KALIHI – PĀLAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 15

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026
KALIHI WAENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY
1240 GULICK AVE., HONOLULU, HI 96819
AND VIRTUAL VIA WEBEX
7:00 P.M.

WebEx Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m87b646203f9cad03ba885a37cda93aaf
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2495 468 8292
Password: NB15 (6215 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

Meeting Materials: Find a monthly archive of handouts and referenced materials concerning to Kalihi-Palāma Neighborhood Board No. 15 at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jZWmXmsk6bquFmxc5Ch_JqHL1wlHZrRL

Recordings: Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w

Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to click the “raise hand” icon, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Remarks should not exceed one minute-thirty seconds and one question per speaker, additional questions be posted in the chat or emailed to presenters. Please ensure your microphone is muted unless you are speaking. Please state your first and last name for the record before moving into your comments/question, etc. Written testimony may also be submitted via email using the contact information listed on the Neighborhood Commission Office website.

Purpose: The purpose of neighborhood boards and the neighborhood plan is to increase and assure effective citizen participation in the decisions of government.

Notes: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote, nine (9) of this thirteen (13) 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. Please silence all electronic devices.

A. CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Evelyn Cullen
A. Roll Call

B. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
A. Chair
B. 2nd Vice Chair
C. Treasurer

C. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS: Three (3) minutes each
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department – District 1
C. Honolulu Police Department – District 5
D. Board of Water Supply – Iris Oda
E. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) – Gabby Camacho

D. PRESENTATIONS (Limited to maximum 10-Minute Presentation)
A. Neighborhood Commission – Chair Patrick Smith
B. Rona Mangayayam of Kokua Kalihi Valley -The Kalihi Ahupua’a Ride scheduled on April 11, 2026
C. St. Elizabeth’s Church

E. RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Three (3) Minutes each): Meeting participants may present their community concerns at this time. Note – Due to the State “Sunshine Law,” concerns not listed on the agenda may be presented, but no Board action can be taken. Items brought up may be placed on a future agenda for discussion/action.
F. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS: Three (3) minutes each
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Deputy Director Stephen Courtney, Department of Information Technology (DIT)
B. Councilmember Radiant Cordero
C. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam

G. COMMUNITY UPDATES
A. U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Military Report – Selina Gentkowski

H. STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS: Three (3) minutes each
A. Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13)
B. Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14)
C. Senator Glenn Wakai (District 15)
D. Representative Daniel Holt (House District 29)
E. Representative Shirley Templo (House District 30)
F. Governor Josh Green’s MD Representative – Dreana Kalili, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT)

I. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Filling of Vacancy: One (1) At-Large Seat
B. Resolution by Evelyn Cullen – A resolution in support of a proposed Charter Amendment to establish a Legacy Residential Protection Program within the Department of Planning and Permitting
C. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
D. Change start time of Regular Board Meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
E. Committees – need to submit agenda and minutes prior to monthly meeting to be shared

J. COMMUNITY RESOURCES
A. Salvation Army Family Services Food Pantry – Local food pantry & emergency food help, 808-521-6551

K. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting is scheduled to be on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kalihi Waena Elementary School Library.
B. The Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 recordings can be seen on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 or at www.olelo.org/live at the following times: 1st Monday of each month at 9:00 p.m. and 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m.

L. ADJOURNMENT

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
KALIHI WAENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY
1240 GULICK AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96819
AND VIRTUAL VIA WEBEX

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBR4BVpHTqA

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jZWmXmsk6bquFmxc5Ch_JqHL1wlHZrRL

A. CALL TO ORDER — [0:00:01]: Vice Chair Evelyn Cullen called the Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call – [0:00:21]: Quorum was established with 7 members present. Note: This 13-member Board requires 7 members to establish a quorum and to take official action.

Members Present: Evelyn Cullen, Diosa Mae Daga (7:05 p.m.), Donald Guerrero, Patricia Hoopii, Willis Moore, Cardenas Pintor, Lloyd Pohano, Evangeline Tolete (7:14 p.m.), Lynn Vasquez

Members Absent: Ken Farm, Randy Jadulang, Erich Mitamura

Guests: Sergeant Pedro Rodriguez (Honolulu Police Department – District 1); Sergeant Tabanera and Lietenant Yamashita (Honolulu Police Department – District 5); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Gabby Camacho (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation); Stephen Courtney (Mayor’s Representative); Councilmember Radiant Cordero; Dinna Schwiering (Councilmember Cordero’s office); Lynn Robinson (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s office); Selina Gentkowski (U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi); Chris Deuchar, Sam Arico, Michael Saines, Moe Mohanna, Emily Davids (Form Partners) — Ka Lei Momi presentation; Mia Ogata (Office of Senator Rhoads); Jasmine and Kathy Nii (Office of Senator Kim); Kamakea Wright (Representative Templo’s office); Dre Kalili (Governor’s Representative); Selina Gentkowski (U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi); Amanda Kirby, An, Brian Davidson, Brian J., Caitlin Barrow, Kimo, Kirsten Liana, Lynette Kumalae, Mike Buck (C.O.R.E.), James Soong, Thomas Beck (Residents and Community Members); Olelo Virtual; Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Assistant) Note: Names were not included if not legible. There were approximately 40 total attendees.

Member Diosa Mae joined the meeting at 7:05 p.m. – 8 members present

B. ELECTION OF OFFICERS — [0:02:12]

Chair — [0:02:13]
[0:02:26]: Member Vasquez nominated Evelyn Cullen for the position of Chair.
[0:02:44]: Member Pintor nominated himself for the position of Chair.
[0:03:11]: With no further nominations, the Board conducted a roll call vote. [Cullen (6): Cullen, Guerrero, Hoopii, Moore, Pohano, Vasquez; Pintor (2): Diosa Mae, Pintor]. As seven (7) votes are required for election, no Chair was elected. [0:05:22]

2nd Vice Chair — [0:05:27]
[0:05:35]: Member Vasquez nominated Patricia Hoopii for the position of 2nd Vice Chair.
[0:06:05]: Member Hoopii nominated Member Willis Moore, which he respectfully declined.
[0:06:23]: Member Hoopii nominated Member Diosa Mae for the position of 2nd Vice Chair, which she respectfully declined.
[0:06:38]: Member Vasquez nominated herself for the position of 2nd Vice Chair.
[0:06:50]: With no further nominations, the Board conducted a roll call vote. [Vasquez (4): Diosa Mae, Guerrero, Pintor, Vasquez; Hoopii (1): Moore; Abstain (3): Cullen, Hoopii, Pohano]. As seven votes are required for election, no 2nd Vice Chair was elected. Member Pintor and Member Hoopii suggested tabling the elections to the next meeting, and the Board agreed to table the election. [0:09:01]

Treasurer — [0:09:14]: The election of Treasurer was tabled to the next meeting.

C. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS — [0:09:15]

Honolulu Fire Department — [0:09:21]: No representative present.

Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cO6f8rJVG9R06DIaYLTDn_NDRq8UlfOz/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department — District 1 — [0:09:34]: Sergeant Pedro Rodriguez reported December 2025 statistics: 1 motor vehicle theft, 2 burglaries, 3 thefts, 1 unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle (UEMV), 2 assaults, 0 sex assaults, 0 graffiti, 2 drug cases, and 14 motor vehicle collisions. He also shared information regarding day and night operation enforcement. He announced the Explore Asia Fest on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 810 North Vineyard Boulevard from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., reminding attendees to wear reflective clothing for visibility. Sergeant Rodriguez also shared concerns about recent attempted murders and illegal firearm incidents across Oʻahu, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through the Honolulu Police Department’s webpage. Lastly, Sergeant Rodriguez shared this month’s safety tip: stay focused while driving and monitor your speed in high-density areas.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:13:37]
1. Neighborhood Watch Training: Member Hoopii asked about establishing a Kalihi-Pālama neighborhood watch and requested training. Sergeant Rodriguez referred the request to District 5’s Community Policing Team, noting that any district can assist with such requests.

Member Tolete joined the meeting at 7:14 p.m. – 9 members present

Honolulu Police Department — District 5 — [0:14:34]: Sergeant Tabanera reported December 2025 statistics: 9 aggravated assaults, 10 auto thefts, 7 burglaries, 0 robberies, 1 sex assault, 8 simple assaults, 26 thefts, 9 unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle (UEMV), and 3,068 calls for service. He also shared safety tips for pedestrian safety: make eye contact with drivers before crossing, use reflective or light clothing due to earlier sunsets, and utilize marked crosswalks. Lastly, Lieutenant Yamashita announced a Coffee with a Cop event on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Liliha McDonald’s (414 North School Street), encouraging community members to attend.

Board of Water Supply — [0:17:19]: Iris Oda reminded customers to be vigilant of utility scams, noting that the Board of Water Supply does not accept payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or app payments, and does not call outside regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). She also announced the expansion of the Water Sensible Rebate Program in partnership with the Department of Environmental Services, offering doubled rebates. Iris Oda reported main breaks in November 2025 at/near 1138 Kaili Street and 3850 Salt Lake Boulevard, and in December 2025 on Dillingham Boulevard. Lastly, she provided follow-up answers from November’s meeting.

Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Afr_WSdzpvF9BsF8Z8jpigOGKSc5PYqx/view?usp=drive_link
Rebate Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fsUFwaUshUPQXzpenTw8I7fXP2w4pq2-/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:26:16]
1. Water Line Replacement Timeline: Resident Thomas Beck inquired about the timeline for replacing the waterline at 1138 Kaili Street, noting it is over 100 years old and has experienced multiple breaks. He asked if delays were related to the Gulick overpass construction. Iris Oda committed to following up with the Communications Office and will provide information at the next meeting.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) — [0:27:59]: Gabby Camacho announced an upcoming Neighborhood Design Workshop for Niuhelewai Station (Honolulu Community College Kapālama Station) scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Honolulu Community College cafeteria (874 Dillingham Boulevard). Gabby Camacho noted that attendees will have the opportunity to review feedback from the first workshop, view updated renderings, vote on aesthetic design options, comment on proposed materials and colors, and provide input on neighborhood integration. Lastly, she noted that comments can also be submitted via the event webpage link or by emailing info@honolulutransit.org.

Webpage Link: https://honolulutransit.org/events/2nd-neighborhood-design-workshop-niuhelewai-honolulu-community-college-kapalama-station/
Design Workshop: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jCdsQCP4qF7n4DMCu9-3qw0Pf-6pRbn9/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:30:13]
1. Bathroom Facilities at Stations: Member Pintor requested that bathrooms be implemented at the Honolulu Community College station and other upcoming stations, noting limited bathroom availability at current stations. Gabby Camacho confirmed bathrooms are available at the Airport and Lagoon stations and will double-check specifications for Segment 3 stations.
2. Middle Street Station Foundation Depth and Cost: Resident Thomas Beck asked why the Middle Street station foundation had to go 350 feet deep (equivalent to a 35-story building), the associated cost, and why the station location wasn’t moved if this issue was known from drilling tests. Gabby Camacho committed to following up with information at the next meeting.

D. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS — [0:33:34]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative — Deputy Director Stephen Courtney (DIT) — [0:33:53]: Deputy Director Stephen Courtney urged Oʻahu residents to check Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) updated flood insurance rate maps before they take effect on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, noting that properties newly mapped into special flood hazard areas will need to comply with flood hazard area building regulations and may be required to obtain flood insurance. He announced that the Department of Housing and Land Management is advancing coordinated demolition at the former Dee Lite Bakery site on Dillingham Boulevard, preparing the city-owned property for future transit-oriented affordable housing next to the Mokauea Skyline station.

Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nD2oYfjO8sOortAoNGkcxvpWky4z_dFv/view?usp=drive_link

Councilmember Radiant Cordero — [0:35:37]: Councilmember Cordero thanked Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam for co-leading a community meeting on the H-1 Gulick widening project, with more information available on the project website. She recognized the Department of Facility Maintenance for collaborating with residents to ensure safe and proper use of the fire lane between Winant Street and Kamehameha Homes properties, noting that a stop sign and traffic safety measures were also installed on Winant Street. Lastly, she highlighted that real property tax appeal deadlines are in her newsletter and that the City now offers online permit applications for minors, with permits ready for DMV pickup in 60 days.

Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V6CJZwJspmmaGPUmGu7rWjrgVNk481c5/view?usp=drive_link

E. PRESENTATIONS — [0:39:56]

Ka Lei Momi — Mayor Wright & Kaʻahumanu Homes Update — [0:40:14]: Chris Deuchar, Sam Arico, Michael Saines, and Moe Mohanna presented updates on two major public housing redevelopment initiatives in Honolulu. Both projects emphasize creating mixed-income communities to provide social equity opportunities for lower-income residents while addressing Honolulu’s housing crisis.

1. Mayor Wright Homes, a 14-acre site with 364 existing public housing units built in 1953, will be transformed into a mixed-use community with 2,448 homes across ten buildings ranging from 9 to 36 stories, phased over ten years. The project will replace all existing public housing units while adding workforce affordable and for-sale components with units ranging from studios to five-bedrooms. Phase 1A has secured funding for 308 units with construction beginning by Q4 2026, while Phase 1B’s 247 units are expected to receive funding in 2027. Affordability ranges from 0% to 80% Area Median Income (AMI), with rental rates from under $798 for studios to approximately $2,300 for three-bedrooms, and displaced residents will receive full relocation support with first right to return.
2. Kaʻahumanu Homes, encompassing 7.4 acres with 152 units built in 1958, will feature six buildings across six phases ranging from 18 to 29 stories, designed to connect with the nearby rail station. Phases 1 and 2 will include 313 homes at 30-60% Area Median Income (AMI) plus public housing replacement units and 5,000 square feet of commercial space. While the project did not receive Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) financing in 2026, the team plans to reapply in 2027 with construction potentially beginning in 2027-2028 and completion in 2030.

Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nqUJv_kaYQCMD1XRwaE4pHejrQhDZzX0/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:54:26]
1. Approval Process and Community Input: Member Diosa Mae asked who approves these projects, expressing concern that presentations occur without providing background information. Chris Deuchar explained that Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority began planning in 2014-2015, with extensive environmental studies and work with state and federal agencies. He also noted that Mayor Wright Homes received initial entitlements through Hawaiʻi Housing Finance & Development Corporation and Department of Planning and Permitting Deputy Director approval in February 2024 under the emergency proclamation.
2. Community Character Concerns: Member Vasquez expressed sadness that the developments will change Kalihi’s character, stating she was born and raised in the projects being rebuilt and that the projects will make Kalihi “another Kakaʻako.” Chris Deuchar emphasized the need to address the housing crisis with affordable housing near the rail system, clarifying these are not high-end market units like Kakaʻako but truly affordable housing for the community.
3. Native Hawaiian and Kamaʻāina Priority: Member Pintor asked if Native Hawaiians and kamaʻāina will be prioritized for housing, citing concerns about social media posts encouraging mainland residents to obtain vouchers and move to Hawaiʻi. Sam Arico explained that projects using public funds and tax credits cannot provide racial preferences, but applicants must demonstrate local employment and residency for approximately one year, and mainland vouchers are not transferable between states. He clarified that roughly 70% of the 2,400+ units (close to 1,800) are designated for low-income households, with mixed-income communities creating social equity opportunities for lower-income residents.
4. Funding Contingency: Vice Chair Cullen asked about the funding process, noting Kaʻahumanu Homes did not receive funding this year. Chris Deuchar confirmed that while Kaʻahumanu did not receive funding, they are proceeding with construction drawings and permitting so construction can begin sooner once funding is secured.
5. Displacement of Kalihi Families: Member Hoopii expressed opposition to the developments, stating that residents born and raised in Kalihi-Pālama feel the projects don’t reflect community input. Chris Deuchar acknowledged concerns about change and explained the developments are part of a citywide response to the housing crisis. Moe Mohanna noted that many community members support the projects, emphasizing they provide workforce housing opportunities for local families, with historically 70-80% of residents in completed communities coming from the direct area.
6. Comparison to Kakaʻako and Infrastructure Concerns: Resident Thomas Beck compared the projects to Kakaʻako’s development, where 80% of direct street residents moved away when towers were built, and expressed concerns that Kalihi will become overrepresented by poor and struggling residents rather than maintaining a working-class mix. He also raised safety concerns about building next to Kapālama School and questioned how surrounding streets can handle increased traffic.

[1:14:22] Member Pintor requested a five-minute recess, and Vice Chair Cullen called the recess. [1:17:33]

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam — [1:18:08]: Lynn Robinson shared a link to Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s January newsletter. She reported on the community meeting regarding the H-1 Gulick widening project and announced volunteers are needed for a stream cleanup on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Newsletter: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-6-dos-santos-tam
H1/Gulick Wildening Project: www.h1widening.com
Kalihi Stream Cleanup: https://picktime.com/swq

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:19:21]
1. Kūhiō Park Community Center Town Hall: Vice Chair Cullen asked about a town hall at Kūhiō Park Community Center. Lynn Robinson confirmed a town hall is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Kūhiō Park Community Center to discuss redevelopment issues, public safety, and assistance with senior bus passes and affordable bus passes.

F. COMMUNITY UPDATES — [01:20:49]

U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Military Report — [01:20:56]: Selina Gentkowski announced the next hiring fair will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Helemano Military Reservation Training Room, with various positions open to the public. She also announced upcoming prescribed burns at Schofield Barracks ranges, scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026, through Sunday, April 19, 2026, which have been approved by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Clean Air Branch and coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She noted that the prescribed burns help prevent wildfire spread and protect endangered plants and animals.

G. RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS — [1:24:00]

1. Juvenile Assessment Center Tour Invitation: James Soong from Neighborhood Board 16 invited Board members to tour the Kalihi Juvenile Assessment Center (part of Hale Kipa), on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (1828 Makuahine Street). He noted this would be beneficial for those working with schools to help direct youth to appropriate resources.
2. Business Property Public Nuisance: Resident Kirsten Liana reported chronic public nuisance issues at a private property company store at the corner of Gulick Avenue and Waterhouse Street, including excessive noise, loitering, public drinking, illegal parking, and sanitation concerns, requesting intervention through solutions such as barriers, improved lighting and signage, ongoing monitoring, and a formal meeting with the business owner and city officials. Councilmember Cordero committed to working with the Department of Planning and Permitting to address unregulated activities in residentially zoned areas, while Vice Chair Cullen recommended using the 311 app to report concerns directly to City departments.

H. STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS — [1:30:13]

Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13) — [0:13:14]: Mia Ogata reported that $5 million in capital improvement program funds have been released to harden Honolulu Harbor facilities and protect them from severe weather. She announced American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Hawaiʻi’s free seminar, “How to Stop Fraud Before It Starts,” on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi, covering strategies to outsmart scammers in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency, with breakfast and registration required. She also highlighted the Executive Office on Early Learning’s new online resource, First Five Hawaii (firstfivehawaii.org), which helps families statewide identify and access eligible programs.

Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-EwGuKjh0EYtWlKPTiAUxnJ3OalRp4S_/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:32:27]
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Protection and Regulation: Member Pintor asked if Senator Rhoads supports Artificial Intelligence (AI) protection and regulation, citing concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI) being used for virtual sex trafficking. Mia Ogata responded that Senator Rhoads is aware of Artificial Intelligence (AI) concerns and the team is working on potential legislation either independently or with other offices and organizations, committing to provide more details as they become available.

Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14) — [1:34:39]: Jasmine reported that the 2026 legislative session involves overseeing the newly consolidated Education Committee, which combines K-12 through higher education to improve policy development and streamline capital infrastructure projects. She announced that the Kapiʻolani licensed practical nursing program will be added to Honolulu Community College’s Kapālama campus, with construction beginning summer 2026 and completion in 2027, making nursing education more accessible to residents from Kalihi to West Oʻahu. Additionally, she reported that Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) released a survey on the 2021 Red Hill fuel spill to assess community awareness and concerns (available at redhillsurvey.com). Lastly, she announced upcoming community events including Keiki Story Time on Saturday, January 24, 2026 and Explore Asia Fest for Lunar New Year on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pālama Settlement (810 North Vineyard Boulevard).

Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_wYaQ3vdb4wD5nf_Gr9g59Wd30h-jbJ-/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:40:18]
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Protection and Regulation: Member Pintor asked if Senator Kim supports Artificial Intelligence (AI) protection and regulation. Jasmine responded that she will follow up with the Senator and provide information at the next meeting.

Senator Glenn Wakai (District 15) — [1:41:15]: No representative present.

Representative Daniel Holt (House District 29) — [1:41:34]: No representative present.

Representative Shirley Templo (House District 30) — [1:41:43]: Kamakea Wright reported that Representative Templo, Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, participated in briefings on Department of Education funding and emphasized that recreational gambling and marijuana will be major legislative topics, encouraging community input through surveys. She highlighted the first Kalihi Leadership Conference in over 25 years at Farrington High School, where students engaged in skill-building sessions on communication, planning, and problem-solving led by Representatives Templo and Hussey. Kamakea Wright also announced the Microgrants for Food Security program, which is accepting applications for $5,000 individual grants and $10,000 entity grants for projects supporting local gardens, small-scale farming, composting, traditional crops, and educational workshops through the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IRcIBb6TXzp7DugABDKb2g_QobOKwXTr/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:48:40]
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Protection and Regulation: Member Pintor asked if Representative Templo supports Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation. Kamakea Wright responded that she does not have specific information but believes Representative Templo is working on a bill to manage Artificial Intelligence (AI) with tighter restrictions, encouraging members to email, call, or contact via Instagram for more detailed information.

Member Moore left the meeting at 8:51 p.m. – 8 members present

Governor Josh Green’s MD Representative — [1:51:08]: Dre Kalili highlighted the groundbreaking celebration for the Kūhiō Park Low-Rise project for Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority (HPHA) and information about a subsidy program for lowering utility rates for home energy generation (solar programs) as federal subsidy programs have ended. She reported that she is still following up on safe crossing at Nimitz near Kahauiki Village from the November 2025 meeting and aims to have a written response by next meeting.

Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gqloBEUXUA8nZ4MKtNuS2IQZSB1s4YQX/view?usp=drive_link

I. BOARD BUSINESS — [1:52:34]

Filling of Vacancy: One (1) At-Large Seat — [1:52:40]: Vice Chair Cullen announced one at-large seat vacancy and asked if anyone was interested in filling the position. No applicants came forward in person.

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 — [1:54:00]: The minutes of the regular meeting dated Wednesday, September 17, 2025, were approved by the Board as drafted with no amendments.

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 — [1:54:17]: The minutes of the regular meeting dated Wednesday, November 19, 2025, were approved by the Board as drafted with no amendments.

J. COMMUNITY RESOURCES — [1:54:28]

Salvation Army Family Services Food Pantry – [1:54:33]: Local food pantry & emergency food help, 808-521-6551.

Catholic Charities Hawaii (808-521-4357) – [1:54:40]: Residents can call the helpline to ask about rent/utilities relief and housing support programs.

K. ANNOUNCEMENTS — [1:54:52]

The next Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting is scheduled to be on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kalihi Waena Elementary School Library.

The Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 recordings can be seen on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 or at www.olelo.org/live at the following times: 1st Monday of each month at 9:00 p.m. and 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m.

L. ADJOURNMENT — [1:55:20]: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:55 p.m.

Submitted by: Melissa Urubio, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Robert Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Finalized by: Evelyn Cullen, Vice 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.