it is processed, not the date it is dropped off, and encouraged early tax filing. He announced that the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) will hold a gun buyback program on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Aloha Stadium from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with gift cards offered and no questions asked. Patterson noted that another rain event was forecast and Governor Green plans to hold a preparedness briefing. He noted that the ground remains saturated from recent storms and urged caution.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:32:04]:

1. Silver Alert System: Member Hara asked about Silver Alert implementation. Patterson said it's in development to assist missing individuals with disabilities or Alzheimer's, unlike the MAILE AMBER Alert. The Department of Law Enforcement holds the contract and is coordinating with county police on protocols, expecting rollout within one month.

Senate District 9: Senator Stanley Chang [0:34:25]: Zephanii Smith-Eisenstat represented Senator Chang's office. She noted the legislature is in a busy period with hearings underway in both chambers. Senator Chang chairs the Senate Housing Committee and serves on the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, Judiciary, and Water, Land, Culture, and Tourism committees. She shared Senator Chang's newsletter, available at https://www.senatorchang.com/newsletters, as a resource for tracking legislation, and noted the Public Access Room at the State Capitol as a resource for constituents to track bills and engage with the legislative process.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:36:54]:

1. SB 2423 Clarification Request: Secretary Abe asked Senator Chang to clarify SB 2423 (zoning) at a future meeting. Zephanii noted its March 10 recommittal to Judiciary and Commerce, offered to arrange a meeting with the senator or clerk Casey.

Senate District 10: Senator Les Ihara, Jr. [0:39:29]: Senator Ihara reported the legislature is on Day 29, in the crossover period where the Senate reviews House bills and vice versa in subject committees for two weeks each. He facilitates House-Senate coordination to avoid conflicts. He noted affordable housing challenges, where the legislature often treats symptoms rather than root causes, and aims to better align intent with outcomes.

House District 20: Representative Tina Grandinetti [0:43:13]: Representative Grandinetti reported legislative crossover, with six of her bills advancing to the Senate on renter protections for 40% of households, affordability and climate resilience programs, and lower food costs for working families. Two Working Families Caucus bills expanded child and dependent care tax credits. The House passed its budget, safeguarding social services and tax relief amid federal cuts.

House District 21: Representative Jackson Sayama [0:46:28]: Representative Sayama reported House budget passage exceeding $10 billion, with $1.8 billion for capital improvements and $1 million for Kaimukī Library repairs. On the Kyudojo at Mauʻumae Nature Park, his office held a February 22 town hall and plans a follow-up with the Department of Parks and Recreation for community testimony. SB 2423 and its companion are dead; HB 1919 failed in the House, but its Senate version may advance with amendments.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:49:50]:

1. Kyudojo Outreach at Waiʻalae Neighborhood Board: Member Mandryk asked if Representative Sayama would be attending the Waiʻalae Neighborhood Board meeting the following evening in connection with Kyudojo questions. Representative Sayama noted that Waiʻalae is not his district and that he typically limits his attendance to meetings in St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Wilhelmina Rise, and Maunalani Heights.

2. SB 2423 and Future Legislation: Secretary Abe noted the Transportation Committee's interest in understanding SB 2423, as Senator Chang authored it and may introduce a similar bill in the future. Representative Sayama acknowledged the question and encouraged ongoing monitoring.

3. Kyudojo Outreach and Community Input: Kauʻi questioned Representative Sayama's office for holding a late town hall on the Kyudojo after presentations began in January 2025, citing poor outreach to Mauʻumae neighbors and a non-neutral format. Sayama explained inquiries started late 2025, aimed to foster City-Kyudo-public dialogue, and pledged an additional meeting with the Department of Parks and Recreation.

4. Community Mailers: A resident argued that notifying 63 households does not represent the broader neighborhood, noting 21 houses on one side of 16th Avenue alone, and asked Representative Sayama's office to distribute materials. Sayama explained materials require Speaker and communications office approval, budget limits distribution, but he shared town hall details with interested neighbors who spread the word.

5. Kyudojo Town Hall: A resident thanked Representative Sayama for hosting the town hall and requested that the next community meeting specifically include Department of Parks and Recreation representatives. She also clarified that Michael's comment about the 63 mailers was not directed at the representative.

6. Kyudojo Concerns: A resident, new to the area within the past year, learned of the project just two days prior from a neighbor. They cited a 2003 Environmental Impact Statement opposing an archery range at Mauʻumae Nature Park and recommending an alternative site for the Kyudo organization. They also referenced the December 2025 draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) questioning irreversible impacts on natural, cultural, or historic resources.

8. PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED) [1:03:47]

Kaimukī Vision Zero: Road Rights and Safety for Everyone: This presentation occurred earlier in the meeting.

Neighborhood Commission Report [1:03:47]: Patrick Smith, Neighborhood Commission Chair, outlined the commission's volunteer policy-setting role and the Neighborhood Commission Office's implementation duties. Updates included: (1) requesting board feedback on boundary revisions by late April; (2) reviewing the Neighborhood Plan, especially Chapter 14; (3) a revised complaints procedure for public review; and (4) options to convert subdistrict seats to at-large. Efforts continue to boost board visibility via a new brochure.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:07:02]:

1. Commission and Board Relationship: Member Gardner asked about the relationship between the Neighborhood Commission and the Neighborhood Boards. Smith explained that the Commission sets policy and may intervene if a Board is not functioning in accordance with guidelines, though this is rare for well-functioning Boards.

2. Disaster Response and Neighborhood Boards: Member Gardner asked whether the Neighborhood Board system has been or could be utilized as a vehicle for disaster preparedness and response, given recent storms. Smith acknowledged that this has not been a formal function of the Boards but indicated the idea would be brought back to the Commission for discussion. He noted that the NCO (Neighborhood Commission Office) Executive Secretary Lloyd Yonenaka holds monthly meetings with Board chairs and vice chairs where such ideas are shared.

3. Coordination and Outreach: Chair Kang noted the Neighborhood Commission has been discussing how Neighborhood Boards can better communicate with each other and with residents, particularly around legislation and neighborhood concerns. Smith acknowledged that Board visibility remains an ongoing challenge and confirmed the NCO is working on improved outreach strategies.

4. Community Outreach: A resident asked how the Neighborhood Commission can help Boards proactively identify stakeholders for proposals and engage them before decisionmaking. Smith acknowledged the challenge, noting Neighborhood Boards serve as key forums for community-government dialogue, and the Neighborhood Commission is exploring expanded outreach within resource limits.

9. PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS / DISCUSSION [1:14:35]

A. Consideration of Resolution on Revising Neighborhood Board Boundaries and Subdistrict Seats [1:14:35]: Chair Kang summarized options available under the Neighborhood Plan: (1) request the Neighborhood Commission to temporarily convert the vacant Subdistrict 1 seat to an at-large seat for the remainder of the term; (2) convert all Board seats to at-large on a temporary basis; or (3) pursue permanent changes. Discussion followed.

Discussion followed [1:15:53]:

1. Member Gardner: Expressed support for converting Subdistrict 1 to an at-large seat on a case-by-case basis, on a temporary basis only, to preserve the opportunity to eventually fill the seat with a Subdistrict 1 resident.

2. Member Mandryk: Also expressed support for a temporary at-large conversion, noting it would allow more residents to be eligible while keeping open the possibility of finding a qualified Subdistrict 1 resident.

[1:17:38] Member Gardner MOVED to request the Neighborhood Commission to convert Subdistrict 1 into a temporary at-large seat for the remainder of the current term. The motion was SECONDED and ADOPTED.

B. Consideration of Resolution Opposing SB 2423 SD1 (Relating to Zoning) [1:18:56]: Chair Kang noted SB 2423 SD1 is dead this session. Member Otto Zaa urged elected officials to flag housing and zoning bills proactively.

C. Discussion and Update on Permits for 3615 Sierra Drive [1:20:41]: Chair Kang noted that the item was addressed in the mayor's written report (DPP reported the floor area ratio violation was resolved) and that DPP Director Apuna was unable to attend this meeting due to the State of the City Address. Chair Kang confirmed that the director has committed to attending the April meeting to provide a full explanation to the Board.

10. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS [1:21:01]

Kyudojo Concerns:

1. Heidi questioned the Kyudojo project at Mauʻumae Nature Park: lack of City Council approval, Board notification on Environmental Assessment, master plan review, adequate community input, zoning classification, funding transparency, and indoor/outdoor sport status.

2. Dr. Grace O'Neal cited a binding agreement requiring City Council acceptance, questioned if obtained, and countered fire hazard claims while planning fire-retardant plantings.

3. Kauʻi emphasized Mauʻumae's cultural, watershed importance, flooding risks, and need for adjacent residents' input and Hawaiian stewardship.

4. A resident raised daily use by families, traffic hazards on narrow 16th Avenue, and inadequate parking mitigation.

5. Hawaiʻi Kyudo Foundation Response: Robert Dewitz asked residents with questions to contact him directly by email, offering to provide factual responses or direct them to the appropriate City department. He stated that the P-2 zoning designation covers recreational facilities and that drainage is addressed as part of the permitting process. He noted that 90 residents have stepped forward expressing interest in the facility and encouraged those with concerns to seek accurate information before drawing conclusions.

6. A resident criticized inconsistent project information access and lack of structured public forum matching Kyudo Foundation presentations. They questioned whether facility access would truly be open to the public.

7. Hiroko Dewitz, a Kyudo practitioner herself, spoke to her passion for the project and vision for the community room, which she envisions hosting a wide range of activities including cooking classes, seminars, and other community gatherings. She noted that a Kyudo facility requires specific indoor infrastructure with precise dimensions and described the irrigation system the Hawaiʻi Kyudo Foundation plans to install to support native plantings in the park.

8. Lori Yamada, who has been involved with Mauʻumae Nature Park since 1992 when the state conveyed it to the City, noted the park's history and expressed frustration that many current voices of opposition were not engaged during years of prior planning efforts. She noted that the Kyudojo project represents approximately 2% of the full park area. She supported holding a structured meeting with parties who have decision-making authority, echoing Member Otto Zaa's suggestion, and stated that community input at Neighborhood Board meetings alone is unlikely to resolve the matter.

Chair Kang noted that the Kyudojo will be placed on the April 2026 meeting agenda. He confirmed that DPP Director Apuna is expected to attend, and that Council Chair Tommy Waters normally attends as well. Board members noted that the Board does not have authority to approve or reject the project, but can request information and express the community's views.

11. BOARD BUSINESS [1:51:30]

A. Election of Kaimukī Neighborhood Board Treasurer [1:51:30]: Chair Kang explained that the Neighborhood Plan requires the Board to have a treasurer. While the position is largely symbolic given the absence of a budget, the treasurer assumes the chair's duties if the chair, vice chair, and secretary are all unavailable. Member Aguilera was ELECTED as Treasurer; 9-0 (Aguilera: Abe, Aguilera, Arnest, Gardner, Hara, Hoe, Mandryk, Otto Zaa, and Kang; Abstain: None).

B. Transportation Committee Report [1:52:23]: Secretary Abe, for the Transportation Committee, thanked Adam Doo and Council Chair Tommy Waters' office for Bus Route 200 engagement. She noted resolutions from Kaimukī, Diamond Head, and Pālolo boards supporting a route through central Kaimukī. A KITV segment highlighted how ending Bus Route 9 cut access to the library, post office, health services, and raised safety issues on narrow streets now using Route 200 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkb8NbHJkPQ).

C. Approval of Written Summaries for Video Record: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 [1:56:06]: Chair Kang noted one correction to the February 18, 2026 written summary: the helmet requirement in the Vision Zero report should read "for bicyclists and e-scooter riders through age 18" rather than age 18 for bicyclists and age 16 for e-scooter riders. Without objection, the amended written summary was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Abe, Aguilera, Arnest, Gardner, Hara, Hoe, Mandryk, Otto Zaa, and Kang; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

D. Reports of Board Members Attending Other Neighborhood Board and Public Meetings [1:57:00]: No reports.

12. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS [1:57:20]

A. Next Meeting: The Kaimukī Neighborhood Board No. 4 is scheduled to hold its next regular meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in person at the Kaimukī Public Library meeting room and online via Webex. To request a meeting agenda item, please contact the Chair at least two weeks before the scheduled meeting.

B. Kaimuki Business & Professional Association Adopt a Park Cleanup Day: Kaimuki Community Park on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Please RSVP to Calvin Hara at cmhara@comcast.net.

C. ‘Olelo Broadcast: Meetings can be viewed on Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the second Sunday (https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/olelo-broadcast-schedule).

D. Reporting City Issues: Use the Honolulu 311 App (HNL311.com) or visit https://www.honolulu.gov/csd/concern.

13. ADJOURNMENT [1:57:44]: Chair Kang adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:30 p.m.

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

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

Final approval by:

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