As summer begins, I would like to share updates on projects across the North Shore, highlight community concerns that have been addressed, and recognize outstanding organizations and individuals making a difference in District 2.
Investing in the North Shore
The Honolulu City Council completed its review of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. While the budget is still undergoing final administrative review, several important investments benefiting the North Shore were included to improve infrastructure, public safety, and community resilience.
Major projects in the FY27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget include:
• $1.5 million for a Wailele Stream Flood Control Study in Lāʻie
• $1.5 million for a Kaiaka Bay Watershed Flood Control Study
• $800,000 to design flood control improvements for Kahaluʻu Lagoon
• $2 million for planning and design of a Hauʻula Resilience Hub
• $250,000 for Kahuku Ambulance Facility improvements
• $5.3 million for the Kahuku District Park Swimming Pool and
Recreation Center
• $250,000 to design a replacement fire station for Waialua
• $13 million for wastewater infrastructure planning and up grades in Kahuku, Lāʻie, Paʻalaʻa Kai, Wahiawā, and Whitmore Village
• $800,000 for planning and design of a canoe hālau at Haleʻiwa Beach Park
• $3 million for resilient emergency shelters capable of with standing Category 5 hurricanes
• $16 million for planning and designing a resilience hub for each Council district where resilience hubs are not currently planned.
The Executive Operating budget includes funding for kūpuna nutrition programs, stream maintenance planning, community policing, flood mitigation technology, and traffic safety improvements near schools. These investments are intended to address both immediate community needs and future challenges.
The City Council will convene a Special Council Meeting to discuss the Mayor’s proposed vetoes to the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. During this meeting, Councilmembers will review any items returned by the Administration and consider whether to accept or override the Mayor’s vetoes.
Pūpūkea Beach Park Light Repairs
My office continues to work with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to address repairs to the basketball court lights at Pūpūkea Beach Park. Residents reported that the lights are not functioning, which limits access during evening hours. DPR submitted a work order to the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) in February, and my office is following up on a repair timeline. Mahalo to the community for your patience while this issue is being addressed.
Addressing Overgrown Vegetation in Waialua
Following concerns raised by Waialua residents, the overgrown vegetation at the intersection of Waialua Beach Road and Goodale Avenue has been trimmed to improve visibility and safety. Residents reported that tall grass along the road and bike path was creating hazards for keiki riding bikes. Mahalo to DPR for their collaboration in addressing this issue.
City Relocates Recycling Carts from Waialua Corporation Yard
The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) has relocated the blue recycling carts previously located at the Waialua Corporation Yard to the Kawailoa Transfer Station.
Consolidating recycling services at a staffed facility will help reduce contamination and illegal dumping while maintaining convenient recycling access for our community. For questions, please contact ENV’s Refuse Division at (808) 768-3200.
Supporting Our Agricultural Community
I was honored to join Pacific Gateway Center (PGC), Kame- hameha Schools, and community partners for the blessing of PGC’s new farm in Haleʻiwa. The site will support diversified crop production, hands-on agricultural training, and pathways for small-scale farm operations to thrive.
Mahalo to PGC, Executive Director Matt Johnson, the PGC Board of Directors, Kamehameha Schools, GoFarm Hawaiʻi, Feed the Hunger Fund, Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance, Ag Stewardship Hawaiʻi, and the many partners who helped bring this vision to life.
Aloha in Action
I attended the Honolulu Fire Department’s (HFD) Commendation Ceremony, where several residents and firefighters representing District 2 were recognized for their extroverted acts of bravery and service. Among those honored were Jimmy Thompson and off-duty firefighter James Rosenfeld, who risked their own safety to rescue two visitors caught in dangerous surf conditions at Ke Iki Beach. Facing challenging ocean conditions, their quick thinking, courage, and teamwork helped save two lives. Mahalo to our first responders for going above and beyond every day and thank you to our community heroes for your quick thinking in a moment of crisis.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at (808) 768-5002. Mahalo for your continued support and engagement.