OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Honolulu City Council Meeting – September 9, 2026: Appointments, Land Use Bills, and Public Testimony

City Council — Wednesday, September 9, 2026
BodyHonolulu, Hawaii
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, September 9, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:18:18

Transcript — Verbatim
5:17

Aloha and good morning.

5:18

Councilmember Toba, can you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?

5:31

And they got everybody justice for all.

5:36

Thank you so much.

5:36

Councilmember Tobo, would you like to introduce your guests giving us the message of Allah?

5:42

Thank you, Chair.

5:43

Aloha, colleagues and guests.

5:45

It is my honor today to welcome someone very special to our council chambers, Lopaka Kapanui has spent 30 years of sharing the stories, history, and cultural traditions of Hawaii.

5:58

He is a master, Hawaiian traditional storyteller.

6:04

Many of you may also know him as the ghost guy.

6:08

Through his business mysteries of Hawaii, Lopaka brings to life some of our island's most fascinating legends, mysteries, and supernatural stories.

6:17

He's recognized for his ability to weave together folklore, documented history, and firsthand accounts.

6:24

That is what makes Lopaca's work so meaningful.

6:27

A bridge between our past and our present.

6:30

He ensures the stories of Hawaii are not only remembered but experienced.

6:35

Lopaka is also an accomplished author, having written six books, including Hawaiian Night Marches.

6:50

Through decades of dedication, Lopaka ensures our stories and traditions are passed on to future generations.

6:57

This is why I asked Lopaka to share the message of Allah this morning.

7:01

His words remind us of the values that we should all should guide us today.

7:05

Kindness, humility, respect, unity, and kuliana.

7:09

Lopaka, ma'al for being here and sharing your knowledge.

7:12

And thank you.

7:13

Please, ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together and welcome Lopaka Kaponui.

7:22

And thank you for leaving out the part about professional wrestling.

7:27

Appreciate that.

7:51

Never by my name.

7:53

And there's a father and son baseball game when I was seven.

7:56

It was at the old uh turnway palace, the old stadium.

8:01

And my adopted father went to his sons, Paul and Daniel and said, Look, look, uh, father and son, uh baseball game, we should go, we could win.

8:08

And both of his sons says, nah, no, like.

8:10

So I came up to him, I said, Dad, Dad, let's do it.

8:12

We we can win.

8:13

He said, Yeah, we we we can win.

8:15

He said, but the thing says father and son baseball game, you're not my son.

8:19

So, no can.

8:21

And so I got older and I put all those issues behind me, and I got on with my life, and then fast forward.

8:28

I'm on a healing journey for my longevity, my physical uh part of uh my longevity and my spirituality.

8:36

And a large part of this healing journey is there's a list of 40 things in your life you have to let go of that are not serving you.

8:44

And these are things you let go of that are now because you didn't let it go, affecting your mental health, your physical health, your spirituality, your personal relationships.

8:53

So I'm working with that.

8:55

And then last week's Saturday, I'm meeting a group at seven here at the uh Kamehameha statue, and I'm thinking to myself, okay, what are some other things I have to let go?

9:04

And then I realized in the course of growing up, uh, my nephew, my adopted nephew, was you know how one kid you're growing up, they just like on your nerves all the time.

9:13

Like even if they breathe, it's like, oh.

9:16

And so that was this kid, and in 2016, as an adult, he came to one of my shows and took some of my merchandise and walked off because you know, a family.

9:25

So I ignored him.

9:26

I blocked his calls, and this went on like all the way up until now, just wouldn't have anything to do with him.

9:32

So I'm standing at the statue Saturday thinking to myself, you know, what else do I have to let go so I can you know move on?

9:37

And I turn and look this way, and there's my nephew, and he's coming toward me.

9:43

And for some reason, there was no tension.

9:45

Uh I just gave him this big hug, and we cried for a little while.

9:50

And then he gave me this, this pool, this conch shell that he made himself.

9:55

And I looked at him and I said, you know, this is a symbol for for the Hay Imolelo for the storyteller.

10:00

I said, How did you know this?

10:01

He goes, Oh, I never know.

10:02

I just seen him on the reef in Kono Son.

10:04

Just pick them and I'll go make them for you because I know I can see you.

10:07

And so we had lunch this past Monday, and if you can imagine two big local brothers at Zippies crying and laughing and eating food, and we let it go.

10:19

So the chant I'm gonna do is a chant that you do when the rain is coming.

10:27

And so you're not making the rain go away in this chat.

10:30

You're asking the rain to be Malier to be calm.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Planning███████████████████19%
Procedural████████████████16%
Parks and Recreation██████████10%
Public Safety███████7%
Animal Welfare██████6%
Environmental Protection█████5%
Public Health█████5%
Cultural Heritage████4%
Homelessness████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Honolulu City Council Meeting – September 9, 2026: Appointments, Land Use Bills, and Public Testimony

The Honolulu City Council held its regular meeting on September 9, 2026, beginning at approximately 10 a.m. The meeting included opening ceremonies (Pledge of Allegiance and a message by storyteller Lopaka Kapanui), followed by consideration of a lengthy agenda encompassing appointments, first-reading bills, second-reading bills, third-reading bills, and resolutions. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to public testimony, with multiple community members speaking on land use, housing, parks, and animal control issues. The Council took action on over 20 agenda items, approving most with unanimous votes or recorded reservations.

Consent Calendar

  • [No separate consent calendar was used; all items were taken up individually or in grouped motions.]

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ava Puhi Chanel Kalauli Robinson (self-identified as a lineal heir and plaintiff in Red Hill litigation) testified on multiple items, opposing Bill 55 (Waikiki rezoning), Bill 37 (Honouliuli land use boundary amendment), Bill 39 (Kapulei/Honouliuli rezoning), Bill 42 (Koolauloa land use amendment), Bill 43 (Paalaa Kai rezoning), and Resolution 26-71 (sale of surplus city property). She argued that these actions affect royal patents and require consultation with Native Hawaiian lineal descendants under the Supreme Court’s Kapaakai analysis. She also spoke on Resolution 26-169 (gift to ENV) requesting consultation for projects at Honouliuli.
  • Pikachu Billionaire (District 9) testified in opposition to Bill 55 (Waikiki rezoning), raising concerns about homelessness and cultural respect. He opposed Bill 52 (streets/sidewalks) and expressed support for most other bills but noted procedural concerns regarding allodial titles and royal patents.
  • Kelvin Ole Konihiki testified in opposition to Bill 37, Bill 42, and Bill 43, calling the land use changes “illegal corruption” and arguing that agricultural land must be preserved for food sovereignty.
  • Stephanie Hilton (public testimony via phone) testified on Bill 33 (parks funds) requesting funding for security cameras and a social worker pilot program, and on Bill 16 (dog control) recounting an August 23, 2026 dog attack at airport campgrounds. She urged stronger enforcement and support for homeless pet owners.
  • Stephanie Kendrick (Hawaiian Humane Society) testified in strong support of Bill 16, stating the ordinance provides needed deterrents.
  • Susan Collins (Burden B Hawaii Animal Sanctuary) testified in support of Bill 16, emphasizing accountability for dog owners.
  • Dylan Armstrong testified in support of Bill 30 (parks activation), Bill 16, and Resolution 26-189 (sustainable road practices), and offered general support for park improvements.
  • Kalena Cookshe and Dominique Bonifacio (Honolulu Youth Commission) testified in strong support of Resolution 26-189, urging adoption of recycled ash in road construction to reduce landfill waste.
  • Konoilani Perry (president of All Island Records) testified on CR246 (global settlement of towing claims), requesting her company’s name be removed as they were unaware of any legal proceedings.
  • Ernie Lau (Board of Water Supply) supported the reappointment of Naalehu Anthony and spoke on Resolution 26-193 (Red Hill PFAS contamination), urging more aggressive monitoring and testing.

Discussion Items

  • Appointment Confirmations: The Council adopted Resolution 26-172 CD1 confirming Naalehu Anthony to the Board of Water Supply (vote: 9-0). Resolution 26-196 (Gary Okimoto to Civil Service Commission) was referred to committee. Resolution 26-197 was canceled.
  • First Reading Bills (Bills 55 & 56): Bills 55 (rezone Waikiki property) and 56 (relation to corporation counsel) passed first reading. Public testimony opposed Bill 55 due to Native Hawaiian cultural and land rights concerns. Bill 56 had brief testimony questioning authority hierarchy.
  • Second Reading Bills:
    • Bill 54 (parking): Passed 9-0 without testimony.
    • Bill 52 (streets, sidewalks, malls): Passed 9-0 (Councilmembers Tolba, Tupola, Wire recorded reservations). Testimony raised concerns about enforcement capacity and homeless impacts. Council discussion centered on fine increases and enforcement gaps.
    • Bill 37 (land use boundary – Honouliuli): Passed 9-0 after public opposition from Kalauli Robinson and others citing royal patent and lineal heir rights.
    • Bill 38 (TOD special district expansion): Passed 9-0 (Councilmembers Tolba, Tupola, Wire reserved). Councilmember Tupola expressed strong reservations about lack of community engagement and full conversion of AG lands; Councilmember Kia Aina urged DPP to meet with Tupola. Council asked DPP about timeline for remaining TOD plans – target is to finish all station rezoning by 2031.
    • Bill 39 (rezoning Kapulei/Honouliuli): Passed 9-0 after testimony opposing changes affecting ancestral lands.
    • Bill 42 (land use – Koolauloa): Passed 8-0-1 (one absent). Testifiers opposed. Councilmember Wire inquired about generator and fuel storage improvements at the joint base yard; Councilmember Kia Aina clarified the amendment brings the existing corporation yard into state land use compliance.
    • Bill 43 (rezoning Paalaa Kai): Passed 8-0-1 after testimony against reducing agricultural land.
  • Third Reading Bills:
    • Bill 33 (parks funds): Passed 9-0. Councilmember Tupola explained the bill creates dedicated funds for parks and botanical gardens, allowing reinvestment of revenues.
    • Bill 50 (land conservation fund amendments): Passed 9-0 without testimony.
    • Bill 30 (public parks activation): Passed 9-0 after testifier support. Councilmember Tupola noted the bill targets underutilized parks and will not displace existing recreation.
    • Bill 31 (cultural sites in public parks): Passed 8-0-1 (Councilmember Wire excused). Testifier Kalauli Robinson urged broader definition of cultural practitioner qualifications. Councilmember Tupola highlighted two sites: Ku Ilioloa Heiau and Mauna Lahilahi, supported by community stewards.
    • Bill 32 (park fees flexibility): Passed 8-0-1 (Councilmember Wire excused) with amendment FD1 removing camping fees from director authority. Councilmember Tupola emphasized safeguards and support.
    • Bill 16 (dog control): Passed 9-0. Testimony from Hilton, Kendrick, Collins, and Armstrong in support; Kalauli Robinson urged empathy for homeless dog owners. Councilmember Okimoto highlighted the two-year effort with Department of Customer Services and Hawaiian Humane Society.
  • Other Resolutions:
    • Collective bargaining items (CR218/Res. 26-166): Passed 9-0.
    • Fund transfers for DCS and DTS (CR219/Res. 26-170, CR220/Res. 26-181): Passed without objection.
    • Gift acceptance (Res. 26-169 for ENV, Res. 26-167 for bench at Aina Moana, Res. 26-174 for Kalihi Valley tennis court naming, and multiple bench/monetary gifts): All adopted with 9-0 or 8-0 votes.
    • Resolution 26-189 (sustainable road construction with recycled ash): Adopted 9-0 after youth commission testimony emphasizing landfill reduction.
    • Resolution 26-87 (safer pedestrian crossings at Kaelepulu Elementary): Adopted; Councilmember Kia Aina asked administration to follow up with nearby residents about mural placement.
    • Resolution 26-71 (sale of surplus city property): Adopted 9-0 after Kalauli Robinson’s opposition citing ancestral connection to Chocolate Beach/pond.
    • Sister city resolutions (Res. 26-184 with Cebu, Philippines; Res. 26-185 policy guidelines): Adopted 9-0. Councilmembers expressed support for meaningful economic and cultural ties.
    • Resolution 26-193 (Red Hill PFAS contamination): Adopted 9-0. Manager Lau and testifiers urged more aggressive Navy monitoring and expanded well network.
    • Resolution 26-198 (foreclosure action in Kaneohe): Adopted 9-0. Councilmember Kia Aina explained it was a last resort for a dilapidated property.
    • Resolution 26-150 (LUO amendment on large detached dwellings): Adopted 9-0 with reservations from Tupola, Wire, and Dosanto Tan concerning impacts on ADUs and non‑conforming status. Matter goes to Planning Commission.
    • Resolution 26-168 (SMA permit for Nanakuli commercial building): Adopted 9-0.
    • Resolution 26-188 (downzoning 10 acres in Kailua): Adopted 9-0 after explanation that DHHL deemed the site unsuitable for homesteading.
    • Committee Reports CR244, CR245, CR246, CR254: Adopted. Councilmember Tupola reserved on CR246 (global settlement of towing claims), citing inaccurate information presented about the contractor’s unpaid invoices. Councilmember Cordero reserved on CR245. Testifier Konoilani Perry raised concerns about her company being named in CR246; Council clarified the settlement bars future claims against both city and contractor.
  • Bill 48 (condemnation): Passed third reading 9-0 with amendment FD1.
  • Resolution 26-186 (gift of plumbing/drainage): Adopted 9-0 with amendment FD1.
  • Resolution 26-192 (gift for HFD K9 team): Adopted 9-0 without amendment.

Key Outcomes

  • Confirmed Appointment: Naalehu Anthony to the Board of Water Supply (CR222/Res. 26-172 CD1).
  • Passed First Reading: Bill 55 (Waikiki rezoning) and Bill 56 (corporation counsel).
  • Passed Second Reading: Bill 54 (parking), Bill 52 (streets/sidewalks), Bill 37 (land use – Honouliuli), Bill 38 (TOD expansion), Bill 39 (Kapulei/Honouliuli rezoning), Bill 42 (Koolauloa), Bill 43 (Paalaa Kai). All passed with 8–9 yes votes; some members recorded reservations.
  • Passed Third Reading: Bill 33 (parks funds), Bill 50 (land conservation), Bill 30 (public parks), Bill 31 (cultural sites), Bill 32 (park fees flexibility), Bill 16 (dog control), Bill 48 (condemnation).
  • Adopted Resolutions: Over 20 resolutions, including collective bargaining, gift acceptances, sister city relationships, Red Hill contamination, sustainable roads, surplus property sale, and zoning amendments.
  • Referred Items: Resolution 26-196 (Gary Okimoto appointment) and Resolution 26-150 (LUO amendment) to committee/Planning Commission respectively.
  • Next Meeting: Adjourned to Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Meeting Transcript

Aloha and good morning. Councilmember Toba, can you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance? And they got everybody justice for all. Thank you so much. Councilmember Tobo, would you like to introduce your guests giving us the message of Allah? Thank you, Chair. Aloha, colleagues and guests. It is my honor today to welcome someone very special to our council chambers, Lopaka Kapanui has spent 30 years of sharing the stories, history, and cultural traditions of Hawaii. He is a master, Hawaiian traditional storyteller. Many of you may also know him as the ghost guy. Through his business mysteries of Hawaii, Lopaka brings to life some of our island's most fascinating legends, mysteries, and supernatural stories. He's recognized for his ability to weave together folklore, documented history, and firsthand accounts. That is what makes Lopaca's work so meaningful. A bridge between our past and our present. He ensures the stories of Hawaii are not only remembered but experienced. Lopaka is also an accomplished author, having written six books, including Hawaiian Night Marches. Through decades of dedication, Lopaka ensures our stories and traditions are passed on to future generations. This is why I asked Lopaka to share the message of Allah this morning. His words remind us of the values that we should all should guide us today. Kindness, humility, respect, unity, and kuliana. Lopaka, ma'al for being here and sharing your knowledge. And thank you. Please, ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together and welcome Lopaka Kaponui. And thank you for leaving out the part about professional wrestling. Appreciate that. Never by my name. And there's a father and son baseball game when I was seven. It was at the old uh turnway palace, the old stadium. And my adopted father went to his sons, Paul and Daniel and said, Look, look, uh, father and son, uh baseball game, we should go, we could win. And both of his sons says, nah, no, like. So I came up to him, I said, Dad, Dad, let's do it. We we can win. He said, Yeah, we we we can win. He said, but the thing says father and son baseball game, you're not my son. So, no can. And so I got older and I put all those issues behind me, and I got on with my life, and then fast forward. I'm on a healing journey for my longevity, my physical uh part of uh my longevity and my spirituality. And a large part of this healing journey is there's a list of 40 things in your life you have to let go of that are not serving you. And these are things you let go of that are now because you didn't let it go, affecting your mental health, your physical health, your spirituality, your personal relationships. So I'm working with that. And then last week's Saturday, I'm meeting a group at seven here at the uh Kamehameha statue, and I'm thinking to myself, okay, what are some other things I have to let go? And then I realized in the course of growing up, uh, my nephew, my adopted nephew, was you know how one kid you're growing up, they just like on your nerves all the time. Like even if they breathe, it's like, oh. And so that was this kid, and in 2016, as an adult, he came to one of my shows and took some of my merchandise and walked off because you know, a family. So I ignored him. I blocked his calls, and this went on like all the way up until now, just wouldn't have anything to do with him. So I'm standing at the statue Saturday thinking to myself, you know, what else do I have to let go so I can you know move on? And I turn and look this way, and there's my nephew, and he's coming toward me. And for some reason, there was no tension. Uh I just gave him this big hug, and we cried for a little while.

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