February'26
In February, Representative Joe Gedeon hosted his monthly "Let's Talk Story" session at the Oʻahu Club, focusing on the theme of "Preserving the Heart of Hawaiʻi Kai".
Preserving the Heart of Hawai'i Kai
The event brought together community leaders and residents to discuss respectful development, conservation, and the importance of ensuring the community's voice is heard in local decision-making,.
The session featured three prominent guest speakers, each representing organizations dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural landscape of the district.
Luca Zavas – Livable Hawaiʻi Kai Hui
Luca Zavas, the Program Director and ʻĀina Educator for Livable Hawaiʻi Kai Hui, shared the history and ongoing efforts to protect the Kāwāwā Wetland.
Wildlife Conservation: Zavas highlighted the organization’s work in protecting the endangered ʻalae ʻula (Hawaiian Moorhen), an endemic bird she described as a vital ecological indicator and "firebringer" in Hawaiian culture.
Land Stewardship: She detailed how the community rallied in 2009 to prevent a developer from turning the wetland into a parking lot and tennis courts. Through these efforts, the Hui successfully purchased five acres in 2014 to preserve the area as a permanent wetland and cultural site.
Community Involvement: Residents are invited to volunteer for dryland forest restoration and medicinal garden projects every second Saturday of the month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Lisa Bishop – Friends of Hanauma Bay
Lisa Bishop, a retired naval officer and President of the Friends of Hanauma Bay, discussed the 36-year history of the organization as a leading advocate for the bay's preservation.
Landmark Achievements: Bishop emphasized the organization’s role in supporting Hawaiʻi’s world-first ban on reef-toxic sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Management & Advocacy: She reviewed the success of the 1990 Hanauma Bay management plan, which helped reduce annual visitors from 3.5 million to 1 million to protect the marine ecosystem.
Current Priorities: The organization is currently focused on fiduciary stewardship, collaborating with the new bay manager, Nicholas Tasaya, and ensuring the city budget prioritizes necessary repairs and maintenance for the nature preserve.
Dr. Tom Cooper – Haha’ione Advocates for Respectful Development (HARD)
Dr. Tom Cooper, a distinguished scholar and local advocate, spoke on behalf of HARD regarding the future of the former JAIMS property.
The Petition: HARD is currently gathering 10,000 signatures to oppose further commercial development or high-rise construction on the property.
Vision for a Community Center: Cooper expressed a community-driven vision to transform the JAIMS building into a multi-purpose community center. Proposed uses include a satellite city hall, a sustainability center, and office space for local non-profits like Mālama Maunalua.
Community Support: The initiative is backed by thousands of local residents, teachers, and civic leaders who wish to protect the area's existing character and greenery.
Representative Gedeon concluded the meeting with several important district updates:
Maunalua Bay: The dredging and restoration project at Maunalua Bay was completed two months ahead of schedule. A volunteer maintenance program is being organized to help care for the new plantings.
Development Surveys: Rep. Gedeon highlighted ongoing community surveys regarding the proposed Phase 2 of Koko Villa. He noted that the majority of feedback so far has been opposed to the project and encouraged residents to attend the upcoming committee meeting on March 3rd at the Hawaiʻi Kai Library to engage with the developer.
Upcoming Sessions: Future "Let's Talk Story" topics will include homelessness in March and a follow-up session with Hawaiian Electric in May to discuss grid reliability and solutions for recent outages.
Representative Gedeon closed the evening by emphasizing that "preservation doesn't mean stopping progress; it means protecting what matters while making thoughtful decisions about the future". He reminded attendees that their participation is vital, as the testimony and feedback gathered from these sessions directly inform the work done at the State Capitol. By continuing to "talk story" and share their voices, residents play an active role in ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of the resources and values that define the heart of Hawaiʻi Kai. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged by signing up for the district newsletter and participating in upcoming surveys.
