I’m pleased to share the latest updates on major projects across the North Shore, recent action at the City Council, and community milestones.
Update on the Office of Economic Revitalization
While I’m proud of the investments secured for the North Shore in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, I’m deeply disappointed in the Council’s decision to cut positions and funding from the Office of Economic Revitalization(OER). OER will cease operations on August 14. The Honolulu Film Office will continue with its current three full-time employees, while six of OER’s 24 employees will transition to other City departments.
We must put people over politics. I opposed the budget cuts because I saw firsthand how critical OER was to our residents, including helping our District 2 community recover from the Kona Low storms. As affordability and cost-of-living challenges worsen, local families, small businesses, and farmers are fighting to get by. Our work is not done until every ʻohana can afford a home, our small businesses can thrive, and our communities are safe.
Mahalo to the OER team for their dedicated service and tireless work supporting flood victims, small businesses, farmers, and residents.
Protecting Hawaiʻi’s Marine Resources
The City Council adopted two resolutions urging permanent protections against the commercial aquarium harvest in our marine waters. Resolution 26-160, which I co-introduced with Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos Tam, urges the State Legislature to permanently prohibit the commercial harvest of aquatic life from Hawaiʻi's marine waters for aquarium purposes. The resolution
supports lasting protections for Hawaiʻi's coral reefs and native marine species as the State considers resuming commercial aquarium collection permits. Meanwhile, Resolution 26-159, co-introduced by Council Chair Tommy Waters and Floor Leader Esther Kiaʻāina, urges the State Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) to direct the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) to adopt administrative rules that would prohibit the commercial harvest of aquatic life from Hawaiʻi's marine waters.
Preserving Ke Kīpuka o Kalaeuila
The Council adopted Resolution 26-134, which approves the use of the City’s Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund to acquire a conservation easement over Ke Kīpuka o Kalaeuila in Kahuku. Working alongside the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), the Trust for Public Land, and the North Shore Community Land Trust, this effort will help preserve native habitats, cultural sites, and traditional fishponds while supporting community stewardship and educational opportunities. Mahalo to our community partners for making this possible.
Mt. Kaʻala Gondola Project Update
The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has determined that the proposed gondola project on Mt. Kaʻala is not permitted because it is not accessory to agricultural use. This follows recent legislation prohibiting private passenger ropeways, including gondolas, throughout Hawaiʻi. Mahalo to House Majority Leader Representative Sean Quinlan for introducing this bill. These wins reflect years of advocacy from residents, cultural practitioners, environmental organizations, and community members who raised their voices to protect this special place.
Kahuku Golf Course Cleanup
In response to community concerns, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM), and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) conducted a Stored Property Ordinance (SPO) operation at Kahuku Golf Course and Beach. Crews removed approximately 1.25 tons of trash and issued a Storage and Disposal Notice. Three individuals were cited for trespassing and offered out reach services. Mahalo to our City partners for working together to keep this area safe.
Celebrating 75 Years of Matsumoto Shave Ice
It was an honor to welcome Stanely, Noriko, and Remy Matsumoto to Honolulu Hale and present them with an Honorary Certificate celebrating Matsumoto Shave Ice’s 75th anniversary. Since opening in Haleʻiwa in 1951 and serving its first shave ice in 1956, Matsumoto Shave Ice has become one of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved family businesses. For generations, it has welcomed kamaʻāina and visitors while remaining rooted in family, community, and aloha. Congratulations to the Matsumoto ʻohana, and mahalo for 75 amazing years!