LILIHA – PU‘UNUI – ‘ĀLEWA – KAMEHAMEHA HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 14

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
MAʻEMAʻE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA
319 WYLLIE STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96817
IN-PERSON AND VIA WEBEX

This meeting location is open to public participation.
Other available options include participating by computer, phone or by video system.
WebEx and phone-in instructions are as follows:

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m96a8456fd63adb2683b259cf58f22b09
Meeting Number: 2495 230 4056
Password: NB14 (6214 from phones and video systems)
Join by video system: Dial 24952304056@cchnl.webex.com
Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388

Rules of Speaking: There is a 5-minute time limit on presentations and three (3) minutes on all other reports unless authorized by the Chair. The Chair must first recognize any board member or guest desiring to speak. Questions/testimonies are limited to one (1) minute per speaker and no speaker may comment more than twice on each subject. Those who interrupt another speaker are out of order and will not be allowed to comment.

Meeting Materials: To view NB 14’s reports, presentations, and other meeting materials visit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14NHDPlCeVLKfUh3ZE-qR4B2PrWYzprSp?usp=sharing

Meeting Recording: Can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice

I. CALL TO ORDER: Chair, Wesley Fong

II. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FORUM (Three (3) minutes each):
A. Honolulu Fire Department (Kuakini Station)
B. Honolulu Police Department (Kalihi Station)
C. Board of Water Supply (BWS)

III. RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS

IV. REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS

V. OAHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (OMPO) CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)
• Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Email: OahuMPO@OahuMPO.org
• CAC Meeting Information: https://oahumpo.org/citizen-advisory-committee/

VI. PRESENTATIONS
A. Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) – Parameters of candidate forum at July 13 meeting – Vice Chair Darren Cantrill

VII. ELECTED OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
A. Mayor’s Representative – Aedward Los Banos
1. Homeless encampments near Liliha Library
2. Kapālama Stream Canal maintenance
3. Houghtailing footpath
4. School St. Deteriorating Roads/Potholes
5. Maintenance of slow signs on Wyllie St. in front of MaʻeMaʻe Elementary School
6. Nuʻuanu Ave./Judd St Intersection Speeding Enforcement and Pedestrian Safety Study
7. Speeding at Kapalama Ave./Hala Drive Intersection
8. Status of former Liliha Longs Drugs Building (1748 Liliha St., Honolulu, HI 96817)
B. District 6 Councilmember – Tyler Dos Santos Tam
C. 13th Senatorial District – Karl Rhoads
1. Increase sanctions or fines for traffic violations
D. 14th Senatorial District – Donna Mercado Kim
E. District 27 Representative – Jenna Takenouchi
F. District 28 Representative – Michael “Cov” Ratcliffe
G. District 29 Representative – Ikaika Hussey
H. Governor’s Representative – Dallis Ontiveros
1. Feasibility of community gardens at Kūhiō Park Terrace and Kalihi Gardens
I. 1st Congressional District Representative – Ed Case
1. Elimination of military fly over Honolulu residential areas

VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Monday, April 13, 2026 regular meeting minutes

IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Proposal to change park hours for ʻĀlewa Park

X. COMMUNITYORGANIZATIONS
A. Maluhia
B. St. Francis
C. Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center – Carole Kaapu/Brandon Mitsuda
D. Friends of Liliha Library – Brandon Mitsuda
E. Other non-profit organizations

XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Candidate forum will be held at the next regular board meeting in July.
B. The Liliha Neighborhood Board No.14 will recess in June. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
C. Ōlelo – NB 14 monthly meetings can be viewed on ʻŌlelo channel 49 on first Saturdays at 9:00 p.m. and second and fourth Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

References:
1. Report Potholes: (City) 768-7777 (State) 536-7852
2. Report Abandoned Vehicles: 768-2530
3. Report Illegal Dumping to Office of Environmental Services: 768-3401/3203
4. To report illegal dumping, find collection schedule information, or for more information about collection services and notices of violation: 768-3300/5220 or https://www.honolulu.gov/opala
5. Advance Traffic/Travel Information Website: http://goakamai.org/
6. Hawaii Drug Take-Back Program: http:/goakamai.org/
7. Homeless Hotline: 791-9359
8. Community Policing Team: 723-8230

A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive Neighborhood Commission agendas and minutes. Additions, deletions, and corrections to the list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office, Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817; 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, or fax 768-3705 to be added to the mailing list or visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/newsletter-subscription/

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.

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, Hawaii 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
MA’EMA’E ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA – 319 WYLLIE STREET, HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI, 96817
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQWyBrOEvrk
Meeting materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/125C2jWWt50_3648LIvBJAX3l2UibCfKZ
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:25]: Chair Wesley Fong called the Liliha/Puunui/ʻĀlewa/Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board No. 14 regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was established with eleven (11) board members present. Note – This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and take official board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access.
Board Members Present: Darren Cantrill, Wallyn Christian, Wesley Fong, Ronald Higa, Carole Kaapu, Loy Kuo, Christy MacPherson, Brandon Mitsuda (arrived 6:40 p.m.), Chance Naauao-Ota, Donald Nitta, Alika Valdez, and Cora Yamamoto.
Board Members Absent: Zhoydell Magaoay.
Guests: Firefighter Gibson (Honolulue Fire Department); Sergeant Tablit (Honolulu Police Department); Aedward Los Banos (Mayor’s Representative); Peggy Mierzwa (Office of Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam); Haleina Beltran (Senate District 13); Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Senate District 14); Representative Jenna Takenouchi (House District 27); Representative Ikaika Hussey, Nadia Alves (House District 29); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Patrick Smith (Neighborhood Commission); Karen Ching, Madison M., Corinne Ching, Lei Ahu Isa, Charles Jonsson, Jayne Kashiwaeda, Kathleen Rooney, Aaron Lau (Resident); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 31 total participants.
II. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FORUM – [0:00:27]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:02:26]: Firefighter Gibson highlighted the following:
• March 2026 Statistics: There was 0 structure fires, 0 wildland/brush fire, 0 nuisance fires, 0 cooking fires, 6 activated alarms (no fire), 110 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, 1 motor vehicle crashes, 0 mountain rescues, 1 ocean rescues, and 1 hazardous material incident.
• Safety Tip – Evacuation Planning: Residents should have an emergency preparedness plan with at least two escape routes, a predetermined meeting place, and a go-bag. Sign up for alerts at https://hnlalert.gov. More information at https://fire.honolulu.gov and https://honolulu.gov/dem/build-a-kit
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17A0UzZkIin_hTwQhBV44OidDDwpN1vWk/view?usp=drive_link
• HFD Community Relations Office: hfdnhb@honolulu.gov

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:02:26]
1. HFD Medical Emergency Call Frequency: Member Nitta asked where the high volume of monthly emergency calls originates. Firefighter Gibson explained calls come from various addresses across the general first administrative area, with elderly-prone locations being more frequent, typically due to general medical issues.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:05:06]: This item was skipped and returned to at a later time.
Roll Call – [0:05:23]: The Neighborhood Assistant conducted a roll call for attendance of board members.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:06:27]: This item was skipped and returned to at a later time.

[0:06:48] – Kaapu MOVED and Yamamoto SECONDED to move agenda item IX.B after agenda item III. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 11-0-0. (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Naauao-Ota, Nitta, Yamamoto, Valdez, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:07:36].
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:07:52]: Sergeant Tablit highlighted the following:
• Crime Statistics for March 2026: 3 aggravated assaults, 3 auto thefts, 3 burglaries, 1 robbery, 2 sex assaults, 4 simple assaults, 13 thefts, 2 auto break-ins. Sgt. Tablit provided case details for the robbery case, and the sex assault cases. Total calls for service: 1147 (decrease from 1197 in February 2026).
• Safety Tip: Ahead of inclement weather, drive cautiously: use low beams, reduce speed, avoid standing water over 12 inches, ease off the gas if hydroplaning, and avoid outside freeway lanes in heavy rain.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:09:46]
1. Expired Safety Check Enforcement: Member Nitta asked about the process when a vehicle without a valid safety check is involved in a collision. HPD Sgt. Tablit confirmed the driver receives a mandatory citation ($70 fine for expired safety check). Towing is discretionary based on the vehicle’s condition and circumstances.

Member Mitsuda joined the meeting at 6:40 p.m.; 12 members present.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:13:50]: Iris Oda highlighted the following:
• Main Breaks in March 2026: March 30, 2026 near 1218 N. School Street.
• Announcement: Detect-A-Leak Week (April12-18, 2026) is the campaign BWS will be having in partnership with City Mill. For more information, please visit https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/dalw.
• Report:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q47gawC-Bse2r4h00ZRVBW9z7uYOko_o/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

III. RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:17:16]

1. Graffiti/Tagging on Wyllie Street: Resident Karen Ching reported tagging with the acronym ‘THAL’ on three utility poles on Wyllie Street. Sgt. Tablit offered to forward the report to the community policing unit.
2. Vacant Former Longs/CVS Building (Liliha & Kuakini) – [0:17:32]: Resident Karen Ching expressed concern about the long-vacant former Longs Drugs/CVS building at the corner of Liliha and Kuakini Streets. Mayor’s Representative Los Banos acknowledged the concern and said he would look into the building’s current status.
3. National Good Neighbor Day – [0:21:26]: Resident Karen Ching shared information about National Good Neighbor Day on September 28. She encouraged the Board to consider celebrating it to foster neighborhood connection.
4. Candidate for State Senate – [0:19:06]: Resident Lei Ahu Isa introduced herself as a former state representative and OHA trustee running for State Senate. Chair Fong directed her to attend the upcoming candidate forum in July for further discussion.
5. Pedestrian Safety at Nuʻuanu Ave./Judd Street – [0:28:46]: Resident Madison raised concerns about the lack of a sidewalk and crosswalk on Judd Street approaching Nuʻuanu Avenue, noting multiple near-miss incidents with speeding vehicles. Chair Fong acknowledged the concern and noted it falls under city jurisdiction and would be followed up on.
At this time, Chair Fong took the agenda out of order to hear item IX.B.
IX. NEW BUSINESS – [0:31:00]

2026 Candidate Forum – [0:31:00]: Board Member Cantrill announced that the candidate forum will be held at the July 13, 2026 board meeting (not June, as the board is in recess). A Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) was formed to finalize the rules, guidelines, and questions for the forum, led by Cantrill, with members Naauao-Ota, Yamamoto, and Kaapu.
• Candidates and interested parties may contact Vice Chair Cantrill via email at darren.cantrill@Hawaiʻi.gov or Secretary Naauao-Ota via email at cnaauao808@gmail.com for details.
[0:34:00] – Cantrill MOVED and Naauao-Ota SECONDED to create a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to establish the rules, guidelines, and questions for the 2026 Candidate Forum scheduled for July 13, 2026. A roll-call vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 11-0-0. [Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Naauao-Ota, Nitta, Valdez, Yamamoto, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:35:42]. (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Naauao-Ota, Nitta, Yamamoto, Valdez, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:54:20].
IV. REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDING OTHER MEETINGS – [0:35:48]

• Representative Jenna Takenouchi’s Traffic Safety Town Hall (March 11) – [0:36:00]: Board Members Yamamoto and MacPherson Board attended Representative Jenna Takenouchi’s traffic safety town hall. The event featured presentations from HPD, State DOT, City DTS, and included a detailed Q&A recap available as a PDF from Rep. Takenouchi’s office.
o Link to agency presentations included in townhall recap: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yghYI3J1QFHQMzPcsjjkny6LMqgMQn4E/view?usp=drive_link

V. OAHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (OAHUMPO) CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) – [0:38:04]
OahuMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – [0:38:04]: Member Yamamoto reported that the April 1st CAC meeting approved Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments for federally funded surface transit projects for the next three federal fiscal years. None of the added/removed projects are within NB14’s district. She also noted that CAC members now have a direct contact number to report minor state transportation safety issues; residents may contact her to submit concerns.
VI. PRESENTATIONS – [0:41:06]
Oahu Community Resilience Hubs (CERENE Sustainability Lab) – [0:41:6]: No representative present at this time.
VII. ELECTED OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES – [0:41:20]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:44:04]: Deputy Director Aedward Los Banos noted important clarifications for Permitted Interaction Groups. He provided the following updates. Note: No April mayor’s newsletter was issued; administration resources were focused on storm cleanup and recovery following three consecutive severe weather events. Residents seeking flood relief resources may visit oneahu.org.
• Liliha Street improvements: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) project Traffic Engineering Devices at Various Locations (TEDVL) Phase 5 will install traffic safety improvements on Liliha Street from N. School Street to Wyllie Street. The Scope of work includes the installation of the following: a road diet (includes bike lanes, dedicated left turn pockets at intersections, pedestrian refuge islands), curb ramp improvements, concrete sidewalks at Liliha and Judd streets and Liliha and Wyllie streets intersections, signage, and pavement marking and striping. The conceptual plans for the project are being developed and DTS will share them with the community and neighborhood board once they are completed.
• Homeless encampments near School St. McDonald’s: CORE outreach units checked the area; no encampments found near School St./Kuakini.
• Kapalama Stream Canal maintenance: DFM has cleared major hazards from the canal. The Hillcrest Mauka section remains a concern; Mr. Los Banos will continue to follow up.
• Houghtailing Footpath: No update; department has been focused on storm recovery. Will remain on agenda.
• Pavement damage at corner of Kealia Dr./Waiheʻe St. intersection: Member Kaapu noted that repairs have been completed by Department of Facility of Maintenance (DFM).
• Traffic study for Wyllie St./Liliha St. intersection: Paint & Sign Work Order (PSWO 35526) was completed by the DFM to restripe the faded crosswalk markings at the signalized intersection of Liliha and Wyllie streets, and to install additional signage to enhance driver awareness of pedestrians, particularly for turning movements.
• “No Right Turn on Red” sign at Nuʻuanu Ave./Kuakini St. Intersection: The DTS has completed its investigation into the Board’s request for “No Right Turn on Red” signage at the intersection of Nuʻuanu Avenue and Kuakini Street. DTS’ site inspection confirmed that this is a signalized intersection. In accordance with the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, Section 291C-32(3)(B), the driver of a vehicles that is stopped in obedience to a steady red indication may make a right turn but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal at said intersection. DTS’ review of the area’s traffic collision history within the past three years did not identify any trends, conditions, or unusual circumstances which would necessitate the installation of additional traffic control devices at this time. As such, DTS does not recommend a “No Right Turn on Red” sign at this location.
• Street parking on Lanakila Ave. between Kuakini St. & Kunuwai Ln.: The DTS’ review of its records indicates that parking on the roadway of Lanakila Avenue between Kuakini Street and Kunawai Lane is prohibited and designated as a tow-away zone on both sides. However, DTS’ previous investigation found that the majority of No Parking/Tow Away Zone signage were missing and/or faded. Additionally, in accordance with the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, Section 15-14.1(a)(1), parking is prohibited on a sidewalk; and signs are not required for this restriction to be enforceable by the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). As such, vehicles should not be parked on either the roadway or sidewalk of Lanakila Avenue between Kuakini Street and Kunawai Lane. The DTS recommends that area residents contact the HPD whenever parking violations are observed as they are the appropriate agency to enforce parking violations. In addition, DTS has previously issued (Paint & Sign Work Order [PSWO] 33191) to the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) to replace the missing and/or faded “No Parking” and “Tow-Away Zone” signs along Lanakila Avenue. For status updates regarding PSWO 33191, please call the DFM at 808-768-3622.
• Parking stalls outside of Liliha Bakery on Kuakini St.: The DTS will conduct an investigation, which will include a site inspection, traffic study, and review of the area’s traffic collision history, and will inform the board of their findings by October’s meeting.
• Action of sidewalks on Judd St.: The DTS reports the most constrained portion of Judd Street (from Liliha Street to Nuʻuanu Avenue) is roughly between 243 North Judd Street to 320 North Judd Street. The remainder of the corridor appears to have adequate right-of-way for sidewalk improvements on at least one side of Judd Street. Deputy Director Aedward Los Banos agreed to look into other pedestrian safety measures on Judd Street.
• Dept. of Environmental Services (ENV) G.R.O.W Compost Pilot Program: The current pilot zone covers a residential area between Kalihi Street and Middle Street (School St. to Dillingham Blvd.) and does not include Neighborhood Board 14. Residents outside the zone should not add food waste to green bins. The city plans to eventually expand island-wide.
o Kalihi Routes for G.R.O.W Compost Pilot Program: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jb5a75ZH_BnUoQdaqsmSXeakqj57uZju/view?usp=drive_link
• Dogs on-leash at Puʻunui Park: Dog handlers are required to carry and use waste disposal equipment. Carrying water to rinse urine areas is a courtesy, not a requirement under current department rules. DPR may install additional courtesy signage.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:05:03]
1. Homeless encampments Clarification: Member Nitta clarified the encampment is in front of the Liliha Library near the medical building on School Street, not near McDonald’s. Mr. Los Banos acknowledged and will note the specific location for follow-up.
2. Crosswalk Sign Replacement at MaʻeMaʻe Elementary: Member Mitsuda requested replacement of the pedestrian stop sign at the crosswalk in front of Maʻemaʻe Elementary, which was flattened and taken in by the school. Mr. Los Banos acknowledged and will submit a request.
3. Speeding on Nuʻuanu Ave. (Judd St. to Bates St.): Member Mitsuda noted increased speeding on Nuʻuanu Avenue, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Further discussion took place on time frame for HPD surveillance.
4. School St. Deteriorating Roads/Potholes: Member Valdez raised concerns of School St.’s deteriorating roads and mentioned the city bus driver’s comments of excessive potholes as an operational challenge requiring maneuvering that impacts passenger’s comfort and vehicle longevity.
5. Speeding at Kapalama Ave./Hala Drive: Member Nitta requested increased HPD enforcement at the Kapalama Avenue/Hala Drive intersection due to speeding, especially 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Chair Fong noted it will be added to the next agenda.
6. Dog Park – Water Rinse Clarification: Resident Jayne Kashiwaeda asked for clarification on whether dog owners must bring water to rinse urine spots. Mr. Los Banos confirmed it is a courtesy only and not a current rule requirement.

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (Council District 6) – [1:15:31]: Peggy Mierzwa highlighted the following:
• Peter Buck Mini Park Play Court – ADA Improvements: Construction completion expected in Q4 2026
• ʻĀlewa Neighborhood Park Retaining Wall: Project status advanced from bid to awarded. Construction timeline to be confirmed.
• Bates St./Nuʻuanu Ave. Crosswalk: Crosswalk is expected to be restored by late summer, pending administrative purchasing holdups per DTS.
• Houghtailing Footpath: A riser was submitted; no response yet.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:16:50]
1. Peter Buck Mini Park – Restroom and Improvements: Member Nitta asked about the $1.4 million ADA improvement project at Peter Buck Mini Park, specifically requesting a restroom be included given ongoing sanitation concerns. Mierzwa indicated she would follow up with the Department of Parks and Recreation.
2. Bates St./Nuʻuanu Crosswalk Confirmation: Member Christian confirmed the crosswalk previously removed will be reinstalled, per Mierzwa’s report from DTS, with a target of late summer

Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13) – [1:20:50]: Haleina Beltran highlighted the following: SNAP benefits recovery assistance after recent storm power outages; Measles vaccination reminder; and traffic fines legislation (Senate Bill 2146).
• Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a9zWYfVeNB2Ghf9icoamB2OCMZ0ey_Ds/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Senate District 14) – [1:24:05]: Senator Kim highlighted the following: legislative updates; Alzheimer’s Research Center (Senate Bill 2657); Olomea St./Palama Settlement Traffic Safety; Joint Townhall Meeting with Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam to discuss traffic issues will be held on April 28, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Kapalama Elementary School Cafeteria.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lwlYV8aOGH7PHI8ODFA0x8khu96hfjxc/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:30:03]
1. Hawaiʻi Prison Plan Update: Member Nitta asked about the status of plans to build a new prison and bring inmates back from Arizona. Senator Kim confirmed the bill to return inmates is in conference and that plans for a new prison in Hālawa are still on the books, though no recent legislative action was confirmed. She offered to follow up.

Representative Jenna Takenouchi (State House District 27) – [1:33:52]: Representative Takeouchi highlighted the following: Traffic Safety Town Hall recap; Liliha Library will be hosting Legal Aid/Healthcare Enrollment event throughout April 2026; and storm damage resources.

State House District 28 – [1:37:52]: No representative present.

Representative Ikaika Hussey (State House District 29) – [1:38:07]: Representative Hussey and Office Manager Nadia Alves highlighted the following: Income-Based Traffic Fines (Senate Bill 2146); District 29 Town Hall recap; and G.R.O.W Compost Program.

Governor Josh Greenʻs Representative – [1:43:00]: Dallis Ontiveros highlighted the following:
• Storm Recovery – Federal Aid Approved: President Trump approved federal aid following Governor Green’s report of approximately $1 billion in storm damage. FEMA assistance is active; $175 million authorized for immediate state recovery. The Hawaiʻi National Guard has been conducting evacuations, road clearing, and mobile clinic deployments. Temporary hotel housing and additional units have been secured for displaced residents.
• Kamehameha Highway (Waimea Bay) Rockfall: Following storm-related boulder falls, the highway is open with alternating traffic. A $20 million rockfall protection system is underway, expected to take 3–4 months with possible intermittent closures.
• HPHA Community Gardens Update: To establish a community garden at an HPHA property, tenants must contact their property manager, who identifies a location meeting INSPIRE safety standards (effective October 2025). Kūhiō Park Terrace (KPT) is unavailable due to Phase 1 redevelopment; Kalihi Valley Homes does not have an identified suitable space. Successful examples at Kalakaua Homes and Punchbowl Homes use above-ground planters (garden troughs/pots). In-ground planting is prohibited. Residents may have potted plants in front of their units but must bring them inside during inspections.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FqxeG1UfaQmDxooodnYkagn-9OeWaWec/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:48:10]
1. KPT Community Garden – Continued Advocacy: Member MacPherson noted that there is substantial open space behind the KPT buildings and urged continued collaboration with HPHA to find a solution for residents who have expressed strong interest in a garden. Dallis Ontiveros agreed to keep the conversation open.
2. House District 28 Appointment: Member Nitta asked when the Governor would announce the HD28 appointment. Ontiveros confirmed that Michael Covenant Ratcliffe was appointed that day to serve for the remainder of the session.
3. Hawaiʻi National Guard: Chair Fong inquired if the Hawaiʻi National Guard received orders to go to Iran. Dallis Ontiveros said he would do research and follow-up.

Congressman Ed Case (Hawaiʻ 1st Congressional District) – [1:54:11]: No representative present at this time.

VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – [1:54:20]
Approval of Monday, January 12, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes – [1:54:23]: [1:54:30] – Hearing no objections, the March 2026 minutes were approved as written; 12-0-0 (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Mitsuda, Naauao-Ota, Nitta, Yamamoto, Valdez, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:54:39].
IX. NEW BUSINESS – [1:54:48]

3-Absence Notice – Member Alika Valdez – [1:54:50]: Chair Fong addressed the notice for Board Member Valdez. Patrick Smith (Neighborhood Commission Chair) clarified proper procedure: Chair calls for a motion to vacate; if no motion is made, the matter is closed. Member Valdez stated he wishes to remain on the board due to a family medical emergency. No motion to vacate was raised; Member Valdez retained his seat.
Proposal to Change Park Hours for ʻĀlewa Park – [1:57:49]: Chair Fong noted that the item was placed on the agenda due to a prior concern about dogs barking near the park. No board member or resident came forward to support the item. The item was removed with no action taken.
X. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS – [1:58:28]

Maluhia – [1:58:28]: No representative at this time.

St. Francis – [1:58:28]: No representative at this time.

Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center – [1:58:47]: Board Member Kaapu reported that the Center continues to offer over 80 classes per week for adults 60 and older, including new programs: Hawaiʻi Energy presentation on saving energy, AI safety for kūpuna, lung health, and fall prevention/bone health. An Eagle Scout community concert with the Hawaiʻi Concert Orchestra was recently held. The Center is also addressing storm-related flooding, new roofing, gutters, and mold remediation, but remains open.

Friends of Liliha Library – [2:00:28]: No representative at this time.

Other Non-profit Organizations – [2:00:52]: No reports at this time.
XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:01:10]
Next Regular Meeting: This item was skipped unintentionally.
ʻŌlelo Channel Recordings: This item was skipped unintentionally.
XII. ADJOURNMENT – [2:02:30]
[2:02:20] – Christian MOVED and Kaapu SECONDED to adjourn the meeting. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kaapu, Kuo, MacPherson, Mitsuda, Naauao-Ota, Nitta, Yamamoto, Valdez, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:02:30].
Chair Fong adjourned the regular board meeting at 8:33 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO
Reviewed and finalized by: Chance Naauao-Ota, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No.14

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.