Last Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting MAY 2026 Minutes

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

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

2. ROLL CALL [0:01:41]: Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call of board members. 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: Audrey Abe (Secretary), Kelsie Aguilera (Treasurer), John Arnest, Calvin Hara, Sean Koegel, Christine Otto Zaa, Ann Castelfranco (appointed), and Paul Hoe (Vice Chair).

Board Members Absent: Becky Gardner, Carole Mandryk, and Brian Kang (Chair).

Guests: Captain J. Welch (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant L. Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department); Department of Information Technology Director Brian McKee (Mayor Blangiardi); Tasha Luke (City Council Chair Waters); David Patterson (Governor Green); Ella Matsui (Senator Chang); Gerald de Heer, Rochelle Narciso, Tytus Ahn, Jason Liang, Grace O'Neal, Nathan, Chris Chang, Oren Schlieman, Eric McCutcheon, Aloha McGuffy, Juanita Liu, Leolani Iwaki, Angie Knight, Lori Yamada, and Amy Brown (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). About 60 participants joined the meeting. Names were excluded if they were illegible on the sign-in sheet, not signed in, or did not participate in the discussion.

3. FILLING OF VACANCY [0:02:12]: Vice Chair Hoe opened the floor for residents to fill the vacant at-large seat. Two residents came forward: Dr. Ann Castelfranco, a computational neuroscientist at the University of Hawaiʻi who has lived in Kaimuki for about 30 years, and Gerald de Heer, a Kaimuki resident with some experience in government. [0:03:40] -- Each candidate answered questions regarding their background and the neighborhood issues they hoped to address. [0:09:55] -- Member Koegel nominated Gerald de Heer. [0:10:03] -- Member Arnest nominated Ann Castelfranco.
[0:10:39] -- Following nominations, Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call vote. Ann Castelfranco was APPOINTED; 6-1 (Castelfranco: Abe, Aguilera, Arnest, Hara, Hoe, and Otto Zaa; de Heer: Koegel).

Ann Castelfranco took the oath of office; 8 members present.

4. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) [0:12:10]: Captain Welch of Kaimuki Fire Station provided statistics for April 2026: one nuisance fire, one cooking fire, three activated alarms, 64 medical calls, one motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, one motor vehicle crash, and one hazardous materials incident. The fire safety tip for the month addressed wildfire prevention and preparedness. Captain Welch noted that Hawaiʻi is entering a period of increased wildfire risk as vegetation dries with the onset of summer. He advised residents to clear dry brush around homes, never park on dry grass, avoid spark-generating activities in hot or windy conditions, and visit https://fire.honolulu.gov for more information.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xTq_GpfdBPE6xW5LNeHnJy0Qj4_2EybP/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:13:34]:
1. Mauʻumae Nature Park Fire Risk: Member Koegel asked about the fire risk at Mauʻumae Nature Park. Captain Welch said HFD does not have risk categories for wildland and noted nearby houses have limited access to fire hydrants. Captain Welch highlighted the importance of preventive fire hazard awareness.
2. Prior Brush Fire Incident: A resident shared she had called HFD about 15 years ago when young men camping in the preserve started a fire and 21 years ago when someone start a fire with a cigarette. She also raised concern about vehicles parking on dry grass at Mauʻumae Nature Park, given the lack of a designated parking area for park trail users.
3. Wildfire Status Report and Vegetation Management: A resident noted that an East O‘ahu wildfire risk report classified Mauʻumae as "code red." He asked whether HFD works with goat grazing as a vegetation management tool. Captain Welch confirmed HFD has no such program.

5. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) [0:18:58]: Lieutenant Nishimura provided crime statistics for April 2026: seven motor vehicle thefts, seven burglaries, 19 thefts, seven unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs), and 5,614 total calls for service in District 7. The safety tip for the month addressed hurricane preparedness. Hurricane season runs June through November. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours before expected arrival; residents should know their evacuation zone, have an emergency kit ready with supplies for several days to a week, and be prepared for utility outages.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MCCEoOsWoEZtHvZtRsCOIBgehVUC2NIu/view

6. COMMUNITY REPORTS [0:20:33]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:20:33]: Lorna Heller was unable to attend. Vice Chair Hoe shared her written report: BWS reminds O‘ahu residents that rebates of up to $200 per toilet are available for WaterSense-labeled toilets (1.28 gallons per flush or less) through the Water Sensible rebate program. More information is available at the BWS website and https://drive.google.com/file/d/12APLErxa7cHXINZ-nNEgpwUgNd6P7ANs/view.

[0:21:22] -- Without objection, Vice Chair Hoe took the agenda out of order.

8. PRESENTATIONS [0:21:29]

A. Recognition and Presentation of Certificates of Accomplishment to the Valedictorians of Sacred Hearts Academy and Kaimuki Christian School [0:21:29]: Vice Chair Hoe recognized and presented the certificates to Rochelle Narciso (Sacred Hearts Academy) and Tytus Ahn (Kaimuki Christian School).

Vice Chair Hoe returned to the regular meeting agenda.

7. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [0:22:36]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative [0:22:45]: Director McKee reported that the Hawaiʻi Kyūdo Foundation (HKF) and the City have agreed to pause plans to build a facility at Mauʻumae Nature Park and will look for another site on Oʻahu. HKF still plans to fund and support a facility operated by the City. He also shared that storm cleanup is ongoing after recent storms, Mayor Blangiardi's town hall meetings are postponed, and the Honolulu Zoo has regained national accreditation and may receive giant pandas. Emergency services include 64 City ambulances, with 23 in service by day and 21 at night, plus support from partner agencies.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:27:54]:
1. Kyūdojo Project Status: Secretary Abe asked if the archery range proposal for Mauʻumae Nature Park has been suspended and whether the draft EA would also be formally canceled. Director McKee stated all plans to site the kyūdojo in Kaimuki have been suspended and offered to confirm the EA status.
2. Sewer Fee Rates: Member Arnest asked why the City did not get general obligation bond funding for sewer infrastructure instead of rate increases, and whether sewer fee rates would decrease after 10 years. Director McKee offered to follow up at the June 2026 meeting.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters (District 4) [0:31:33]: Tasha Luke shared updates while Chair Waters attended a Hawaiʻi-Japan summit. Luke said Chair Waters thanks the Neighborhood Board and community for participating in the Mauʻumae Nature Park survey and supporting the restoration of Queen Theater. Luke encouraged public testimony for a resolution to allow the City to pursue purchase of the theater to be heard at a Honolulu City Council Zoning and Planning Committee meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The City is reviewing increased crashes at Pahoa Avenue and 22nd Avenue, with findings expected by the end of 2026. Chair Waters will host a community town hall on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the Aina Haina Elementary School cafeteria.

Governor Josh Green's Representative [0:33:43]: David Patterson reported that the legislative session has ended and indicated he would provide a summary of key bills signed by Governor Green at the June 2026 meeting. He noted that if residents have requests for the Governor, he will relay them.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:34:35]:
1. Kilauea Park Transfer: Jason Liang asked Governor Green to hold off on signing SB 2613, which would transfer ownership of Kilauea Park, stating the community had not had an opportunity to provide input.

Senate District 9: Senator Stanley Chang [0:35:34]: Ella Matsui reported the legislative session ended May 8, 2026. Bills awaiting the Governor's signature include SB 2175 (disposable vape ban), SB 2964 (additional homeowner insurance coverage), and SB 3157 (speed cameras). CIP funding includes $1 million for Diamond Head State Monument and $700,000 for area improvements. Constituents may sign up for Senator Chang's newsletter at https://www.senatorchang.com/newsletters.

Senate District 10: Senator Les Ihara, Jr. [0:37:58]: No report.

House District 20: Representative Tina Grandinetti [0:38:18]: No report.

House District 21: Representative Jackson Sayama [0:38:53]: No report.

U.S. Congressman Ed Case [0:39:02]: No report.

8. PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED) [0:39:11]

B. Presentation by Malama Mauʻumae Hui on Mauʻumae Nature Park and the Proposed Kyudojo (Archery
Training Facility) [0:39:25]: Grace O'Neal introduced a hui (community group) seeking stewardship of Mauʻumae Nature Park. She highlighted the park's history and traditional land use. The group will focus on fire risk reduction, stormwater management, and invasive species removal. They applied for a City Adopt-a-Park permit, partnered with Aloha Tree Alliance and Protect & Preserve Hawaiʻi, and scheduled a cleanup for Sunday, May 31, 2026. O'Neal encouraged residents to join the group at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkwo2sMLxpywfSvsLG4JAGx6b_1YzYTJLfAH-VRm1_SGWtcw/viewform. Nathan and Chris Chang shared their support to preserve Mauʻumae Nature Park.
• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bYYXBwq0I1aMFnsiW84v-IaJPu8JXXNr/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:02:05]:
1. Kaimuki and Mauʻumae Nature Park Improvements: Oren Schlieman shared comments about the Kaimuki community and Mauʻumae Nature Park. Secretary Abe asked how residents could donate specifically to the park restoration effort. Chris Chang confirmed Aloha Tree Alliance will set up a dedicated fund on their website (https://www.alohatreealliance.org) for Mauʻumae Nature Park donations, with allocations toward irrigation, soil sampling, and plant incubation.
2. Protect & Preserve Hawaiʻi Partnership: Member Koegel asked about the Protect & Preserve Hawaiʻi partnership. O'Neal clarified Protect & Preserve Hawaiʻi agreed to assist as needed, but will not lead the project, whereas Aloha Tree Alliance brings a more structured and detailed operational approach. Member Otto Zaa thanked the presenters and residents for creating a strong community in Kaimuki.
3. Division of Urban Forestry Approval: A resident asked how the City's Division of Urban Forestry fits into restoration plans, noting that all park plantings require City approval. Chris Chang acknowledged the City approval process is a required next step and that the group intends to work through the Adopt-a-Park agreement to establish permissions.
4. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Position: A resident asked the Neighborhood Board to formally request a statement from the City's DPR on their position regarding the community stewardship proposal. Vice Chair Hoe noted the group's plans are at an early stage and invited O'Neal's group to return at a future meeting to provide an update once initial plans are more developed. Member Hara said Kathy Cho (DPR) would be an appropriate point of contact.

C. Kaimuki Vision Zero: Road Rights and Safety for Everyone [1:09:39]: Eric McCutcheon revisited concerns about vehicle headlights, explaining that modern LED lights produce about 4,000 lumens compared to about 1,000 for older halogen bulbs and meet all federal and state safety rules. He noted that night driving makes up 22 percent of travel but 46 percent of traffic deaths. New adaptive headlight technology can reduce glare for oncoming drivers while maintaining visibility. As of May 19, 2026, there were 34 traffic deaths statewide, down from 53 last year, with none reported in the Kaimuki neighborhood area.
• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FJkzCUcktzRMWrjcOLo8tg1mtEAZkbm2/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:19:00]:
1. Vehicle Lights: Member Arnest raised concerns about vehicles with daytime running lights that activate front headlights but not rear taillights, creating a safety hazard at night. McCutcheon agreed and noted that adaptive driver assistance systems (ADAS) are designed to address this human error factor.
2. Window Tinting: Member Koegel raised concerns about heavily tinted windows limiting visibility and asked about enforcement of tinting laws. McCutcheon advised directing the issue to HPD.
3. Windshield Cleanliness: A resident noted that cleaning the interior of windshields significantly improves nighttime visibility, particularly for older drivers, and encouraged the practice as a low-cost safety measure.

9. PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS / DISCUSSION [1:22:12]

A. Community Climate Mandate for East Oʻahu (CCM-EO) -- Overview and Community Input from Board Members, Residents, Local Businesses and Government Agencies in Attendance [1:22:17]: Aloha McGuffy presented a draft Community Climate and Resiliency Mandate for East Oʻahu, spanning Kaimuki to Waimanalo along a shared watershed. The draft originated from a September 2025 symposium with approximately 100 participants from government, business, education, nonprofit sectors, and the community. It outlines actions across ten focus areas and seeks to align three existing plans to improve coordination and funding. A community survey will be distributed prior to the June 17, 2026 meeting.
• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/187AANSkw7SqmasUGym2SDApi0sm9ltGn

B. Discussion and Consideration of Resolution Urging DTS and the City and County of Honolulu to Restore Kaimuki's Main Bus Trunk Route by Rerouting Bus Route 200 through the Center of Kaimuki [1:36:32]: Juanita Liu presented a revised bus route resolution from three Neighborhood Boards (NB 5 Diamond Head, NB 4 Kaimuki, and NB 6 Palolo). After the prior plan was rejected by the City's DTS (Department of Transportation Services) due to cost concerns, the new proposal removes the loop through Kapahulu Community Park and reroutes TheBus Route 200 along Palolo Avenue and 18th Avenue through central Kaimuki. This restores access to key destinations such as the library, post office, middle school, health center, and Waiʻalae Avenue businesses. Liu cited data showing about 80% of riders are from Palolo, the Kapahulu loop serves very few passengers, and over 400 buses daily are concentrated in a small area.
• Adopted Resolution: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-16710

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:45:50]:
1. Neighborhood Board Resolution: Secretary Abe thanked Liu and mentioned the Kaimuki District Park is nearby Kaimuki Middle School. Vice Chair Hoe asked if the Palolo Neighborhood Board voted on TheBus Route 200 resolution. Liu confirmed NB 6 Palolo has not yet voted and NB 5 Diamond Head adopted the resolution. A resident asked when the Board will vote on the resolution. Secretary Abe shared that a Kaimuki librarian misses seeing the middle school students after school.
2. St. Louis Heights Community Association Support: Angie Knight stated the St. Louis Heights Community Association supports the resolution citing concerns about transit access to Kaimuki town.
3. Safety on 18th Avenue: Lori Yamada shared a resident's safety concerns about 18th Avenue, citing the lack of sidewalks near Kaimuki Middle School and asking whether TheBus could avoid the street. Liu acknowledged the concern, noting the school frontage has a sidewalk, the road includes wide shoulders, and few stops would be located there. Liu added that bus service operated in the area for nearly 80 years before being removed and supported restoring service along 18th Avenue.

[1:50:12] -- Secretary Abe MOVED and Member Otto Zaa SECONDED to adopt the Resolution Urging DTS to Restore Kaimuki's Main Bus Trunk Route. The resolution was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Abe, Aguilera, Arnest, Castelfranco, Hara, Koegel, Otto Zaa, and Hoe; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

C. Discussion and Consideration of Whether to Co-Sponsor a Candidate Forum with the Kaimuki Business
and Professional Association (KBPA) for House District 21 Candidates Following Abbreviated Board
Meeting on July 15, 2026 and Request for Board Volunteer to Coordinate with KBPA and Moderate Forum [1:50:44]: Vice Chair Hoe explained that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board plans to host a candidate forum on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in partnership with the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA), in lieu of a regular board meeting. [1:51:15] -- Member Arnest MOVED and Member Koegel SECONDED to host the candidate forum in July 2026. Following a voice vote, the motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Abe, Aguilera, Arnest, Castelfranco, Hara, Koegel, Otto Zaa, and Hoe; Nay: None; Abstain: None). Member Hara, a KBPA member, agreed to coordinate with KBPA on logistics.
[1:53:17] -- Member Otto Zaa MOVED and Secretary Abe SECONDED to designate Vice Chair Hoe as the candidate forum moderator. Following a voice vote, the motion was ADOPTED; 7-1-0 (Aye: Abe, Aguilera, Arnest, Castelfranco, Hara, Koegel, and Otto Zaa; Nay: Hoe; Abstain: None).

10. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS [1:53:48]

Honolulu City Council Candidacy [1:54:04]: Jason Liang announced his candidacy for City Council.

State House District 21 Candidacy and Neighborhood Board Boundary Proposal [1:54:28]: Angie Knight announced her candidacy for State House District 21, currently represented by Representative Sayama, covering St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Wilhelmina Rise, Maunalani Heights, and parts of Kaimuki. She shared a proposal to move the St. Louis Heights subdistrict from the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board to the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board, noting support from the St. Louis Heights Community Association. The Neighborhood Commission asked Neighborhood Boards to review boundaries and submit proposals.

Waiʻalae Avenue and 16th Avenue Intersection [1:56:30]: Amy Brown requested the Waiʻalae Avenue and 16th Avenue traffic signal timing be placed on a future agenda, citing frequent backups and accidents caused by insufficient green light time. Director McKee confirmed he would forward the concern to DTS.

11. BOARD BUSINESS [2:01:05]

A. Report of Transportation Committee [2:01:06]: Secretary Abe thanked the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board for supporting TheBus Route 200 resolution, noting it is the second amendment to the original resolution and represents about 1.5 years of work by the committee, including Juanita Liu and Leolani Iwaki.

B. Approval of Written Summary of Video Record: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 [2:01:33]: Vice Chair Hoe asked for any corrections. Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi noted that Secretary Abe submitted the amended written summary with corrections highlighted in red. [2:02:30] -- Member Arnest MOVED and Member Otto Zaa SECONDED to adopt the amended April 2026 written summary. Following a voice vote, the amended April 2026 written summary was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Abe, Aguilera, Arnest, Castelfranco, Hara, Koegel, Otto Zaa, and Hoe; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

C. Reports of Board Members Attending Other Neighborhood Board and Public Meetings [2:02:47]: No reports.

12. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:02:57]: Vice Chair Hoe reported receipt of a zone change comment request for the Central YMCA (due June 1, 2026), liquor license applications for 1108 12th Avenue and 1132 Koko Head Avenue (effective June 1, 2026), and a zoning variance application at Park View. Member Koegel questioned the accuracy of the April 2026 summary regarding a resident's testimony about an arrow incident in Japan; Secretary Abe and the resident clarified that the resident's friend's dog was injured by an arrow.

Next Meeting: The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 is scheduled to hold its next regular meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in person at the Kaimuki Public Library meeting room and online via Webex. To request a meeting agenda item, please contact the Chair at least two weeks before the meeting.

ʻOlelo Broadcast: Meetings can be viewed on Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month (honolulu.gov/nco/olelo-broadcast-schedule).

13. ADJOURNMENT [2:08:50]: Vice Chair Hoe adjourned the meeting at 8:40 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: