The City and County of Honolulu's council meeting on August 16, 2024, focused on two significant resolutions: the appointment of Christina Bushnell to the Oahu Historic Preservation Commission and the proposed conveyance of the former Kalaheo Elementary School property to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL).

Christina Bushnell, an urban planner with expertise in cultural resource management, was appointed to the Oahu Historic Preservation Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2029. During her introduction, Bushnell expressed her commitment to elevating the cultural narratives of Hawaii and emphasized the commission's ongoing efforts to establish its priorities. The council unanimously supported her appointment.

The second resolution, which garnered considerable public attention, involves the transfer of a 10-acre vacant parcel in Kailua to the DHHL for the development of single-family homesteads. This initiative aims to address the housing crisis in Hawaii while fulfilling the state's constitutional mandate to provide housing opportunities for native Hawaiians. The property has been vacant since its acquisition in 1961 and has been slated for disposal for decades.

Public testimony revealed significant community concerns regarding the stability of the land, which is characterized by fragile clay soils. Residents voiced opposition to the resolution, citing risks of damage to existing homes and the need for thorough geological assessments before any development proceeds. Testifiers urged the council to ensure that the resolution includes explicit protections for neighboring homeowners and mandates comprehensive due diligence, including soil and infrastructure surveys.

In response to these concerns, council members discussed the importance of conducting detailed assessments to evaluate the land's suitability for development. They highlighted the necessity of inter-agency collaboration to address potential impacts on traffic, infrastructure, and existing properties. The DHHL's director assured the council that the department would prioritize safety and community engagement throughout the process.

Ultimately, the council amended the resolution to include provisions for due diligence and community input before the property transfer. The resolution was reported out for adoption without objections, marking a significant step towards addressing both the housing needs of native Hawaiians and the concerns of local residents.