Tree Roots at Geiger Community Park Impacting Neighboring Townhomes
An Association of Apartment Owners member contacted our office after the root system of a City-owned tree at Geiger Community Park extended beneath a perimeter fence and began lifting the deck of an adjacent townhome, causing property damage.
Our office immediately notified the City Administration and the Department of Parks and Recreation. Following the complaint, District 9 staff conducted a site visit with a senior Parks Department groundskeeper to document the damage, assess the situation, and discuss a path forward.
A work order has been submitted to address the tree's root system and that the Department will coordinate with the AOAO on the next steps. Our office will continue to monitor the progress.
Tree Roots at Geiger Community Park Impacting Neighboring Townhomes
An Association of Apartment Owners member contacted our office after the root system of a City-owned tree at Geiger Community Park extended beneath a perimeter fence and began lifting the deck of an adjacent townhome, causing property damage.
Our office immediately notified the City Administration and the Department of Parks and Recreation. Following the complaint, District 9 staff conducted a site visit with a senior Parks Department groundskeeper to document the damage, assess the situation, and discuss a path forward.
A work order has been submitted to address the tree's root system and that the Department will coordinate with the AOAO on the next steps. Our office will continue to monitor the progress.
Overgrowth Along 'Ewa Canal Impacting Kulana Village
Excessive vegetation along the 'Ewa Canal behind the Kulana Village townhomes, adjacent to 'Ewa Beach Community Park, has spread along the edge of the concrete channel, creating a maintenance issue in an area that is difficult to access due to a narrow ledge.
Our office notified the City Administration and requested that the site be inspected and addressed. As a result, the city submitted a work order.
District 9 will continue to monitor the project and follow up with the appropriate departments until the work is completed.
Overgrowth Along 'Ewa Canal Impacting Kulana Village
Excessive vegetation along the 'Ewa Canal behind the Kulana Village townhomes, adjacent to 'Ewa Beach Community Park, has spread along the edge of the concrete channel, creating a maintenance issue in an area that is difficult to access due to a narrow ledge.
Our office notified the City Administration and requested that the site be inspected and addressed. As a result, the city submitted a work order.
District 9 will continue to monitor the project and follow up with the appropriate departments until the work is completed.
Tree Roots Damaging Neighboring 'Ewa Beach Home
Our office assisted an 'Ewa Beach homeowner whose property has been impacted by the root system of a tree located on the campus of Kaimiloa Elementary School.
The homeowner shared that they had been working with school staff but had stopped receiving updates and needed help reconnecting with the appropriate contacts. In response, Councilmember Augie Tulba's office reached out to Kaimiloa Elementary School and the Department of Education's Complex Area Superintendent to request assistance. Because the tree is located along the school's perimeter and near a City street, our office also contacted the City Administration, the Department of Planning and Permitting, and the Department of Parks and Recreation's Division of Urban Forestry to help coordinate a response.
Following our outreach, the homeowner was connected with Complex Area Superintendent Jon Henry Lee and Kaimiloa Elementary School Principal Larisa Gadach. The homeowner has since met with Principal Gadach, who reviewed the tort claim process, provided the required paperwork, confirmed where it should be submitted, and explained the next steps. The homeowner was also advised to follow up if confirmation is not received within 10 days after submitting the claim. Our office will continue to monitor the matter and assist as needed until the issue is resolved.
Tree Roots Damaging Neighboring 'Ewa Beach Home
Our office assisted an 'Ewa Beach homeowner whose property has been impacted by the root system of a tree located on the campus of Kaimiloa Elementary School.
The homeowner shared that they had been working with school staff but had stopped receiving updates and needed help reconnecting with the appropriate contacts. In response, Councilmember Augie Tulba's office reached out to Kaimiloa Elementary School and the Department of Education's Complex Area Superintendent to request assistance. Because the tree is located along the school's perimeter and near a City street, our office also contacted the City Administration, the Department of Planning and Permitting, and the Department of Parks and Recreation's Division of Urban Forestry to help coordinate a response.
Following our outreach, the homeowner was connected with Complex Area Superintendent Jon Henry Lee and Kaimiloa Elementary School Principal Larisa Gadach. The homeowner has since met with Principal Gadach, who reviewed the tort claim process, provided the required paperwork, confirmed where it should be submitted, and explained the next steps. The homeowner was also advised to follow up if confirmation is not received within 10 days after submitting the claim. Our office will continue to monitor the matter and assist as needed until the issue is resolved.
FLOCK Cameras on Papipi Road
Our office has received numerous questions and concerns about four FLOCK cameras recently installed on utility poles along Papipi Road in 'Ewa Beach. The cameras are located near the bus stop in front of 7-Eleven, on both sides of Hailipo Street facing opposite directions, and at the entrance to One'ula Beach Park. Each camera is equipped with a solar panel and is reportedly capable of automatically scanning license plates. A map of their locations is available at maps.deflock.org.
While many residents have expressed concerns about privacy, questions have also been raised about data storage, power usage, and who authorized or approved the installation of these cameras.
Our office has been working to determine how the cameras were installed and whether they were properly authorized. We have confirmed with the Honolulu Police Department, the City's Departments of Facility Maintenance, Transportation Services, and Information Technology, as well as the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawai'i Department of Transportation, that the cameras do not appear to be part of any government program or to have received government approval or funding.
We have also contacted Hawaiian Electric, which has indicated in preliminary discussions that it was not involved in the installation. The company is conducting an internal review and will provide a formal response. In the meantime, our office has asked the appropriate agencies to advise what actions may be taken if no permits or approvals can be identified. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
FLOCK Cameras on Papipi Road
Our office has received numerous questions and concerns about four FLOCK cameras recently installed on utility poles along Papipi Road in 'Ewa Beach. The cameras are located near the bus stop in front of 7-Eleven, on both sides of Hailipo Street facing opposite directions, and at the entrance to One'ula Beach Park. Each camera is equipped with a solar panel and is reportedly capable of automatically scanning license plates. A map of their locations is available at maps.deflock.org.
While many residents have expressed concerns about privacy, questions have also been raised about data storage, power usage, and who authorized or approved the installation of these cameras.
Our office has been working to determine how the cameras were installed and whether they were properly authorized. We have confirmed with the Honolulu Police Department, the City's Departments of Facility Maintenance, Transportation Services, and Information Technology, as well as the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawai'i Department of Transportation, that the cameras do not appear to be part of any government program or to have received government approval or funding.
We have also contacted Hawaiian Electric, which has indicated in preliminary discussions that it was not involved in the installation. The company is conducting an internal review and will provide a formal response. In the meantime, our office has asked the appropriate agencies to advise what actions may be taken if no permits or approvals can be identified. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Kaukolu Way Repaving Still Pending
Our office has received new inquiries from residents about the continued delay in repaving Kaukolu Way and Kaukolu Place in 'Ewa Beach.
Neighbors shared that surrounding streets were repaved months ago and that Kaukolu Way also appeared to be scheduled for work. Residents recall orange traffic cones and temporary no-parking signs being placed along the street, only to have them removed later without any paving taking place. They are asking why their street was skipped and when the long-awaited improvements will begin.
Councilmember Augie Tulba's office contacted the City Administration and the Department of Facility Maintenance to request an update.
The Department of Facility Maintenance explained that roadway preservation projects are prioritized each fiscal year based on available funding. Because of budget limitations, Kaukolu Way and Kaukolu Place could not be included in the previous 'Ewa paving project. However, the department anticipates including both streets in the next work order using this fiscal year's funding.
According to the department, the work order is expected to be issued to the contractor by the end of September. A construction start date will be determined afterward by the Department of Facility Maintenance and the contractor. Our office will continue to monitor the project.
Kaukolu Way Repaving Still Pending
Our office has received new inquiries from residents about the continued delay in repaving Kaukolu Way and Kaukolu Place in 'Ewa Beach.
Neighbors shared that surrounding streets were repaved months ago and that Kaukolu Way also appeared to be scheduled for work. Residents recall orange traffic cones and temporary no-parking signs being placed along the street, only to have them removed later without any paving taking place. They are asking why their street was skipped and when the long-awaited improvements will begin.
Councilmember Augie Tulba's office contacted the City Administration and the Department of Facility Maintenance to request an update.
The Department of Facility Maintenance explained that roadway preservation projects are prioritized each fiscal year based on available funding. Because of budget limitations, Kaukolu Way and Kaukolu Place could not be included in the previous 'Ewa paving project. However, the department anticipates including both streets in the next work order using this fiscal year's funding.
According to the department, the work order is expected to be issued to the contractor by the end of September. A construction start date will be determined afterward by the Department of Facility Maintenance and the contractor. Our office will continue to monitor the project.
Have a district issue you want to report?
Aaron Ho, our office’s Constituent Affairs Specialist for 'Ewa Beach, tours District 9 with Councilmember Tulba to learn about concerns related to city operations, traffic and public safety. To reach him with your ideas or to share community concerns, please use the contact form below.
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