MĀNOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 7

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M.
NOELANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA
2655 WOODLAWN DRIVE, HONOLULU, HI 96822
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/boards-and-sub-district-boundary-descriptions;
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. PRESENTATIONS
a. Reminders About Decorum and Respect – Dave Nagaji. The chair believes that it is important to give several comments and updates to the board and community, due to a recurring lack of decorum and lack of respect among board members. Relevant sections of the Neighborhood Plan include:
i. 2-14-117 (order and decorum)
ii. 2-14- 118(a) (discussion)
b. Presentation on Hawaii’s Environmental Review Process – Tom Eisen

IV. 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

V. 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

VI. COMMUNITY UPDATES
a. Flooding in Mānoa and on Oʻahu. Per Rep. Garrett’s newsletter, there will be a Town Hall on Emergency Preparedness on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., at Noelani Elementary School.
b. Mānoa Banyan Court
c. Aria Lane
d. Ala Wai Flood Mitigation
e. UH Ewa Property Feasibility Study

VII. BOARD BUSINESS
a. Filling of 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.
i. Subdistrict 1 (One Vacancy)
ii. Subdistrict 4 (One Vacancy)
b. Proactive Solutions Committee Updates
i. The meeting of the committee on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 did not have proper notice. Though meeting notice was sent in the mail and via email, timely notice was not posted on the NCO website. Therefore, any decisions made or actions taken at the Wednesday, May 20, 2026 committee meeting are rendered void (as if the meeting had never happened).
ii. The committee shall expire at the end of the current officer term. If the committee’s chair wishes to renew the committee for another year, then that can be voted on during the August 2026 meeting.
c. Status of Senate Bill 2397 SD1 HD1 CD1 (2026) Relating to Neighborhood Boards (Quorum Requirement); Governor Now Reviewing Bill – Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Final Decision Deadline – Tom Heinrich
d. Approval of the Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes

VIII. 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.

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Next Meeting: We are in RECESS FOR JULY 2026. The next regular board meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in person at Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria and online via Webex. All board officer positions will be up for election in August 2026.
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

X. 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
VACANT 1 (Woodlawn)
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
Jane Fyrberg 4 (Lower Mānoa)
VACANT 4 (Lower Mānoa)

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 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=XAZgZZMCl68

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

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:02]: Chair Nagaji called the Mānoa Neighborhood Board No. 7 regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum WAS established with 13 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, Elton Fukumoto, Phil Lee, Joan Koff, Diane Chong, Christopher Moylan, Ellen Sofio, Patti Kawano, Robert Fox, Lisa Cater, Jane Fryberg, Dave Fields (6:43 p.m.), and Joseph Mishreki (7:45 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Whitney Bosel.

Guests: Fire Captain Chris Edwards (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Taro Nakamura (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Diaz (Board of Water Supply) Gavin Thornton (Mayor’s Representative); Heath Williams (Office of Councilmember Scott Nishimoto; Senator Carol Fukunaga and Hector Venegas; Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett; Elmer Kaai Laci Goshi (Governor’s Representative); Tom Heinrich, Ruth D. Crocket, Brett and Melvina Kurashige, Garry Mizumoto, Jason Asahi, Raelene Tenno, John Quincy, Gerald and Mae Saito, Sharon Omizo, Michelle, Linda, Nicole, Veneeta Acson, Gail, Cuyler, Johnnie-Mae L. Perry, Russell, Aimee Malia Grace, Mike Buck, Vernelle, Noelle Grace, Beverly Smith, Betty, Stanton, Howard Luke, JL, Lydia Nakada, Laura Ruby, and Melek Yalcintas (Resident); 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 49 total participants.

[0:01:46] – Chair Nagaji noted the presentation on Hawaiʻi’s Environmental Review Process is postponed to the next agenda due to time concerns.

II. FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:02:02]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:02:12]: Fire Captain Chris Edwards provided the April 2026 statistics and the May 2026 safety tips and highlighted the following:
• April 2026 Statistics: 1 nuisance fire; 5 activated alarms with no fire; 38 medical incidents; 1 mountain rescue; and 1 hazardous material incident.
• Safety Tip for May 2026: Wildfire prevention and preparedness. The area is entering a period of increased wildfire risk due to dry conditions, tall grass, and shifting winds. Tips include: clear dry brush and vegetation around your home; never park on dry grass; avoid activities that create sparks or heat during dry, hot, windy weather; and stay aware of weather and fire conditions.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m74zhwimBkzcKvnYiDTjybO5_cY7cqyz/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:03:58]: Lieutenant Taro Nakamura provided the April 2026 statistics and May 2026 safety tips and highlighted the following:
• April 2026 Statistics: 14 motor vehicle thefts; 4 burglaries; 16 thefts; 2 unauthorized entries to motor vehicles (down from 4); and 5,614 total calls for service.
• Safety Tip for May 2026: A flyer with a barcode was distributed, allowing residents to subscribe to emergency alerts on their phones.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:05:05]
1. Moped Theft Tracking: Member Fox raised the recurring issue of moped theft near the University and Lower Mānoa, describing a geographic-pinning and statistical-mapping strategy used successfully in Long Beach, California to locate chop shops and reduce theft. He urged HPD to adopt a similar approach.
2. Two-Wheeler Activity: Member Carter reported observing a group of individuals wearing black facemask riding two-wheelers at all hours near Marques and Sea View in Subdistrict 4, triggering car alarms. She asked HPD to investigate. Lieutenant Nakamura advised residents to call 911 when such activity is observed so an officer can respond.
3. Crosswalk Signal Malfunction at University Avenue/Miley Way: Member Sofio reported that the pedestrian crosswalk signal at Miley Way and University Avenue was frozen and non-operational, creating a safety hazard. Lieutenant Nakamura noted it falls outside HPD’s direct jurisdiction but committed to sending an officer to check and notifying the traffic signal team.
4. Moped Helmet Law: Resident Asahi asked about enforcement of the new moped helmet law, noting that the majority of riders seen are not wearing helmets. Lieutenant Nakamura confirmed the law is in effect and that HPD is in the education and enforcement stage.
5. Rooster Noise Complaints: Kurashige asked approximately how many HPD calls come from Mānoa regarding rooster noise. Lieutenant Nakamura indicated HPD receives animal noise calls at least a couple of times a month from Mānoa.
6. Two Riders on One Moped: Member Kawano asked whether it is legal to carry two people on a moped. Lieutenant Nakamura confirmed it is absolutely not legal, is dangerous, and that he would stop anyone he observed doing so.
7. Green Waste Enforcement Letter: Lieutenant Nakamura followed up on a letter from Scott Snyder regarding green waste placed in streams, clarifying that enforcement and site investigation for such matters falls under the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM), and suggested the board and community direct further questions and action there. Chair Nagaji indicated he would follow up with Snyder.

Fields arrived to the meeting at 6:43 p.m. 14 members present.

III. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:18:16]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:18:21]: Dominic Diaz provided the report and highlighted the following: there were no main breaks in the month of April 2026 to report and no active construction work occurring in Mānoa. He extended a continued reminder on water conservation, noting that despite the heavy rainfall experienced over the past couple of months, the community is heading into the summer months and residents should be mindful of their water use and avoid being wasteful. Residents are encouraged to visit the Board of Water Supply website for tips on conserving water. Practical reminders included checking homes for leaks, taking shorter showers, and watering yards during the morning and evening hours.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:19:30]: Deputy Director Gavin Thornton provided the report and highlighted the following: the City and County of Honolulu continues cleanup and recovery efforts in partnership with community, state, and federal partners following three consecutive storm weather systems that brought significant flooding to the island, and encouraged residents to visit oneoahu.org for information on reporting home damage, available health and safety tips, assistance resources, and ways to support impacted communities. Residents were also encouraged to use the HNL 311 system to report specific needs such as potholes or other concerns. Thornton expressed appreciation for the community’s engagement at the April 2026 meeting, noting that he personally compiled a memo after that meeting and forwarded the concerns raised to the Department of Facilities Management (DFM) and the Department of Emergency Management, so there is now awareness of those concerns at the departmental level. In response to Fox’s prior request, Thornton confirmed he arranged a meeting with the DFM Director, who agreed to meet; someone will be reaching out to Fox about scheduling, and it may make sense to include additional board members given the breadth of community concerns raised. DFM was unable to provide responses to several questions that were forwarded following the April 2026 meeting and deferred all responses to next month. Thornton noted that following the April 2026 board meeting, DFM did send staff out to clean the stream in preparation for what ultimately did not become a severe storm. Regarding the Ala Wai Bridge project, Department of Transportation Services (DTS) provided a response to a prior resident question about soliciting contractors before a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was issued. Customer Services Department (CSD) also provided a response regarding the pigeon population near the World War II Memorial transit stop at Punchbowl and South King Street.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:25:25]
1. Ala Wai Bridge Clarification: Member Fox questioned why is DTS considering on building a bridge and asked for the data that supports it.
2. Ala Wai Bridge – Process Concern: Resident Ruby arguing the language used by DTS was handed down from above and that the community never sought any design. She stated requests for proposals should not have been issued before the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) resolution and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been generated. She also noted there is no designated parkland that has been designated. Deputy Director Thornton could arrange a meeting with DTS.

City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [0:28:23]: Heath Williams from Councilmember Scott Nishimoto’s office provided the report. Williams reported that following the April 2026 meeting, his office met with DFM Director Albano and presented him with Scott Snyder’s letter along with the various flooding-related complaints raised by the community. Director Albano tasked his department’s rank-and-file staff with preparing a written response to the letter, and Williams indicated they expect to receive that response by the Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The council member’s office will have something to share with the board at the next meeting.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:29:03]
1. Spray Paint Markings on Lowry Avenue: Resident Brett asked about professionally-sprayed paint markings along Lowry Avenue in what may be a wastewater area, asking whether a project is upcoming. Neither Thornton nor Williams was able to identify the source and both agreed to investigate.
2. Food Waste in Green Bins Pilot Program: Member Watson raised community concerns about a pilot program allowing food waste in green bins, citing likely issues with flies, maggots, rats, and improper disposal of non-compostable materials, especially given biweekly pickup. Williams agreed to pass the concern to Councilmember Nishimoto.

IV. STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:31:25]

Senator Carol Fukunaga – [0:31:36]: Senator Carol Fukunaga provided the report and highlighted the following: she was glad to report that the community’s concerns raised at the April 2026 meeting were heard, and that the state budget does include additional funding for some of the state emergency response agencies. She acknowledged that everyone is still trying to assess the full degree of damages from the recent storms and that there is likely much more work ahead. As part of the ongoing recovery effort, the Senator’s office is also encouraging residents to report whatever damages they may have sustained, even if those damages are minor in nature, because having a clear and comprehensive record of what happened will help the state secure repairs for infrastructure such as sewer systems and storm drains that were overwhelmed during the Monday, March 23, 2026 flooding event. Senator Fukunaga indicated she was happy to answer any questions from the board.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:32:30]
1. Neighborhood Board Bill (Senate Bill (SB) 2397): Member Moylan raised concerns that a bill authored by Senator Fukunaga to help neighborhood boards operate more effectively had been amended in conference committee, with a key provision apparently removed. Senator Fukunaga explained the bill was amended to address concerns that allowing a majority of a quorum to pass motions could result in only two or three members making decisions on behalf of the full board. She noted the bill may have been voted on in the state senate that day that some portions are beneficial and others need improvement. Chair Nagaji noted that the bill has an effective date of early 2027, providing time for further review.
2. State Budget Funding: Member Fukumoto asked whether the funding items listed in the Senator’s newsletter were confirmed as passing through the legislature. Senator Fukunaga confirmed both chambers voted on the budget, and that these items are included in the conference draft. For more specificity, members may contact the Senator’s office or Hector Venegas.

Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett – [0:35:40]: Representative Andrew Garrett provided a report and highlighted the following: approximately 215 bills were voted on that day, with only two days remaining before adjournment. Understanding that the board was pressed for time, he kept his report brief but indicated he will be sending out his next newsletter within the next week or two. That newsletter will include a detailed debrief of all the bills he believes will be of interest to the district, including a breakdown of capital improvement projects (CIP) secured for the district and grant aid funding to support the nonprofit community. He offered to answer any questions from the board.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:36:18]
1. Stream Dredging Funding: Member Watson asked Representative Garrett about a $15 million dredging request made by Director Ed Sniffen following the floods, which proposed a comprehensive one-time clean-out of streams including upstream areas not owned by the city or state. Representative Garrett stated he would locate that item in the budget and email an answer to Chair Nagaji for forwarding to board members.
2. Mānoa Pool Reopening: Koff asked for an update on when the Mānoa Pool would reopen. Representative Garrett noted the pool is city-run and that reopening had been delayed from late March to late April due to Kona storm impacts. He suggested the Mayor’s representative or Councilmember Nishimoto’s office could seek a definitive answer from Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – [0:38:54]: Elmer Kaai, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, provided the report and highlighted the following: he noted that Wednesday, May 6, 2026 was the last day of instruction for the semester, with final examinations beginning the following week and commencement ceremonies starting the week after; the first ceremony is for University of Hawaiʻi (UH) West Oʻahu at Stan Sheriff Center, followed by the community colleges, and then two Mānoa ceremonies on Saturday — one in the morning and one in the afternoon — to accommodate the large number of graduates. Kaai reported that UH Mānoa has begun a search for a new Chancellor over the past two weeks, returning to a chancellor model rather than a provost structure; the chancellor will oversee both the academic and management components of the campus, and there are currently three candidates under consideration. On follow-up items from prior meetings: in response to Fox’s concern about Shidler lighting and alarms, Kaai confirmed that campus security has been directed to double-check every night to ensure the systems are functioning, as there are many people on campus who sometimes trigger them inadvertently. In response to Sofio’s prior question about Hamilton Library drainage following the 2004 floods, Kaai reported that significant mitigation work was done over the intervening 22 years and that the campus drainage system is now very different, with water flowing through rather than pooling as it once did.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:41:10]
1. Moped Parking near Campus: Member Fox raised the issue of mopeds parking on residential front yards on Miley Way and adjacent streets, two blocks from campus. He asked UH to send letters to students reminding them not to park on neighboring properties. Kaai noted UH sends such reminders monthly, has designated moped parking areas, and acknowledged that moped users include non-students. He noted UH public safety officers do not have authority to ticket on public streets, which is HPD’s jurisdiction.
2. Development on College of Education Grounds: Resident Ruby asked whether planned development on the College of Education’s large grass lawn had been put on hold. Kaai confirmed that most of that proposed development has been placed on hold and offered to provide a status report.
3. Crosswalk Safety and Lighting on Dole Street: Resident Grace asked whether UH has jurisdiction to improve lighting at the redesigned crosswalks on Dole Street, citing a recent accident where she was rear-ended after stopping for a student in a crosswalk. Kaai agreed to look into improved signage and lighting.

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [0:45:19]: Laci Goshi provided the report and highlighted the following: she noted that the state continues to repair roads and infrastructure damaged in the recent storms and is working to connect impacted residents with case managers who can help navigate housing support and financial assistance; residents needing help are encouraged to call 211 to connect with disaster recovery services. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) has developed a post-disaster insurance claims guide along with an instructional video on how to file an insurance claim; residents may contact DCCA at 1-844-808-DCCA or visit dcca.hawaii.gov for additional claim-filing tips and assistance with insurance-related concerns.

V. COMMUNITY UPDATES – [0:46:43]

Flooding in Mānoa and on Oʻahu – [0:46:44]: Chair Nagaji summarized written communications sent since the April 2026 meeting on the flooding issue: Scott Snyder’s letter calling for improved enforcement of existing stream maintenance laws was shared with Councilmember Nishimoto’s office and others in the city. Aimee Grace and co-signers sent a letter to the Governor and Mayor with proposals for flood mitigation including policy changes and infrastructure improvements. He sent a letter to the State Legislature’s Finance and Ways and Means Committees and the City Council’s Budget Committee requesting funds for flooding relief and mitigation, noting the timing was necessary given the legislature’s budget process.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:47:42]
1. Repeat Flooding on Pomona Road: Resident Asahi reported his home has been flooded three times—in 2004, again previously, and again in 2026—and that requests to be rezoned as a flood zone were denied. He expressed frustration that nothing has been done.
2. Procedural Concern Regarding Chair’s Letter: Member Fukumoto raised a procedural concern that Chair Nagaji sent the letter on behalf of the board without a board vote. Chair Nagaji explained that time constraints made it impractical to wait for the May 2026 meeting. Fukumoto stated he understood the urgency but noted that the board should either vote to authorize such letters or hold an emergency meeting. He was not making a formal objection. Chair Nagaji committed to calling an emergency meeting in future time-sensitive situations.

[0:50:22] – Chair Nagaji took the meeting out of order and moved up Filling of Vacancies and Reconsideration of the Sidewalk Resolution up the agenda,

Filling of Vacancies: Subdistrict 4 (One Vacancy) – [0:50:28]: No Volunteers

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:51:07]
1. Updates on the Mānoa Banyan Court, Aria Lane, and Ala Wai: Member Watson asked about the updates for the Mānoa Banyan Court, Aria Lane, and Ala Wai. Chair Nagaji clarified that they will come back to the items later at the meeting.
2. Vacancy Clarification: Member Sofio asked for clarification on the Subdistrict. Chair Nagaji provided an explanation on Subdistricts.

Reconsideration of the Sidewalk Resolution – [0:52:12]: Chair Nagaji explained that in April 2026, the Board passed a “Resolution Urging Construction of Sidewalks in Mānoa.” Several days after the vote, a board member contacted the Chair, explained that she had misunderstood the topic of the vote, and requested a change from a “yes” to a “no.” Additionally, 14 community testimonies were received—all in opposition to the resolution. The Chair explained the two-step procedure: first, a Motion to Rescind must pass; if it passes, the board then recount votes on the underlying resolution.

[0:55:07] – Fryberg MOVED and Fox SECONDED to rescind the motion. Discussion followed.

1. Procedural Point of Order: Member Fukumoto raised a point of order clarifying that the motion to rescind should be limited to whether the specific circumstances of last month’s vote warranted a revote, and should not extend into the merits of the underlying resolution itself. He emphasized that there were two separate votes: the first being whether to rescind, and the second being whether to approve the resolution if rescission passed.
2. Chair’s Clarification: Chair Nagaji acknowledged Moylan’s procedural point but explained that he wished to read the resolution first so all members and the public understood what they were potentially reconsidering, given that it had been five weeks and the decision on whether to rescind was consequential: if rescission failed, the April 2026 vote would stand as final with no further opportunity to revisit it.
3. Procedural Summary: Member Sofio summarized the purpose of the rescission vote for the record: a yes vote means the board does not want the April 2026 vote to count and will proceed to vote again on the resolution.
4. Support for Rescinding: Member Sofio argued that extenuating circumstances justified rescinding: the new board member was confirmed only minutes before the vote, had not read the resolution, faced difficult acoustics, and immediately texted another member expressing distress. Community response has been overwhelmingly opposed. Since the erroneous vote was the deciding vote, rescinding is clearly warranted, and she will vote yes on the motion.
5. Support for Rescinding: Member Fukumoto stated he would vote yes because the member’s vote was the deciding ninth vote, she intended to vote no, and her unique circumstances as a brand-new member justified rescinding.
6. Concern About Precedent: Resident Grace questioned what procedural authority allows the board to rescind a decision already made, expressing concern this could set a precedent for relitigating any vote.
7. Support for Rescinding: Member Fox said he would vote yes to rescind so he could vote no on the underlying resolution, citing compelling testimony he had received that changed his view. He argued the ability to reconsider decisions is a strength of neighborhood boards.
8. Clarification on Robert’s Rules: Member Moylan explained that under Robert’s Rules, rescinding normally requires a two-thirds vote, but with sufficient advance notice to the Chair (as occurred here), a majority vote suffices. Furthermore, only members who were in the majority may bring a motion to rescind, which was also met in this case.

[1:11:26] – A roll call vote was conducted. The motion WAS adopted; 10-2-2 (AYE: Watson, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Lee, Koff, Sofio, Kawano, Fox, Carter, and Fyrberg; NAY: Chong and Moylan; ABSTAIN: Zane and Fields) – [1:11:29]

Change of Votes / Reconvening on the Resolution – [1:14:03]: Chair Nagaji announced the entire prior vote is vacated and the board is starting fresh. Chair Nagaji opened the floor for discussion.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:14:20]

Mishreki arrived to the meeting at 7:45 p.m. 15 members present.

1. Opposition to Resolution – Community Process: Member Sofio argued the push for sidewalks was not the result of community initiative or consensus that potentially affected neighborhoods only learned of the proposal one to two days before the testimony deadline, and that overwhelming community opposition followed. She cited concerns about loss of magnificent old trees, increased ambient temperatures from concrete, and the risk of injury from falls on concrete versus grass. She stated she would vote no.

[1:17:30] – Chong MOVED and Moylan SECONDED to adopt the Resolution Urging Construction of Sidewalks in Mānoa. Discussion followed.

1. Resolution Clarification: Member Zane noted that the resolution clarified that the last paragraph of the resolution states that there will be no tree cutting on Lowery Avenue. He also suggested to have the discussion regarding pedestrian and road safety in a future board meeting.
2. Accessibility and Pedestrian Safety: Chong argued the issue is not aesthetics but the safety of people with wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers – particularly on Lowry Avenue, which is the only cross-valley street and has heavy car traffic.
3. Change of Vote – Community Feedback: Member Fukumoto stated he would vote against the resolution this time in response to strong community opposition. He noted that walking in the street is against the law and suggested alternatives such as the HandyVan for wheelchair users.
4. Community Mandate: Member Watson argued that board members have talked to residents on Lowry and Oahu Avenues and that the community does not want sidewalks. She stated the Proactive Solutions Committee should focus on issues the community raises—flooding, stream maintenance, and limiting development—not impose its own agenda. She also will vote no on the resolution.
5. Safe Routes to Schools: Member Moylan defended the resolution, arguing that children walking to school on Lowry Avenue are in genuine danger and are not represented at community meetings. He stated the city’s policies—safe routes to schools and complete streets—reflect extensive planning and the board should help further them where possible.
6. Opposition from New Mother: Resident Grace strongly challenged suggestions that people with strollers should simply drive, arguing that driving is statistically far more dangerous than walking on a sidewalk, and that the lack of sidewalks poses a real safety risk that will eventually cause a fatality.
7. Request for Survey: Resident Ed suggested the board conduct a community survey at a location such as Safeway rather than debating community preferences anecdotally. He also questioned the priority of sidewalk funding while flooding and stream mitigation remain unaddressed.
9. Property Owner Inventory: Resident Venegas, a Mānoa resident for 60 years, suggested the board first survey property owners whose land would be affected before proceeding.
10. Storm Drain Follow-Up: Resident Ed raised unresolved concerns about a storm drain in his daughter’s neighborhood (Chinese Cemetery area/Pomona Road) and the confusing patchwork of private and public ownership. Williams offered to connect with the family directly to follow up,
11. Sofio Corrects Scope Claim: Member Sofio corrected Zane’s earlier characterization that the resolution only operatively addressed Lowry Avenue, noting that the whereas clauses do name other streets—Oʻahu Avenue, Kāhawai Street, Cooper Road—and that she recently walked those areas and observed numerous large, old trees whose roots extend close to the road and would likely be impacted by sidewalk construction. She also challenged the framing that grass walkways are unsafe, stating as a mother she sees no safety hazard in children walking on wide, soft grass paths rather than hard cement sidewalks.
12. Renewed Accessibility Argument with Photographs: Member Chong reiterated that the issue is fundamentally about protecting pedestrians who have no safe space to travel on Lowry Avenue. She stated she had actual photographs documenting a wheelchair user and a stroller-pushing parent forced to use the roadway. She emphasized this is not about cost or aesthetics but about providing a protected space away from cars on the only cross-valley street in Mānoa.
13. Clarification on Scope and Tree Protections: Member Zane clarified that while the whereas clauses of the resolution reference multiple streets including Oʻahu Avenue, Kāhawai Street, Halelena Place, and Cooper Road, the operative therefore be it resolved clause only concerns Lowry Avenue. He noted the resolution explicitly includes protections against cutting trees on Lowry and requires placement on only one side of the street. He acknowledged the safety concern for individuals in wheelchairs or motorized wheelchairs who cannot easily navigate muddy, un-ramped grass, particularly after the heavy rains the area had experienced.

[1:40:32] – Moylan MOVED and Chong SECONDED to add “any new sidewalks should be constructed only one side of a street and without cutting down any trees” to the Therefore, Be it Resolved paragraph. Discussion followed.
1. Amendments Suggestion: Member Sofio suggested to take out all the streets mentioned so that it only addresses one side of Lowery. Moylan declined to accept the friendly amendment.
2. Objection – Amendment Still Opens Door to Other Streets: Member Sofio raised an objection noting that even with Member Moylan’s amendment, the resolution as drafted still leaves the door open to sidewalks on Kāhawai Street, Halelena Place, Cooper Road, and Oʻahu Avenue—streets where the residents have made clear they do not want sidewalks. Chair Nagaji acknowledged Sofio’s concern but moved the board forward to the roll call vote on the amendment, noting that residents could continue to voice opposition to any future sidewalk projects on those streets through the public process.

[1:43:32] – The board conducted a roll call vote, the motion WAS adopted; 10-5-0 (AYE: Zane, Nagaji, Fields, Lee, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, Cater, and Mishreki; NAY: Watson, Fukumoto, Sofio, Fox, and Fyrberg; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:43:38]

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:45:42]
1. Personal Experience as Basis for Opposition: Member Fyrberg stated she has walked in Mānoa since she was 19 years old, raised six children who walked those streets for many years, and that she never experienced a safety problem. While she acknowledged the wheelchair issue as a real concern, she said she would not support adding sidewalks for that one issue alone.
2. Call for the Vote/End of Debate: Member Watson and Member Cater suggested to call for the vote. Moylan clarified that there is no call for the vote and it requires a 2/3 vote to end the debate. Chair Nagaji closed the debate and proceed with the vote.

[1:46:59] – The board conducted a roll call vote on the Resolution Urging Construction of Sidewalks in Mānoa with amendments. The motion WAS NOT adopted 7-8-0 (AYE: Zane, Fields, Lee, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, and Mishreki; NAY: Watson, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Koff, Sofio, Fox, Carter, and Fyrberg; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:48:29]

Mānoa Banyan Court – [1:50:49]: No updates.

Aria Lane – [1:50:56]: No updates.

Ala Wai Flood Mitigation – [1:51:00]: No updates.

UH Ewa Property Feasibility Study – [1:51:06]: No updates.

VI. BOARD BUSNIESS – [1:51:17]

Presentation on Hawaiʻi’s Environmental Review Process – [1:51:19]: This item was postponed to the next agenda.

Approval of the Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Meeting Minutes – [1:51:37]:
[1:51:42] – Watson MOVED and Koff SECONDED to approve the Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Meeting Minutes. Discussion followed.
1. Minor Correction: Member Fukumoto noted that “Heath Williams” should be spelled with an “s” at the end. He also praised the level of detail in the minutes.

[1:52:29] – Hearing no further discussion and objection, the Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Meeting Minutes WAS adopted as written; 15-0-0 (AYE: Zane, Watson, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Lee, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Sofio, Kawano, Fox, Mishreki, Carter, and Fyrberg; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None)
Approval of the Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Meeting Minutes – [1:52:51]:
[1:52:57] – Watson MOVED and Koff SECONDED to approve the April 1, 2026 Meeting Minutes. Discussion followed.
1. Minutes Corrections: Neighborhood Assistant Anson Wu noted that a resident had provided minor and non-substantive corrections.

[1:53:20] – Hearing no further discussion and objection, the Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Meeting Minutes WAS adopted as written; 15-0-0 (AYE: Zane, Watson, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Lee, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Sofio, Kawano, Fox, Mishreki, Carter, and Fyrberg; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None)

VII. COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:53:40]

Ala Wai Ferry Proposal: Resident Ruby proposed an alternative to the Ala Wai Bridge: a small Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant pedestrian and bicycle ferry across the Ala Wai Canal, modeled on the HoloCard transit model with a single driver, ramps, and docks on each side. She stated it would serve Mānoa residents and students without requiring a large bridge. She invited interested parties to email her and requested a discussion at the June 2026 meeting. Chair Nagaji agreed to forward her materials to Elmer Kaai.

Mānoa Stream Maintenance and Native Species Concern: Resident Quincy noted that private landowners whose property abuts Mānoa Stream are legally responsible for maintaining their portion of the stream. He expressed concern that dredging could harm native species still potentially present in the stream, and suggested that stream clean-up work could be accomplished with chainsaws and hand tools in publicly owned areas. Member Sofio asked whether stream maintenance requirements apply to cemented ditches like Woodlawn Ditch. Resident Quincy is unable to provide a answer.

Sidewalk Balance: Resident Linda encouraged the board to balance safety and environmental concerns, noting that many areas of Mānoa already have sidewalks. She cautioned that the city may not honor commitments to avoid tree removal once construction begins.

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:04:35]

Next Meeting – [2:04:37]: The next regular board meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in person at Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria and online via Webex.

Watch Mānoa Neighborhood Board Meetings – [2:05:03]: ʻŌlelo Channel 49 (televised on the 4th Saturday at 3:00 p.m.) and on YouTube.

IX. ADJOURNMENT – [2:05:20]: Chair Nagaji adjourned the meeting at 8:36 p.m.

Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations Assistant, 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.