31. Kailua NB Regular Meeting

KAILUA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 31     REGULAR MEETING AGENDA THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026, 7:00 P.M. IN-PERSON AT THE KAILUA DISTRICT PARK MULTIPURPOSE ROOM, 21 SOUTH KAINALU DRIVE, KAILUA AND ALSO VIA VIDEO TELECONFERENCE (WEBEX) NOTE: The Kailua District Park closes at 10 pm and the meeting must end not later than 9:55 pm. Remote Access Information: Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m74d2389d04b73a4c9d2ed58fdabbb2e8 Meeting number (access code): 2498 136 9662 Meeting password: NB31 (6231 from phones and video systems) Join by Video System: Dial 24981369662@cchnl.webex.com and enter meeting number. Join by Phone: (408) 418-9388 (long distance call) and enter meeting number. If anyone has any problems connecting to this WEBEX link, please contact our Neighborhood Assistant, Chelsea Smith, for assistance at: chelsea.smith@honolulu.gov Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak remotely should click the raise hand icon. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. Remarks should not exceed 3 minutes. The chat box can also be used to ask simple questions. Olelo delayed Broadcasts: OLELO Channel 49 on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 6 pm and the 4th Sunday of the month at 12 noon (Subject to change). Visit: https://honolulu.gov/nco and www.facebook.com/KailuaNeighborhoodBoard for more information from the Kailua Neighborhood Board. Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t7pXEx-Xn6l_ZVmmmoTvqF84EifuBbGn Neighborhood Board Meeting Recordings: Typically posted the day after the meeting and can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Chair Bill Hicks II. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Kailua Fall Festival. The 5th annual festival will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Hahani Street. It is a night of award-winning musical acts and entertainment, 120 vendors, food, drinks, and fun for the entire family! This is a free event to attend and enjoy. Parking & trolley ride is available at Kainalu Elementary School with a presale price of $8 per vehicle or $3 per rider with funds going to Kainalu's Junior Police Officer (JPO) Program. If you're 21 and want to have a beverage at any of the participating bars, you may purchase the event wristband good for cover charges and a stein. Details at https://kailuaevents.com/ B. Committee Meetings Resume at the District Meeting Room. Committee meetings on the second and third Thursdays of the month (Kailua Water Quality, Transportation, Parks, Homelessness, and Public Safety Public Health and Civil Defense Committees) return to the District Meeting Room at Kailua District Park. III. BOARD VACANCIES - For the term ending Wednesday, June 30, 2027: Board members may nominate candidates to fill the two vacancies. Proof of Sub-District residency is required. Candidates may speak for three minutes prior to Board voting. Residents interested in filling a vacant board seat must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or to Neighborhood Assistant Chelsea Smith (chelsea.smith@honolulu.gov) to verify residency in advance • Sub-District 2 (Enchanted Lake) - One (1) vacancy. • Sub-District 3 (Maunawili & Olomana) - One (1) vacancy. IV. HPD, HFD, and OCEAN SAFETY REPORTS - Three (3) minutes each A. Honolulu Police Department representative (usually Officer Jarret Atkins). B. Honolulu Fire Department representative. C. Honolulu Ocean Safety Department representative (usually Lieutenant Tristian Fabro).   V. BOARD BUSINESS: COMMITTEE MOTIONS A. MOTION URGING GREATER FOCUS ON PRE-DISASTER PLANNING AND MITIGATION, AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCY PLANNING IN HAWAIʻI (Please refer to the August 2026 Meeting Materials for 12 Whereas clauses explaining the rationale.) • Full Text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OS9HTqw3a8DSD1SyBdukWWWUZfv-1PeS/view?usp=sharing NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Kailua Neighborhood Board urges increased attention toward actual, visible, measurable, and community-informed pre-disaster preparedness, mitigation efforts, and resiliency planning throughout Hawaiʻi; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board encourages continued collaboration among emergency management agencies, elected officials, other government agencies, community organizations, subject matter experts, and concerned citizens to strengthen pre-disaster planning and mitigation efforts, preparedness coordination, and public awareness; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board supports exploration of these and other ideas through discussion, working groups, planning bodies, or collaborative forums dedicated specifically to pre-disaster preparedness and mitigation, resiliency planning, and concrete implementation strategies; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such discussions may include consideration of future preparedness initiatives, mitigation opportunities, and infrastructure considerations, such as: future government buildings built to shelter specifications, existing larger public buildings hardened to shelter specifications, in lieu of shelters dedicated places of assembly designated in advance, pre-staging of emergency supplies at these designated places of assembly, local community members trained to assist first responders when immediate needs arise, redundant communications capability, island-wide, continuity of operations between government agencies and community efforts, flood and storm mitigation measures, scheduled maintenance of exiting storm drainage infrastructure, design and implementation of new storm drainage measures, community pre-disaster preparedness coordination; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board encourages greater public visibility regarding existing preparedness initiatives, pre-disaster mitigation projects, available federal funding opportunities, and measurable implementation progress where appropriate; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board encourages policymakers and agencies to continue evaluating practical and cost-effective preparedness measures capable of reducing future disaster impacts before emergencies occur; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board encourages elected officials, policymakers, and agencies to consider the creation of a pre-disaster planning and mitigation workgroup or government agency to explore how we can take a more pro-active approach to our pre-disaster planning and mitigation efforts in order to make these efforts more successful; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to: the Governor of the State of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HiEMA), Honolulu Department of Emergency Management (DEM), the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, members of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, members of the Honolulu City Council, Hawaiʻi's Congressional Delegation, and all Oʻahu Neighborhood Boards. (Public Safety, Public Health, and Civil Defense Committee motion.) B. MOTION SUBMITTING COMMENTS ON THE SUNRISE SHACK LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION The Kailua Neighborhood Board submits the following comments on the Sunrise Shack's application for a Category 2 Liquor License. A Category 2 Liquor License can provide for operations between 6 am and midnight, live music, a dance floor, and liquor sales which seems incompatible with the Sunrise Shack that has very limited floor space, sells smoothies, and closes at 7 pm. The Kailua Neighborhood Board is concerned that the intended operations must be compatible with the existing small location surrounded by residences. A Class C liquor license might be more appropriate for the Sunrise Shack. (Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee motion.) C. MOTION SUBMITTING COMMENTS ON THE 320 PO'OPO'O PLACE TMK (1) 4-3-002:001 NEW DRIVEWAY DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (DEA) The Kailua Neighborhood Board submits the following comments on the DEA for the construction of a new concrete driveway, turnaround area, and landscaping, portions of which would be located on residential property and portions on conservation property, at 320 Po'opo'o Place. The comments are in bold print. (Please refer to the August 2026 Meeting Materials for the 19 specific comments.) • Full Text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LRK_K821juHwSwZ3e13n-yUdDiOIwa5k/view?usp=sharing (Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee motion.) VI. LOCAL AGENCY REPORTS - Three (3) minutes each A. Board of Water Supply representative (usually Dani Ornellas). B. Marine Corps Base Hawaii representative (usually Kristi Kaluhiwa) C. Adventist Health Castle President Chase Aalborg VII. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS - Three (3) minutes each VIII. MAYOR AND GOVERNOR REPORTS A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi's representative (usually Jim Ireland or Shayne Enright). B. Governor Josh Green's representative (usually Erin Conner-Jerome). (1) Department of Transportation Update by Ryan Nakata, DOT IX. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS - Three (3) minutes each (The order is randomly selected.) A. Councilmember Esther Kia'aina B. Representative Mike Lee C. Representative Scot Matayoshi D. Representative Lisa Marten E. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole F. Senator Chris Lee G. Tolua Samifua, on behalf of U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda X. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OTHER MEETINGS XI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Thursday, July 2, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes XII. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Executive Committee - Chair, Bill Hicks B. Public Safety, Public Health, and Civil Defense (PSPHCD) - Chair, Jeremy Treskon C. Kailua Water Quality PHPSCD Subcommittee - Chair, Levani Lipton D. Homelessness in Kailua PSPHCD Subcommittee -- Chair: Levani Lipton E. Disaster Preparedness PSPHCD Subcommittee - Chair: David Laeha F. Transportation and Public Works - Chair: Jade Lau G. Parks and Recreation - Chair, Evan Weber H. Planning, Zoning & Environment (PZ&E) - Chair, Donna Wong I. Community and Government Engagement - Chair, Gary Weller XIII. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MOTIONS: Changes to committee membership. (The Parks & Recreation Committee only has two members now.) XIV. CHAIR'S REPORT: Committee agendas for September 2026 are due to the Chair by Sunday, August 23, 2026. XV. ADJOURNMENT A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board's agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or e-mailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda documents and minutes are also available online at https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards. All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, or complete the form on https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/board-testimony. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer than three (3) business days remaining before the meeting, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but it may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.   DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. KAILUA DISTRICT PARK MULTIPURPOSE ROOM, 21 SOUTH KAINALU DRIVE, KAILUA, HI 96734 AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://youtu.be/ETU7qSUGtuo?si=zRokeE7sdYT7NUfa Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t7pXEx-Xn6l_ZVmmmoTvqF84EifuBbGn I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL - [0:00:18]: Chair Pro Tem Bill Hicks called the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 regular meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Quorum was established with 14 members present. Note: This 19-member Board requires 10 members to establish quorum and to take official board action. Members Present: Emily Andrade, Bruce Andrews, Jennifer Barra, Bill Hicks, David Laeha, Jade Lau, Levani Lipton, Kate Righter, Kalama Souza, Steve Trecker, Jeremy Treskon, Gary Weller, Jon White, Donna Wong, Evan Weber (7:20 p.m.), Ana Malia Kia (7:45 p.m.), and Kelli Ann Kobayashi (8:17 p.m.). Members Absent: Max Markrich and Malie Thoemmes.Guests: Lieutenant Sanford Yu and Sergeant Hirashima (Honolulu Police Department (HPD)); Firefighter Ken By (Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)); Tanner Williams (Honolulu Ocean Safety Department); Kristi Kaluhiwa, Colonel Stephen DeTrinis (Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi, (MCBH)); Erin Conner-Jerome (Governor Green's Representative); Representative Lisa Marten; Representative Mike Lee, Danielle Ornellas (Board of Water Supply); Kate Stevens, Laura Roth, Steph Armstrong, Sara Wong, Mandi Esrason, and Chanda Brewster (Kaʻelepulu Elementary and Kaʻelepulu Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)); Jeff Overton and Ethan McKown (G70); Zoe Wilks (Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO)); Jarrett Lau (Department of Agriculture); Randall Hew, Bobby Silva, Blane Andrade, Joanie Jones, and Peter Hennessy (Residents and Community Members); Chelsea Smith (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 56 total participants. Membership Announcement - [0:02:31]: Chair Pro Tem Hicks announced that Board Member Malie Thoemmes had submitted her resignation from the Board that morning due to serious health issues. Hicks thanked Member Thoemmes for her enthusiastic service and wished her a speedy recovery. The resulting vacancy is to be addressed at the August 2026 meeting. II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS TO SERVE FROM JULY 1, 2026 TO JUNE 30, 2027 - [0:03:53]: Chair Pro Tem Hicks opened nominations for the offices of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and any other officer(s) determined to be needed to conduct the Board's business. A. Chair - [0:04:30]: Member Weller nominated Bill Hicks, seconded by Member Lau. Chair Pro Tem Hicks passed the gavel to Vice Chair Pro Tem Lipton - [0:04:48] Seeing no other nominations, Vice Chair Pro Tem Lipton conducted a roll call vote and Hicks was elected Chair; 14-0-0 (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Righter, Souza, Trecker, Treskon, Weller, White, and Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) - [0:08:56] Vice Chair Pro Tem Lipton passed the gavel back to Chair Hicks. - [0:09:10] B. Vice Chair - [0:09:40]: Member Weller nominated Levani Lipton, seconded by Member Lau. Seeing no other nominations, Chair Hicks conducted a roll call vote and Lipton was elected Vice Chair; 14-0-0 (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Righter, Souza, Trecker, Treskon, Weller, White, and Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) - [0:11:45] C. Secretary - [0:12:35]: Member Weller nominated Jade Lau, seconded by Vice Chair Lipton. Seeing no other nominations, Chair Hicks conducted a roll call vote and Lau was elected Secretary; 14-0-0 (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Righter, Souza, Trecker, Treskon, Weller, White, and Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) - [0:13:56] D. Treasurer - [0:14:32]: Member Lau nominated Gary Weller, seconded by Donna Wong. Seeing no other nominations, Chair Hicks called for the vote and Weller was elected Treasurer; 14-0-0 (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Righter, Souza, Trecker, Treskon, Weller, White, and Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) - [0:16:05] III. ANNOUNCEMENTS - [0:16:42] A. 4th of July Celebration: The 77th Annual Kailua 4th of July Parade and Fireworks, hosted by the Kailua Chamber of Commerce, marking the nation's 250th anniversary. The parade begins on North Kainalu Drive near Uilama Street and ends at Kailua Intermediate School; HPD closes Kainalu Drive at 9:00 a.m., with the parade starting at 10:00 a.m. Fireworks at Kailua Beach Park begin approximately 8:00 p.m. (kailuafireworks.com). Alexander & Baldwin will sponsor shuttles between the Kailua Town Parking Garage at Lauhala Shops/Long's and Kailua Beach Center from 4:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m. at 30-minute intervals. B. Hawaiʻi Symphony in the Park: Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 5:30 p.m. at Kailua District Park, sponsored by Alexander & Baldwin. Attendees encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic dinners. C. Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH) Stormwater Management Plan: Available for review online; public comments may be submitted to cleanwaterbranch@doh.hawaii.gov until Friday, July 24, 2026. D. Committee Meetings Resume at the Boettcher Estate at Kalama Beach Park: Community and Government Engagement, Executive, and Planning, Zoning & Environment Committees return to the Boettcher Estate in July 2026. E. Honolulu Century Ride: Sunday, September 27, 2026; portions of the 100-mile ride will use Kailua streets between Kāneʻohe Bay Drive and Keolu Drive/Kalanianaʻole Highway. F. Mid Pacific Road Runners Club Lanikai Bike Path 8K: Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 6:30 a.m., starting at the Lanikai Memorial Monument; no road closures. G. Windward Community College (WCC) Career Fair: Monday, July 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Windward Community College. H. 4th of July Parade Mahalos: Chair Hicks thanked Tru Door Hawaii which has loaned a flatbed truck so the Kailua NB can participate in Saturday's parade and also thanked Hardware Hawaii which donated lumber to make the flatbed usable for people. Member Weber arrived at 7:20 p.m. - 15 members present. IV. HPD, HFD, AND OCEAN SAFETY REPORTS - [0:21:06] A. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - [0:21:13]: Lieutenant Sanford Yu presented June 2026 statistics for District 4: motor vehicle thefts increased from zero to five; burglaries decreased from four to one; thefts decreased from 22 to 20; and unauthorized entries into motor vehicles increased from one to three. Questions, comments and concerns followed - [0:22:06] 1. Addressing a Known Drug House: Member Lau asked the most effective way to address a known drug house on his street. Lieutenant Yu recommended calling the Narcotics Vice division to report activity so they can open an investigation. Member Lau reported when Narcotics Vice was initially contacted, they referred them back to HPD. Lieutenant Yu encouraged them to reach back out to the Narcotics Vice Unit and explained patrol has limited authority to conduct undercover operations, and recommended continuing to call 911 to build a documented pattern. 2. Police Vacancies: Member White asked how many police officer vacancies currently exist in the district. Lieutenant Yu did not have the figure on hand and agreed to report back with that information. Chair Hicks noted island-wide vacancies were reported at roughly 2,000 several months ago. Lieutenant Yu stated he believed total vacancies amounted to more than 2,000 but agreed to have someone email the exact statistics. 3. Reporting Drug Houses: Senator Chris Lee added that community members can contact the Department of the Attorney General's Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit at 808-586-1328, which can pursue civil action against a property owner based on a documented pattern of activity. B. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - [0:26:35]: HFD reported June 2026 statistics: one brush fire; one nuisance fire; eleven activated alarms (no fire); 96 medical incidents; two motor vehicle accidents; two mountain rescues; one ocean rescue; and two hazardous materials incidents. Additional information is available by using the fire response tool at fire.honolulu.gov under the News and Info tab. The fire safety tip of the month focused on hiking safety: choose a trail within your skill and stamina level, community is encouraged to use hawaiitrails.org for more information about official trails. Remember to check the weather, wind, and swell forecasts for coastal trails; stay on the trail; do not endanger yourself for a photo, bring a buddy and tell someone your plans; watch the time to return before dark; and charge your cell phone before starting a hike. Questions may be directed to hfdnhb@honolulu.gov. • Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v9Cim5O8QhHkowfqPZAXtkJyz4EQ8CUh/view?usp=drive_link Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:28:28] 1. Charges for mountain rescues: Member White asked whether hikers rescued at the Lanikai pillboxes are charged for the rescue. HFD confirmed both mountain rescues this period occurred at the pillboxes and that HFD does not charge for its services. C. Honolulu Ocean Safety Department - [0:29:40]: Tanner Williams reported the June 2026 statistics for District 2 beaches: approximately 185,833 beach attendances; 16,121 preventative actions; 1,487 public assists; 22,294 public contacts; and 52 rescues, primarily swimmers in distress. Notable incidents included multi-person rescues at Sandy Beach and China Walls, a bicycle-versus-vehicle collision near a boat ramp, a multi-day search operation for a missing adult and child, a disabled-vessel tow from Kaiona Beach Park, and the rescue of 12 occupants from two overturned six-man canoes outside Hanauma Bay. Ocean Safety thanked HFD for mutual aid on an after-hours rescue at China Walls. V. PRESENTATIONS - [0:32:18] A. Kaʻelepulu Elementary School & Kaʻelepulu PTSA Street Mural Proposal - [0:32:34]: Kate Stevens (Kaʻelepulu PTSA) introduced student presenters Kima and Navea, and artist Lauren Roth to present a proposed street mural at the corners of Keolu Drive and ʻAkiohala/Akea Place, intended to make the crosswalk area safer and more visible. Students described their research process which included a field trip to Kaʻelepulu Pond and interviews with community members. Three expert task forces were formed to draft sections of the street that incorporated three different moʻolelo about the Mākālei Tree, the Honu and the Moʻo, all of which had safety lessons. Instead of competing, specific design teams were created to design the intersection together. The Mauka Team focused on plants and mountains, the Animal Team focused on Honu and Moʻo and the Makai Team focused on water and fish. These concepts were combined and refined by Roth into a mauka-to-makai design telling the story of Kailua and Kaʻelepulu. Students will not participate in the physical painting; adult volunteers will paint the mural. • Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OUVKbe_n0h4FZa2qYu32pTmC34U_WMef/view?usp=drive_link Member Kia joined the meeting at 7:45 p.m. - 16 members present. Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:41:11] 1. Project Timeline: Member Lau asked about the project timeline and any traffic impact. Presenters stated the proposal goes to the Mayor's Office on Tuesday August 4, 2026, with a goal of installing the mural by the end of September 2026; no road closures are needed since the work is off the roadway. 2. Public-Facing Descriptions: Member Lipton asked whether there would be signage describing what each part of the mural represents for the public. Presenters said this was a good idea and they would consider it. 3. Funding and Long-Term Plan: Member Andrade asked who is funding the project and whether a future roadway plan for the street could affect or remove the mural. Presenters explained funding includes a foundation grant covering artist consultation, rendering, and installation; Kaʻelepulu Elementary School's donated teaching resources and painting supplies; and sponsorship support from Lisa Marten/Healthy Climate Communities. The project has been coordinated with the City's Complete Streets team so the mural can be incorporated into the roadway's next resurfacing (10-15 years out), allowing it to remain. 4. Resolution Request: Member Weller asked if Kaʻelepulu is asking for a resolution from the board. Stevens mentioned that the presentation to the board was informational as part of the formal approval process from the Mayor's office. 5. Street Mural Dedication: Member Lipton suggested that presenters consider hosting a dedication event upon completion (which board members would like to attend), adding signage or a plaque describing the mural's story, and documenting the design/installation process, potentially as a future student project. 6. GoFundMe Efforts: Member Laeha asked whether or not a Go Fund Me page was created to document this process. Member Laeha added he believed the Kailua community would be more than happy to support their efforts. Presenters agreed that a Go Fund Me was a good idea and shared that they will be hosting a lemonade stand at Kaʻelepulu on the weekends the mural is being installed. Chair Hicks entertained a motion that the Board applaud this initiative and support efforts to bring it to reality. Member Lau MOVED that the Kailua Neighborhood Board applauds the initiative of Kaʻelepulu Elementary School, its PTSA, and its students and supports their efforts to bring their proposed street mural at the corners of Keolu Drive and ʻAkiohala/Akea Place to a reality, SECONDED by Vice Chair Lipton. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 16-0-0. (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Righter, Souza, Trecker, Treskon, Weber, Weller, White, and Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) - [0:50:27] B. 20 Puʻukani Place Special Management Area (SMA) Major Application - [0:51:05]: Ethan McKown and Jeff Overton (G70) presented an informational overview of a SMA major permit application for a property at 20 Puʻukani Place, on the Kailua Beach Park side of Kalāheo Avenue. The application was previously presented to the Planning, Zoning & Environment (PZE) Committee on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Presenters noted coastal modeling shows accretion (not erosion) of roughly three-quarters of a foot to one foot along this stretch of beach. The project involves demolishing an existing five-bedroom, four-bathroom residence and constructing a new four-bedroom, six-bathroom residence with two shallow water features and a three-foot-deep pool, fully behind the shoreline setback. The proposed structure complies with Land Use Ordinance (LUO) standards: a 24,000-square-foot lot, 23% lot coverage (50% maximum allowed), 25-foot maximum height, and one dwelling unit. The project requires historic/cultural review under Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 6E; an archaeological testing plan has been submitted to State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) which requested excavation of the full pool area, to be followed by an archaeological inventory survey and a cultural impact analysis; the applicant welcomes consultation with cultural descendants or practitioners. A beach access path along the side of the property will remain open and unobstructed throughout construction, and existing dune vegetation (roughly 15 feet tall, 20-30 feet wide) that screens the property from beach view will not be removed or altered. • Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18xU6WS4TZNVL7SdiLS8MYcv1fE8_Zj0v/view?usp=drive_link Member White left the meeting at approximately 8:00 p.m. - 15 members present. Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [1:02:38] 1. Community Impact of Large Homes: Community member Jesse Fitzgerald expressed concern that large luxury homes drive up neighborhood property values and taxes, making it harder for local families to remain in Kailua, and raised concerns about beach erosion near the property. 2. Historic Preservation Status: Community member Zoe Wilks asked whether the existing 1940s-era home had been historically registered and how the evaluation process works for private property. McKown confirmed the home is not registered and described the private-property historic review process. 3. Neighborhood Character: Member Wong noted the proposed home is large and out of character with existing homes in the area. McKown and the Chair acknowledged that current planning rules allow the structure, and that the Board's role is limited to voicing community concerns, which is why Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) requires SMA-major applicants to present to the Board. 4. Utility Capacity: Member Weller raised concerns about limited electrical substation capacity (reportedly at or near zero near Mōkapu) and sewer capacity amid area growth. McKown noted that DPP's SMA review process requires formal consultation with utilities to confirm sufficient capacity before approval. 5. Cost and Difficulty of SMA Permitting: Member Treskon asked about the added time, cost, and procedural burden of building within the SMA compared to outside it, and voiced broader frustration with development constraints in Hawaiʻi. McKown did not have specific cost figures on hand but noted SMA filing fees are published by the City. 6. Residency Use and Water-Feature Maintenance: Member Lau asked whether the home is intended as a full-time or part-time/vacation residence, given the maintenance needs of the proposed water feature. McKown explained the owner (a Japanese national) plans to visit three to five times per year, with year-round housekeeping/caretaking staff maintaining the property. 7. Safe Room: Member Laeha asked whether the design includes a safe room. McKown said one is not currently included but would take the request back to the design team. Member Kobayashi joined the meeting at 8:17 p.m. - 16 members present. VI. BOARD BUSINESS: COMMITTEE MOTION - [1:15:44]: The Kailua Neighborhood Board recommends that the 17 conditions published in the agenda be added to the 20 Puʻukani Place application before it is approved by the Council Zoning and Planning Committee. Member Wong (PZE Committee) further introduced the motion, explaining the conditions are intended to help protect natural and cultural resources (not to prevent development) and have previously been adopted by the Board for similar applications. [1:17:05] Chair Hicks called for the vote. The motion was ADOPTED; 13-0-3. (Aye: Andrade, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Kobayashi, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Righter, Souza, Trecker, Weller, and Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: Andrews, Treskon, and Weber.) - [1:19:05] VII. LOCAL AGENCY REPORTS A. Board of Water Supply (BWS) - [1:19:23]: Danielle Ornellas reported no water main breaks in the Kailua area in May 2026. The Auloa Road 16-inch water main construction and final walkthrough are complete, with some final paving and striping remaining. BWS's biannual water quality report was mailed around Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (also available at boardofwatersupply.com). BWS is evaluating its claims policy following a resident's insurance claim for property damage from a water main break, and plans to present on this at the Board's Thursday, September 3, 2026 meeting. Questions, comments, conerns followed - [1:22:07] 1. Utility Capacity Map: Member Weller asked BWS to provide, by the next meeting, a map or chart showing where water (and, in coordination with Department of Environmental Services (ENV) sewer) capacity is constrained in Kailua due to pipe/infrastructure conditions. Ornellas agreed to look into the request. B. Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) - [1:23:27]: Kristi Kaluhiwa introduced the new Commanding Officer, Colonel Stephen DeTrinis. DeTrinis greeted the Board, noted his family's three years of prior experience in Hawaiʻi, and outlined MCBH's two priorities: readiness/deployment support for units on base, and community engagement on and off base. Kristi Kaluhiwa had additional updates: Colonel DeTrinis and Sergeant Major Don Marino will participate in the Kailua 4th of July Parade; Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026-related fireworks at MCBH are scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026 at approximately 9:18 p.m., with quiet hours after 9:30 p.m. MCBH will also be hosting the Kaupiko Canoe Regatta on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Questions, comments, conerns followed - [1:25:51] 1. Base Visits: Member Weller expressed his gratitude for allowing the Coastal Defense Group to visit the base last month and noted that Colonel DeTrinis is the second base commander that has come to the Neighborhood Board to introduce themselves that he is excited to see continued exchanges. Colonol DeTrinis mentioned that they are always open to opportunities to host community members who do not have 24/7 access to the base and welcomed suggestions for other opportunities in the future. 2. Community Access to Base Beaches: Member Laeha asked whether MCBH would consider reviving a previously discontinued community surf/beach competition hosted by Wounded Warriors that had allowed public access to Pyramid Rock and North Beach. Colonel DeTrinis said MCBH is open to finding a new sponsoring organization and noted youth ocean-safety programming planned for this summer. VIII. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS - [1:31:35] State Senate District 25 Candidacy - [1:31:52]: Bobby Silva introduced himself as a Kailua native and candidate for State Senate District 25, noting he would be on the Democrat Party primary ballot this year. A graduate of Mid Pacific Institute Silva shared that he grew up in Kailua, shoveled horse stalls in Waimānalo, and had many friends in Hawaii Kai growing up. He also shared that his father is a retired HPD officer and upheld the law for 32 years and he feels like it is now his turn to give back and help create new laws in a community that means so much to him. Hawaii House of Representatives District 50 Candidacy - [1:33:30]: Jesse Fitzgerald introduced himself as a candidate/representative affiliated with the Green Party and a lifelong Kailua resident, sharing personal policy priorities including Medicare for all, recognition of Hawaiian sovereignty, tax reform, marijuana legalization, and revitalizing local agriculture. Little Fire Ant Eradication Update - [1:37:30]: Jared Lau of the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (DOA), Plant Pest Control Branch provided an update on the little fire ant eradication program on the Kalāheo hillside, addressing community concern about drone-delivered treatment. He explained treatments use a peanut-butter gel bait carrying Tango (an insect growth regulator) and Advion, both targeted and safe for humans and pets; drone operations are state-supervised and FAA-compliant, avoid flying over residential structures, and require property-owner permission within a 100-foot buffer of the flight path. Chair Hicks requested a public contact number, which Lau provided 808-852-8506 Questions, comments, conerns followed - [1:41:15] 1. Contact Information and Community Notice: Member Weller recommended the use of nextdoor.com and social media account @mykailua to deliver news and information to the community about their program. Member Weller also offered to help distribute advance notice of treatment activity to neighbors via his email list if DOA drafts the announcement. 2. Program Scope: Member Laehua asked how many sites are being treated. Lau reported 84 active sites islandwide, including two residential sites in Maunawili. 3. Treatment Methodology: Member Lipton asked whether treatment targets only known infestation sites or a broader preventive area. Lau explained treatment covers known infested sites plus a buffer zone, and described a free residential testing and treatment program (submit a sample; if positive, DOA surveys the property and conducts treatments roughly every six weeks for eight to twelve rounds). 4. Impact on Native Wildlife and Pets: A community member asked whether the peanut-butter bait attracts or harms native species or pets. Lau said the bait attracts protein-seeking ants and insects generally but not native species, and poses no meaningful risk to pets even if ingested in small amounts. 5. Staffing and Prevention: Member Laeha asked whether current staffing is adequate and what is being done to prevent new introductions. Lau said the statewide team currently has six staff working extended daily hours; treated sites typically reach eradication within about a year, though three years of clean monitoring are required before an area is declared fully eradicated. State Community Conversations Series - [1:49:45]: Zoey Wilks, of the Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO), a state office that is introducing a series of small-group Community Conversations on military land-lease and community-military relations topics, with summarized input reported to the Governor's Office. Questions, comments, conerns followed - [1:51:40] 1. Traffic and Housing Impact: Member Laeha raised concerns about increased military-related traffic and housing cost pressure on local residents. Wilks acknowledged the concern and noted a forthcoming state housing study examining factors such as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to be published on the office's website. 2. Format and Purpose of the Conversations: Member Weber questioned why the conversations are held as small private sessions rather than public forums, and why a State office is conducting outreach that reports to the Governor rather than the Governor engaging directly. Wilks clarified the office is a state (not military) office; small groups are intended to make participants more comfortable sharing candid input; larger public events are also being planned; and the goal is to inform State-level decision-making. She confirmed the housing study is being conducted by the State, not the military. Member Righter left the meeting at approximately 9:01 p.m. - 15 members present. IX. MAYOR AND GOVERNOR REPORTS - [1:59:05] A. Mayor Rick Blangiardiʻs Representative - [1:59:11]: No representative present. B. Governor Josh Green's Representative - [1:59:31]: Erin Conner-Jerome provided follow-up responses to questions from the June 2026 meeting: the State Library is open to community input on the Kailua Public Library Capital Improvement Project (CIP) project once its design phase begins; Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) plans to repave the Ulupiʻi Street/Kalanianaʻole Highway intersection as part of the Kailua Road resurfacing project (postponed until the North Kalāheo project is complete) and will replace damaged traffic sensor loops during repaving; HDOT reported 25 accidents at that intersection over the past 10 years (none in 2025-2026) with five serious injuries, concentrated around 7:00 a.m. - 8 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (school drop-off/pick-up hours), with full data shared via the Board's Google Drive; a traffic signal would cost approximately $8 million; and timing details for the 2007, 2014, and 2018 traffic studies were not yet available and would be reported next month. Regarding Department of Health (DOH) Clean Water Branch: advisories are issued conservatively based on initial discharge reports before a discharger's press release and are not retroactively revised; DOH does not consider MCBH's alternative signage adequate to replace its own advisory format; and DOH declined a meeting requested by Chair Hicks and Vice Chair Lipton regarding permit compliance, noting compliance discussions are conducted directly with the discharger. Chair Hicks expressed disappointment that DOH did not want to entertain a friendly meeting and thanked Conner-Jerome for her efforts in facilitating all of the information exchanges but also noted that it would be more efficient to have a direct conversation with DOH rather than use Conner-Jerome as a conduit. Chair Hicks presented data showing more than 100 shoreline bacteria-sampling exceedances between January 2025 and May 2026, some monitoring points exceeding the threshold more than 20% of the time, compared with only three Clean Water Branch brown-water advisories affecting Kailua in that period. He asked Conner-Jerome to help facilitate a fuller explanation from DOH of the discrepancy; she agreed to follow up. Questions, comments, conerns followed - [2:13:04] 1. Advisory Follow-Up Reporting: Vice Chair Lipton noted DOH's advisory postings have recently begun listing a cause for each advisory which she described as an improvement over past postings that listed only dates with no explanation. Lipton emphasized the Board's interest in community health awareness, particularly before children enter the water. 2. Road Closure Timelines: Member Laeha asked about incentives or disincentives affecting the timely completion of road closure projects; noting road closures near Waimea Bay and on the H-1 heading back towards Kailua. Conner-Jerome said she would take the question back to DOT. 3. Fire Marshall Attendance Request: Member Weller asked if they could get the Fire Marshall to attend the August 2026 Neighborhood Board meeting and discuss fire issues on the Windward side of the island. Member Weller noted that there are areas of concern in the Kailua area that could affect residential homes should a serious drought occur in the future and wants to know what the Fire Marshall thinks about how she might handle it, noting that the fire stations alone may not provide adequate resources in the event of a wildfire, and adding military resources may also be needed. Connor-Jerome said she could put in a request for her attendance. Member Kobayashi left the meeting at approximately 9:20 p.m. - 14 members present. X. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS - [2:18:33] A. Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina - [2:18:37]: No representative present. B. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole - [2:18:41]: No representative present. C. Representative Lisa Marten - [2:18:48]: Marten reported: a design team has been selected for the Kawainui-to-Hāmākua water transfer project, with a design kickoff meeting expected in the second half of July 2026; the Kaʻiwa Ridge (Pillbox) Trail restoration Phase 1 is funded and moving forward, with a revised design using a wide stone staircase through the narrowest, steepest section (switchbacks were not feasible there) transitioning to switchbacks higher up; a Phase 2 ($1.2 million, newly funded) will address a badly eroded area below the pillboxes near the site of a past fatality and most rescues; and a new State House working group on waterway and stream management was formed this week in response to recent flooding, including in Kailua-area waterways. Questions, comments, conerns followed - [2:22:29] 1. Environmental Impact of Trail Construction: Member Wong asked whether the stone-staircase design raises the same environmental concerns as prior designs given possible use of cement. Marten explained the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) did not specify a particular design and that the current approach reflects longstanding easement/right-of-way constraints (a 2.5-year process to secure easements). 2. Railings: Vice Chair Lipton asked if there will be railings installed on the stairs. Marten explained that railings are not planned, but the stairs are meant to control foot traffic and allow surrounding areas to regenerate. 3. City Participation in the Waterway Working Group: Vice Chair Lipton asked whether the task force that Representative Marten sits on will be working collabratively with the City as they are managing the culverts and drainages. Marten confirmed the task force had a meeting and listed the partners they would like to work with and noted that they would potentially need State assistance as the City is not managing those systems as frequently as needed. Marten described the group's goal as collaborative problem-solving to support (not blame) city stream-maintenance efforts. 4. Mid-Trail Signage: Member Weber asked about signage midway up the trail near the second pillbox. Marten said she believed it marks the edge of the state easement, though it is often overlooked by hikers. 5. Buzz's Flooding/Restoration: Member Weber asked if the dicovery of what causes major flooding can be made a part of legislative exploration and override the City. He noted long standing efforts to restore the stream near Buzz's Steakhouse and wondered if this was an opportunity to continue that work on a permanent basis. Marten said she believes there is a modest amount of work to be done in the area and wonders if affected neighbors in the area would be willing to clean it out themselves. Marten added that these neighbors should have official permission so that in the event they need support they would have it from the governing entities. 6. Trail Closure and Reservation System: Member Wong asked if the trail would be closed during construction and for how long. Marten confirmed the trail will be closed during construction but could not speak to a timeline. Marten added that when the trail reopens there will be a reservation system. Funding for the reservation software has already been secured. Initial plans outline that residents do not have to make reservations, non-residents will have to make reservations, all reservations will be free of charge until Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) are amended to allow DLNR to charge a fee for trails. Currently HAR only allows for fees to be collected at parks, but not for trails where there is no parking involved. Marten added the goal is not to decrease the number of trail users, but to control the hours the trail is being used with respect to neighbors in the area. Conner-Jones added that Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reported they estimate work to begin in four to six months. 7. Local Reservation Access: Member Treskon asked whether residents would have to sign up for the new reservation system. Marten said access is expected to remain free for residents, with a phased reservation system (similar to Hanauma Bay's post-COVID system, later relaxed for residents) planned to help manage hours and hiker volume; a proposed Friends of the Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail volunteer program would let regular hikers assist with native plant restoration in exchange for reservation-free access. 8. Sunrise Hike Access: Member Treskon asked whether early-morning sunrise hiker access will remain once trail repairs and a reservation system are in place. Marten confirmed predawn access to the trail would no longer be available. Marten explained early hikers, who chose to get up early, do not consider the neighbors who are sleeping. She added that the neighbors sleep with their windows open, and they deserve a night's sleep. Treskon asked for clarification on whether there was a cap to how many trail users there could be in one day, Marten said she believes it will be a process with adjustments similar to Hanauma Bay. Treskon shared that it seems like it is getting very difficult for local residents to access anything in Lanikai with the new parking restrictions and now the proposed reservation system. D. Senator Chris Lee - [2:37:17]: Senator Lee reported passing 27 bills this session, highlighting: a new dedicated Safe Routes to School-style funding program; support for CERT/preparedness material distribution at the recent Kailua Town Hall; new direct public funding for the Hawaiʻi Symphony as an official state symphony and a new performing-arts grant program; cancellation of medical debt for roughly 50,000 families statewide (about 2,000 locally); new utility accountability legislation; new consumer protections addressing ticket-resale practices; a new Office of Community Culture and the Arts; new dedicated funding for community events such as the I Love Kailua Town Party; a new statewide network of conservation sanctuaries for native and endangered species; and a new criminal penalty for unauthorized destruction of trees, prompted by an incident at a local elementary school. Questions, comments, conerns followed - [2:43:59] 1. Kailua Library Funding: Member Wong asked how much funding is budgeted for the Kailua library project. Senator Lee confirmed $5 million for planning and disaster-resiliency design, pending the Governor's signature of the budget (effective Wedensday, July 1, 2026), and described the process by which funds are released to the State Library system to begin community engagement and planning. 2. Kailua Dog Park Status: Member Treskon asked for a status update on the long-planned Kailua dog park. Senator Lee reported ongoing survey work under new DLNR State Parks leadership; land-transfer and site-remediation requirements remain (to confirm no residual contamination before state acceptance); the site is planned to be split roughly evenly between wetland restoration and the dog park; and management is trending toward a community-group co-management model (enabled by new state legislation) rather than direct City management. No firm timeline was provided. E. Representative Mike Lee - [2:49:18]: Representative Mike Lee was not present, but sent a message to Mahalo Jake Chine for his desire to welcome guests to the 4th of July parade and acknowledged community cleanup efforts undertaken ahead of the parade. Update from the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) is the design and planning for work on the Kalāheo High School hurricane refuge will start this month. F. Representative Scott Matayoshi - [2:49:58]: No representative present. G. U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda - [2:50:06]: No representative present. XI. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OTHER MEETINGS - [2:50:14]: No reports were offered. XII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - [2:50:20]: A. Thursday, May 7, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes - [2:50:21]: Chair Hicks called for the approval, hearing no corrections or objects, the minutes were APPROVED; 14-0-0. (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Souza, Trecker, Treskon, Weber, Weller, and Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) B. Thursday, June 4, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes - [2:50:29]: Chair Hicks called for the approval, hearing no corrections or objects, the minutes were APPROVED; 14-0-0. (Aye: Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Hicks, Kia, Laeha, Lau, Lipton, Souza, Trecker, Treskon, Weber, Weller, and Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) XIII. THREE MEETING ABSENCES - [2:50:51]: A. Member Malie Thoemmes: Resigned from the Board effective this date due to health issues (see membership announcement above). The Board expressed appreciation for her service. B. Member Kalama Souza: Reached three absences in his first year on the Board (one while out of the country, two due to family obligations on Maui related to his firefighting career's irregular schedule). Requested to continue; no objection from the Board; item closed. XIV. COMMITTEE REPORTS - [2:51:56]: No committee chairs offered amplifications. Committee reports stand as published. XV. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MOTIONS - [2:51:14]: No changes to committee membership were proposed. XVI. CHAIR'S REPORT - [2:52:14]: A. Chair Hicks announced that Member Kate Righter is resigning from the Board effective the following week, citing family obligations. The Chair thanked Member Righter for her service as Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee and lead of the Water Quality Subcommittee, and for organizing plant decorations for the Board's 4th of July parade float. B. Committee agendas for August 2026 are due to the Chair by Sunday, July 26, 2026. C. The Chair asked members who had not yet confirmed their 4th of July parade participation (Members Andrade, Andrews, Barra, Kia, Laeha, Weber, and White) to let him know so seating on the parade float can be arranged. XVII. ADJOURNMENT - [2:54:29]: The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m.   Submitted by: Chelsea Smith, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO Reviewed by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO Finalized by: Bill Hicks, Chairman, Kailua Neighborhood Board To view agenda and minutes, visit our board website. Event shows physical location; however, other options of participation may also include WebEx and phone. If available, instructions for WebEx and phone can be found at the top of the agenda.