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

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 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: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w

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. Walk, Bike, Drive – Hawaii Bicycling League
B. State Climate Action Pathways Report – Bill Unruh

VII. ELECTED OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
A. Mayor’s Representative – Aedward Los Banos
1. Reported abandoned vehicles status
2. Status on E-Bike Educational Presentation Request
3. Natsunoya Teahouse Parking Conditional Parking Permit
4. Repair of potholes in front of 526 N. School Street
5. Request for Solid White Road Lane Line on Pali Highway onto Pauoa Rd
6. Status of installation of painted crosswalk at Nuʻuanu Ave/Bates St.
B. District 6 Councilmember – Tyler Dos Santos Tam
C. 13th Senatorial District – Karl Rhoads or rep
1. Why are there vacancies in Hawaii state housing
2. How can DOE prevent parents from sending sick children to school
D. 14th Senatorial District – Donna Mercado Kim
E. District 27 Representative – Jenna Takenouchi
1. Follow-up of resident concerns with Kamehameha Schools – noise
F. District 28 Representative – Daniel Holt
G. District 29 Representative – Ikaika Hussey
H. Governor’s Representative – Dallis Ontiveros
I. 1st Congressional District Representative – Ed Case

VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Monday, July 14, 2025 and Monday, August 11, 2025 regular meeting minutes

IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Liliha/Palama Christmas parade.
B. Good Governance Reforms Resolution and consideration of board action
C. Pesticide resolution introduced by Rep Amy Perruso and consideration of board action

XI. 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

XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 15, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
B. 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.

XIII. 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
9. Complete Streets: https://www.facebook.com/hnlcompletestreets/

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 Kapalama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawai’i 96817;
Telephone (808) 768-3710; Fax (808) 768-3711; or emailing nco@honolulu.gov

Agenda documents and minutes are also available at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.html

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

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.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025 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=KPq2w2gAR-g
Meeting materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/125C2jWWt50_3648LIvBJAX3l2UibCfKZ
I. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:00]: Chair Wesley Fong called the Liliha/Puunui/Alewa/Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board No. 14 regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was established with twelve (12) 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, Loy Kuo, Christy MacPherson, Zhoydell Magaoay, Brandon Mitsuda, Chance Naauao-Ota, Donald Nitta, Cora Yamamoto, and Alika Valdez (appointed).
Board Members Absent: Carole Kaapu.
Guests: Firefighter Z. Buscher, Captain S. Kim (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Yamashita, Sergeant J. Tablit (Honolulu Police Department); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Deputy Director Aedward Los Banos (Mayor’s Representative); Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13); Kathy Nii, Savannah Coules (Senator Donna Mercado Kim); Peggy Mierzwa (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam); Kelton Cheney (Representative Jenna Takenouchi); Representaive Ikaika Hussey (House District 29); Dallis Ontiveros (Governor’s Representative); Yvonne Yoro (Pesticides in Hawai’i Presentation); Vern Nakamura and Irwin Santos (Liliha/Palama Christmas Parade); Aria Juliet Castillo from Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action); Mike Buck Burt Lau, Robert Lau, Kauhiwai, Edmund Lee, Su Eberhardt, Nathalie, Liana Ben, Sophie (Resident); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 36 total participants.
II. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FORUM [0:00:35]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:37]: Firefighter Z. Buscher from Kuakini Fire Station provided the report and highlighted the following:
• July 2025 Statistics: There was 1 brush fire, 4 activated fire alarms, 98 medical calls, and 2 motor vehicle crashes in July 2025.
• Safety Tip: Ensure smoke alarms are working and having a fire escape plan in place.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qOH3CG4SRx4IanFSyz899iyBH4YP6BkV/view?usp=drive_link
• To access the fire response search tool and incident trend dashboard, please visit: https://fire.honolulu.gov/news-and-info/
• HFD Community Relations Office: hfdnhb@honolulu.gov

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:01:30]
1. Wildfire Preparedness: Burt Lau (resident) asked about HFD’s participation in wildfire assessment and what residents should do to prepare, especially in areas with limited access. Response was provided by Captain S. Kim, who explained that while their district doesn’t deal with many brush fires, another department within HFD handles wildland fires. He recommended watering grass on hot days and having a good evacuation plan. Chair Fong requested that HFD send a representative to the next meeting to discuss wildfire preparedness.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:04:57]: No representative at this time. A report is provided later in the meeting.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:05:12]: Iris Oda provided and highlighted the following:
• Main Breaks: 1 water main break in July 2025 near 1400 Alewa Drive.
• General Announcement: The Water Wisdom program is designed to support condominiums and townhome residents in reducing water usage through: on-site presentations, water audits for communal areas, personalized audits for kupuna (seniors), and conservation materials.
• Follow-up on previous requests: Ms. Oda provided follow-up information about the $40 rebate available for rain barrels 45 gallons or larger, noting that while availability at retailers fluctuates, they can be found at Hardware Hawaiʻi, Wine Style, Rain Gutters, NX Garden Shop, Sam’s Club (seasonally), City Mill, Urban Farmer Store, and online retailers.
• To see more eligible residential rebates, please visit: https://boardofwatersupply.com/residentialrebates

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:08:47]
1. Fire Hydrant Concerns: Sophie (resident) raised concerns about the lack of fire hydrants on Stream Drive, noting that residents rebuilding homes are required to install sprinkler systems due to being more than 350 feet from the nearest hydrant. She reported that Tyler Dos Santos-Tam had previously contacted BWS, who stated there were no plans to improve the water main on that street. Iris Oda agreed to investigate further and report back. Board Member MacPherson expressed concern about the lack of fire hydrants on Stream Drive, noting that her family lives there. Board Member MacPherson also mentioned a resident in ʻĀlewa who wanted to relocate a fire hydrant that was blocking a driveway. Iris Oda explained that fire hydrants are spaced at specific distances and shouldn’t block driveways, but would need the specific address to research the issue.

III. FILLING OF VACANCIES [0:14:56]
Liliha Sub-District 4 – One (1) Vacancy [0:14:57]: Alika Valdez volunteered to fill the vacancy. He introduced himself, stating he previously served on the board and wanted to continue serving his community. Board members asked him questions regarding his top concerns and verification of his residency.

[00:18:31] – Kuo nominated Alika Valdez to fill the subdistrict 4 seat. Hearing no further nominations, the Board conducted a roll-call vote. Alika Valdez was elected to fill the subdistrict 4 seat; 10-0 (Valdez: Cantrill, Higa, Kuo, MacPherson, Mitsuda, Magaoay, Naauoa-Ota, Nitta, Yamamoto, Fong; Abstain: None) – [0:21:44].

[0:21:59] – Chair Fong called for a recess to allow the Neighborhood Assistant to swear in the newly appointed Board member.

[0:22:24] – Chair Fong called the meeting back to order.

Member Valdez joined the meeting at 6:52 p.m.; 12 members present.

Hearing no objections, Chair Fong returned to agenda item II.B. Honolulu Police Department to hear the report at this time.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:22:28]: Lieutenant Yamashita introduced Sergeant J. Tablit and provided the following:
• July 2025 Statistics: 2 aggravated assaults; 5 auto thefts; 4 burglaries; 0 robberies; 2 sex assaults; 3 simple assaults; 8 thefts; 2 car break-ins; and 1,171 total calls for service.
• Safety tip: Allow extra travel time now that school is back in session.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:24:18]
1. Parking Enforcement: Board Member Kuo thanked HPD for addressing the parking situation on Lanakila Avenue that was reported at the previous meeting, noting the dramatic improvement for pedestrian access.
2. Sexual Assault Cases: Chair Fong inquired about the nature of the reported sexual assaults, concerned about public safety. Lieutenant Yamashita clarified that one case involved indecent exposure and the other was a family matter involving a child reporting inappropriate touching by a parent.
3. Stabbing Incident: Board Member Kuo asked about a recent stabbing at the Lanakila parking lot. Sergeant Tablit explained that the individuals involved were acquaintances, the victim declined to prosecute, and assured the board that the area remains safe for public use.

IV. ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICER
Election of Officer – Secretary [0:28:00]: [0:28:10] – Yamamoto nominated Chance Naauoa-Ota for Board Secretary. Hearing no further nominations, the Board conducted a roll-call vote. Chance Naauoa-Ota was elected as Board Secretary; 9-1 (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kuo, MacPherson, Magaoay, Nitta, Yamamoto, Fong; Abstain: Naauoa-Ota) – [0:29:57].
V. RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS [0:30:44]

Emergency Ambulance Services Collection Notice Scam – [0:30:55]: Board Member Kuo reported receiving a collection notice claiming he owed money to the State of Hawaiʻi Emergency Ambulance Services and asked how to verify its legitimacy. Deputy Director Los Banos advised that ambulance services on Oʻahu are managed by the Honolulu Emergency Services Department and suggested contacting them directly or researching the collection agency online.

Telephone Poles Blocking Driveway Access – [0:32:33]: Board Member Cantrill mentioned a resident concerned about telephone poles blocking ambulance access to her driveway and agreed to provide Deputy Director Los Banos with the address and photos after the meeting.

Natsunoya Tea House Parking Easement – [0:32:39]: Board Member Nitta questioned whether Natsunoya Tea House had properly notified the Board about their parking easement that allows them to park all the way to the road. Deputy Director Los Banos agreed to investigate and report back at the next meeting.
Potholes and Bus Noise on School Street – [0:34:53]: Board Member Valdez shared a noise disturbance from cars ecspecially large motor vehicles and city buses that pass over metal plates on the road in front of 526 North School Street, disturbing residents in nearby apartments. Deputy Director Los Banos noted the address (526 North School Street) and agreed to follow up.
Traffic Safety on Pali Highway – [0:36:55]: Sophie (resident) raised safety concerns about cars on Pali Highway crossing from the far-left lane to the far-right lane to take the exit to Pauoa (Pacific Heights Road) without a solid line to prevent this dangerous maneuver. Deputy Director Los Banos agreed to investigate.
Kamehameha Schools Maintenance Pit Noise – [0:40:00]: Sue Eberhardt (resident) provided an update on a meeting held July 18, 2025, with Representative Takenouchi, Senator Kim, and Kamehameha Schools regarding maintenance pit noise and overgrowth issues. She reported that despite the meeting, noise has increased, and Kamehameha Schools has not provided the requested information about permits for operating in a residential area. Multiple Board members provided comments on the issue. Kelton Cheney from Representative Takenouchi’s office confirmed they had requested action items from Kamehameha Schools with a deadline of the current week and would report back at the next meeting.
VI. REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDING OTHER MEETINGS [0:58:15]: No reports at this time.

VII. OAHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (OAHUMPO) CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) [0:58:23]
OahuMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – [0:58:25]: Board Member Yamamoto reported on the August 6, 2025, meeting which featured two presentations: (1) the Oahu Mobility Hub study, with particular focus on Haleiwa’s mobility hub and noting that an urban Honolulu mobility hub study is forthcoming, which will likely involve rail; and (2) proposed bus service changes related to the opening of different rail phases, with the Airport to Waikiki section still under discussion and Phase 3 affecting the board’s area when it reaches Dillingham.
VIII. PRESENTATIONS [1:01:25]
Walk, Bike, Drive Presentation – [1:01:33]: No representative at this time. Board Member Yamamoto shared for anyone interested in learning more about e-bikes, they can vist Hawaiʻi Bicycling Leagueʻs website at https://hbl.org/ for upcoming events and classes. Chair Fong had questions on e-bikes.

Use of Pesticides in Hawaiʻi – [1:03:28]: Yvonne Yoro from the Office of Representative Amy Perruso, attending in her personal capacity, provided a presentation on pesticide use in Hawaiʻi. She defined pesticides as substances designed to kill or deter pests, noting they can be chemical, synthetic, or biological, with chemical pesticides often being more dangerous to human health and the environment. She explained the difference between general use pesticides (like Roundup) and restricted use pesticides (RUPs), which are not available to the general public due to their potential for causing adverse effects. Ms. Yoro highlighted that RUPs are commonly sprayed in North, Central, and West Oahu where most local produce is grown, and explained that Act 45 (2018) established 100-foot buffer zones around schools during normal school hours. She provided examples of harmful RUPs including 13D (1,3-dichloropropene) and metam sodium, which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems. She noted that while the board’s area does not have RUP application sites nearby, general use pesticides may still be used in parks and schools. The presentation included recommendations for better reporting, increased buffer zones, larger fines for illegal use, classification of neonicotinoids as RUPs, soil testing, and better labeling. Ms. Yoro mentioned that her office would share a draft resolution for the board to consider at a future meeting
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15rlNLCKq5AgIoPLsfk82dF75AeUYBSlZ/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:18:31]
1. Natural Pesticide Alternatives: Board Member Naauao-Ota asked if the legislature had considered pushing farmers to use natural pesticides. Ms. Yoro replied that she was unsure about legislation before her time with the office but would research past bills.
2. Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Treatment: Board Member Cantrill asked about pesticide treatments for the coconut rhinoceros beetle. Ms. Yoro explained that neonicotinoid injections are commonly used, creating a conflict between controlling the invasive species and protecting soil and waterways from contamination.
3. Maps: Board Member Nitta asked for clarification on the maps provided on the PowerPoint presentation. Ms. Yoro explained what the different color shades represented on the Oʻahu map.
4. Pesticide Reporting and Enforcement: Board Member Kuo asked whether the issue was about enforcement or policy changes. Ms. Yoro explained it was a combination, with their office pushing for better reporting measures to increase transparency about what’s being applied and when.
5. Multiple Questions Regarding Chemicals: Edmund Lee (resident) asked the following questions: If RoundUp is an herbicide? 2) what is the average life cycle for pesticides and how long do they last in your environment for example, malathion? 3) is there potential contamination from sawdust from treated lumber? Ms. Yoro shared she will do further research for the first two questions and provide the follow-up responses to the Board. Ms. Yoro explained that while wood treatment companies operate under the assumption that chemicals won’t leach into the environment, research suggests neonicotinoids are being found in soil and waterways, possibly from treated wood products.

IX. ELECTED OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES [1:27:00]
Chair Announcement – [1:27:00]: Chair Fong mentioned that the Department of Community Services (DCS) has acquired office space at 222 North School St. which is in the Board’s district. The Director of Community Services will reach out to Chair Fong to present at an upcoming Board meeting.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [1:27:58]: Aedward Los Banos provided the report and highlighted the Mayor’s Newsletter for August 2025 including the city has acquired land next to the police station on South Beretania Street for future HPD expansion; new additions to the city’s leadership team, including a new assistant zoo director; and plans for a solar canopy at Ala Wai Golf Course. He also briefly shared about the educational presentation that HPD has been sharing with schools about e-bikes.

Los Banos also provided updates on several agenda items:
1. Crosswalk at Nuʻuanu Avenue and Bates Street: City guidelines do not support marking crosswalks across four lanes without additional safety features. He offered to have the Department of Transportation Services present their plans for the intersection at a future meeting.
2. Four-way stop at Hala Drive and Kapalama Avenue: A paint and sign work order (#34936) has been issued to the Department of Facilities Maintenance.
3. Trash pickup on Skyline Drive: The Refuse Division will continue manual collection as the equipment for automated pickup cannot make the turns. They are evaluating alternative equipment options.
4. Open Storm Drain at Alani Street/Aupuni Street Intersection: The drainage catch basin is privately owned and must be maintained by the owner. The city will contact the owners about repairs.
5. ʻĀlewa Neighborhood Park Basketball Court: The wall demolition project is stalled during redesign. Design work is underway with finalization expected by the end of 2025 and implementation in 2026. The basketball court should remain off-limits due to safety concerns with the compromised retaining wall.
6. Na Pueo Mini Park Playground Request: Parks confirmed there is no current budget for playground equipment but has logged the request for consideration.
7. Abandoned Vehicles: No update due to personnel changes; will provide update in September.
Los Banos also mentioned that City Mill will have rain barrels available on August 13, 2025, which would be eligible for the BWS rebate.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z_V91LiEq34Xr3ws9KpcCEQ2pKXsa-bF/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:36:15]
1. Status of Several Agenda Items: Chair Fong clarified on items to request further follow-up.
2. Mayor and Former Police Chief Lawsuit: Board Member Kuo asked about allegations in the lawsuit between the Mayor and former Police Chief, questioning if this presented a public safety issue. Deputy Director Los Banos stated he was not privy to information about those allegations.

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (Council District 6) – [1:38:18]: Peggy Mierzwa provided the report and highlighted the following: the office is still looking into the Judd Street sidewalks issue; the vacant Alzheimer House at Na Pueo Park is under the administration’s purview, and the office will provide a follow-up at the nezt Board meeting; a new speed hump has been installed on Nuʻuanu Avenue by Craigside Place; the sinkhole property owner has been identified as Bank of Hawaiʻi; and the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) cited an illegal vacation rental operating at 1729 Liliha Street two days prior.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yc6MuHtabGIMfby9N0HLW6SWe5yVKXS6/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:39:56]
1. Status of Vacant Alzheimer House at Na Pueo Park: Aedward Los Banos (Mayorʻs Representative) provide a follow-up response and shared he did look into the issue and found that the city currently has no plans or funding allocated for changes.

Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13) – [1:41:21]: Senator Rhoads provided the report and highlighted the following: the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold an informational briefing on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in conference room 116 at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol to receive an update from the Department of the Attorney General about litigation where the State of Hawaiʻi is the lead plaintiff or part of a coalition of plaintiffs that have filed lawsuits against President Trump’s administration; and COVID-19 activity is on the rise in Hawaiʻi, with the positivity rate at 18%, the highest it’s ever been in the state.
• Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HIwiyn4qrAHpxd5Clq-4io59CFoXQhS2/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:44:01]
1. COVID-19 Vaccines: Chair Fong asked if Hawaiʻi was being affected by the new Secretary of Health’s position on vaccines. Senator Rhoads explained that vaccines are still available, though the CDC has changed recommendations against scientific advice to limit who should get them. He added that funding cuts to mRNA vaccine research may hurt Hawaiʻi in the future.
2. National Guard Federalization: Chair Fong asked if the federal government had federalized Hawaiʻi’s National Guard for work outside Hawaiʻi. Senator Rhoads responded that Governor Green has said he would demand consultation before authorizing Guard deployment, but noted it’s unclear legally whether the governor could stop a direct presidential order.
3. Public Housing Vacancies: Liana Benson (Nuʻuanu resident) reported that 10% of units in a public housing building where she volunteers are vacant and ready for occupancy but remain unassigned, some for over a year, despite the homeless crisis. She would like to request an audit of all State Public Housing Authority units. Chair Fong asked Representative Takenouchi’s office to research Hawaiʻi State Housing Authority vacancies and report back.
4. Sick Children at School: Sophie (resident) expressed concern about parents sending sick children to school, resulting in other children getting COVID-19 and bringing it home. Senator Rhoads acknowledged this was a persistent problem during the pandemic but didn’t offer specific solutions.
5. Temperature Screening in Schools: Board Member Kuo asked about the legality of implementing infrared temperature cameras in schools. Senator Rhoads responded that such measures would face legal challenges, especially since the current situation is not the same level of emergency as during the height of the pandemic.
Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Senate District 14) – [1:54:21]: No representative at this time.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ba_9lTgrSiqrLLG3Qn5DfdrMiOW7gE37/view?usp=drive_link

Representative Jenna Takenouchi (State House District 27) – [1:54:35]: Kelton Cheney provided the report and highlighted the following: Representative Takenouchi will host “Park Talks” across District 27, with the next one scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Nuʻuanu Valley Neighborhood Park; and the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency has deemed the current siren at the top of ʻĀlewa Drive inoperable, with a replacement siren being constructed near ʻĀlewa Neighborhood Park that should be operational within 60 days.
• For additional information on HI-EMA Public Siren Dashboard, please visit: https://hiema.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/226e62cd78f340c29e52d4f38c46ac21
• July Park Talks Schedule: http://bit.ly/2025ParkTalk

Representative Daniel Holt (State House District 28) – [1:57:32]: No representative at this time.

Representative Ikaika Hussey (State House District 29) – [1:57:39]: Representative Hussey addressed the earlier question about sick children at school, noting that it highlighted the need for paid family leave to allow parents to care for sick children without financial hardship. He invited feedback from the board and community about legislative priorities for the upcoming 2026 session.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:59:49]
1. Family Medical Leave vs. Emergency Care: Chair Fong mentioned the Family Medical Leave Act and Board Member Yamamoto commented that the Act addresses longer-term continuous care, while the issue with sick children is more about episodic, emergency care needs.

Governor Josh Greenʻs Representative – [2:02:31]: Dallis Ontiveros provided the report and highlighted the following: Governor Green signed 313 bills into law during a busy summer, with 13 bill signing ceremonies emphasizing community voices and legislative priorities; $807 million was allocated to support Maui wildfire settlement claims; the Office of the State Fire Marshal was transferred to the Department of Law Enforcement to enhance fire prevention and emergency response; and legislation was signed to expand free school meal access for students eligible for reduced-price meals starting in the 2025-2026 school year, with further expansion to include students from families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level by 2026-2027.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rSWUgAS0-xhyKeUnZogcy-mLr53akmt2/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:04:52]
1. Early Education Program: Chair Fong asked about the Lieutenant Governor’s preschool initiative. Mr. Ontiveros confirmed it is in effect for all elementary schools.

Congressman Ed Case (Hawaiʻ 1st Congressional District): This item was skipped unintentionally. There was no representative present at the meeting.

X. APPROVAL OF MINUTES [2:06:16]
Approval of Monday, April 14, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes – [2:06:16]: Hearing no objections, the April 2025 regular meeting minutes were approved as written; 12-0-0 (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kuo, MacPherson, Magaoay, Mitsuda, Naauoa-Ota, Nitta, Yamamoto, Valdez, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:06:39].
XI. NEW BUSINESS [2:06:47]
Liliha/Palama Christmas Parade – [2:06:47]: Vernon Nakamura announced that the Liliha/Palama Christmas Parade is scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2025, and requested to be on the September meeting agenda to receive community input for the city parade permitting process. Erwin Santos, President of the Kamehameha Lions Club, explained that the club has taken over financial responsibility for the parade from the Liliha/Palama Merchant Association. The parade costs approximately $4,000 to organize, covering expenses for candy, trolley rental, and logistics. He invited donations through their website (https://klcfoundation.org/) and announced a fundraiser on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Natsunoya Tea House with tickets at $65 each.
Good Governance Reforms Resolution – [2:11:09]: Aria Juliet Castillo from Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) presented a resolution on good governance reforms for the state legislature. The resolution addresses transparency, efficiency, fairness, and accountability through measures such as timely public access to testimony, committee votes on all bills, limiting referrals of non-fiscal bills to money committees, encouraging majority co-sponsorship of bills, requiring written amendments, prohibiting campaign contributions from state contractors, providing comprehensive public financing options, prohibiting laundering of campaign contributions, and adding term limits as a constitutional amendment. Due to time constraints, Chair Fong asked board members to review the materials and deferred discussion and action to the next meeting.
XII. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS [2:17:20]
Maluhia – [2:17:20]: No report.
St. Francis [2:17:23]: No report.
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center [2:17:25]: No report.
Friends of Liliha Library – [2:17:30]: No report.
Other Non-profit Organizations – [2:17:33]: No report.
XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:17:36]
Next Regular Meeting – [2:17:36]: The Liliha/Puunui/Alewa/Kamehameha Heights next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Community Resource Fair [2:17:43]: Board Member Naauao-Ota announced a Community Resource Fair on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Kuakini Hospital, organized by Representative Takenouchi. Neighborhood Board No. 14 will have a booth at the event. Chair Fong shared, for those who are interested in helping, to please email him.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT [2:18:56]
[2:18:56] – Naauao-Ota MOVED and MacPherson SECONDED to adjourn the meeting. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (Aye: Cantrill, Christian, Higa, Kuo, MacPherson, Magaoay, Mitsuda, Naauoa-Ota, Nitta, Yamamoto, Valdez, Fong; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:19:10].
Chair Fong adjourned the regular board meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO
Reviewed and finalized by:

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