MĀNOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 7

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M.
KAPĀLAMA HALE – ROOM 153
925 DILLINGHAM BOULEVARD, HONOLULU, HI 96817
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m0703b535a40c894de5b9cd9e2a50ae05
Meeting Number/ Access Code: 2483 095 1817
Password: NB07 (6207 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: 1-408-418-9388

Meeting Materials: Find a monthly archive of handouts and referenced materials relating to the Mānoa Neighborhood Board No. 7 at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NO7LXTCebl7VkAMZ8–ocGHcb14-omUL

Board Meeting Recordings can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice

Rules of Speaking: Address the Chair, be recognized before proceeding, and confine remarks to the subject under discussion. Speakers are asked to keep their comments under one (1) minute. Please listen for the direction of the timekeeper and mute yourself if not recognized by the Chair to speak.

Note: The Board may act on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds vote of 12 of this 17-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Items may not be added if they are of major importance and will affect a significant number of people.

Neighborhood Board Boundaries: https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/wp-content/uploads/sites/53/2023/09/07_Manoa.jpg;
https://honolulu-cchnl.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/cchnl::neighborhood-board-subdistricts/explore

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Dave Nagaji (davenagaji@gmail.com)

II. FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS
a. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
b. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)

III. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
a. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Dominic Dias
b. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Deputy Director Gavin Thornton
c. City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto

IV. STATE MONTHLY REPORTS
a. Senator Carol Fukunaga
b. Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett
c. University of Hawaii at Mānoa – Elmer Kaai
d. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Laci Goshi

V. COMMUNITY UPDATES
a. Flooding in Mānoa and on Oahu. At the time of this writing, heavy rains have continued over two consecutive weekends, and the situation continues to develop. On Monday, March 23, 2026, there was severe flooding to Mānoa Marketplace and the Woodlawn side of the valley. This item will be an open forum to discuss the flooding and any related issues.
b. Mānoa Banyan Court. The Chair emailed Charles Wong, President of Lin Yee Chung Association, last month. According to Mr. Wong, there are no updates for the project at this time.
c. Aria Lane
d. Ala Wai Flood Mitigation
e. UH Ewa Property Feasibility Study

VI. BOARD BUSINESS
a. Filling of Vacancies. Subdistrict 4 (Two Vacancies):Residents interested in filling a vacant board seat must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Anson Wu [anson.wu@honolulu.gov] to verify residency in advance.
b. RESOLUTION URGING CONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALKS IN MĀNOA (Voting Item) – Christopher Moylan
c. RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE UNDERGROUNDING OF UTILITIES ON UNIVERSITY AVENUE BETWEEN THE UNITED METHODIST CAMPUS MINISTRY AND EAST MĀNOA ROAD (Voting Item) – Dave Nagaji
d. Report on Behalf of the Neighborhood Commission – Patrick Smith. This presentation is slated to cover the following topics: (1) A request for the board to review its geographical boundaries and let Commissioner Larry Veray know if there is any interest in considering a change, (2) Updates regarding a revamped complaints portion of the Neighborhood Plan, and (3) Soliciting ideas and concerns as the commission reviews the Neighborhood Plan’s various provisions.
e. City Legislation Relating to Housing Density and Transportation – Robert Fox
f. Approval of the Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Meeting Minutes
g. Proactive Solutions Committee Report – Member Moylan (drcmoylan@gmail.com)
h. Board Member Three Absent Letter

VII. COMMUNITY CONCERNS (other concerns not listed on the meeting agenda)
Questions for HFD, HPD, BWS, city officials, and state officials should be asked after their report. Per the “Sunshine Law” (HRS 92), concerns not on the agenda may be presented, but the Board cannot take action.

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Next Meeting: The next regular board meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in person at Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria and online via Webex.
b. Agenda Items for Future Meetings: Board members and residents may contact the Chair in order to request that a new item be added to the agenda. Due to mandatory deadlines, please make any such agenda requests more than a week in advance of the meeting.
c. Watch Mānoa Neighborhood Board Meetings:
i. Olelo Channel 49 (televised on the 4th Saturday at 3:00 p.m.) (https://olelo.org/tv-schedule)
ii. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqRwVpRroonJXWsEipv9KdtRyQdcF87p

IX. ADJOURNMENT

A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or emailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda, documents, minutes are also available online: https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov, or complete the form on https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/testimony.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer than three (3) business days remaining before the meeting, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but it may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

NAME SUBDISTRICT CONTACT
Ellen Watson 1 (Woodlawn) pehi@hawaii.rr.com
Robert Zane 1 (Woodlawn) zanero9141@gmail.com
Whitney Bosel 1 (Woodlawn) wboselmnb@gmail.com
Elton Fukumoto (Timekeeper) 2 (Upper Mānoa) etfukumoto@gmail.com
Dave Nagaji (Chair) 2 (Upper Mānoa) davenagaji@gmail.com
Dave Fields 2 (Upper Mānoa) dave3@hawaii.edu
Christopher R. Moylan (Vice Chair) 3 (Middle Mānoa) drcmoylan@gmail.com
Diane Chong (Treasurer) 3 (Middle Mānoa) dchonghawaii@gmail.com
Joan Koff (Secretary) 3 (Middle Mānoa) joankoff@yahoo.com
Ellen Sofio 3 (Middle Mānoa) honsofio@aol.com
Philmund “Phil” Lee 3 (Middle Mānoa) philmund@gmail.com
Robert Fox 4 (Lower Mānoa) rfoxent@gmail.com
Patty Kawano 4 (Lower Mānoa) lowermanoa@gmail.com
Joseph Mishreki 4 (Lower Mānoa) joseph.mishreki@gmail.com
Lisa Carter 4 (Lower Mānoa) lisakealacarter@gmail.com
VACANT 4 (Lower Mānoa)
VACANT 4 (Lower Mānoa)

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
NOELANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA – 2655 WOODLAWN DR, HONOLULU, HI 96822 AND VIA WEBEX

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPID74-RKNo

Meeting materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NO7LXTCebl7VkAMZ8–ocGHcb14-omUL

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:02]: Acting Chair Christopher Moylan called the Mānoa Neighborhood Board No. 7 regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Quorum WAS established with 10 members present. Note: This seventeen-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Robert Zane, Ellen Watson, Dave Nagaji, Phil Lee, Diane Chong, Christopher Moylan, Ellen Sofio, Patti Kawano, Robert Fox, Elton Fukumoto, Dave Fields (6:39 p.m.), Whitney Bosel (6:46 p.m.), and Lisa Cater (7:32 p.m.)

Board Members Absent: Joan Koff and Joseph Mishreki.

Guests: Firefighter Chris Edwards (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Miura (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (BWS); Gavin Thornton (Mayor’s Representative); Heath Williams (Office of Councilmember Scott Nishimoto); Hector Venegas (Senator Carol Fukunaga’s office); Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett; Laci Goshi (Governor’s Representative); David S., Glenn Otaguvo, John Q. Adams, Brett and Melvina Kurashige, Sharon Omizo, Chris Edwards, Vanessa Distago, Raelene Tenno, Tom Heinrich, Russell Fujita, Frankie, Stanton, Paul M., Colleen Quitevis, Nakamoto, Veneeta Acson, Betty, Johnnie-Mae L. Perry, Laura Ruby, J. Mitchel, Dylan P. Armstrong, Lydia Nakada, Hanale; and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were 31 total participants.

II. FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:01:48]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:02:04]: Firefighter Chris Edwards provided the report and highlighted the following:
• February 2026 statistics: 4 activated alarms without fire; 1 cooking fire; and 43 medical emergency responses.
• Safety Tip for March 2026: Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and hallway, and on every level of the home; test alarms at least twice a month by pushing the test button; replace alarms when 10 years old or when the test button fails.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sYcVjagcRyko4pwjydMMGO08bupJFW-p/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:03:34]
1. Emergency Response Cost/Efficiency: Member Fox asked whether fire trucks are still being dispatched to medical calls and whether, given the city’s tight budget, an alternative response model could be explored. Captain Edwards explained that EMS dispatch uses a decision tree to determine whether to co-respond with an HFD unit; co-response occurs for the majority (but not all) medical calls. Member Fox suggested exploring whether ambulances could be better deployed for medical calls to reduce costs and asked that the question be forwarded to the Chief and the Mayor. Captain Edwards agreed to pass it along and noted these budgetary calculations have already been evaluated at higher levels, accounting for standard of cover, insurance, hospital locations, and other factors.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:08:53]: Lieutenant Miura provided the report and highlighted the following:
• February 2026 statistics: 12 motor vehicle thefts; 1 burglary; 4 thefts; 0 unauthorized entries to motor vehicle; and 5,229 calls for service.
• Safety Tip for March 2026: The Move Over Law requires motorists to change lanes away from any emergency vehicle (police, fire, ocean safety, EMS, freeway service patrol, or tow trucks) that is stopped on the roadside, or if a lane change is not possible, to slow down. This protects emergency responders, pedestrians they may be assisting, and other motorists.

Fields arrived to the meeting at (6:39 p.m.); 11 members present.

III. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:10:27]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:10:49]: Dominic Dias provided the report and highlighted the following:
• February 2026 Report: Two main breaks, one at Waakaua Place and one at Beaumont Woods Place.
• General Announcement: BWS will observe World Water Day on Sunday, March 22, 2026, a United Nations observance raising awareness about the global water crisis; 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe portable water. This year’s theme is “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:12:12]: Deputy Director Gavin Thornton provided the report and highlighted the following: Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will investigate and retime the pedestrian signal at the Beretania/McCully intersection, and will ask HPD to monitor walkways near 2544 and 2538 Alaula Way for illegal parking after residents confirmed the issue despite no violations observed during DTS’s investigation. HPD District 7 conducted speed enforcement checks on East Manoa Road from Thursday, February 12, 2026 to Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and observed no violations; a Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) inspection at Mānoa Banyan Court on Friday, February 13, 2026 found below-permit-criteria grading near the pavilion with no violation; and regarding voter registration issues at DMV, driver licensing clerks will be reminded to check both sides of the application for completeness. Thornton also encouraged use of the HNL311 app (available on Apple/Android) or hnl311.com to report community issues directly to the responsible city department, with registered users receiving status updates on their requests.

Bosel arrived to the meeting at (6:46 p.m.); 12 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:17:12]
1. HNL311 App Capacity: Member Kawano asked about the approximately 650 open items in the app and how the city manages that volume. Thornton noted he was unsure who is in charge of the app specifically but acknowledged that 600 items make sense city-wide. He shared that the app proved particularly helpful during a recent weather incident for reporting downed trees, routing reports more efficiently than calls to 911. He offered to find out more and report back.
2. No Parking Signs: Member Fox asked whether the city could install no parking signs—including temporary ones—along the street where the parking-on-walkway issue was reported, citing a property at Miley Way where people are parking on the front lawn. Thornton agreed to bring the question back.
3. 311 App Usability and Voter Registration Follow-up: A resident described a positive experience reporting a fallen stop sign via email (response within two weeks) but noted difficulty navigating the 311 app. She also shared a continued voter registration issue: after resolving earlier paperwork, she recently received another letter from the city stating her mailing address was invalid, despite it matching her driver’s license. She expressed frustration that three separate communications about voter registration is discouraging.
4. Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration: Resident Ruby noted the Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration is moving forward and encouraged Mānoa Neighborhood Board participation. She raised concerns about a proposed bridge over the Ala Wai Canal, noting Waikīkī should be treated as a separate entity for flood management purposes, and questioned why (Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has not published the FONA (Finding of No Action) while already soliciting contractor bids —suggesting the proper process has not been completed.
5. Honolulu Rail: Resident Armstrong asked about the administration’s perspective on the delayed Honolulu Rail city center station (now expected into 2031), current average ridership of 10,000 – 11,000 riders per day, and whether the administration is revisiting its revenue or funding plan given ongoing expenses and HART litigation—including whether property taxes or state funds are being considered. Thornton acknowledged the complexity of the question and did not have an answer at the meeting.

City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [0:27:08]: No representative was present at this time, was revisited later at the meeting.

IV. STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:27:27]

Senator Carol Fukunaga – [0:27:35]: Hector Venegas provided the report and highlighted the following: the Sunday, February 8, 2026 storm prompted the senator’s focus on two bills: Senate Bill (SB) 2363, which would allow counties to temporarily or permanently close access to county-controlled lands such as streams or hazardous areas when conditions pose a safety risk; and SB 2109, which consolidates three measures to strengthen statewide emergency communications through Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HEMA), with an emphasis on multilingual messaging, accessibility for residents with disabilities, and family preparedness. The senator is also exploring long-term funding tools to address chronic hazards such as overgrown stream vegetation and flood risk in older neighborhoods like Mānoa, Nuuanu, and Tantalus, particularly given federal funding uncertainties. She is focused on strengthening state, county, and community partnerships to reduce risk before storms hit, and the HNL preparedness flyer was distributed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:30:20]
1. Update on SB 2397: Member Moylan asked for an update on SB 2397. Venegas will provide a follow-up in the next meeting. Chair Nagaji reported that after forwarding the board’s resolution to Senator McKelvey, he received confirmation that SB 2397 passed its first Senate committee. He asked Venegas to follow up with the senator’s office to push for a hearing in the Judiciary Committee.

Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett – [0:31:30]: Representative Garrett provided the report and highlighted the following: SB 2397 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unamended and will cross over to the House within the next week, and encouraged the board to send another letter of support once it is referred to a House committee. He explained that the legislature is approaching the unofficial crossover halfway point, where of approximately 2,500 bills introduced, roughly 1,000 are expected to survive to crossover, then about half that to conference, and half again to the governor’s desk. The state’s primary focus is the financial plan for the out-years, as the governor has proposed pausing recently enacted tax cuts in response to a projected $3 billion reduction in federal funds driven by cuts to Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) benefits. He also noted uncertainty stemming from recent U.S. military activity in the Middle East and its potential impact on tourism and fuel prices.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:33:35]
1. HB 2159 Status and Path Forward: Member Moylan asked whether the board had missed an opportunity to act on HB 2159, the House companion quorum bill. Representative Garrett advised focusing solely on SB 2397 as the only viable vehicle at this stage, and offered to keep the board informed.
2. Pahoa Ridge: Resident Shimikawa asked for any new information on the Pahoa Ridge project following their prior conversation. Representative Garrett confirmed that Highridge Costa, the developer of record, is no longer involved and the project is effectively on hold.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – [0:35:57]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [0:36:11]: Laci Goshi provided the report and highlighted the following: two programs from the governor’s office the Hale Kama’aina Mortgage Program offers first-time homebuyers below-market-rate mortgages, open to U.S. citizens or resident aliens living in Hawaii who have not owned a primary residence in the past three years. Families across Hawaii can now apply for free public pre-kindergarten for the upcoming school year at https://earlylearning.hawaii.gov/. Additional information on both programs is available at https://governor.hawaii.gov/.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:37:03]
1. Diamond Head Homeless Encampments: Member Fox reported dangerous conditions at homeless encampments on Diamond Head state land—including a recent mountainside fire, debris on cliff edges, and beer bottles thrown at cars that shattered his windshield—and urged the state to take immediate action since city personnel have no jurisdiction there. Goshi agreed to follow up with a response.
2. Request for State Parks Presentation: Resident Armstrong recommended the board follow up on prior requests for a dedicated state parks briefing, suggesting the Department of Land Natural Resources (DLNR) administrator of state parks or another appropriate official as presenter.

V. COMMUNITY UPDATES – [0:39:57]

Mānoa Banyan Court – [0:40:03]: No updates.

Aria Lane – [0:40:17]: Chair Nagaji reported that on Friday, January 23, 2026, he received an email from the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) stating that the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will hold a scheduling meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at noon at the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building. At this meeting, the ZBA will adopt the date for the contested case hearing, set deadlines for filing documents, and address procedural issues. Chair Nagaji noted this appears to be a preliminary planning session, not a decision on the merits of the appeal.

Ala Wai Flood Mitigation – [0:41:27]: No updates.

Mānoa Pool – [0:41:38]: Chair Nagaji reported that the Department of Parks and Recreation provided an update: the pool is now expected to reopen by the end of March 2026. In addition to repairs, Parks and Recreation is installing starting blocks and adding slip-resistant flooring. The Board extends thanks to the Mamizuka ‘Ohana for their donations and to Councilmember Scott Nishimoto for securing the necessary funds for repairs.

UH Ewa Property Feasibility Study – [0:42:21]: No Updates.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:42:28]
1. Board Push-Back: Resident Ruby encouraged the board to push back against planning activities that proceed without bottom-up community involvement. Chair Nagaji noted the board passed a resolution approximately three years ago stating its position that the University Lab School should receive written assurances it can remain on the property; that position has been communicated to the community outreach representative. He noted there is little more the board can do until specific plans or a timeline are presented.

Pahoa Ridge – [0:44:10]: Chair Nagaji noted that at the previous meeting, a community member requested a resolution on the Pahoa Ridge project be placed on the agenda, but subsequently contacted the Chair to say a resolution may not be necessary at this time. David S. reported that despite projected plans for a construction start this summer, Pahoa Ridge has not received any funding to proceed further. Representative Garrett confirmed he followed up with the developer of record, Highridge Costa, who is no longer involved in the project. The property’s buyer may be exploring a partnership with another developer.
The project is banking on very competitive Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)—only 15–20% of applicants receive them—and without those credits, the project cannot pencil out given current tariffs, high labor costs, and construction costs. The situation is effectively on hold. Shimikawa expressed interest in continued coordination with the Kapahulu–St. Louis board and the Moiliili–McCully board to ensure any future project on the site aligns with neighborhood values and does not result in an inappropriately scaled high-rise. He noted that a prior traffic analysis was requested from the developer but never produced, and emphasized that traffic conditions on the site are not conducive to large-scale development.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:50:39]
1. Financial Accountability for Developers: Member Fox expressed concern about a broader pattern in which developers file plans with no financial obligation to follow through—creating community angst and conflict for years. He called for a policy requiring developers to put a financial deposit down before receiving any permit from Department of Planning and Permiting (DPP), and suggested this could be a matter for the state legislature.
2. Transferability of Entitlements: Member Kawano asked whether DPP approvals and entitlements automatically carry over to a new developer or must be restarted. Representative Garrett said he was unsure and would look into it and check with Councilmember Nishimoto. Member Fox noted that building permits are legal entities unto themselves and are transferable regardless of who does the work, arguing the rules need to change to make permits non-transferable and more personal to the applicant. Resident Shimikawa is unsure that a building permit was filed and could be found online, only the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HFDC) application would need to be redone from scratch.
3. Support and Board Role: Resident Armstrong seconded Member Fox’s comments and cited Neighborhood Plan Section 2-13-102(7d), which provides that each board may express its neighborhood’s view, opinion, or advice on matters within the scope of the board’s jurisdiction—supporting the board’s role in articulating standards for community involvement in planning and development.

VI. BOARD BUSINESS – [0:56:46]

Filling of Vacancies. Subdistrict 4 (Three Vacancies) – [0:56:53]: Lisa Carter volunteered to fill one of the vacancies for Subdistrict 4 and provided a brief introduction of herself

[0:58:53] – Fox NOMINATED Lisa Carter to fill the vacancy for Subdistrict 4. A roll call vote was conducted. Lisa Cater filled the vacancy for Subdistrict 4; 11-0 (Carter: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Chong, Moylan, Sofio, Kawano, and Fox; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:59:10]

[1:00:22] – Neighborhood Assistant Anson Wu administered the oath of office off camera.

Resolution Supporting Prioritization of Public Right-Of-Way – [1:00:53]: Member Moylan presented the resolution from the Proactive Solutions Committee. The resolution requests the City and County of Honolulu to adopt a policy giving mobility uses (vehicle driving lanes, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks) priority over stationary uses (parking and landscaping) with regard to the allocation of publicly owned right-of-way in areas where vehicle and pedestrian traffic demand sufficiently exceeds the supply of available space.
• Drafted Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wapCfzs6HJZ_-TxgdV9IqR0N5rOQyyZh/view?usp=drive_link

Carter joined the board at (7:32 p.m.); 13 members present.

[1:06:12] – Moylan MOVED and Chong SECONDED to adopt the resolution supporting prioritization of public right-of-way. Discussion followed.
1. Resolution Concerns: Multiple board members voiced their concerns with the resolution noting that the resolution will reduce street parking in Mānoa; the resolution uses too board and vague language; and the resolution could be used to facilitate two controversial high-density development projects currently pending in the valley.
2. Resolution Edits: Resident Armstrong suggested the board consider working with proposed edits, noting a more detailed memo or letter could be passed at a later date. Observed that Member Moylan’s intent was for the city to develop a policy, not to prescribe every detail.
3. Resolution Explanation: Chair Nagaji explained the resolution was co-drafted and edits were considered before distribution; however, making the language more specific caused it to read like a legal disclaimer rather than a policy proposal. Stated his view that the resolution addresses severe traffic on specific roads and that the city has enough common sense to understand the intent. He remained open to amendments but indicated he would vote yes on the resolution as written.

[1:22:52] – Hearing no further discussion, the board conducted a roll call vote. The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED; 3-7-3 (AYE: Nagaji, Chong, and Moylan; NAY: Watson, Bosel, Fukumoto, Sofio, Kawano, Fox, and Carter; ABSTAIN: Zane, Fields, and Lee) – [1:22:58]

Approval of the Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Meeting Minutes – [1:24:12]:
[1:24:22] – Fox MOVED and Zane SECONDED to approve the Wednesday, February 4, 2026 drafted meeting minutes as written. Discussion followed. Hearing no further objections, the motion WAS adopted; 13-0-0 (Carter: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Lee, Chong, Moylan, Sofio, Kawano, Fox, and Carter; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:27:15]

Proactive Solutions Committee Report – [1:27:34]: Member Moylan reported the Proactive Solutions Committee has three items in the pipeline: sidewalks, parking near the University of Hawaiʻi, and undergrounding of utilities.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:27:57]
1. Lowry Avenue Sidewalk Approach: Member Watson suggested the committee explore placing a sidewalk on only one side of Lowry Avenue—the park side—to avoid removing trees on the other side. She emphasized that finding federal funding so homeowners are not assessed any cost.
2. Safe Routes to Schools Funding: Resident Armstrong echoed Member Watson’s comments and suggested the committee pursue Safe Routes to Schools federal funding, noting its direct relevance to Mānoa campuses and its current availability.
3. Next Committee Meeting: Member Carter asked about the next committee meeting date; Member Moylan confirmed it is Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. with a public agenda distributed in advance per the Sunshine Law. He offered to share contact information with Member Carter directly.

VII. COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:31:42]

Fallen Tree Blocking Stream – [1:31:51]: Resident Sharon reported that trees from a vacant P2 preservation property, owned by an out-of-state property owner, have been falling into a stream that flows into Mānoa Stream. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, a 30-foot long, 30-inch diameter tree fell from the property and has not been removed, blocking the stream and causing erosion and debris buildup. DPP inspection request was submitted within the past week, with no reply yet received. She asked the board and community for suggestions on how to hold the property owner accountable.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:33:40]
1. Fallen Tree: Chair Nagaji asked if the fallen tree has been removed. Resident Sharon clarified that the tree has not been removed.
2. Leverage and Legal Option: Member Fox suggested going to the Department of Preservation and threaten to remove the $300 taxation on the property. He offered to help the resident draft a lawsuit against the property owner if necessary.
3. P2 Property: Member Sofio asked if the P2 Property is site for the Mānoa Banyan Court. Resident Sharon clarified that the property is private land.
4. Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration Resource: Resident Ruby noted the Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration addresses issues of this type and invited the resident to an upcoming meeting. She offered the collaboration as a resource for community-driven, low-cost solutions.
5. Council Member Assistance: Member Fukumoto suggested seeking assistance from Councilmember Nishimoto’s office before escalating to a lawsuit. He noted that elected officials can often prompt faster government responses than legal action. Resident Shanon noted that she already sent her concern to Councilmember Nishimoto’s office.
6. Tree Information: Chair Nagaji asked for more information regarding the fallen tree. Resident Shanon noted the tree is still in the stream; the tree is 30 feet long and 30-inch diameter; and the tree is located at her backyard in the Woodlawn. Heath from Councilmember Nishimoto’s office will look into this.
7. Owner Liability: Member Bosel asked whether the property owner had been contacted in writing. Resident Shanon confirmed that she had sent the property two emails, two voicemails, and a text regarding the issue.

City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [1:40:41]: Heath Williams from Councilmember Scott Nishimoto’s office provided the report and highlighted the following: an upcoming community events include a cleanup at Ala Moana Regional Park on Sunday, March 8, 2026; a free tax clinic at the Hawaiʻi State Library on Saturday, March 14, 2026; Azama Park cleanup in Palolo on Saturday, March 21, 2026; and an Easter egg hunt and community food drive with Repili at Makiki District Park on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:41:37]
1. Stream Maintenance Responsibility: Member Carter asked whether the city conducts regular stream cleaning. Member Fox clarified that Malama and approximately 300 volunteers run a yearly cleanup removing invasive Albizia trees, as neither the city nor state maintains streams. Thornton added that the city does maintain stream sections not on private property, as much of the stream is privately owned.
2. Council Member Nishimoto at E-Waste Event: Member Fukumoto expressed surprise and appreciation at seeing Council Member Nishimoto personally unloading electronic equipment from cars at the Mid Pacific Institute collection event.
3. Event Details in Chat: Member Bosel asked that the dates and details for the upcoming events be posted in the meeting chat for easy reference. Williams agreed to post them right away.
4. Diamond Head Homeless Encampments: Member Fox reiterated his earlier request and asked Council Member Nishimoto’s office to contact appropriate parties to address the dangerous homeless encampments at Diamond Head Beach and Road. Williams acknowledged the request.
5. Lowry Avenue Complete Streets: Member Chong asked whether Councilmember Nishimoto could look into Complete Streets improvements on Lowry Avenue. Williams confirmed the office is already investigating that.

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:45:57]

Next Meeting – [1:45:58]: Chair Nagaji announced the next regular board meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria and via WebEx. Due to mandatory deadlines, agenda requests should be submitted more than one week in advance of the meeting.

Meeting Broadcasts – [1:46:34]: Mānoa Neighborhood Board meetings are available on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 (televised on the 4th Saturday at 3:00 p.m.) and on YouTube (search “Mānoa Board YouTube” or use the link on the agenda).

IX. ADJOURNMENT – [1:46:56]: Chair Nagaji adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m.

Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO
Finalized by: Joan Koff, Secretary

To view agenda and minutes, visit our board website.

Event shows physical location; however, other options of participation may also include WebEx and phone.  If available, instructions for WebEx and phone can be found at the top of the agenda.