Last Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JUNE 2026 Minutes

Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item
Powered by MBC NewsMaker
Last Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JUNE 2026 Minutes
Tweet

NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 7/15/2026.

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, JUNE 17, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M.
KAIMUKI PUBLIC LIBRARY MEETING ROOM -- 1041 KOKO HEAD AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96816
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYs-K7Tanrs

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

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

2. ROLL CALL [0:00:24]: Neighborhood Assistant Camilia Epa Gomes conducted a roll call of board members. Quorum was established with 7 members present. This 11-member board requires 6 members to establish quorum and to take official board action.

Board Members Present: Audrey Abe (Secretary joined at 6:32 p.m.), John Arnest, Ann Castelfranco, Becky Gardner, Paul Hoe (Vice Chair), Sean Koegel, Carole Mandryk, and Brian Kang (Chair).

Board Members Absent: Kelsie Aguilera (Treasurer), Calvin Hara, and Christine Otto Zaa.

Guests: Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department); Department of Information Technology Director Brian McKee (Mayor Blangiardi); City Council Chair Tommy Waters; David Patterson and Robert Stellmacher (Governor Green); Jason Liang, Grace O'Neal, Aloha McGuffy, Juanita Liu, Leolani Iwaki, Angie Knight, Lori Yamada, and Amy Brown (Residents/Guests); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. About 30 participants joined the meeting.

3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) [0:01:19]: No report.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pKpxdLXVbj0da8IzTmqunRTtk_cTeI6k/view

4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) [0:01:44]: Lieutenant Nishimura reported the District 7 crime statistics for May 2026: eight motor vehicle thefts, two burglaries, 19 thefts, five unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs), and 5,573 total calls for service. The monthly safety message focused on the Safer Roads Together campaign. Driver safety reminders included buckling up, avoiding use of electronic devices while driving, slowing down near schools, and not driving under the influence. Pedestrian safety reminders included using crosswalks, wearing bright or reflective clothing at night, and making eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Secretary Abe joined the meeting at 6:32 p.m.; 8 members present.

5. BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) [0:03:13]: Lorna Heller reported two water main breaks on Pahoa Avenue on May 7 and May 16, 2026. BWS conducts thousands of tests each year on water sources and distribution systems to ensure compliance with federal and state safe drinking water standards. The first report will be mailed to customers by July 1, 2026 and the second will be distributed in December 2026. Reports and additional water quality information, including a large-print booklet, are available at https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/water-quality/water-quality-report or by calling 808-748-5041.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:04:52]:
1. Emergency Water Storage Bags: Member Koegel asked whether BWS offers water-fillable emergency bags for hurricane preparedness. Heller said BWS has distributed the bags at outreach events and would check on availability for follow-up at the next meeting.

6. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [0:06:33]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative [0:06:33]: Director McKee reported City updates and follow-up items from the prior meeting. City updates included release of the draft Oʻahu Food Systems Plan for public comment through June 30, 2026 (https://www.resilientoahu.org/foodsystemsplan), naming David Lazar as Honolulu Police Chief, appointment of a new zoo director with National Zoo experience, reports of reduced homelessness on Oʻahu, and leadership changes as Mike Formby departed and Krishna F. Jayaram Jr. and Ian Scheuring assumed managing director roles.
The City will be working with the Hawaiʻi Kyudo Foundation to identify underutilized areas where a kyudojo archery facility may be developed. For updates on the kyudojo project, residents are encouraged to visit the Hawaii Kyudo Foundation website at https://www.hawaiikyudofoundation.org. Director McKee shared there will be upcoming public input on the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) draft report, storm-recovery resources and damage reports (https://www.oneoahu.org/damagereports), continued sewer fee increases through 2031, and planned Waiʻalae Avenue/16th Avenue traffic signal improvements.
From June 3 through 11, 2026, HPD District 7 (East Honolulu) patrol officers conducted checks on Alohea Avenue for abandoned and illegally parked vehicles. During the checks, one citation was issued for a "Stop" sign violation. No other violations were observed. HPD noticed that the "No Parking Corner to Here" signs were faded and notified the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM). HPD encourages the public to immediately call 911 when violations are occurring so that officers can be dispatched to address the issue.
• Mayor's Newsletter: https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:18:10]:
1. Sewer Rate Follow-Up Appreciation: Member Arnest thanked Director McKee for obtaining the detailed Department of Environmental Services (ENV) response regarding sewer rate funding and projected rates.
2. Storm Response Follow-Up Appreciation: Member Gardner thanked Director McKee for following up on flood-damage assessment resources.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters (District 4) [0:19:00]: City Council Chair Waters was not present at this time.

Governor Josh Green's Representative [0:19:15]: David Patterson reported on recently signed legislation. Senate Bill (SB) 3125 expands tax cuts for lower-income residents and preserves reductions for about 90% of Hawaiʻi residents. SB 3157 expands red light and speed camera enforcement. SB 2397 changes Honolulu neighborhood board quorum requirements, effective January 2027, to a majority of filled seats. He noted Governor Green's full bill activity is available on the State Capitol website (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov). Patterson also reported that, with the Fourth of July during brush-fire season, DLE and HPD will conduct joint enforcement, deploy drones, run a public service campaign, and use donated buckets for safe fireworks disposal.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters (District 4) (CONTINUED) [0:25:05]: Chair Waters addressed three topics. First, he said the City has reconsidered Mauʻumae Nature Park for the proposed kyudojo and is exploring an alternative near the Koko Crater horse stables with the Hawaiʻi Kyudo Foundation. Second, Chair Waters shared his support for Bill 22 to acquire the Queen Theater. He noted renewed community efforts to restore the theater, potential sewer constraints, and urged public outreach. Third, he said the City budget may face a veto and highlighted stream maintenance funding and new, lower-cost sensors.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GgYj26LLNsNMh7Y-CbVjvQXzXM61r0-Y/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:30:05]:
1. Queen Theater Zoning and Funding Mechanisms: Member Gardner asked if zoning could preserve the Queen Theater site and whether Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) penalty revenue could support revitalization. Chair Waters said the Primary Urban Center Plan limits Waiʻalae Avenue to four stories. He added directing DPP penalties locally faces major barriers, noting similar park funding efforts have stalled.
2. Queen Theater Preserving Community Character: Member Mandryk echoed concerns about preserving the theater for broad community use and said it should not be sold for a single use such as a church. Chair Waters encouraged supporters to contact Mayor Blangiardi and said the City cannot restrict a private owner's use of the property beyond existing zoning requirements.
3. Queen Theater Nonprofit and Private Investment Model: Secretary Abe asked whether private investors or existing nonprofits, including Friends of the Queen Theater, could work alongside the City and whether a formal restoration budget assessment had been completed. Chair Waters confirmed that Friends of the Queen Theater is actively reengaging and that discussions have taken place with First Hawaiian Bank, Bank of Hawaiʻi, and other potential donors. He said the nonprofit model would depend on community fundraising for restoration after a City purchase, as occurred with the Palace Theater in Hilo.

Senate District 9: Senator Stanley Chang [0:39:24]: No report.

Senate District 10: Senator Les Ihara, Jr. [0:39:34]: No report.

House District 20: Representative Tina Grandinetti [0:39:38]: No report.

House District 21: Representative Jackson Sayama [0:39:47]: No report.

U.S. Congressman Ed Case [0:39:58]: No report.

7. DISCUSSION / RESOLUTIONS [0:40:07]

Community Climate Mandate for East Oʻahu (CCM-EO) -- Overview and Community Input from Board Members, Residents, Local Businesses and Government Agencies in Attendance [0:40:48]: Aloha McGuffy presented the Community Climate and Resiliency Mandate for East Oʻahu (CCM-EO), a grassroots stewardship framework for six East Oʻahu communities from Kaimuki to Waimānalo. She said it is grounded in the Aloha Spirit Law and developed through a September 2025 symposium with 32 speakers and about 100 participants. The KISCA Hui now includes about 150 members and 15 nonprofit partners. Implementation will unfold through 2050, beginning with 2026 board presentations and surveys, followed by analysis and updates in fall 2026, working groups and funding identification in 2027, and alignment proposals with City and County plans. She encouraged everyone to form sustainability committees, residents to complete the survey, and the public to join the KISCA Hui.
• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VMObxmN6UgVAIZL_wmwn_KhCnEVV16_w?usp=sharing_eip&ts=6a22216d
• Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdO_90EK1m97IK9ZY40jseC7cMHtq59LAR-3JwJ_3qXsgnU-w/viewform

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:56:52]:
1. Mauʻumae Nature Park and Volunteer Opportunities: Jake, a resident who lives near Mauʻumae Nature Park, asked whether CCM-EO had connected with anyone working on the park and whether native plant outplanting opportunities are available. McGuffy referred him to Aloha Tree Alliance. Jason Liang said Dr. Grace O'Neal's group is coordinating park stewardship work pending permit approval, and shared the group is awaiting City permits before beginning cleanup activities.

Discussion on Adjusting Traffic Light at 16th Avenue and Waiʻalae Avenue [1:00:40]: Chair Kang asked Director McKee to share the update from the City's DTS. Director McKee stated DTS included the traffic signal in an upcoming traffic signal project to design left-turn lanes on Waiʻalae Avenue and that DTS will continue monitoring in the interim. Amy Brown clarified her request does not seek a new left-turn signal, but rather an adjusted traffic signal timing to allow makai-bound traffic on 16th Avenue to proceed first while mauka-bound traffic is held at a red light. Director McKee said he would resubmit the request to DTS and Vice Chair Hoe clarified Brown's request addresses the 16th Avenue traffic lights.

Update from State Department of Transportation (HDOT) Representative on HDOT-Related Matters in Kaimuki [1:05:21]: Robert Stellmacher of the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation provided an update on the Koko Head off-ramp traffic modernization project. He said final plans have been submitted to the City for permit processing. Once the permit is issued, which is expected in about one month, HDOT will begin procuring crash barrels to replace the existing narrow plastic bollards at the off-ramp. He said procurement and construction are expected to take five to six months, with construction anticipated to begin around November or December 2026. Stellmacher said the current plan includes one dedicated left-turn lane and one shared lane for right and left turns.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:06:45]:
1. Off-Ramp Signal Changes: Secretary Abe asked whether the traffic signals at the off-ramp would change. Stellmacher replied that the lane assignments would not change, but he was unsure whether the signal timing or operations would be modified and would follow up.
2. Lane Configuration Concern: Member Koegel raised concerns that changing from two left-turn lanes to one dedicated left-turn lane and one shared left/right lane could create a bottleneck similar to conditions at the Waiʻalae Avenue exit during rush hour. He suggested retaining two left-turn lanes while adding crash barrels would better protect nearby residents. Stellmacher said he would relay the concern and clarify the final plan.
3. Traffic Flow Study: Secretary Abe asked whether HDOT could study lane-specific traffic flow at the off-ramp to better inform the design. Stellmacher acknowledged the comment and said he would follow up.
4. Signal Synchronization: Chair Waters stated the right-lane backup on the off-ramp is caused by drivers merging left in order to turn onto Pahoa Avenue. He suggested that synchronizing the Koko Head Avenue and Pahoa Avenue signals could help reduce the backup and said a brief on-site observation would make the issue clear to traffic engineers.
5. Koko Head Avenue Lane Configuration: Lori Yamada noted the Koko Head Avenue approach from the off-ramp has three lanes and asked whether the plan addresses lane designations on Koko Head Avenue heading toward Maunalani. Stellmacher said he would include that point when distributing the final plan to Chair Kang and the Neighborhood Board.

8. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS [1:12:55]

Kaimuki Christmas Parade Date [1:13:20]: Member Koegel noted the longstanding practice of holding the Kaimuki Christmas Parade on a Thursday and asked whether it could instead be moved to a Saturday to reduce traffic disruption and better accommodate families and businesses. Chair Kang responded that the parade is organized by the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) and suggested that the matter be referred to Member Hara upon his return because of his KBPA involvement.

Hurricane Preparedness [1:14:50]: Member Koegel shared concerns about the vulnerability of single-wall homes during major hurricanes. He stated that, with a "Super El Niño" forecast, homes built before 1995 without hurricane clips may not be safe to occupy during a direct strike. He said his household recently had hurricane clips professionally installed at a cost of about $3,000 and encouraged neighbors to consider retrofitting, noting that homeowners insurance may provide a discount.

Disaster Preparedness Town Hall and City Council Candidacy [1:18:33]: Jason Liang announced Representative Grandinetti's disaster preparedness town hall on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Liholiho Elementary School cafeteria. He also announced his candidacy for City Council and invited the public to a talk-story cookout at Kuliʻouʻou Beach Park on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Hurricane Preparedness (continued) [1:19:25]: Dave Smith, a retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers structural engineer, stated that well-built single-wall homes can be structurally sound, though hurricane clips are still recommended, particularly to help retain the roof. Secretary Abe said she has been through two hurricanes on Kauai and added that single-wall redwood homes on Kauaʻi survived.

Queen Theater Private Acquisition Interest [1:21:23]: Peter representing a party interested in privately purchasing the Queen Theater asked whether the City or Council could facilitate a transaction that would ensure community-oriented use of the building. Chair Waters responded that the Council appropriated $4 million in Bill 22 for City acquisition of the theater, but Mayor Blangiardi has indicated to Chair Waters that he does not intend to use the funds for that purpose. He added that without a City purchase, the property may be sold to any private buyer and the City would have no authority to restrict the new owner's use beyond existing zoning. Chair Waters encouraged community-minded private investors to proceed and reaffirmed his support.

9. BOARD BUSINESS [1:24:11]

Termination of Permitted Interaction Group to Convene Meeting(s) to Investigate, Gather, and Exchange Factual Information Regarding the Kyudojo at Mauʻumae Nature Park from Relevant Stakeholders [1:24:15]: Chair Kang explained that the work of the previously established Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) regarding the kyudojo at Mauʻumae Nature Park is now moot because the project has been suspended. He added that the next agenda item proposes a new and broader PIG regarding Mauʻumae Nature Park.
Member Castelfranco asked whether the PIG was required to issue a formal report before termination. Chair Kang stated that, based on Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) guidance, the PIG could be terminated without a report because the matter is now moot. Member Gardner said she would answer questions from members informally and noted that the PIG's work included significant listening, document review, and community relationship-building, though no formal decisions were reached.

[1:25:02] -- Vice Chair Hoe MOVED and Member Koegel SECONDED to terminate the Permitted Interaction Group regarding the kyudojo at Mauʻumae Nature Park. Member Castelfranco asked how the PIG could be terminated without giving a report. Chair Kang explained that the Neighborhood Board can terminate the PIG given that the issue is moot. Member Mandryk said that a report would be a waste of time and of marginal interest for people. Member Gardner appreciated the inquiry from Member Castelfranco and asked if she had a specific question. Member Castelfranco stated she had no specific question and wanted to know what the PIG investigated. Member Gardner said there was nothing to take action on, so she agreed with dissolving the PIG. Member Mandryk said the PIG did a lot of talking, listening, and gathering information with no decision-making.
The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Abe, Arnest, Castelfranco, Gardner, Hoe, Koegel, Mandryk, and Kang; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:28:45].

Establishment of Permitted Interaction Group to Investigate, Gather, and Exchange Information from Relevant Stakeholders Regarding Proposals for Mauʻumae Nature Park and Make Recommendations for Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Action [1:29:09]: Chair Kang proposed establishing a new PIG to investigate, gather, and exchange information from relevant stakeholders regarding proposals for Mauʻumae Nature Park and to make recommendations for future board action. Member Mandryk noted that a community Zoom meeting was held on June 9, 2026, with representatives from Aloha Tree Alliance, Trees for Honolulu's Future, EnVision Kaimuki, Smart Tree Pacific, and individual horticultural experts, and that the meeting produced constructive outcomes. Member Koegel clarified that the PIG's purpose is to gather information and hear all viewpoints rather than to take sides. Secretary Abe noted that the PIG would allow members to discuss the park outside the Sunshine Law's public meeting requirements and could eventually lead to a resolution.
[1:29:28] -- Vice Chair Hoe MOVED and Member Koegel SECONDED to establish the Permitted Interaction Group regarding Mauʻumae Nature Park. Member Mandryk commented there was a meeting with community members on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. She said this is a good opportunity to get organized people to do good things for the park. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-1-0 (Aye: Abe, Arnest, Gardner, Hoe, Koegel, Mandryk, Kang; Nay: Castelfranco; Abstain: None) -- [1:31:52]. The following PIG members were appointed: Audrey Abe, Becky Gardner, Carole Mandryk, and Sean Koegel.

Establishment of Permitted Interaction Group to Develop Proposed Amendments to Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Boundaries and Make Recommendations for Board Action [1:37:19]: Chair Kang proposed establishing a PIG to examine potential amendments to the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board boundaries and to make recommendations for board action. He explained that the Neighborhood Commission has requested all boards to review their boundaries, that the St. Louis Heights subdistrict within Neighborhood Board No. 5 has proposed being absorbed into Neighborhood Board No. 4, and that Neighborhood Board No. 5 has also initiated boundary discussions. Angie Knight, a Neighborhood Commission member and St. Louis Heights subdistrict representative, clarified that the Commission is currently only collecting expressions of interest. She said population size, exact boundaries, and the formal process will be taken up by the Neighborhood Commission's Neighborhood Plan Committee, which is open to public input.
[1:38:46] -- Vice Chair Hoe MOVED and Member Arnest SECONDED to establish the Permitted Interaction Group on Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Boundaries. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Abe, Arnest, Castelfranco, Gardner, Hoe, Koegel, Mandryk, and Kang; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:41:08]. The following PIG members were appointed: Audrey Abe, John Arnest, Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, and Carole Mandryk.

Transportation Committee Report [1:41:11]: No report.

Approval of Written Summary of Video Record: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 [1:41:29]: Chair Kang noted one requested correction to the May 20, 2026 written summary. The description of Juanita Liu's bus ridership data should be revised to reflect that more than 400 buses per day are concentrated at the Kaimuki-Kapahulu border, leaving no buses traversing central Kaimuki.
[1:42:45] -- Vice Chair Hoe MOVED and Koegel SECONDED to adopt the amended May 20, 2026 written summary. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0 (Aye: Arnest, Castelfranco, Gardner, Hoe, Koegel, Mandryk, and Kang; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:43:01].

Reports of Board Members Attending Other Neighborhood Board and Public Meetings [1:43:01]: No reports.

10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS [1:43:14]
A. Next Meeting: The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 is scheduled to hold its next regular meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 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 scheduled meeting. Note: The Wednesday, July 15, 2026 meeting agenda will be abbreviated to accommodate the House District 21 Candidate Forum immediately following the meeting.
B. House District 21 Candidate Forum: The House District 21 candidate forum co-sponsored by the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association and Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will take place immediately following the abbreviated Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, and the forum will begin at approximately 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Public Library and via Webex.
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 Neighborhood Issues: Use the Honolulu 311 App (HNL311.com) to report City issues.

11. ADJOURNMENT [1:44:07]: Chair Kang adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.

Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Reviewed by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Final approval by:

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki Hawaii News Item

Last Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JUNE 2026 Minutes

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item