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Waikiki Neighborhood Board Meeting JUNE 2026 Minutes
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WAIKĪKĪ NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 9
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
WAIKĪKĪ COMMUNITY CENTER -- 310 PAOAKALANI AVENUE, HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI, 96815
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4udT3IZd30
Reports and other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1U5LqhO7cjTWUAsZeSiesn99MJa87ouZE?usp=drive_link
I. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:02]: Chair Robert Finley called the Waikīkī Neighborhood Board No. 9 regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Quorum was established with 13 members present. Note -- This 17-member Board requires 9 members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access.
Board Members Present: Jillian Anderson, Rolf Nordahl, Lisa Cabanero, Jacob Wiencek (Via Webex), Cory D' Orazio, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Kathryn Henski, Tim Huycke, Jeffery Merz, Nate Serota, Shannon Smith, Sarah Worth (Via Webex), and Ken Jacob (6:35 p.m. via Webex).
Board Members Absent: Reine Ah Moo, Melissa Filek, and Daniel Jacob.
Guests: Lieutenant Kitagawa and Major Okamoto (Honolulu Police Department); Lynn Mariano (Commissioner for Hawaiʻi America 250); Representative Adrian Tam; Director Nola Miyasaki (Mayor's Representative); Council Chair Tommy Waters, Kealoha Fox, and Marissa Kunsch (Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency); Senator Sharon Moriwaki and Alex Ozawa; Rick Egged (Waikīkī Improvement Association); Randall Wakumoto and Blaine Kawamura (Department of Facility Management Stormwater Quality Division); Paola Machan, Leny Chavez, Sunshine Saucedo, Lance Lam, Mike Miyahira (Carollo Engineers); Gregory Misakian (via WebEx), Pat (via WebEx), Kevin Lye (via WebEx), Sara Katherine Goldsmith (via WebEx), Daniel Simonich (via WebEx), Ed Springer (via WebEx), Justin Limasa (via WebEx), Laura Ruby (via WebEx), Brandon C. (via WebEx), Leny Chavez (via WebEx), Mike Buck (via WebEx), Dale Head (via WebEx), Dylan P. Armstrong (via WebEx), Dale Head (via WebEx), Paola Machan (via WebEx), Caroline Brimblecombe (via WebEx), Geisa (via WebEx), Elsa Kings (via WebEx), Midori Trent (via WebEx), Ann Castelfranco (via WebEx), Patrick Smith (Chair of the Neighborhood Commission), John Deutzman, Amy Ammen, Nicole Anchetta, Tim Garry, Jeffrey Andrews, Bulla Eastman, Nicole Ancheta, Deaise Boisvert, Barbara Barry, Richard Byron, Nate Adatov, Jason Liang, Katherine Li, and Stan Simpson (Residents); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 58 total participants.
II. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:02:09]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- [0:02:13]: No representative was present at this meeting. A report was provided.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-kv1XKL-hA4hxeUz45h4aasRzxabw7wT/view?usp=drive_link
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- [0:02:36]: Lieutenant Kitagawa provided May 2026 statistics and Major Okamoto provided:
• May 2026 Statistics: 6 robberies; 7 burglaries; 145 thefts; 9 Unauthorized Entry Motor Vehicles (UEMV); 51 assaults; 8 sex crimes; 1 bike/skateboard on sidewalk citation; 12 speeding citations with 0 arrests; 1,498 parking citations; 5 loud muffler/prohibited noise citations; 45 park closure citations/11 arrests; 4,332 total calls for service; and 4 Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVUI) arrests.
• Fire Dancing Enforcement: Major Okamoto addressed a prior question on fire dancing enforcement. He noted there is a ceremonial and First Amendment aspect to the practice and cited Hawaiʻi Administrative Rule 13-2211-3 as potentially applicable, along with a possible parks rule on open flame, but acknowledged enforcement remains unclear.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:04:31]
1. Fire Dance Enforcement: Serota asked for the Hawaiʻi Administrative Rule. Major Okamoto recited the Hawaiʻi Administrative Rule 13-2211-3.
2. Electric Bikes and Scooters in Kapiʻolani Park: Nordahl raised concerns about electric bikes, bicycles, and motor scooters riding at high speed through Kapiʻolani Park, which is dangerous because riders' approach silently. Major Okamoto confirmed citations have been issued and committed to increased enforcement in the area.
3. Missing No Parking Signs on Tusitala Street: Andrews reported being ticketed unfairly on Tusitala Street due to a missing sign. Major Okamoto committed to contacting the appropriate authorities to restore missing signs. Huyke noted the location is on Tusitala Street, just Ewa of Liliuokalani.
4. Noise Ordinance -- Boom Boxes and Loud Vehicles: A resident wanted the know the ordinance on noise as she reported escalating nighttime noise from boom box cars, yelling, and loud vehicles after 10:00 p.m. Major Okamoto explained citations can be issued for loud mufflers and for audio systems audible from 30 feet away. Disorderly conduct requires a complainant willing to prosecute. He noted a recent enforcement project targeted noise during summer and would report results next month.
[0:09:48] -- Hearing no objections the Chair Finley took the meeting out of order to have Lynn Mariano present the 4th of July 2026 Event.
4th of July Events -- America 250 Celebration -- [0:10:14]: Lynn Mariano, a Commissioner for Hawaiʻi America 250, presented three upcoming events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, all free to the public: (a) Massing of the Colors, Sunday, June 14, 2026 at Pearl Harbor Visitors Center beginning at 10:00 a.m. (arrival by 8:00 a.m. recommended; free parking with event mention); (b) Fourth of July Parade at Kailua, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (arrival by 8:30 a.m.--9:00 a.m. recommended; street parking along the parade route); (c) Capstone Event at the Waikīkī Pavilion (Kalākaua and Monsarrat), July 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m.--8:20 p.m., featuring vendors (10:00 a.m.--6:00 p.m.), fireworks offshore (donated by Waikīkī Improvement Association and Southwest Airlines), the 80-piece Honolulu Symphonic Band playing patriotic music including Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Stars and Stripes, and America the Beautiful, family activities, and food vendors.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:14:43]
1. Fireworks Location: Goldsmith asked where the fireworks would be launched. Mariano confirmed they would be offshore, near the beach volleyball area and Sunset Movie screen. Serota noted it will be on Kapahulu next to Kalākaua.
2. Fireworks: Mariano noted that the vendors will end at 6:00 p.m. and will provide small activities while the vendors clear up, and will time it accordantly once it becomes dark.
3. Symphony Radio Broadcast: Nordahl asked whether the symphony would be broadcast on radio. Mariano stated he is working with local radio stations to make that happen but cannot confirm until approximately one week before the event. Mariano noted that HPD, HFD, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be present.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [0:17:24]: No representative present.
III. CITIZENS CONCERNS NOT COVERED IN REGULAR AGENDA -- [0:17:27]
Kūhiō Beach Bathroom, Shower Sanitation, and Water Feature No Playing Sign -- [0:17:41]: Anchetta requested an update on when the Kūhiō beach bathroom would reopen and flagged unsanitary standing water near the shower area, and suggested signage to prevent children from playing in the water feature next to the Kūhiō Bathroom. Garry followed up, noting people have been using the surrounding bushes as a restroom since the bathrooms are closed, creating a bacterial hazard. He suggested Simple Green as a non-toxic cleaning solution.
Lane Markings Behind the Zoo -- [0:20:23]: Garry reported that lane markings on Pākē Avenue (behind the zoo) have completely disappeared for approximately 300 feet, causing drivers to weave and lose track of lane positions. He requested the appropriate city department repaint the markings.
Abandoned Rental Scooters -- [0:21:23]: Deutzman raised concerns about electric scooters being left on sidewalks, in the road, and in bushes throughout Waikīkī starting as early as 2:30 a.m.--3:30 a.m. He described the business model as problematic, noting the scooters are old, dangerous, and frequently abandoned. Nordahl corroborated, adding scooters are decrepit and noisy. Serota explained that unlike Lime Scooters -- which were removed for parking on city property without approval -- the current rental scooters have agreements with private property owners for designated parking locations and a staff member who retrieves misparked units using GPS. He suggested residents call customer service number to report misparked scooters. Serota also confirmed parks staff use Simple Green and indicated the bathroom was given a timetable of summer. Anthony noted that homeless individuals exploit a mechanical glitch to activate and abandon the scooters.
City Council Candidate -- [0:27:07]: Liang introduced himself as a candidate for City Council and announced a community event on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Kuliʻouʻou Park from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
IV. OʻAHU SCHEDULE OF MAJOR PARADES AND STREET EVENTS -- [0:28:00]
Chair Finley announced the upcoming schedule. All times are approximate (plus or minus 30 minutes):
• Saturday, June 13, 2026, 8:30 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m.: King Kamehameha Floral Parade
• Sunday, June 14, 2026, 3:30 p.m. -- 7:00 p.m.: 43rd Annual Pan Pacific Parade
• Saturday, July 11, 2026, 9:00 a.m. -- 11:00 a.m.: Family Day Parade (God's Ohana Day Parade)
V. APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSE -- [0:29:03]
• Special License for Highgate Hotels Twin Fin Hotel Saturday, August 1, 2026 -- Saturday, July 31, 2027.
• Liquor License Hearing for Big Island Burger on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
VI. ELECTED OFFICIALS OR OFFICIALS' REPRESENTATIVES -- [0:29:56]
Mayor's Representative -- [0:29:57]: No representatives at this time, this was revisited later in the meeting.
Council Member Tommy Waters -- [0:30:08]: No representatives at this time, this was revisited later in the meeting.
Senator Sharon Moriwaki -- [0:30:18]: No representatives at this time, this was revisited later in the meeting.
Representative Adrian Tam -- [0:30:54]: Representative Adrian Tam provided his report and highlighted the following: the end-of-session newsletter is being mailed district-wide; discussions are in the very early stages regarding possible teacher housing at Jefferson Elementary School or Kūhiō Elementary; no final decision has been made.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:31:55]
1. Ala Wai Canal Repair Locations and Timeline: Merz asked whether the $5 million for Ala Wai wall repair and haul-out has specific locations identified. Representative Tam explained the funding covers the entire Ala Wai, focused on maintenance and debris management upstream to prevent downstream damage. A timeline cannot be set until the governor signs the budget and the Department of Transportation begins planning.
2. HomeAid Public Relations (PR) Spending Investigation: Representative Tam reported he was unable to obtain an answer regarding whether taxpayer funds are being used for HomeAid PR campaigns. He is still awaiting the full legislative audit report.
3. Jefferson Elementary School Sidewalks: Merz praised the new fence at Jefferson Elementary but noted missing sidewalks on the Ewa and Makai sides, which are needed for children to walk to school safely. Representative Tam will look into this and confirmed Safe Routes to School legislation was passed providing relevant funding, but no Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for sidewalks at Jefferson is currently planned.
Ken arrived to the meeting at 6:35 p.m.; 14 members present.
Mayor's Representative -- [0:35:40]: Director Nola Miyasaki provided her report and highlighted the following: new Police Chief David Lazar will begin in early July 2026; the city's efforts to shelter homeless individuals have increased the sheltered count and decreased the unsheltered count for the first time; the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance application deadline is Sunday, June 14, 2026; the City and County of Honolulu's Office of Economic Revitalization and Feed the Hunger Fund have launched a microloan program offering $5,000--$50,000 loans to early-stage entrepreneurs with no minimum credit score and below-market interest rates of 6--8%; and the Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) is providing advance notice of the upcoming demolition of 436 Ena Road for future affordable housing redevelopment, with temporary construction impacts expected for neighboring properties. Additionally, Director Miyasaki provided responses to prior meeting items: the Mayor's Town Halls remain paused due to the ongoing whole-of-government response to severe weather; Mayor Blangiardi is accessible via the Rick Hamada radio show on Wednesdays at approximately 8:30 a.m.; Beach Boy surfboard stands at Kūhiō Beach pay 30% of gross receipts to the city; each contracted nonprofit Beach Boy association is authorized to place one outrigger canoe on the beach; Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will investigate a crosswalk signal request at Kapahulu near Lemon Road; and DTS has requested an extension on providing the Ala Wai Bridge stipend amounts and cost figures, to be reported next month.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:46:30]
1. Ala Wai Promenade Lights: Merz reported that lights on the Ala Wai Promenade (Makai from the Convention Center to the Ala Wai Bridge) are failing and flashing incessantly. Director Miyasaki acknowledged the concern.
2. 436 Ena Road / Affordable Housing: Merz asked for clarification on the Ena Road property. Director Miyasaki confirmed it is slated for demolition and future affordable housing redevelopment.
3. 1615 Ala Wai Update: Director Miyasaki also noted the Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) reported no major new developments; project planning and development are ongoing.
4. Road Surface on Tusitala Street: Andrews noted the other block of Tusitala Street near Kaʻiulani Avenue has a deteriorating road surface from repeated repaving and flooding, and asked about a future phase of repairs. Director Miyasaki acknowledged the concern.
5. Mayor Radio Show: Garry encouraged residents to call the Rick Hamada AM radio show on Wednesday mornings to question the mayor directly, noting it is also broadcast on Olelo TV.
6. Hurricane Preparedness and Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Drills: Armstrong asked whether the Department of Emergency Management is conducting drills in Waikīkī and whether the private sector (hospitality, lodging, tourism) is being included.
7. Kūhiō Beach Surf Stands -- Transparency and Enforcement: Ammen asked about the parameters of beach boy stand permits, whether presetting chairs and umbrellas were authorized. Director Miyasaki confirmed the 30% gross receipts payment structure and that each association was authorized one outrigger canoe. She did not have specifics on setup parameters.
Council Chair Tommy Waters -- [0:55:29]: Council Chair Tommy Waters provided his report and highlighted the following: Waters clarified the city purchased the 436 Ena Road building for $8 million using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money, attempted to house formerly homeless residents, found it uninhabitable, and must demolish it. The city will issue an Request For Proposal (RFP) and likely provide a long-term lease to a developer required to build at 60% Area Median Income (AMI) or below.; DEM received 13 additional positions (8 requested by the administration; 5 added by the council) following the Kona Low storms; the council has allocated seed/planning money for a resilience hub in every council district; and $200,000 was allocated in the budget for a temporary portable bathroom for Waikīkī Beach. Waters also introduced Director Kealoha Fox, and Marissa Kunsch from the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency to present on the Building Energy Benchmarking Program. Henski on behalf of her 44-unit condominium board, described significant difficulty complying with the benchmarking requirement and their report was rejected three times for minor issues.
Building Energy Benchmarking Presentation -- [1:02:36]: Council Chair Waters invited Director Kealoha Fox and Marissa Kunsch from the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR) to present on the building energy benchmarking program (Ordinance 22-17). The Ordinance 22-17 was signed into law in July 2022 and requires all commercial and multi-family buildings over 25,000 square feet to report total energy and water use annually by Tuesday, June 30, 2026 using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star Portfolio Manager account. Buildings are responsible for approximately 30% of island emissions; the program is projected to reduce emissions 3--7% through voluntary measures. Waikīkī's compliance rate was 68% in 2024 and 66% in 2025, above the island-wide average of 55%. Free resources include weekly trainings (Wednesday, June 17, 2026 and Wednesday June 24, 2026) and a daily help desk (9:00 a.m.--5:00 p.m.).
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:10:09]
1. Multiple Concerns: Henski questioned why her condos' water and gas usage has anything to do with erosion, why are the condominiums in Waikīkī are asked to fill out the report and not all condominiums, and who will reimburse their cost of the report? Fox explained the Ordinance 22-17 requires commercial and multifamily buildings are required to provide a report. Henski noted that she received different information from their office hotline and was told the ordinance only requires only condos in Waikīkī of certain size to provide a report. Fox will provide a follow up from her staff and noted the information Henski received wasd incorrect and the Ordinance applies to the entire island of Oʻahu.
2. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Goldsmith asked whether buildings not reported facing penalties. Director Fox confirmed no fines are currently being implemented; buildings have until Tuesday, June 30, 2026 to report. Chair Finley asked if a formal presentation can be presented and plans to have it on August 2026 agenda.
3. Data Utility: Springer asked what the data is actually used for, noting no value has been derived at the building level.
4. Report Cost Origin: Misakian asked how the $6,600 cost was incurred. Henski explained the building had to hire outside contractors because management companies decline to fill out the report themselves; the report was also sent back three times. Misakian have not seen this before at his condo and will circle back to this.
5. August 2026 Formal Presentation: Council Chair Waters proposed and the board agreed to schedule a full benchmarking presentation for August 2026, potentially including a help table outside the meeting to assist condominium boards with compliance.
6. Emergency Management Accountability: Garry raised concern about DEM's performance on both the tsunami warning and the Kona Low response, noting after-action reports have not been received. Council Chair Waters confirmed he requested the Kona Low after-action report (estimated six months) and the tsunami warning report (ready but not yet delivered). He agreed to continue following up.
7. Waikīkī Beach Temporary Bathroom: Council Chair Waters announced $200,000 was secured in the budget for a temporary bathroom on Waikīkī Beach to address the recurring closure of the permanent facility.
8. Shopping Cart Ordinance: Deutzman asked for an update on the shopping cart ordinance. Council Chair Waters confirmed a bill is ready pending feedback from HPD, which would ban shopping carts outside of retail establishments.
9. Amplified Noise / Bill 43: A resident thanked Council Chair Waters for supporting the amplified noise bill (Bill 43), which was vetoed by the mayor. She suggested updating the language of 1989 ordinance 90-26 to address modern noise sources. Council Chair Waters noted HPD is exploring using sidewalk obstruction ordinances to address persistent noisemakers and proposed the board join the Waikīkī Improvement District (WIB) in identifying designated performer locations.
Senator Sharon Moriwaki -- [1:29:24]: Senator Sharon Moriwaki provided her report and highlighted the following: legislative session outcomes, all pending the governor's signature. On homelessness and housing, $18 million was budgeted for Kauhale (tiny homes) initiatives and over $180 million was funded for affordable housing through the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority. On crime, House Bill (HB) 2078 lifted the sunset on the Habitual Violent Crime Act, extending it for five more years while data is collected on its effectiveness, with the goal of making it permanent. On noise, bills addressing loud vehicles and garbage truck noise did not pass this session but will be reintroduced; noise cameras remain in play. On mental health and substance abuse, greater oversight was introduced over behavioral health resource allocation to improve transparency and accountability in how Kauhale contractors are selected and funded. On sea level rise, a resolution was adopted declaring the state responsible for restoring and maintaining the Waikīkī coastline--including sand restoration and groins, with $7 million appropriated for sector work this year and $8 million for Ala Wai Regional Park sand restoration. Finally, $29 million was funded for a Kūpuna supportive housing project at Kakaʻako of approximately 50 units, allowing elderly residents to age in place with wraparound services rather than being transferred to long-term care facilities.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:37:18]
1. Tiny Homes Location: Merz asked if Moriwaki knew where the Kauhale would be built. The senator confirmed funds were being distributed across the state, including neighbor islands, and emphasized that homelessness was a statewide problem.
2. Waikīkī Beach Sand Replenishment and Kaimana Beach: Henski asked when the long-discussed beach replenishment at the outrigger would occur, noting the hotel infrastructure continues to deteriorate and a major hurricane season is approaching. Senator Moriwaki explained the $7 million appropriation is for sand and groins at the Kaimana/Kāhala Bay sector, and the state is working with Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and private property owners to clarify responsibilities: the state will fund sand replenishment and nature-based groins, while property owners are responsible for maintaining their seawalls. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development holds the appropriation and is working with contractors. The senator noted the process is complex due to groundwater, seawater, and rain interactions, and that partnerships with UH and DLNR are ongoing.
3. Noise Bill -- Garbage Trucks Senate Bill (SB) 2591: Worth asked what committee the bill had died and who is the chair. Moriwaki believes that the bill died at the Judiciary committee. Worth noted that the chair of the committee can kill a bill by not having a hearing on the bill.
4. Beach Replenishment / Waikīkī Beach Improvement Association: Worth asked whether the Waikīkī Beach Improvement Association would be discontinued given the state's new responsibility for sand restoration and how will they make sure DLNR will use the funds was given. Senator Moriwaki provided a lengthy explanation.
5. Garbage Truck Noise Bill (SB 2591): Misakian identified that SB 2591 (early trash pickup noise) died in the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee, chaired by Representative David Tarnas, who simply did not schedule a hearing. Senator Moriwaki encouraged continued public testimony on the issue and noted that committee chairs and members change each election cycle, offering future opportunities. She emphasized that constituent testimony is critical for bills to advance.
6. Funding Clarification -- Ala Wai Regional Park: Serota asked whether the $8 million for Ala Wai Regional Park was the same as the $5 million mentioned by Representative Tam. Senator Moriwaki clarified they are separate appropriations.
Wiencek left the meeting at 7:41 p.m.; 13 members present.
Governor's Representative -- [1:57:22]: Representative Yvonne Hunter provided the report and highlighted the following: several hundred bills are awaiting the governor's signature or veto; the state is also focused on hurricane preparedness and coordination with counties; the Hawaiʻi Green Business Program encourages large hotels and resorts to reduce energy use voluntarily; and the benchmarking program is a key state initiative for meeting renewable energy goals.
VII. WAIKĪKĪ IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (WIA) -- [2:00:39]
Rick Egged, WIA President, appearing in his final meeting before retirement, announced that Trevor Abarza, current Waikīkī Business Improvement District (WBID) President, will assume leadership of WIA, with the WBID coming back under WIA and Egged remaining in a consulting role during the transition. The Beach Special Improvement District Association will continue to operate, having contributed to the Royal Hawaiian Groin project and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Waikīkī beach restoration, and will continue partnering with the state on future beach projects. The Fourth of July fireworks event is funded entirely by Southwest Airlines and property contributions with no government money involved; the Waikīkī Pavilion frame belongs to the city and WIA administers the program. WIA also administers Aloha Festivals, now in its 80th anniversary and the single largest Hawaiian festival in the state with over 100,000 attendees. Egged credited the cooperation between the business community and residents as key to Waikīkī's success, noting that the business community has funded millions of dollars in community efforts, and expressed gratitude to the neighborhood board and community members.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:07:56]
1. WIA Resource Distribution and 4th of July Funding: Worth commended Abarza for ensuring ambassador services extend to Sub District 1 and not just Kūhiō Beach and asked if theres government fund for the 4th of July event. Egged confirmed the 4th of July event receives no government money--only Southwest Airlines sponsorship and property contributions.
2. Grant Funds from Representative Tam: Worth referenced a prior grant of approximately $300,000 to the Waikīkī Improvement Association. Senator Moriwaki and Egged clarified that $400,000 is for a grant was to the Waikīkī Business Improvement District (not WIA) for the Aloha Ambassador clean-and-beautify program extending to the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Egged acknowledge that the funds are derived from property taxes, not direct government money, and are not voluntary. Worth clarified that her information was from Representative Tam newsletter and was $300,000 not $400,000.
3. WIA Salary and Staffing Transition: Misakian asked about the disposition of Egged's salary and staff compensation as he departs. Egged stated Abarza is taking over his role, and suggested to ask Abarza next month.
4. Grant Funds Clairification: Representative Tam clarified the $200,000 grant went to the WIA, and that she may be referencing inaccurate information.
VIII. NEW BOARD BUSINESS -- [2:16:25]
Oʻahu Community Resilience Hub Presentation -- [2:16:27]: This item was noted as already addressed earlier and a formal presentation has been scheduled for August 2026.
Kūhiō Beach Shower Improvement Project -- [2:16:58]: Randall Wakumoto of the Department of Facility Maintenance (Stormwater Quality Division), along with the Carollo Engineers Paola Machan, Leny Chavez, and Sunshine Saucedo presented a project overview stemming from a 2017 State Department of Health finding that beach shower runoff along Kūhiō violates the federal Clean Water Act, as used shower water is classified as graywater and cannot be discharged directly into the ocean. The project currently focuses on Phase 2, covering showers 1--6 along Kūhiō Beach from the Kapahulu Groin toward the police substation, with primary goals of regulatory compliance, near-shore water quality protection, water conservation, and improved long-term maintainability. The team conducted community engagement from fall 2025 through spring 2026, including tabling events at Hula Mound and a survey that received 91 responses, with key findings showing that standing water and drainage are the top concerns, and that strong water pressure, ease of use, and durability are the most important shower features. The project is currently in the draft alternatives development phase, evaluating options such as connecting shower water to the sanitary sewer, relocating showers, capturing water for non-potable reuse, and installing subsurface drainage systems, with a public meeting and stakeholder outreach planned for summer--fall 2026 and a final concept report expected by end of year.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11EroSUY5O6DkSK4zNu06i1vJGHjemqFK/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:32:35]
1. Water Quality Concern: Nordahl questioned the regulatory rationale, noting that swimmers enter the ocean with sunscreen and sand already on them. The presenter acknowledged the parallel but explained that once potable water mixes with personal care products and sand during rinsing, it is classified as graywater under federal Clean Water Act regulations and cannot be discharged without treatment.
2. French Drains and Signage: Misakian suggested that newly constructed showers should have always included French drains, that signs prohibiting soap and shampoo use (with fines) should be posted, and that a subsurface irrigation system could be a less expensive alternative to connecting to the storm drain system. He offered to provide further input to the project team.
Ken left the meeting at 8:33 p.m. 12 members present.
Board Member 3 Absent Letter -- Neighborhood Plan 2-14-106 -- [2:39:27]: Chair Finley noted that per Neighborhood Plan Section 2-14-106, board members who miss three meetings must be asked if they wish to continue serve. Cabanero and Worth both confirmed that they would like to continue serving on the board.
IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS -- [2:40:09]
Public Safety and Civil Defense -- [2:40:15]: Huyke noted the Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the WBID office. Guests included Major Okamoto, Captain Toma, and Lieutenant Night watch, who provided an update on Waikīkī crime trends. At that point, most crime categories had decreased, with the exception of assaults on officers. The committee identified two issues to be referred to the Prosecutor's Office: (1) an exception to the sit-lie ordinance for persons in wheelchairs, and (2) street performer enforcement concerns. Huycke also reached out to the legislative committee regarding these issues and contacted WBID's Trevor Abarza regarding businesses' reluctance to press charges, which limits police enforcement. Abarza indicated WBID is willing to assist. Details on the next committee meeting will be disseminated when finalized.
State and City Legislation Engagement: Anderson had no formal report given at the meeting; the legislative committee is in the process of establishing its first meeting.
X. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -- [2:42:47]
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Meeting Minutes -- [2:42:50]: [2:42:59] -- Hearing no objections and corrections, the Tuesday, May 12, 2026 WAS adopted as written; 11-0-1 (AYE: Anderson, Nordahl, Cabanero, D'Orazio, Erteschik, Finley, Henski, Huycke, Merz, Serota, and Smith; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Worth)
XI. REPORTS -- [2:43:32]
Sub District 1 Report -- Merz -- [2:43:40]: Merz noted the 436 Ena Road issue had been addressed earlier in the meeting.
Sub District 2 Report -- Anderson -- [2:43:44]: No report submitted.
Sub District 3 Report -- Henski -- [2:43:45]: No report submitted.
Chair Report -- Finley -- [2:43:45]: No report submitted.
XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:43:45]
The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Waikīkī Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:43:55]: Chair Finley adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Finalized by:
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