North Shore NewsAs we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our community’s achievements throughout Council District 2. Your voices have been key in shaping our policies and initiatives this year, and I am grateful for your ongoing engagement and support. Looking ahead, let’s continue to work together to create a brighter future for our diverse district. My office and I look forward to connecting with you at various community and holiday events as we end the year.
DMV Kiosks
The Department of Customer Services is excited to announce a new milestone for the North Shore community. After years of research and engagement, the city secured approval to install a service kiosk in partnership with a local grocery store chain, with plans to have it operational by the first quarter of 2025. This achievement marks a breakthrough following prior challenges in finding the necessary support and meeting logistical requirements. We look forward to providing this much-needed resource to enhance convenience and accessibility for residents.
Kahuku Police Station Security Cameras
The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is installing new security cameras at the Kahuku Police Station and integrating them with existing control systems. This project, with a budget of over $348,000, is expectedto be completed by the end of 2024.
Anahulu (Rainbow) Bridge Rehabilitation
Repair and rehabilitation work is ongoing for the historic Anahulu (Rainbow) Bridge. Spanning 170 feet, this double-arch concrete structure is undergoing concrete spalling repairs by the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) to prevent corrosion and extend its service life. The project, with a budget exceeding $3 million, is anticipated to be completed in 2025.
Policy Updates
As a reminder, bills require three readings at a full Council meeting to be passed and sent to the Mayor for signing into law. Bill 22 (2024), relating to legalizing certain fireworks. Mayor Rick Blangiardi vetoed the bill for safety reasons and to align with HFD’s testimony against the measure. I voted against passing this measure in October’s full Council meeting. In November, the Council considered an override but ultimately decided against it, heeding concerns shared by many residents about the measure’s potential impacts.
Bill 64 (2023), a continuation of what was previously Bill 10 (2022), this bill reviews and updates the City’s Land Use Ordinance (LUO). Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina, chair of the Planning & Economy Committee, has guided discussions through various land uses, including industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural, and public, civic, and institutional. After much hard work, Bill 64 will be up for its third (and final) reading at the Dec. 11 full Council meeting.
Bill 59 (2023), relating to tax incentives for film studio facilities, was reported out for passage on third reading by the Budget Committee in November. Mahalo to everyone who worked hard to refine this bill, and mahalo to all the testifiers who have been tracking this legislation and diligently showing up in person and online to share their stories and how this bill will impact their lives. Bill 59 will also provide opportunities for job growth on Oʻahu and will help kamaʻāina who want to get involved in the film industry. Our office has worked hard to ensure that the bill contains protections for local workers throughout the construction, operation, and repair and maintenance phases of this film studio project. Bill 59 will be up for third reading at the Dec. 11 full Council meeting.
Bill 59 (2024), relating to single-use plastic containers at City facilities and events. Chair Tommy Waters and I introduced Bill 59 to address plastic waste issues. The bill targets containers under one liter, which are common in street litter and ocean pollution, and harmful to wildlife. Given Hawaiʻi’s low recovery rates for plastic bottles, this measure encourages alternatives like aluminum or glass. This initiative was inspired by a sixth-grade class researching ocean acidification and advocating for environmental action. The bill was reported out for passage on second reading by the Housing, Sustainability, and Health Committee in November.
Bill 61 (2024), a push to promote public safety for motorists and pedestrians. Councilmember Radiant Cordero and I introduced Bill 61 to prohibit wheelies on public roadways by certain motorized vehicles, including mopeds, motorcycles, and electric bicycles. Wheelies, defined as a stunt in which a rider lifts the front wheel and balances on the back wheels, pose a growing safety risk as e-bike use increases in our community. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services is presently reporting around two e-bike accidents per week, underscoring the need for preventive action.
Mahalo for staying connected with us at the Council. I hope your December is filled with gratitude and meaningful connections.