NU‘UANU – PUNCHBOWL NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 12

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
May 19, 2026, 7:00 P.M.

Join by web conference:
Meeting link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mc7a7040282033e0d2de2bc5b0070f6b9
Meeting number/Access code: 2497 187 9026
Password: NB12 (6212 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
Please ensure that your computer or phone is muted unless you are speaking.
Join at the Physical location: Kapālama Hale 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Room 153, Honolulu, HI 96817
*This is an alternative meeting location open to public participation.

Meeting Materials: Find a monthly archive of handouts and referenced materials concerning to the Nuʻuanu Neighborhood Board No.12 at:
Board Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Th_r5SpEofyVf6k1XoeuiP9z_Xfa77xN
Board Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice/search?query=Nuʻuanu

Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise his/her hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Our public and elected officials giving reports are encouraged to keep their comments to less than three (3) minutes, board member’s comments limited to two minutes for each order of business, presenters are limited to 10 (ten) minutes for the presentation portion and community member input is limited to two (2) minutes per participant. Please silence all electronic devices.
Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS Ch. 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote (10) of this 15-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Adding an item to the agenda, however, is not permitted if (1) the item to be added is of reasonably major importance and (2) action on the item by the board will affect a significant number of persons. Determination of whether a specific matter may be added to an agenda must be done on a case-by-case basis.

I. CALL TO ORDER – Rae Gee, Chair

II. ROLL CALL – Zhoydell Magaoay, Neighborhood Assistant

III. STATUS REPORTS – Three (3) minutes maximum, questions to follow.
Reports can be found on the board’s shared drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Y5eCxbwTKi-vMx3VSZYqwwhbV_WumRpq
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
1. April 2026 report found on the NB#12 shared drive.
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
1. District 1 Report – Central Oʻahu (Downtown Honolulu, Liliha St. (below School St.)., Punahou St. (Roundtop Dr. – Ala Moana Beach & Aloha Tower, & Pali Highway))
2. District 5 Report – Kalihi (Āliamanu to the Pali Highway (west to east) and from the rim of the Koʻolau Range to the central southeastern shoreline of Oʻahu.)
C. Neighborhood Security Watch/Community Policing Report – Paula Kurashige
D. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Jimmy Yanos
1. Dowsett Avenue/Puiwa Road WSI Project update
2. 2800 Pacific Heights Road BWS Water Tank – Update of the BWS plan to restore the grass.

IV. BOARD VACANCIES – Subdistricts 1 (Punchbowl) and Subdistrict 2 (Pacific Heights/Pauoa/ Papakōlea) Invitation to the public to serve and call for candidates to volunteer.
A. There are four (4) vacant positions for Subdistrict 1 (Punchbowl). Appointment is through June 2027, three minutes per candidate.
B. There is one (1) vacant position in Subdistrict 2. Appointment is through June 2027. Community update.
C. Conversion of Vacant Seats from Subdistricts to At-Large Vacancies Discussion

V. REPORTS FROM NON-BOARD EVENTS – Brief announcements by board members and the public on events, activities and general information directly relating to the Nuʻuanu Punchbowl neighborhood areas.
A. Papakōlea Community Updates – Mike Lum/Lilia Kapuniai
B. Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Statewide Transportation Project Updates – no update.

VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – Limited to three (3) minutes each.
A. Nuʻuanu Valley Park – Requests sent to the City Department of Parks and Recreation – resident Mike Ellis
1. Park’s pathway lights change request from high-pressure sodium to LED CIP project update;
2. Hau Tree & Monkey Pod Tree Canopy Trimming DPR Div. Urban Forestry Division (11/10/25 request) Update; and,
3. Map of the Park vs Queen Emma Summer Palace Properties to determine landscape and maintenance responsibilities.
B. 2502/2424 Pacific Heights Road Sidewalk/Drainage repair update – resident Beatrice Ku
C. Pali Highway/Pacific Heights Road Hwy 61 S. Kuakini Street Off-Ramp Turn Around – Rubbish Dumpster Noise Issue – residents near 1912 Pacific Heights Road
D. 3148 Alika Avenue Stream Grate Hazard to Ducks State Jurisdiction – Paula Kurashige

VII. OFFICIAL’S REPORTS – Limited to five (5) minutes each, reports should relate to issues of interest to residents of the Nuʻuanu and Punchbowl areas.
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Director Kim Hashiro
B. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – Lisa Leonardo
C. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Kayla Setzler
D. District 13 Senator Karl Rhoads
E. District 27 Representative Jenna Takenouchi
F. Federal Elected Officers & Other Elected Officials
G. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Update

VIII. MEETING MINUTES
A. Approval of the draft meeting minutes from February 17, 2026 and April 21, 2026

IX. PRESENTATIONS – Ten (10) minutes per speaker. Questions to follow. Discussion or action as needed.
A. TMK 2-2-013: 054 – 322 ʻAuwaiolimu Street – Proposed Meeting Facility – Louisa Sinipata, Esq.

X. BOARD BUSINESS – For discussion/action. Five (5) minutes per item.
A. Update on the Pali Highway Transportation Projects – Ryan Nakata, Department of Transportation (DOT)
1. Wood Street Crosswalk Noise Issue & Study Scheduling and Update – resident Mark Oyama
2. Pali Highway and Wood Street Crosswalk 4-inch High Curb Trip Hazard Design Team Update – resident Pat Taira
3. Pali Highway Crosswalk Flashing Pedestrian Beacons Installation Project Status – resident Pat Taira
4. DOT Traffic Delineators & the Potential Switch to a Different Material.
5. 2024 Pali Highway Resurfacing Project Update – ADA Sidewalks Compliance
Assessment Report findings
6. Pali Highway Rockfall Safety – Pauoa Road/2004 Pacific Heights Road/Highway 61 On-Ramp Kailua-bound Direction request for DOT to mitigate future rockfalls
B. Punchbowl Cesspools Projects Update – Mike Lum

XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Regular Board Meeting- The Nu’uanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 12 will hold its next meeting on June 16, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

XII. 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, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or Email nco@honolulu.gov. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco

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 at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, 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, Hawaiʻi 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov

Subdistrict 1: Starting at the Tantalus Drive Bridge (over Kanahā), north along the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve Boundary, thence west along the Forest Reserve Boundary to its northwest corner, thence southwest in a straight line just south of Kekuanonii Street to Pauoa Stream, thence west along Pauoa Stream to the bridge at Lusitana Street, thence along Lusitana to Pauoa Road, thence northwest on Pauoa Road to Pacific Heights Road, thence southwest along Pacific Heights Road to Kuakini Street and northwest along Kuakini to Nuʻuanu Avenue, thence southwest on Nuʻuanu Avenue to the H-1 Freeway, thence southeast along the H-1 Freeway to Pele Street, thence east on Pele Street and continuing to the rim of Punchbowl Crater, thence east along the rim of Punchbowl Crater to a line connecting the rim and the southwest corner of Stevenson Intermediate School, thence southeasterly along that connecting line to Prospect Street, thence east along Prospect Street to Nehoa Street, thence east along Nehoa Street to ʻAuwaiolimu Street, thence north on ʻAuwaiolimu Street to Kahanā Stream, thence north along Kahanā Stream to the Tantalus Drive Bridge along the Forest Reserve Boundary.

Subdistrict 2: Beginning at the junction point of the Koʻolau Ridge and a ridge (Puʻu Konahuanui), south along the face of the ridge on the east side of Pauoa Flats, thence south along the Forest Reserve Boundary to Pauoa Stream, thence west along Pauoa Stream to the intersection of Pauoa Road and Pali Highway, thence north on Pali Highway to the Nuʻuanu Stream Bridge, then in a northern direction to Bluff Ridge following a path between Pacific Heights and Nuʻuanu Valley, thence north along Bluff Ridge (following a path between Pacific Heights and Nuʻuanu Valley, thence north along Bluff Ridge) to the Koʻolau Range.

Subdistrict 3: From the northern crest of the Koʻolau Range south to Kapālama-Waolani Stream Divide (ridge) to Waolani Stream, then in a straight line east to ʻAhi Place, thence east on ʻAhi Place to Nuʻuanu Avenue, thence south on Nuʻuanu Avenue to Kuakini Street, thence east on Kuakini to Pacific Heights Road, thence north along Pacific Heights Road to Pauoa Road, thence west along Pauoa Road to Pali Highway, thence north on Pali Highway to Nuʻuanu Stream Bridge, thence in a northern direction to Bluff Ridge following a path between Pacific Heights and Nuʻuanu Valley, and north along Bluff Ridge to the Koʻolau Range.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
PAUOA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA DINING ROOM — 2301 PAUOA ROAD, HONOLULU, HI 96813 AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OzWH77LZ5E

Reports and other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Th_r5SpEofyVf6k1XoeuiP9z_Xfa77xN

CALL TO ORDER – [0:01:40]: Chair Rae Gee called the Nuʻuanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 12 meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. No quorum was established with five (5) members present. Note: This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official board action.

ROLL CALL – [0:02:07]: Neighborhood Assistant Zhoydell Magaoay conducted roll call.

Members Present: Audrey Hidano, Paula Kurashige, Kaulana Lee, Vice Chair Michael Lum (arrived at 6:35 p.m.), Chair Rae Gee, Kathy Grebe (logged on at 6:44 p.m.), Patrick Smith (arrived at 6:45 p.m.), and Sylvia Young

Members Absent: Secretary Jill Easley Allen and Treasurer Larry Smith

Guests: Sergeant Brian Sekiya (Honolulu Police Department – HPD District 1); Sergeant Robert King, Lieutenant Sean Yamashita (HPD District 5); Jimmy Yanos (Board of Water Supply – BWS); Haleina Beltran (Senator Karl Rhoads’s Office); Representative Jenna Takenouchi; Hailama Farden (Office of Hawaiian Affairs); Mark James (Honolulu Board of Realtors); Stanley Muraoka, Ronald Higa, Tricia Nakamatsu, Pili Lee Loy, Emy Yamauchi-Wong, Ricky Wong, Holly Okamura, Jordan Kapono Nakamura, Lei Ahu Isa, Keala Chock, Marly Chock, Mark Oyama, Mike Ellis, Gary Kikuchi, Annie M. (Guests/Residents); Zhoydell Magaoay (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: The names of any attendees who were illegible were not included. There were 30 total participants.

Vice Chair Lum arrived at 6:35 p.m. There were six (6) members present.

STATUS REPORTS – [0:04:05]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:04:34]: No representative was present at tonight’s meeting.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19_MF5DuktlepW-q7cJhjapi-knvX4AdI/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – District 1 (Central) – [0:05:20]: Sergeant Brian Sekiya reported the following statistics.
March 2026 Statistics: There were three (3) motor vehicle thefts (no change from previous), four (4) burglaries (previous: 1), two (2) thefts (previous: 3), zero (0) unauthorized entries to motor vehicle (UEMV) (no change), zero (0) assaults (previous: 4), zero (0) sex assaults, one (1) graffiti case (previous: 0), one (1) drug case (no change), 23 motor vehicle collisions (no change), and 585 total calls for service (previous: 527).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:07:18]
1. Homeless Encampment at Lusitana Street Intersection: Member Young asked whether residents could request removal of individuals sleeping on the sidewalk at the Pauoa Road, Kanealii Avenue, and Lusitana Street intersection, following a property owner fencing off their driveway. Sergeant Sekiya confirmed officers would conduct nightly checks and advised residents to call 911. Chair Gee noted the issue occurs around the clock, and Sergeant Sekiya agreed to relay the concern to the day watch Sergeant.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – District 5 (Kalihi/Pali Corridor) – [0:10:48]: Sergeant King reported the following statistics for the areas of beats 571, 572, and 573.
March 2026 Statistics: There were two (2) aggravated assaults (previous: 0), one (1) robbery (previous: 0), one (1) burglary (previous: 2), zero (0) robberies (no change), two (2) sex assault cases/rapes (previous: 1), two (2) simple assaults (previous: 1), eight (8) thefts (previous: 5), three (3) unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (previous: 5), and 779 total calls for service (previous: 833).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:12:13]
1. Community Safety Report and Scam Awareness: Member Kurashige thanked District 5 officers and noted ongoing scam problems in Beat 573, including a letter fraudulently promising $13,000 originating from Canada/North Carolina. She advised residents to turn scam materials over to police and warned against responding to phone calls impersonating law enforcement.

Neighborhood Security Watch/Community Policing Report – [0:12:16]: Member Kurashige raised the ongoing issue of license plate YAB-246, a white Toyota whose driver has been entering residents’ yards and stealing flowers, and urged vigilance against drug activity in the neighborhood.

Member Grebe logged on at 6:44 p.m. There were seven (7) members present.
Member Patrick Smith arrived at 6:45 p.m. There were eight (8) members present. Quorum was established.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:18:19]: BWS representative Jimmy Yanos reported that the Alika Avenue main break has been resolved with permanent paving restoration expected by mid-April, and that grass at the Pacific Heights pumping station is gradually recovering from thatch removal. The Dowsett Avenue/Puiwa Road WSI project has received State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) approval, with design updates underway to improve corrosion protection, and work expected to begin by September 2026. One main break occurred in March 2026 at 65 Gartley Place. Yanos also reminded residents that water conservation remains important despite recent storms, encouraging efficient watering, shorter showers, and use of BWS rebates for water-efficient appliances, with more tips at www.boardofwatersupply.com/sevenways.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a4tygu_XJQdAsvj_Hr4BmLiviQiPRl9O/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:22:20]
1. Dowsett/Puiwa Project Design Clarification: Member Hidano questioned an apparent contradiction in Yanos’s report, noting that one section described “updating the design” while another referred to it as “a new design,” and asked whether the change would require a new bid and whether BWS was dealing directly with suppliers and manufacturers instead of the general contractor. Yanos acknowledged the need to follow up with his team. Member Hidano pressed further, asking whether the original design involved an error during the SHPD and DPP review process. Yanos agreed to follow up and provide clarification.
2. BWS Water Conservation Rebate Program: Member Young shared that she benefited from the BWS appliance rebate program, receiving replacement toilets and a refund within seven days, and encouraged others to take advantage of it.
3. Nuʻuanu Stream Grates and Brown Hawaiian Ducks: Member Kurashige asked whether BWS installs the stream grates in Nuʻuanu and whether funds are available to modify or replace them, as brown Hawaiian ducks are reportedly getting trapped. Yanos was unable to provide a direct answer.
4. Acknowledgement: Member Smith thanked the Board of Water Supply on behalf of the Pacific Heights community for their diligent efforts in restoring the grass over the past several months.
5. Water Leak Detection Tablets: Resident Ahu Isa asked where to obtain water leak detection tablet packets for toilets, similar to those distributed at a previous meeting by a BWS representative. Yanos offered to bring them to the next meeting.

BOARD VACANCIES – Subdistricts 1 & 2 – [0:29:56]: Four seats remain vacant in Subdistrict 1 (Punchbowl) and one in Subdistrict 2 (Pacific Heights/Pauoa/Papakōlea), all with appointments through June 2027, with no candidates coming forward at the meeting. Member Young provided geographic descriptions of both subdistricts for the audience. A discussion item on converting vacant subdistrict seats to at-large vacancies was briefly noted by Chair Gee but postponed due to time constraints.

REPORTS FROM NON-BOARD EVENTS – [0:34:21]
Papakōlea Community Updates – [0:34:37]: Vice Chair Lum reported there was no update to provide. Lilia Kapuniai was not present. This item will be deferred to the next meeting.

Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Updates – [0:35:01]: Chair Gee reported that she was unable to attend the April 1, 2026 MPO meeting. However, she noted that on March 30, 2026, the Oʻahu MPO Policy Board adopted the Oʻahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP) for 2050, a list of federally funded transportation projects. The Unified Planning Work Program, which covers planning projects eligible for federal funds, is open for public comments through April 29, 2026. Chair Gee directed the public to the MPO website at www.oahumpo.org/ORTP for more information.

RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:37:22]
1. Nuʻuanu Valley Park – Safety Lighting, Monkey Pod Tree, and Hau Tree Maintenance: Resident Mike Ellis reported that the safety lighting, dangerous monkey pod tree, and hau tree concerns at Nuʻuanu Valley Park remain unresolved, with no update received since his last report. He emphasized that the monkey pod tree’s root system poses an imminent safety risk and could fall at any time, and that the existing orange-tinted pathway lights are insufficient for evening park use. He also raised concerns about hau tree encroachment near the basketball/pickleball courts along the Queen Emma Summer Palace boundary, noting that the property line between city and the estate has never been formally established. Member Kurashige added that she had called the Queen Emma Summer Palace multiple times without resolution and urged the city and county to determine the property line. Chair Gee noted the concern and confirmed it would be flagged for the Mayor’s representative at the next meeting.

2. West O’ahu Aggregate Dumpster Noise at 1912 Pacific Heights Road: Chair Gee shared an email from a resident at 1912 Pacific Heights Road complaining about West O’ahu Aggregate trucks staging dumpsters at a nearby turnaround area at 3:00–4:00 a.m., with engines running and employees speaking loudly, except on Sundays. Member Smith confirmed the turnaround is located at the Pacific Heights/Pali Highway off-ramp. Chair Gee noted this appears to be a city issue and confirmed the Neighborhood Commission Office would follow up and raise it with the Mayor’s representative at the next meeting.

3. 2502/2424 Pacific Heights Road – Sidewalk and Drainage Damage: Chair Gee shared a resident complaint about a damaged sidewalk near 2502/2424 Pacific Heights Road where a vehicle fell into a gap, and referred the matter to the Department of Facility Maintenance and Mayor’s Representative Director Hashiro. Member Patrick Smith added that the damage stems from flooding and drainage issues caused by a repaving project that partially blocked drainage channels. Member Young noted that since Pacific Heights Road is a City road, the adjacent grassy strip may be the landowner’s responsibility, potentially complicating repairs.
o Photo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nQjxzjl3Zw5WixFSYBddIF_vTxwMXZEG/view?usp=drive_link

OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – [0:51:44]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:51:59]: Director Kim Hashiro was unable to attend tonight. Chair Gee read the NCO memo highlighting the city’s launch of www.OneOahu.org for Kona Low storm recovery resources, ongoing debris cleanup on the North Shore, and postponement of Mayor’s town hall meetings due to weather. Other updates included a city food drive, a new glass recycling program, affordable kūpuna housing opening in ʻĀiea, a new DTS Deputy Director Hong Li, a public input opportunity for the next HPD Chief of Police, and increased Skyline ridership following Bill 60. Chair Gee noted that the Henry Street rental business matter remains ongoing after a canceled meeting; DTS is investigating the left turn signal at Pauoa/Pacific Heights Road; ʻAuwaiolimu Street was restriped to narrow travel lanes with further monitoring planned; and overgrowth at 2077 Puowaina Street was cut, with heavy equipment now scheduled for mud and debris removal.

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [0:58:32]: Lisa Leonardo was unable to attend tonight.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NVrgUdZMvjCZWSlTDrh1t6vTHaonytCP/view?usp=drive_link

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [0:58:54]: Kayla Setzler was unable to attend tonight as she was off-island.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zuKPtAV71VuE_0FN4bGnhgsg7EdB8HYY/view?usp=drive_link

District 13 Senator Karl Rhoads – [0:59:28]: Haleina Beltran reported on behalf of Senator Rhoads. She noted a reported case of measles in Hawaiʻi and encouraged residents to ensure they are up to date on the MMR vaccine. She also noted that RSV and Influenza B are currently prevalent and recommended that residents over 60 who have not been vaccinated for RSV and Influenza B do so. She also highlighted the CDC National Wastewater Surveillance System website at www.wastewaterscan.org, which allows residents to identify infectious diseases prevalent in their zip code by testing of local wastewater.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19BNY-tLPtMi1JJ4dYSBfMM2TsTMQsn6i/view?usp=drive_link

District 27 Representative Jenna Takenouchi – [1:01:27]: Representative Takenouchi shared several updates: a recap of the March 11, 2026 speeding town hall with HPD, DOT, and DTS has been circulated; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) published guides to help Kona Low storm survivors navigate insurance claims; Department of Education (DOE) A-Plus after-school program registration opens April 22, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. for public school students in grades K–6; and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Kahala Times Supermarket, and Pearl City Police Station.
• Town Hall Meeting Recap: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18DC6I_7GlvoklYrp4e7zhMeY0tdHfdx8/view
• Storm Resources:
o Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs – Insurance Claims Resources: www.caa.hawaii.gov/ins/ or call (808) 844-3222
o Federal Assistance – www.floodsmart.gov
o Hawaii Electric Company Claims: Visit www.hawaiielectric.com/safety-and-outages Select “Power Outages,” and then “File Damage Claim.”
o A+ Program Registration & Information: https://hawaiicommunityengagement.com/after-school-plus/
o Prescription Drug Take Back Day: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/News-Release-2026-20.pdf

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:06:41]
1. Prescription Drug Drop-Off Label Removal: Member Young asked whether labels should be removed from medications before drop-off. Representative Takenouchi confirmed that all identifying information including name and prescription details should be removed before surrendering medications.

Federal Elected Officers & Other Elected Officials – [1:07:52]: No federal elected officials or other elected official representatives were present at tonight’s meeting.

Member Kurashige departed the meeting at 7:40 p.m., leaving seven (7) members present and no quorum.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) – [1:10:08]: OHA Senior Director Hailama Farden introduced himself and expressed interest in partnering with neighborhood boards serving large Hawaiian communities. He highlighted four (4) legislative priorities: a bill clarifying burial council expense reimbursements, a historic preservation measure closing loopholes from Act 293 (2025), a reef fish protection bill limiting aquarium collection (with OHA supporting a statewide ban), and the Mauna ʻAla Commission bill — all heading to conference. He also noted upcoming OHA trustee elections, a Waialua storm relief hub opened in partnership with the Salvation Army and others, and trustees currently in Washington D.C. regarding military lease discussions. Farden committed to quarterly board reports and offered to attend meetings upon request.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:15:28]
1. OHA Position on City Charter Amendments: Member Patrick Smith asked whether OHA has taken a position on any of the proposed City Charter amendments, specifically one (Proposal 239) regarding a requirement for Hawaiian education. Farden stated he was not aware of OHA’s current position and offered to discuss it with Member Smith after the meeting.

MEETING MINUTES – [1:17:11]: Due to loss of quorum, the approval of the February 17, 2026 meeting minutes was deferred to the next meeting. Member Kurashige noted one correction prior to departing: on page 2 of 5, the license plate number is incorrectly listed and should read YAB-246.

PRESENTATIONS – [1:17:31]: None.

BOARD BUSINESS – [1:17:41]: The following items were discussed only, as no quorum was present.
Wood Street Crosswalk Noise Issue & Study Scheduling: Resident Mark Oyama reported that DOT’s noise lab confirmed it would contact him to schedule a second sound test; however, he noted that measuring rumble strip noise is inherently difficult with no standardized federal methodology. He further noted that the lack of a clear reference point on Pali Highway made comparison testing difficult. Resident Oyama stated the last update from DOT’s sound team was that they are considering some action but no date has been set. Chair Gee confirmed the item will remain on the agenda and Mr. Nakata will continue to be invited.

Pali Highway and Wood Street Crosswalk 4-Inch-High Curb Trip Hazard: No update from DOT’s design team was available. The item remains on the agenda.

Pali Highway Crosswalk Flashing Pedestrian Beacon Installation: Chair Gee noted that at Representative Takenouchi’s March town hall, DTS Director Sniffen indicated plans to install flashing pedestrian beacons at Pali Highway crosswalks. Mr. Nakata was not present to confirm. The Board will follow up at the next meeting.

DOT Traffic Delineators & Potential Switch to Different Material: Resident Oyama noted that delineators near his residence have been repaired but continue to be knocked down and replaced repeatedly. He also noted that DOT’s prior noise test returned a sound reading that could potentially cause permanent hearing damage with even limited exposure, underscoring the need for further review.

2024 Pali Highway Resurfacing – ADA Sidewalk Compliance Assessment Report: Mr. Nakata was not present to report. The item remains pending and will be brought back at the next meeting.

Pali Highway Rockfall Safety – Pauoa Road/2004 Pacific Heights Road/Highway 61 On-Ramp (Kailua-bound): Mr. Nakata was not present to report. The item remains on the agenda.

Punchbowl Cesspools Projects Update – [1:25:35]: Vice Chair Lum reported there is no update at this time. The Punchbowl area continues to rely on cesspools with no sewer connections or funding currently in place.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:25:49]
Next Regular Board Meeting: The Board will return to its regular virtual format on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. via WebEx and in-person at Kapālama Hale. Members of the community may attend either virtually or in person.

Moment of Silence – Governor George Ariyoshi: At the request of Member Kurashige, the Board observed a brief moment of silence in memory of former Governor George Ariyoshi, who passed away at age 100.

Kuakini Medical Center Community Resources Fair: A community resources fair will be held on May 16, 2026.

National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Food Drive: The NALC food drive is scheduled for May 2026. The deadline to volunteer has passed.

Thank You to Pauoa Elementary School: Chair Gee and the Board expressed appreciation to Principal Tim Hosoda of Pauoa Elementary School for graciously opening the school cafeteria at no cost for the Board’s first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic, noting his personal attendance to support the event.

Introduction – Mark James (Honolulu Board of Realtors): Member Patrick Smith introduced Mark James, representing the City Affairs Committee of the Honolulu Board of Realtors, which monitors City Council actions related to taxation, land use, and housing. Mr. James noted he lives in Pacific Heights and plans to attend future meetings.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:03 p.m.

Submitted by: Zhoydell Magaoay, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy
Finalized by: Jill Easley Allen, Secretary & Rae Gee, Chair

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.