Aloha and Happy New Year

Aloha and Happy New Year, North Shore Community! I hope everyone had a safe holiday season! As we begin this new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and look ahead to the opportunities ahead.

I am honored and humbled to share some exciting news with you—I have been elected as the Vice Chair of the Honolulu City Council, effective January 2, 2025. This leadership role is a tremendous responsibility, and I am grateful for the trust and support of my colleagues on the Council. Serving our community has always been my greatest privilege, and this new role provides an even greater opportunity to collaborate with my fellow council members, community members, and stakeholders. Together, we can tackle the important issues facing our city, create sustainable solutions for our future, and ensure that all voices are heard in every decision we make.

As Vice Chair, I remain committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of Honolulu. From supporting our keiki and kūpuna to protecting our natural resources, I will continue to work tirelessly to make a positive impact not only for District 2, but for the island of Oʻahu. For those of you who may not know, I began my career as a domestic violence prosecutor and most recently worked as a planner for the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Community Services. These experiences have prepared me to approach our city’s challenges with a balance of compassion, foresight, and practical solutions.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. I look forward to serving you in this new capacity and continuing the work to build a brighter future for all of us.

Proposed Landfill Site

The City Administration has identified a new proposed landfill site 1.5 miles above the Dole Plantation on Kamehameha Highway. The site would require 158 acres—90 acres for the landfill itself and additional space for operations and equipment. The site is problematic for several reasons, especially given its location within the Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) No Pass Zone and its location on active agricultural land currently in use and owned by Dole. You can visit our website for more information on the exact location: www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-2-weyer

Councilmember Radiant Cordero, who represents Red Hill, joined me in introducing Resolution 25-3, opposing the placement of any landfill within the No Pass Zone and above our drinking water. The No Pass Zone is the area on O’ahu that lies above the island’s aquifers, and BWS has opposed the placement of any landfill in this location.

Mahalo to everyone who attended our virtual Emergency Community Response Meeting on December 14. We will continue to keep you updated on ways to stay engaged on this issue. I will utilize every legal tool available to prevent any potential threat to our community’s drinking water and to preserve our active agricultural land. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website to continue to stay updated.

Community Updates

• Kamehameha Highway Shoulder Improvements: The Kamehameha Highway roadway rehabilitation project will include pedestrian improvements and green infrastructure along a one-mile segment in Haleʻiwa Town, between the Anahulu and ʻŌpaeʻula Stream Bridges. The unimproved shoulder will be upgraded with permeable paver blocks to provide pedestrians and address stormwater ponding. Following public input, the design was revised to use raised curbing. Additional community outreach and advertisement of the project construction contract is expected in FY25.
• North Shore DMV Kiosk: After years of research and engagement, the City secured approval to install a service kiosk in partnership with a local grocery store chain on the North Shore, with plans to have it operational by the first quarter of 2025. Mahalo to the Department of Customer Services!
• Ke Ala Pūpūkea Bike Path Reconstruction: The Sunset Beach Bike Path, also known as Ke Ala Pūpūkea Path, stretches for about 3.5 miles along Kamehameha Highway. Due to age, salt, sun damage, wear and tear, and tree roots pushing up the asphalt, the City is going to reconstruct the path. In FY24, the Department of Transportation Services contracted a project engineer, and design work is ongoing.
• Anahulu Bridge Improvement: Repair and rehabilitation of the historical Anahulu (Rainbow) Bridge to extend useful service life. Repair of concrete spalls and installation of cathodic protection. Project expected to be completed in 2025.
• Kahuku Police Station Security Cameras: The Department of Design and Construction continus installing new security cameras at the Kahuku Police Station. DDC is also working to integrate control systems with existing systems. The project costs over $348,000 and is projected to finish at the end of 2024.