Aloha North Shore Neighbors,
As our community continues to recover from recent storms and prepare for what the rest of hurricane season may bring, I want to share updates on recovery resources, public safety improvements, and projects happening across the North Shore.
Storm Damage Real Property Tax Relief
For families and property owners still recovering from storm damage, I want to reassure you that there is relief available. If your home, land, or other structures were damaged by a recent storm, you may qualify for a remission of real property taxes through the City. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2027. This relief applies only to real property, including land and structures. It does not cover personal property such as vehicles, furniture, crops, or equipment.
To apply:
• Document the damage: Take photos and videos when possible and keep repair estimates, invoices, contractor reports, and insurance documentation.
• Complete the required form: Submit the Remission of Taxes (Natural Disaster) Form (BFS-RP-P48A) with supporting documentation.
• Submit your application: Applications can be submitted online through the City’s Real Property Tax website, by mail, or in person at the Honolulu or Kapolei offices. For assistance, call (808) 768-3799 or visit realproperty.honolulu.gov.
New Kahuku Ambulance Station Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking of the new Kahuku Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ambulance station marks an important investment in emergency response on the North Shore. For decades, our Kahuku EMS team has worked out of a 900-square-foot facility. The new $5.3million station will provide a more functional facility with approximately 3,000 square feet, including a tandem ambulance garage, offices, crew break rooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, a shower, and a decontamination room.The additional space and capacity will also allow EMS to pre-position ambulances closer to areas where emergencies are anticipated, helping improve response times when every second counts.
The Kahuku EMS unit serves a large area from Kaʻaʻawa to Pūpūkea, and this new facility will provide our first responders with a safe and modern workspace. Demolition of the existing facility is expected to begin in November, with completion scheduled for fall 2027. During construction, EMS will operate out of the Honolulu Police Department’s (HPD) Kahuku substation on the same property, allowing emergency services to continue without interruption.
EMS Replaces Ambulance Damaged During Kona Low Storms
A new ambulance is returning to Waialua following the loss of the community’s EMS ambulance during the Kona Low storms earlier this year. On March 20, the ambulance was overwhelmed by floodwaters while its crew, alongside the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), responded to a family trapped in a flooded home along Kamehameha Highway.
The replacement ambulance represents an approximately $270,000 investment for the North Shore and will provide the Waialua EMS crew with a reliable vehicle and equipment needed to respond to emergencies. Mahalo to our selfless first responders for continuing to serve the community.
Supporting North Shore Farmers and Agricultural Recovery
Mahalo to the North Shore Chamber of Commerce for bringing together local businesses, farmers, and community leaders to discuss our community’s continued recovery from the Kona Low storms. I appreciated the opportunity to share updates on recovery efforts, government resources, and infrastructure improvements while also listening to those working on the ground. Mahalo to India Clark of the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union, Meiko Arai, Ph.D., of Seeds of Wellness (SOW), Rep. Amy Perruso, Justin of Thrive Hawaiʻi Family Farm, and Brian Miyamoto of the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau for sharing your knowledge on the challenges our agriculture community faces.
Addressing Speeding Concerns on Pūpūkea Road
My office has heard from numerous Pūpūkea residents concerned about speeding on Pūpūkea Road, including a request for speed humps. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) conducted a traffic study and determined that the criteria for installing speed humps were not met at this time. However, DTS has indicated it is willing to revisit the request if 90 percent of area residents support the installation. Petition materials have been provided to a Pūpūkea resident who is leading the effort to gather community support. Once completed, the petition will be submitted to DTS through the North Shore Neighborhood Board for review and further consideration. My office will continue to follow up and provide updates on this matter. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at (808) 768-5002. Mahalo for your continued support and engagement.