MCCULLY – MŌ‘ILI‘ILI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 8

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 AT 6:00 P.M.
McCULLY DISTRICT PARK CLASSROOM 1 (GROUND FLOOR)
831 PUMEHANA STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96826
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mdbb0aca8ac7efed2fb4afeebdf81533b
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2495 689 2816
Password: NB08 (6208 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 (United States Toll)

View Reports and Presentations: http://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tT9B36j02pFGAEYO6I2BzQiNKI9CRiKk
Board Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqRwVpRroollU7X5HV_cLUq_uVAtoJCI

RULES OF PARTICIPATION: Anyone wishing to speak, please raise your hand. After recognition, address your comments to the Chair. Comments must relate to the current agenda item. If participating online, please mute yourself when not speaking and use the “raise hand” feature in the participants panel if you want to speak. Remember to unclick, or lower, your hand afterwards. By board rules, audience and board members can have up to 2 turns to speak on each topic. Those speaking should be concise and limit comments to 2 minutes per turn. Each report is limited to 3 minutes and each presentation is limited to 5 minutes. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not listed on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda by a two-thirds vote (9) of this 13-member Board.
Board members participating remotely can only make a meeting quorum by having their cameras on.

NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN (https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/resources):
§2-14-117 Order and decorum. (a) All board members shall promote and preserve the order and decorum of the board’s proceedings. (b) The presiding officer of the board or a majority of the board may expel any individual whose conduct at the board meeting is disruptive, disorderly, contemptuous, or improper for the conduct of business at the board meeting.

BOARD BOUNDARIES: https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/boards-and-sub-district-boundary-descriptions

SUBSCRIBE TO MONTHLY AGENDAS: https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/newsletter-subscription

1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Morgan Lee (mepaynl@gmail.com)
2. ROLL CALL – Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov)

3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) (HFDNHB@honolulu.gov)
4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) (https://www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)
i. HPD District 1: Central Honolulu (west of Hauʻoli Street – see map at https://www.honolulupd.org/d1)
ii. HPD District 7: East Honolulu (east of Hauʻoli Street – see map at https://www.honolulupd.org/d7)

5. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS (Limited to 5 minutes each)
View resolutions at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pDGGN6bSwohPDhbTfI4riQgc50PMy6kf.
A. Presentation: Chick-fil-A Kapiʻolani Opening – Kurt Milne
B. Resolution: Opposing City Council Bill 17 (2026) Relating to Affordable Rental Housing – Justin Menina
C. Resolution: Request Widening of Sidewalk and New Bike Lane on the McCully Street Bridge Over the Ala Wai Canal – Daniela Minerbi
D. Resolution: Mitigation of Aircraft and Helicopter Noise Within the Context of the FAA’s (Federal Aviation Administration) Hawaiʻi Airspace Modernization Project (HAMP) – Chad Wasden
E. Resolution: Supporting State HB (House Bill) 1636 Relating to Shopping Carts – Morgan Lee
F. Resolution: Demanding Action on Ala Wai Parks Maintenance – Morgan Lee

6. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS
Questions for HFD, HPD, BWS, city officials, and state officials should be asked after their respective reports. Residents, not board members, can share comments and concerns that are not listed on the agenda. Per the “Sunshine Law” (HRS 92), concerns not on the agenda may be presented, but the Board cannot take action.

New HNL 311 System: Use the HNL 311 website (HNL311.com) and mobile app to report city issues. The HNL 311 system lets users report issues, manage service requests and receive notifications.

7. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Board of Water Supply (BWS) (https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/contact) – Steven Norstrom
B. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative (https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter) (https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor) – Deputy Director Daniel Brieck of the Department of Environmental Services (ENV)
C. Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (District 5) (https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto) – Taylor Date

8. STATE OF HAWAIʻI REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Gary Yamashiroya (gary.yamashiroya@hawaii.gov)
B. Senate District 10: Senator Les Ihara, Jr. (senihara@capitol.hawaii.gov)
C. Senate District 11: Senator Carol Fukunaga (senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov)
D. Senate District 12: Senator Sharon Moriwaki (senmoriwaki@capitol.hawaii.gov)
E. House District 22: Representative Andrew Garrett (repgarrett@capitol.hawaii.gov)
F. House District 23: Representative Ikaika Olds (repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov)
G. House District 24: Representative Adrian Tam (reptam@capitol.hawaii.gov)

9. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Meeting: The McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board No. 8 is scheduled to hold its next regular meeting on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in person at the McCully District Park Classroom 1 (ground floor) and online via Webex. To request a meeting agenda item, please contact the Chair at least two weeks before the scheduled meeting.

‘Olelo Broadcast: Meetings can be viewed on Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the 3rd Friday of the month and the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 3:00 p.m.

10. 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.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026 AT 6:00 P.M.
McCULLY DISTRICT PARK CLASSROOM – 831 PUMEHANA STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96826
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqi-rUJG7Bs&list=PLfqRwVpRroollU7X5HV_cLUq_uVAtoJCI

Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tT9B36j02pFGAEYO6I2BzQiNKI9CRiKk

1. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:12]: Chair Lee called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL [0:00:25]: Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call. Quorum was established with 9 members present. This 13-member Board requires 7 members to establish quorum and to take Board action.

Board Members Present (10): Eréndira Aldana (Secretary joined at 6:02 p.m.), Drew Erickson, John Johnson (left at 8:30 p.m.), Michelle Katchuck (Vice Chair left at 7:27 p.m.), Daniela Minerbi, Susan Pope, Christopher Salas, Ke’alohilani Wong, Darryl Young, and Morgan Lee (Chair).

Board Members Absent (3): Justin Menina (Treasurer), Muhammad Anwar Quadri, and Paul Robotti.

Guests: Fire Captain Kaowili and Firefighter Lemisio (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Johanna Sai and Lieutenant Michael Thompson (Honolulu Police Department); Steven Norstrom (Board of Water Supply); Gary Yamashiroya (Governor Green’s Representative); Hector Venegas (Senator Fukunaga); Venus Delos Santos (Senator Moriwaki); Representative Andrew Garrett; Representative Ikaika Olds; Flora Samis (Representative Tam); Taylor Date (Councilmember Nishimoto); Daniel Brieck (Mayor Blangiardi); Kaylan Bubeloff and Renee Espiau (Department of Transportation Services); Ethan McKown and Ellen Donnarumma (Dismas Charities); Lori Lum (PBR Hawaii); Dale Vanderbrink, Daisy Murai, Mike Buck, Betsy Kawamura, Karin Lynn, and Laura Ruby; Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. About 44 participants joined the meeting.

3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) [0:01:46]: HFD Station 29 Captain Kaowili and Firefighter Lemisio presented December 2025 incident statistics. Fires included one structure fire, one wildland brush fire, one nuisance fire, zero cooking fires, and 17 activated alarms with no fires. Emergency incidents included 104 medical emergencies, four motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, nine motor vehicle crash collisions, zero mountain rescues, zero ocean rescues, and three hazardous materials incidents. Nuisance fires include rubbish fires outside a structure or vehicle. Firefighter Lemisio provided electrical safety tips including plugging one heat producing appliance into a wall outlet at a time, ensuring major appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets without extension cords or power strips, checking electrical cords are not running across doorways or under carpets, using extension cords for temporary use only, and having licensed electricians perform all electrical work.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LabXQ4bajr3rwcttJt45cS-FWKeSFJat/view

Secretary Aldana joined the meeting at 6:02 p.m.; 10 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:03:50]:
1. Fireworks Comparison: A board member asked HFD to compare fireworks this year versus previous years. HFD reported they did not have exact numbers but by observation fireworks appeared down from previous years.

4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) [0:04:36]

HPD District 1: Central Honolulu [0:04:36]: Sergeant Sai presented December 2025 incident statistics comparing to November 2025. Motor vehicle thefts increased from five to six, burglaries remained at one, theft increased from zero to six, unauthorized entry into motor vehicles increased from zero to two, assault remained at one, sex assaults remained at zero, graffiti decreased from one to zero, narcotics arrests decreased from one to zero, and total calls for service increased from 446 to 459. HPD is conducting traffic awareness and traffic enforcement due to high volume of pedestrian accidents and motor vehicle collisions.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:06:01]:
1. Pedestrian Accident Location: Member Minerbi asked about the location of a pedestrian being hurt within five days of the meeting. Sergeant Sai indicated there were many locations near University Avenue and suggested contacting the command for specific details.

HPD District 7: East Honolulu [0:07:20]: Lieutenant Thompson reported December 2025 statistics including nine motor vehicle thefts, seven burglaries, 22 thefts, ten unauthorized entry to motor vehicles, and 5,968 total calls for service. HPD District 7 continues the Safer Roads Together campaign emphasizing safety for everyone with constructive engagement of drivers and residents to promote safer road behaviors rather than focusing solely on enforcement.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:08:47]:
1. Red Light Enforcement Cameras: Member Wong asked about red light enforcement cameras and requested clarification on whether they are already in effect. Lieutenant Thompson directed her to materials and explained the patrol side does not handle camera enforcement which is managed by the traffic division and the camera operating company.

5. BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) [0:09:47]: Steven Norstrom from BWS announced conserving water comes with bigger rewards. BWS partnered with the Department of Environmental Services to double rebates. Energy Star clothes washer rebates increased to $150, Water Sense labeled toilet rebates increased to $200, and smart water monitor rebates increased to $400. Commercial customers also qualify for higher rebates on plumbing and kitchen equipment. Information is available at boardofwatersupply.com/rebates. Flyers were available for attendees.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rXnoBWapWAIoa_ejw687M668cB4HYukg/view
• Rebates: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RTEBaa37PcZRjtnmsG3G_jwPB8Awpugp/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:12:30]:
1. Overwatering at Storage Area: A board member reported frequently seeing sprinklers at a storage area along Kapiʻolani Boulevard near McCully Boulevard or Isenberg Street flooding sidewalks significantly. The board member offered to send pictures. Steven Norstrom said he would reach out to the business to address the overwatering issue.
2. Condo Rebate Process: Karen asked about how condos apply for rebates since condo associations pay water bills rather than individual residents. Steven Norstrom clarified that condo residents can apply directly by entering their building name instead of an account number on the rebate application and the rebate check will be mailed directly to the individual resident apartment. The association does not need to be involved.
3. Condo Rebate Confirmation: Allison Pettersson asked for confirmation that residents can apply themselves without association involvement. Steven Norstrom confirmed that residents can print the PDF form, email it, and receive the rebate check directly without any association involvement. The rebate goes to the owner of the apartment or whoever applies.

6. STATE OF HAWAIʻI REPORTS [0:14:02]

Governor Josh Green’s Representative [0:14:02]: Gary Yamashiroya from the Governor’s office provided detailed information on red light cameras with $97 fines, speed cameras with fines from $167 to $317, and mobile noise cameras that are not yet issuing citations. The citation process includes encrypted image capture, vendor screening, Honolulu Police Department review, and mailing violations within ten days. Violators can review images online and request court hearings. He announced a Department of Land and Natural Resources Red Hill public survey at RedHillSurvey.com through February 28, 2026, the state tax filing deadline of April 20, 2026, and Governor Green’s State of the State address.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:19:54]:
1. Red Light Camera Fine Magnitudes: Member Johnson asked about the magnitude of fines and whether they are influenced by the amount the third party vendor is making. He noted fines seem high and wondered if vendor payment affects fine amounts. Shelly from DOT clarified the vendor is paid a flat rate based on how many cameras are operational not per citation. The $97 red light fine is based on City and County ticket book rates with registered owner liability not assessing previous citations.
2. Speed vs Red Light Fine Comparison: followed Johnson asked if fines are the same whether caught by camera or cited by a police officer. Shelly explained camera citations are $97 while the statute allows up to $250 for first violation, $300 for second within one year, and $500 for third or subsequent violations. Camera fines are lower due to registered owner liability.
3. Fine Revenue Destination: followed Wong asked where citation fines will go and if they will be redirected back to the district. Shelly from DOT explained fines go to a special fund for maintenance and expansion of the camera program and can only be used for the program.
4. Camera Program Duration: Noelle asked if the camera program is permanent or a testing program questioning if this is the new normal since it happened overnight. Shelly explained red light cameras started with a two year pilot in November 2022 and after seeing 76% reduction in major crashes and 62% decline in red light violations the program continued. Speed camera citations began December 5, 2025. They have a ten year contract planned for expansion.
5. Test Site Locations: Noelle asked where test sites were located. Shelly explained there are ten intersections with 17 cameras including locations on Algaroba and Kapiʻolani in the area and referenced a website link with the map.
6. Camera Maintenance and Effectiveness Data: followed Minerbi asked about camera maintenance to ensure they always work and when comparison data will be available showing effectiveness before and after cameras. Shelly explained the vendor calibrates lidar light detection and ranging annually and performs additional maintenance if data seems strange. She provided a link to the pilot report showing major crash reduction.

Senate District 10: Senator Les Ihara, Jr. [0:28:12]: No report.

Senate District 11: Senator Carol Fukunaga [0:28:21]: Hector Venegas reported Senator Fukunaga is now chair of Public Safety and Military Affairs committee. Illegal fireworks confiscation efforts resulted in fireworks decreasing 20% this year according to Mike Lambert (Hawai’i Department of Law Enforcement Director). Senator Fukunaga is listening to condominium associations to address their issues through legislative bills. She is working on a commemorative medal program for Vietnam veterans which will take a couple years to implement as participants need to be identified whether they are alive or deceased.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:31:06]:
1. Immigration Incarceration Centers: Laura Ruby requested all senators not allow any more immigration incarceration centers to be placed in the community anywhere on Oahu.
2. Security and Clean Government Bills: Karen mentioned there are eight bills introduced for security and two on clean government plus two on state constitutional amendments. She requested the senator support these bills and offered to email concerns.

Senate District 12: Senator Sharon Moriwaki [0:33:08]: Senator Moriwaki presented her Kupuna Caucus legislative package. Bills include a family caregiver tax credit for working caregivers, permanent funding for the Kupuna rent supplement program serving homeless elderly, a state hearing loss plan addressing hearing aid costs, dementia training for first responders, and in-home health care for those ineligible for other services. Crime bills target ghost gun parts requiring serial numbers and habitual violent offenders elevating repeat misdemeanors to felony Class C after three violations within five years. Additional bills regulate early morning commercial truck noise, enable noise camera citations, fix e-bike regulations, and mandate job posting wage disclosures. Senator Moriwaki serves as Ways and Means vice chair and Capital Improvement Projects committee chair.
• Slideshow: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1D4-50vhYi0PUzvhlGFWeqH3uP84dqpzb/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=115549024476463870729&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:40:58]:
1. Hearing Loss Bill Coverage: John Johnson asked if the hearing loss bill covers just hearing aids or extends to cochlear implants. Senator Moriwaki explained it is a comprehensive plan for hearing loss rather than specific funding and noted previous bills for hearing aid funding have not passed.
2. Noise Camera Tickets Enforcement: Karen asked whether noise camera tickets bill creates something new or if only police could issue tickets before versus Department of Transportation now. Senator Moriwaki explained the bill installs and tests cameras with enforcement through counties and offered to provide more details via email.

House District 22: Representative Andrew Garrett [0:43:25]: Representative Garrett, chair of the House Higher Education Committee, will introduce approximately 25 bills including ten personal bills and 15 committee bills. His University of Hawai’i facilities and student housing planning bill requires the university to develop a long-term master plan addressing student overflow impacting Pālolo, McCully, and Mōʻiliʻili neighborhoods. The healthcare workforce initiative bill expands training at UH by creating faculty positions to increase cohort sizes and local training pipelines addressing shortages. The sports official’s protection bill increases penalties for assaults following the Moanalua High School athletic director incident to deter harassment at all levels including youth sports.
• Slideshow: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1tGbbc0i3iwc1kq4S5_sC75JBBkQhtwo-/edit?slide=id.p1#slide=id.p1

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:47:15]:
1. Student Housing Planning Impact: Laura Ruby asked if impacts on neighborhoods from student overflow would be addressed. Representative Garrett confirmed the bill requires UH make a plan considering those impacts.
2. Healthcare Workforce Bill Support: A resident expressed appreciation for the healthcare workforce bill noting Hawai’i needs more healthcare workers and thanked the representative for addressing the issue.

House District 23: Representative Ikaika Olds [0:52:09]: Representative Olds, vice chair of Human Services and Homelessness and member of Health, Education, and Higher Education committees, presented three bills. The Safe Entryways bill creates a ten-foot buffer around public property doorways prohibiting dwelling or storing personal items to ensure safe access. The Safe Bus Stops bill establishes a 20-foot buffer from bus stops for elderly and disabled passengers. Fresh Waterways bill (HB 1636) prohibits dwelling within 50 feet of fresh waterways to protect ocean water quality. All use four-step enforcement starting with warnings and education. Representative Olds emphasized balancing safety and accessibility without criminalizing homelessness while protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining clean waterways.
• Slideshow: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dq-wR4zBWUrhIdKkaF1l-XITgQQH_msg/edit?slide=id.p1#slide=id.p1

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:58:52]:
1. Statute Bills: Member Salas asked if the bills have a financial component. Representative Olds said his bills are statute bills with no budget allocation. Member Salas also asked if Representative Olds foresees an issue with citations and funding cleanups.
2. Waterways: Member Minerbi asked about addressing water pollution. Member Wong shared comments in support of Representative Olds’ waterway bill.
3. Tax Breaks: Secretary Aldana recommended consider rolling back “big tax breaks” to pay for things and not putting statutes to criminalize behavior.
4. Cleanups: Laura Ruby shared comments about cleaning up bridges and streams.
5. Public Access and Homelessness: Member Johnson asked about plans to look at bills related to parks and public spaces. Member Minerbi shared comments of appreciation and addressing the source of problems. Betsy Kawamura shared her support of Representative Olds’ legislation and concerns related to homelessness.

House District 24: Representative Adrian Tam [1:14:20]: Flora Samis reported Representative Tam chairs the Tourism Committee with hearings Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon in Room 432. Key bills include short-term rental enforcement allowing banks to foreclose on illegal operations, dementia-friendly business training for businesses serving customers with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and HB 1588 permanently authorizing noise detection cameras with citations for modified mufflers and loud music. The Hawai’i Tourism Authority will hold public input sessions for destination management action plans. Representative Tam’s office now accepts text messages and photos at 808-586-8524 for constituent communication.
• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d0SDalUdmGQKcHQQHupkTI095VV698cb/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:22:34]:
1. Condo Legislation: Karin Lynn asked Representative Tam to help residents to pass legislation related to condos.
2. Broken Light Poles: Member Young mentioned receiving a postcard from Representative Tam about helpful numbers, including the City’s HNL 311 mobile app to report City issues like potholes and broken street lights.

Vice Chair Katchuck left the meeting at 7:27 p.m.; 9 members present.

7. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS [1:26:25]

Approval of Regular Meeting Written Summary for Video Record: Monday, November 24, 2025 [1:26:27]: This agenda item was postponed without objection.

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Phase 1 Walkways Project [1:27:02]: Kaylan Bubeloff from the Department of Transportation Services presented the McCully Walkways and Date Street Walkway projects under the Oahu Pedestrian Plan 2045 Complete Sidewalk Network Program. This initiative allocated $25 million for fiscal years 2025-2027 to prioritize missing sidewalks near schools using federal and local funding. The McCully project serves Washington Middle School and Lunalilo Elementary School (900 students) where 3,500 residents commute primarily by walking, biking, or bus. The Date Street project serves Kaimuki High School and ʻIolani School (3,000 students) with 230 daily cyclists and 920 bus boardings. Speed studies showed 38 mph in 35 mph zones. Interim speed reductions are planned from 35 mph to 25 mph and school zones from 25 mph to 20 mph. Improvements include concrete sidewalks, shared use paths, landscape buffers, tree plantings, marked crosswalks, curb ramps, bus shelters, curb extensions, and pedestrian refuge islands. A community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Kaimuki High School cafeteria.
• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19NLCoVJhxz-LgsQSuCDOnEaWI9MZy65j/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:40:00]:
1. Project Timeline: Residents asked about the project timeline. Kaylan Bubeloff explained DTS will gather input, then design will be refined, followed by environmental review and permitting before construction begins likely in 2027.
2. Parking Impacts: Residents expressed concern about losing street parking due to sidewalk construction. Caitlin explained the team is working to minimize parking loss and will present parking impact analysis at the community meeting.
3. Tree Preservation: A resident asked about preserving existing trees. Caitlin stated the project aims to preserve mature trees where feasible and will plant additional street trees as part of landscape improvements.
4. Bike Lane Safety: A cyclist asked about bike lane safety features. Caitlin explained the shared use path will be physically separated from vehicle traffic with landscape buffers and will connect existing bike infrastructure.
5. Crosswalk Locations: Residents asked about specific crosswalk locations. Caitlin stated crosswalk locations will be determined based on pedestrian desire lines, proximity to schools, and safety analysis with details presented at the community meeting.

Repurposing 1857 South King Street as a staffed and supervised residential facility [1:51:29]: Ethan McKown (G70) and Ellen Donnarumma (Dismas Charities President/CEO) presented a federal residential reentry center proposal for the vacant five-story building at 1857 South King Street (one block from McCully Street/Pumehana Street). Founded in 1964, Dismas operates 38 reentry centers across 14 states, serving 250,000+ people. Hawai’i lacks such a facility despite serving locals returning from federal incarceration on the continent. The center would house 75 residential clients (all full-time employed) plus 25 home confinement clients reporting weekly. Staffed 24/7/365, it provides meals, laundry, case management onsite using evidence-based programming focused on education, employment, and family support. The secure facility has strict check-in/out protocols, no walk-ins or loitering, with all movements monitored. Adaptive reuse requires only interior renovations (2 parking levels, 3 operational floors). Presenters expect no traffic/parking/noise impacts and plan a neighborhood relations board plus CUP application to DPP (Department of Planning and Permitting) this year. Contact Cathy Bellew at cbellew@dismas.com or call 304-382-7143 if you have any questions.
• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RNe9iQN93s40-wJDBTMJHb3ayaNLGjyY/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:01:24]:
1. Integration vs Restrictions: Secretary Aldana questioned how residents can integrate into the community given no drop-in visitation, drug testing, and strict check-in and check-out procedures, saying it almost sounds like they are still incarcerated. Donnarumma explained the structure is transitional and focused on accountability. Residents learn to be accountable first to the program and supervisory authority, then gradually transition to being accountable to themselves and the people they have chosen in their lives. Visits can happen at the center on a pre-approved basis or residents can meet family in the community. Family participation in programming and activities is encouraged but done through pre-approved accountability methods. The goal is helping residents transition from external accountability to self-accountability.
2. Current Situation for Returning Residents: Member Salas asked what happens to people returning to Hawaii from federal correction facilities now without this center. Ellen explained that currently people returning to Hawaii are pretty much on their own. If they have a safe place to live and approved residence, they may be able to participate in the day reporting center that has been open for a couple years. However, most people coming back to Hawaii are having a reentry experience in California or Arizona and when they finish that up, they have to begin all over again. They come back with tenuous ties at best, have to start over with employment, and likely have to start over with housing. There is no alternative for federal folks coming home to Hawaii.
3. Program Success and Recidivism: Member Johnson asked about statistics on recidivism with the Dismas program versus just releasing people into society and whether Dismas has data on success rates. Ellen reported that close to 90% of all program participants complete the Dismas program. She noted it is difficult to get good recidivism data from the federal government, but evidence-based community-based programs are likely to lower the odds of recidivating by more than 20 percentage points, and those are the kinds of centers Dismas operates.
4. Culturally Rooted Reintegration for Native Hawaiians: Member Wong expressed support for Dismas Charities based on family experience and noted Native Hawaiians (37% of population) represent 20% of incarcerated people. She asked about culturally rooted reintegration. Ellen said they’ll hire 28 local staff led by Lucy Zhang, with Ethan McCown connecting Native Hawaiian cultural advisors for Hawaii-focused programming.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ʻEwa Property Lot Redevelopment [2:08:05]: Lori Lum from PBR Hawaii presented a feasibility study for the 15-acre ʻEwa parcel at 2321 Metcalf Street, bounded by Metcalf, University Avenue, and Dole Street. The site currently houses the College of Education and University Lab School, both relocating spring 2028 per HCR 100/HR 178 (2023). Outreach engaged elected officials, Mānoa organizations, and students. An August 2025 survey received 1,120 responses from 557 university affiliates and 245 community members. Top preferences included campus-related student/staff/faculty housing, study/research spaces, ULS/K-12 facilities (70.2%), multi-purpose outdoor space (73%), food/dining services, grocery stores, open space, walking trails, and pedestrian infrastructure (83%). Open-ended responses and May workshops are under analysis. Next steps include concept plans, cost studies, and draft financial analysis by year-end.
• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zQDnrsWdq8pfv65UHNctZ_mQFLUkWX03/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:15:47]:
1. Site Boundaries Clarification: A resident asked for clarification about the parcel location and requested a map. Lori clarified that the approximately 15-acre parcel is bordered by Metcalf Street, University Avenue, and Dole Street.

Vote on Resolution Opposing City Council Bill 54 (2025) on TheBus Fare Increases [2:17:03]: Dale Vanderbrink presented a resolution opposing City Council Bill 54, which raises TheBus fares. The bill increases adult monthly passes from $80 to $90 and annual passes from $880 to $990 (12% increases), raises cash fares from $3.00 to $3.25 (effectively $4.00 for many without exact change), and shortens the free transfer window from 2.5 to 2 hours, forcing Leeward, North Shore, Mililani, and Wahiawā riders to pay double fares. Dale noted the $4 million revenue increase represents just 1% of the $400 million Department of Transportation Services (DTS) budget and will not meaningfully improve services. He urged the board to oppose the bill ahead of its final reading and suggested selling more HOLO cards at the airport to tourists instead of raising resident fares.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:18:55]:
1. Link to Maintenance and Operations Funding: Member Erickson asked if the fare increase was needed for maintenance or operations. Dale said it adds only 1% revenue, hurts riders, and suggested selling HOLO cards at the airport.
2. Alternative Revenue Ideas: Dale reiterated that the city should raise revenue by selling more HOLO cards at the airport to tourists rather than increasing resident fares. A board member noted HOLO cards are available at the Skyline rail stop.

[2:20:11] Member Johnson MOVED and Member Salas SECONDED to adopt the resolution opposing City Council Bill 54 (2025) on TheBus fare increases. Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call vote. This resolution was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Eréndira Aldana, Drew Erickson, John Johnson, Daniela Minerbi, Susan Pope, Christopher Salas, Ke’alohilani Wong, Darryl Young, and Morgan Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
• Resolution: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-355660/_08%202026-01%20Resolution%20Opposing%20Bill%2054%20(2025)%20Relating%20to%20Transit%20Fares.pdf

8. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS [2:21:49]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative [2:21:49]: Daniel Brieck, Deputy Director of Department of Environmental Services, provided highlights from the Mayor’s newsletter. Kurt Lager was sworn in as Chief Resilience Officer. New flood risk maps take effect June 10, 2026. Construction begins at Wahiawā police station. Transit oriented housing is coming to Waipahu and Kalihi. The city launched the new and improved HNL 311 system on December 1, 2025 making it easier for residents to report issues via mobile app or website at HNL311.com. Users with registered accounts will receive status update notifications. Regarding traffic concerns, DTS completed investigation of Kahuna Lane and Kuilei Street intersection. Installation of an all-way stop does not meet minimum vehicle volume warrants per Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Field inspection found existing stop sign and pavement markings were faded so a paint and sign work order has been issued to Department of Facility Maintenance.

Member Johnson left the meeting at 8:30 p.m.; 8 members present.

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (District 5) [2:33:11]: Taylor Date reported DTS Deputy Director Jon Nouchi communicated there are no major infrastructure improvements planned for the McCully Street Bridge at this time. Date reminded the community Councilmember Nishimoto partnered with Department of Parks and Recreation and the McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board for park cleanups. Councilmember Nishimoto recently attended the opening of Punchbowl Square dog park and allocated funding for more dog parks throughout District 5.
• Webpage: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto

9. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS: None.

10. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting: The McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board No. 8 is scheduled to hold its next regular meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in person at the McCully District Park Classroom 1 (ground floor) and online via Webex.

ʻŌlelo Broadcast: Meetings can be viewed on Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the 3rd Friday of the month and the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 3:00 p.m.

11. ADJOURNMENT [2:34:24]: Chair Lee adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m.

Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Finalized by:

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.