June 2026: 'Ewa Beach Report

The heart of District 9 has always been its people. This month's newsletter celebrates the neighbors, businesses, and volunteers whose dedication, generosity, and aloha make our community such a wonderful place to call home.

The Honolulu City Council recently approved the City’s FY 2027 budget, a roughly $5 billion total plan, which includes approximately $4 billion for the operating budget (day-to-day City services) and about $1 billion for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which funds infrastructure projects such as roads, parks, and City facilities. The measure passed by a 6–3 vote after months of departmental briefings, public hearings, and community testimony.

I voted no on the final operating budget because I remain concerned about reductions to key departments that directly impact core services residents rely on every day, especially public safety, parks maintenance, permitting, and the upkeep of City facilities. During budget hearings, departments including the Honolulu Police Department, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Permitting, Facility Maintenance, and Budget and Fiscal Services testified that these reductions could affect their ability to deliver essential services.

My priority is making sure the City is fully supporting the services that keep our communities safe, clean, and functioning. 

The budget now moves to Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who has indicated he intends to use his line-item veto authority on certain items. The Council will have the opportunity to review any vetoes before the budget is finalized.

Inside this issue, you'll meet Josh Asentista, whose friendly smile has welcomed customers at the ʻEwa Beach Post Office for 28 years. For many residents, a trip to the post office means catching up with Josh, sharing a laugh, and being greeted by name—a reminder that great public service is built on personal connections.

We also honor retired Navy Commander John H. Clark III, whose lifelong commitment to leadership, education, and community service continues to strengthen ʻEwa Beach long after his military career. We celebrate Dorothy Mau, who at 99 years young continues to inspire generations through a lifetime of service, music, and fellowship. And we congratulate the sisters behind D’Lish at the Beach, who transformed a small beachside restaurant into a beloved gathering place where families, friends, and neighbors come together to enjoy great food and aloha.

This issue also features the remarkable story of Walter Gouveia, the legendary Waipahu athlete whose extraordinary talents were decades ahead of his time, and highlights The Pet Depot, a family-owned ʻEwa Beach business that has faithfully served local pet owners for more than 23 years.

I also had the opportunity to dine at the new Fairway Tavern, and I highly recommend it. The open-air restaurant is bringing people together at the ʻEwa Villages Golf Course, where local flavors, plantation traditions, and island hospitality create a dining experience that truly feels like home.

While celebrating these community treasures, our office continues working to improve District 9 through infrastructure projects, neighborhood cleanups, graffiti removal, and public safety initiatives. We are grateful for the residents who partner with us to make our neighborhoods safer, cleaner, and stronger.

Thank you for your continued support and for the many ways you strengthen District 9 every day. It is truly an honor and privilege to serve you.