KALIHI – PĀLAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 15

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
KALIHI WAENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY
1240 GULICK AVE., HONOLULU, HI 96819
AND VIRTUAL VIA WEBEX
6:00 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.

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

II. FILLING OF ONE (1) AT-LARGE VACANCY

III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
A. Secretary

IV. 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

V. 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.

VI. PRESENTATIONS (Limited to maximum 10-Minute Presentation)
A. Resolution Urging the Establishment of a Vacant Lot Property Tax Surcharge – Dale Vanderbrink (Ala Moana Neighborhood Board)
B. Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union
VII. 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

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

IX. 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 Shirley Templo (House District 30)
E. Governor Josh Green’s MD Representative – Dreana Kalili, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT)

X. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS
A. Congressman Ed Case – Tristan Fujimoto

XI. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Neighborhood Plan §2-14-106 Three Absences Notice for Board Member – Ken Farm
B. Neighborhood Plan §2-14-106 Three Absences Notice for Board Member – Erich Mitamura
C. Re-Establishment of Committees and Committee Chairs
D. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting is scheduled to be on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6:00 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.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or e-mailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda documents and minutes are also available online at https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, or email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov, or complete the form on https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/board-testimony.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer than three (3) business days remaining before the meeting, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but it may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026 at 6:00 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=NMdW5urupL0

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

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:16]: Chair Evelyn Cullen called the Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

A. Roll Call – [0:00:45]: Quorum was established with 10 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, Donald Guerrero, Patricia Hoopii, Randy Jadulang, Willis Moore, Cardenas Pintor, Lloyd Pohano, Michael “Cov” Ratcliffe, and Lynn Vasquez.

Members Absent: Ken Farm, Erich Mitamura, and Evangeline Tolete.

Guests: Firefighter Souza and Captain Shim (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Ross Malloy (Honolulu Police Department – District 5); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Gabby Camacho (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation); Henry Gabriel and Amber Unabia (City & County of Honolulu, Department of Environmental Services, Refuse Division); Mia Ogata (Office of Senator Rhoads); Senator Donna Mercado Kim; Senator Glenn Wakai; Colleen Takenouchi (Office of Representative Templo); Dinna Schwiering (Office of Councilmember Cordero); Lynn Robinson (Office of Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Selena Gentkowski (U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi); Dan Larkin (Principal, Kalihi Waena Elementary School); Ernest Caravalho, Dela Belatti, Kirsten Liana, P.M. Azinga, Blane Yoshimura, Antonio R., Maribel Sierra, Dana Yap, Johnnie-Mae L. Perry, Mike Buck (C.O.R.E.), Jeb, (Residents and Community Members); ʻŌlelo Virtual; Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Names were not included if not legible. There were approximately 45 total attendees.

II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – [0:01:40]
A. Vice Chair – [0:01:51]: Member Pintor NOMNATED Lynn Vasquez for the position of Vice Chair. The nomination was SECONDED by Member Ratcliffe.

[0:03:08] With no further nominations, a roll call vote was conducted. Member Vasquez received 10 votes and was ELECTED Vice Chair (Cullen, Diosa, Guerrero, Hoopii, Jadulang, Moore, Pintor, Pohano, Ratcliffe, Vasquez). [0:04:56] Note: Chair Cullen stated 2nd Vice Chair on the video recording and this item may need clarification at the next meeting.

B. Treasurer – [0:05:04]: Member Pintor NOMINATED Lloyd Pohano for the position of Treasurer. The nomination was SECONDED by Member Diosa.

[0:05:37] With no further nominations, a roll call vote was conducted. Member Pohano received 10 votes and was ELECTED Treasurer (Cullen, Diosa, Guerrero, Hoopii, Jadulang, Moore, Pintor, Pohano, Ratcliffe, Vasquez). [0:06:41]

III. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:06:49]
A. Honolulu Fire Department – [0:07:03]: Firefighter Souza reported February 2026 statistics: one wildland/brush fire, eight nuisance fires (rubbish fires outside of structures or vehicles), 10 activated alarms with no fire, 213 medical calls, six motor vehicle crashes or collisions, and five hazardous material incidents. He also shared that smoke alarms save lives and should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, tested monthly, and replaced after 10 years or when unresponsive.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MfMWWMEX_bHKvmIKC818pgo9qnWMKvGB/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:08:18]
1. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Safety Sheets in Businesses: A community member asked about the accuracy of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and whether businesses have them posted. Captain Shim explained that all businesses should have Material Safety Data Sheets accessible to employees for any chemicals on premises, noting this falls under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

B. Honolulu Police Department – District 1 – [0:09:38]: No representative was present.

[0:09:53] Due to technical issues with Honolulu Police Department District 5 Representative, Sergeant Ross Malloy, and hearing no objections, Chair Cullen took the agenda out of order to hear Item III-C: Board of Water Supply.

C. Board of Water Supply – [0:10:42]: Iris Oda announced that World Water Day is Sunday, March 22, 2026 – an annual United Nations observance to raise awareness that approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe water. She also shared that this year’s theme is “Where Water Flows, Quality Matters.” She highlighted the disproportionate burden on women and girls when safe water is unavailable, and encouraged the community to follow the Board of Water Supply’s social media and visit boardofwatersupply.com for inspiring stories and resources throughout March.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:12:24]
1. World Water Day and Women’s Health: A community member thanked Iris Oda and shared concerns about the health impacts of water scarcity on women, particularly homeless women, citing increased cancer risks linked to lack of access to clean water for personal hygiene.

D. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) – [0:14:15]: Gabby Camacho reported that the Mokauea Station Neighborhood Design Workshop was cancelled due to severe weather. She also noted that contractor Tutor Perini has mobilized traffic control from Middle Street to Puʻuhale Road as of Monday, March 9, 2026, which will remain in place until December 2030, with lane reductions and turn restrictions maintained on Kamehameha Highway and Dillingham Boulevard. Lastly, she noted that the public is encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings and follow work zone signage, and may contact HART at info@honolulutransit.org or by calling 808-566-2299 for any questions.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:16:11]
1. Mokauea Station Workshop Rescheduling: Member Ratcliffe asked about an estimated timeline for the rescheduled Mokauea Station Neighborhood Design Workshop. Gabby Camacho indicated no date has been set yet but it will be announced via eblast and communicated to Chair Cullen and Melissa Urubio.
2. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Emergency and Safety Plans: Member Pintor asked about Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s safety plans for storms or tsunamis. Gabby Camacho committed to providing that information at the next meeting.

IV. PRESENTATIONS – [0:17:45]
A. G.R.O.W. Pilot Program: Food Waste Collection in Green Curbside Carts – Henry Gabriel, Recycling Program Branch Chief – [0:17:50]: Henry Gabriel reported that the G.R.O.W. (Green Recycling Organic Waste) program is a pilot initiative launching on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, allowing residents in Waipahu, Nānākuli, Hawaiʻi Kai, Mililani, Kailua, and Kalihi to place food scraps such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and grains in their green compost carts, while excluding liquids, plastic, metal, glass, and paper products. He added that participating households will receive reusable silicone bags and a small kitchen pail, and are encouraged to freeze food waste between collection days and layer it under green waste to minimize odors. He noted that the program aims to divert approximately 60,000 tons of residential food waste annually from landfills and H-Power, and that residents outside the pilot area may self-drop off at Hawaiian Earth Recycling.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/106zLXZN9cdxJtEfHaPEvX3w6-INtaWaQ/view?usp=drive_link

[0:32:34] Hearing no objections, Chair Cullen took the agenda out of order to hear Item III-B: City Monthly Reports, Honolulu Police Department District 5.

B. Honolulu Police Department – District 5 – [0:32:46]: On behalf of Sergeant Ross Malloy of Honolulu Police Department District 5, Chair Cullen reported that in February, District 5 officers handled 19 burglary cases, 252 motor vehicle collisions, 51 arguments, six aggravated assaults, and 80 thefts and auto thefts. Chair Cullen also shared Sergeant Malloy’s tip of the month, cautioning the public to be vigilant when receiving texts, calls, or emails from unknown numbers, and reminding residents that law enforcement will never solicit payment for traffic infractions or arrest warrants through these methods.

[0:33:30] Hearing no objections, Chair Cullen continued with the Presentations, hearing Item IV-B: Farrington Alumni Gala.

B. Farrington Alumni Gala – Board Member Diosa Mae – [0:33:56]: Member Diosa Mae, representing the Farrington Alumni and Community Foundation, presented the G.O.V.’s (Governors) Reunion Bash, a fundraiser celebrating 90 years of Farrington High School and 50 years of the Farrington Alumni and Community Foundation. She noted that the event will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the front lawn of Bishop Museum, featuring Kalihi-based entertainment, diverse food vendors, and VIP tables available on Eventbrite. She added that all proceeds benefit Farrington High School students through scholarships, field trips, and educational and sports support.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kzPjOC5f9MM643tIR7hsa77tm98MWqfP/view?usp=drive_link

V. RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:39:29]
1. Kalihi Waena Elementary School Update: Principal Dan Larkin provided updates on school events, including a Girl Scout cookie sale on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m.; a Science Fair on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria; weekly Zumba classes every Thursday in the cafeteria; the school’s Hoike event on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.; and the Elementary Speech Festival on Friday, April 25, 2026 at McKinley High School. He also noted recent student achievements at the Farrington Elementary and Middle Schools Track and Field event held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 and Wednesday, March 4, 2026, and an esports competition between Kalihi Waena and Kalihi Kai on Wednesday, March 12, 2026. He invited community members to the school website and social media for more information.
2. Transportation Construction Mitigation Fund for Small Businesses: Resident P.M. Azinga raised concerns about the underutilization of the Transportation Construction Mitigation Fund. She noted that of 175,000 small businesses in the state, only 30 applied for the $10,000 grants intended to offset revenue losses during rail construction, and only 5 were awarded, leaving over $350,000 unspent. She asked the Board to act as an intermediary to request the City of Honolulu: (1) establish a new grant cycle, (2) reduce red tape and paperwork, (3) expand the eligible area beyond one block, and (4) revise eligibility caps beyond the 15-employee and $750,000 annual revenue limits. No formal action was taken at this time.
3. Ongoing Nuisance at 901 Gulick Avenue (Near Hawaiian Snow): Kirsten Liana reported that despite the prior meeting’s discussion, there has been little to no improvement with ongoing loitering, public drinking, loud disturbances, and public urination near 901 Gulick Avenue. She noted that on one day, she called the Honolulu Police Department on four separate occasions. She reported receiving an update from the Councilmember’s office that the area where gatherings occur is partially city property, and requested the Board’s support in drafting a resolution to ask the City to enforce rules for proper public use, sanitation standards, and nuisance hours. Chair Cullen acknowledged the submission and committed to reviewing it and working toward a resolution.
4. Political Candidacy Announcements: Five individuals announced their candidacy: Ernest Caravalho and Michael “Cov” Ratcliffe for State House District 28, Della Belatti for Congressional District 1, Lynn Vasquez for State Senate District 13, and P.M. Azinga for Hawaiʻi Legislative District 30.

[0:51:45] Chair Cullen called for a five-minute recess and reconvened at 6:52 p.m.

VI. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS – [0:52:14]
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:52:15]: Chair Cullen read the memo on behalf of the Mayor’s Representative, who was not in attendance but submitted a written report. She noted two key updates: the launch of the new and improved HNL 311 system, and a follow-up on the public nuisance at 901 Gulick Avenue. She noted that noise, alcohol consumption, public urination, and parking on sidewalks are Honolulu Police Department enforcement issues, that the Hawaiian Snow property falls under Department of Planning and Permitting jurisdiction.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WZSuMSuzHwMA2jCPZmbUFHrkALghWCSu/view?usp=drive_link

B. Councilmember Radiant Cordero – [0:54:08]: Dinna Schwiering reported that the Department of Planning and Permitting has determined 901 Gulick Avenue is partially city and partially private property, highlighted the updated HNL 311 app, and reminded residents to clear storm drains and secure outdoor items ahead of severe weather. She also announced the Kalihi Ahupuaʻa Ride on Saturday, April 11, 2026, public workshops on bus and Skyline service improvements on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 and Saturday, March 28, 2026, and noted that reduced school zone speed limits of 20 mph are being implemented under Ordinance 24-32.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vJJ-4KZ2ROpmGzUemLHjH0jnhixCoyFg/view?usp=drive_link

C. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [1:01:07]: Lynn Robinson shared updates on school crosswalk improvements near Princess Kaʻiulani Elementary, including requests to repaint faded crosswalks and install new crosswalks at King and Austin Streets, King and Hakina Streets, Old Lane, and Peterson Lane. She also reported ongoing cleanup efforts along Kohou Street, including removal of encampments, unregistered vehicles, and a burned-out vehicle, and encouraged community members to send photos to their office. She also promoted the HNL 311 app as an effective tool for reporting community concerns.

Member Diosa left the meeting at 7:05 p.m. – 9 members present.

VII. COMMUNITY UPDATES – [1:05:36]
A. U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Military Report – Selena Gentkowski – [1:05:36]: No representative present at this time.

VIII. STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:05:49]
A. Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13) – [1:06:05]: Mia Ogata shared the following Grant-in-Aid (GIA)and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) priorities for the session: (1) Grant-in-Aid request of $400,000 for Weed and Seed Hawaiʻi; (2) Grant-in-Aid request of $212,460 for the Kalihi-Pālama Health Center; and (3) Capital Improvement Project request of $450,000 for the Trust for Public Land ʻĀala Park improvement project. She also noted that households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for food lost during power outages may request replacement benefits within 10 days by contacting their local processing center or calling the Public Assistance Information Line or the Department of Human Services Support Desk. Lastly, she reported at least one confirmed case of measles in Hawaiʻi and urged residents to verify that they are up to date on their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WWOC475eq0r7JKZM4XW-Ge1ewlKEuhTh/view?usp=drive_link

B. Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14) – [1:08:21]: Senator Kim reported that the Legislature is past the halfway point, currently hearing House bills. She highlighted Senate Bill (SB) 3151 SD1, which would preserve tax cuts passed in 2024 under Act 46, increasing the standard deduction to $24,000 by 2031 and adjusting tax brackets to reduce the burden on working families and households. She also announced that the Kalihi-Pālama Library is celebrating a new “Taking Flight” mural and meeting room technology upgrades on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and reminded residents that the United States Postal Service (USPS) now stamps letters and tax returns based on the day they are processed at the facility rather than the day they are dropped in the mailbox, so residents should mail tax returns ahead of the due date.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16d5F8HvNtztt_hHK2v5NQ6wFQYHPJVC6/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:12:15]
1. Olomea Street Median U-Turn Update: Member Ratcliffe followed up on a resolution discussed at Neighborhood Board No. 14 regarding construction of a median U-turn on Olomea Street approaching Palama Settlement, noting it falls within Neighborhood Board No. 15’s district. Senator Kim confirmed she spoke with Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen, who is reviewing the matter.
2. Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program: Member Pintor asked Senator Kim to help schedule a hearing for House Bill 1574 HD2, which formally codifies the healthcare education loan repayment program, noting it requires a joint hearing with the Committee on Health and Human Services. Senator Kim confirmed she is in conversation with the Health and Human Services Committee chair to find a date, noting the bill would then go to Ways and Means.

C. Senator Glenn Wakai (District 15) – [1:15:08]: Senator Wakai reported that out of approximately 3,000 bills introduced in January 2026, just over 800 remain active, with about 250 expected to be sent to the Governor by May 2026. He joined Senator Kim in supporting Senate Bill 3151 SD1 to preserve the 2024 tax cuts and noted his opposition to proposed tax increases. He highlighted: (1) a health fair at Palama Settlement; (2) the “Pets in Prison” program expansion – 160 cats are being brought into the Women’s Correctional Center to support rehabilitation; plans to expand the program to include dogs at the men’s Hālawa prison (“Dogs and Dudes”); and (3) deconstruction of Aloha Stadium, with full demolition targeted for August 2026 and a new 31,000-seat (expandable to 40,000) stadium expected to open in March 2029 as part of a mixed-use development.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wm9pqeHUnedUBjT8t_Lw3OAQYUm8G9NY/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:18:26]
1. Feral Cat Feeding and “Pets in Prison” Program: Member Hoopii asked about the law prohibiting feeding feral cats in relation to the Pets in Prison program. Senator Wakai clarified that the program uses cats from the Humane Society that would otherwise be euthanized – not feral cats from neighborhoods – and that while discouraging feeding feral cats, there is no law that criminalizes individuals who feed them.

[1:20:23] Hearing no objections, Chair Cullen took the agenda out of order to hear Item VII-A: Community Updates, U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Military Report.

A. U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Military Report – Selena Gentkowski – [1:20:32]: Selena Gentkowski apologized for being tardy and announced that prescribed burns are scheduled at Schofield Barracks ranges from Monday, April 13, 2026 to Sunday, April 19, 2026. She also noted that the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Concert on the Lawn featuring the 25th Infantry Band will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on base.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:22:19]
1. Representative Attendance at Talk Story: Senator Kim requested a follow up on having an representative attend their upcoming Talk Story event. Selena Gentkowski confirmed she would follow up.

[1:22:45] Hearing no objections, Chair Cullen continued with State Elected Officials, hearing Item VIII-D: Representative Shirley Templo (House District 30).

D. Representative Shirley Templo (House District 30) – [1:22:57]: Colleen Takenouchi thanked community members for their feedback on the annual Community Voice Survey, the results of which will be shared next month. She also introduced a new community outreach project where the office will be calling residents to discuss concerns and introduce office staff. Regarding Board Member Pintor’s prior inquiry, she reported that House Bill 1780, which would require the Department of Education to establish a student bus fare system including free bus passes for qualifying students, is moving forward this legislative session and was heard in the Senate Committee on Education.

E. Governor Josh Green’s MD Representative – Dreana Kalili, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – [1:25:27]: No representative was present.

IX. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS – [1:25:46]
A. Congressman Ed Case – Tristan Fujimoto – [1:25:47]: No representative was present.

X. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:26:01]
A. Discussion and Possible Action – Neighborhood Board Boundary Considerations – [1:26:01]: Chair Cullen noted this item is before the Board because the Neighborhood Commission has requested input by April 2026. She also noted that the goal was to understand implications and determine whether the Board is ready to provide feedback or needs additional information. Member Pohano raised a prior discussion about the Chinatown Board potentially extending its boundary along Iwilei. Chair Cullen noted that matter would need to be brought by the Chinatown Board. No other proposals were introduced.

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 – [1:27:15]: Chair Cullen introduced the resolution proposing a charter amendment to establish a transparent process for rehabilitating over 400 multi-generational properties built before 1950 that are now in non-residential zones. Chair Cullen recused herself from the vote. Member Pintor expressed support, citing safety concerns for kūpuna (elders).
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m46lIO2BxqF1AAs3yxhCnTdVTuE1CpJO/view?usp=drive_link

[1:27:45] Chair Cullen MOVED and Member Pohano SECONDED to adopt the Resolution in Support of a Proposed Charter Amendment to Establish a Legacy Residential Protection Program within the Department of Planning and Permitting. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0. (Aye: Guerrero, Hoopii, Jadulang, Moore, Pintor, Pohano, Ratcliffe, Vasquez; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [1:34:28]

C. Resolution by Cardenas Pintor – Resolution Urging Support to Implement Fare-Free Access to Public Transportation in Each County – [1:34:39]: Member Pintor introduced the resolution supporting fare-free public buses and rail for all residents and visitors, highlighting the financial burden on low-income adults, students, and the disabled.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GwwYxy4vfmCawAEHcUsBoQ4dniqUY-UF/view?usp=drive_link

[1:37:07] Member Pintor MOVED and Member Hoopii SECONDED to further discuss the resolution. Member Moore opposed the resolution citing overcrowding concerns, while Member Jadulang expressed conditional support emphasizing the need for clear funding mechanisms. Member Pohao also suggested amendments to include parameters. Senator Kim urged fiscal caution, noting that free bus passes for 7,000 students already cost $21 million, and Member Jadulang acknowledged that the related bill had been deferred but valued the resolution’s symbolic significance.

[1:49:14] Chair Cullen called for the vote to adopt the Resolution Urging Support to Implement Fare-Free Access to Public Transportation in Each County. The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED; 4-4-1. (Aye: Cullen, Jadulang, Pintor, Pohano; Nay: Guerrero, Moore, Ratcliffe, Vasquez; Abstain: Hoopii.) – [1:50:27]

D. Resolution by Michael “Cov” Ratcliffe – Resolution Regarding the Construction of a Median U-Turn on Olomea Street Approaching Palama Settlement – [1:50:33]: Member Ratcliffe noted this issue originated at Neighborhood Board No. 14 but falls within Neighborhood Board No. 15’s boundaries. He introduced it to raise community awareness and gauge support rather than call for an immediate vote.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EvMuR1tmaAu5FmdDFF1-WDH2DlUarLrN/view?usp=drive_link

[1:51:35] Member Ratcliffe MOVED and Member Pintor SECONDED to further discuss the resolution. Member Pintor expressed personal support, sharing a story about the difficulty of navigating that intersection.

[1:53:07] Chair Cullen called for the vote to adopt the Resolution Regarding the Construction of a Median U-Turn on Olomea Street Approaching Palama Settlement. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-1. (Aye: Cullen, Guerrero, Hoopii, Jadulang, Pintor, Pohano, Ratcliffe, Vasquez; Nay: None; Abstain: Moore.) – [1:54:00]

[1:54:02] Hearing no objections, Chair Cullen took the agenda out of order to hear item F: Commitees.

F. Committees – [1:54:02]: Chair Cullen noted that committees must submit agendas and minutes prior to the monthly meeting.

E. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – [1:54:10]: The minutes of the regular meeting dated Wednesday, February 18, 2026, were approved as distributed with no amendments.

XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:54:33]: Chair Cullen announced that the next Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Kalihi Waena Elementary School Library.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:55:00]
1. Committee Review and Re-establishment of Standing Committees: Discussion was held to clarify active committees and their Chairs. The following standing committees were identified: Committee on Education (co-chaired by Members Pintor and Diosa); Outreach and Coordination (chaired by Member Pintor; Safety (chaired by Chair Cullen; and Homelessness (chaired by Member Vasquez). Chair Cullen stepped down as Safety Committee Chair. Member Pintor also stepped down as Outreach and Coordination Chair. It was agreed to revisit and formally reestablish Committee Chairs at the next meeting. A motion to reestablish committees at the next meeting was made and agreed upon without objection.

[2:00:47] Chair Cullen continued with announcements and shared the following: (1) 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.; (2) The City and County of Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Foodbank are partnering up to fight against hunger. Neighborhood Assistant Melissa Urubio will be collecting donated canned goods at the next Neighborhood Board meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

XII. ADJOURNMENT – [2:01:52]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

Submitted by: Melissa Urubio, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations Assistant, NCO
Finalized by: Evelyn Cullen, 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.