KALIHI – PĀLAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 15

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 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. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
A. Vice Chair
B. Treasurer

III. 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

IV. PRESENTATIONS (Limited to maximum 10-Minute Presentation)
A. G.R.O.W. Pilot Program: Food Waste Collection in Green Curbside Cart (City & County Refuse Division, Henry Gabriel, Recycling Program Branch Chief) – Amber Unabia
B. Farrington Alumni Gala – Diosa Mae

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. 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

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

VIII. 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)

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

X. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Discussion and Possible Action – Neighborhood Board Boundary Considerations.“This item is before us because NCO has requested input by April 2026. Our goal tonight is to understand the implications and determine whether we are ready to provide feedback or whether additional information is needed.”
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. Resolution by Cards Pintor – Resolution urging support to implement fare- free access to its public transportation system in each county.
D. Resolution by Cov Ratcliffe – Resolution regarding the construction of a median U-turn on Olomea Street approaching Palama Settlement.
E. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
F. Committees – need to submit agenda and minutes prior to monthly meeting to be shared

XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. 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.
B. The next Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting is scheduled to be on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Kalihi Waena Elementary School Library.
C. 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.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817, 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, FEBRUARY 18, 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=N5oaZtPVps0

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

A. CALL TO ORDER — [0:00:31]: Chair Evelyn Cullen called the Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call — [0:00:42]: Quorum was established with 9 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, Donald Guerrero, Patricia Hoopii, Randy Jadulang, Erich Mitamura, Willis Moore, Cardenas Pintor, Evangeline Tolete

Members Absent: Ken Farm, Lloyd Pohano, Lynn Vasquez

Guests: Firefighter 3 Joshua Cole (Honolulu Fire Department); Honolulu Police Department — District 1 Sergeant; Sergeant R. King (Honolulu Police Department — District 5); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Gabby Camacho (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation); Patrick Smith (Neighborhood Commission Chair); Rona Mangayayam (Kokua Kalihi Valley); Stephen Courtney (Mayor’s Representative); Councilmember Radiant Cordero; Mia Ogata (Office of Senator Rhoads); Senator Donna Mercado Kim; Senator Glenn Wakai; Justin (Office of Representative Templo); Dreana Kalili (Governor’s Representative — Hawai’i Department of Transportation); Selena Gentkowski (U.S. Army Garrison Hawai’i); Tia Lewis (Civil Beat); Ross Reyes (Hawaiian Earth); Thomas Beck, Kekoa Kealoha, Kirsten Liana, Ko Aloha, Thomas Beck, James Soong, Alan Kumalae, Amanda Kirby, Dana, Johnnie-Mae L. Perry, Mike Buck (C.O.R.E.), Cov Ratcliffe, An Vo, (Residents and Community Members); ʻŌlelo Virtual; Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Names were not included if not legible. There were approximately 41 total attendees.

B. ELECTION OF OFFICERS — [0:03:26]
Chair — [0:03:32]
[0:3:33] Member Diosa nominated and Member Hoopii seconded Evelyn Cullen for the position of Chair.
[0:3:50] With no further nominations, a roll call vote was conducted. Cullen received all 9 votes and was elected Chair (Cullen, Diosa Mae, Guerrero, Hoopii, Jadulang, Mitamura, Moore, Pintor, Tolete). [0:05:10]

2nd Vice Chair — [0:05:36]
[0:05:48] Member Diosa nominated and Member Cullen seconded Pat Hoopii for the position of 2nd Vice Chair.
[0:06:02] Member Hoopii nominated Member Diosa who respectfully declined.
[0:06:26] Member Hoopii nominated Member Farm who was not present.
[0:06:45] Member Hoopii nominated Member Guerrero.
[0:07:03] With no further nominations, a roll call vote was conducted. First round vote: Hoopii (6; Diosa, Jadulang, Mitamura, Moore, Pintor, Tolete); Guerrero (2; Guerreo, Hoopii); Abstain (1; Cullen). As seven votes are required for election, no 2nd Vice Chair was elected.
[0:08:30] Revote conducted. Hoopii (8; Cullen, Diosa, Hoopii, Jadulang, Mitamura, Moore, Pintor, Tolete); Guerrero (1; Guerrero). Patricia Hoopii was elected 2nd Vice Chair. [0:09:27]

Treasurer — [0:09:33]: Multiple nominations were made and all declined (Pintor, Jadulang, Tolete, Moore). The election of Treasurer was postponed to the next meeting. [0:10:42]

C. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS — [0:10:43]
Honolulu Fire Department — [0:10:49]: Firefighter 3 Joshua Cole announced the transition from the legacy National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) to the modern National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) effective Thursday, January 1, 2026, which may cause fluctuations in incident categorization. He also shared the January 2026 statistics: 3 structure fires, 1 wildland/brush fire, 10 nuisance fires, 0 cooking fires, 9 activated alarms with no fire, 212 medical calls, 0 motor vehicle collision (MVC) with pedestrian, 2 motor vehicle crashes, 0 mountain/ocean rescues, 2 hazmat incidents. Lastly, he announced the February safety tip: Call 911 first in emergencies — do not drive to a fire station. The Honolulu Fire Department can also be reached by texting 911.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cq15aO7tG_HNxTt9B78VD9It8mbEsIea/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department — District 1 — [0:13:29]: District 1 Sergeant reported January 2026 statistics: 0 reports for auto theft, burglary, unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV), assault, sex assault, and graffiti; theft (including pickpockets) increased; 3 drug cases; and 14 motor vehicle collisions. He also announced that traffic fatalities involving pedestrians and mopeds are trending upward on O’ahu, urging the public to remain vigilant and watch for pedestrians especially after dark.

Honolulu Police Department — District 5 — [0:15:10]: Sergeant King reported January 2026 statistics: 4 aggravated assaults, 15 auto thefts, 4 burglaries, 4 robberies, 3 sex assaults, 14 simple assaults, 35 thefts, 5 unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV), and 2,890 total calls for service. He also shared a safety tip, reminding the public to be aware of their surroundings and to secure wallets, phones, and bags to avoid becoming a victim of property crimes.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:17:26]
1. District Boundaries – District 1 and District 5: Member Guerrero asked about the boundary difference. Sergeant King clarified that Liliha Street is the dividing line which splits Mayor Wrights and Waena – District 1 is east, District 5 is west.

Board of Water Supply — [0:18:36]: Iris Oda reported one 8-inch main break on Thursday, January 22, 2026 near Kaaahi Street. She also announced the 2026 Poster and Poetry Contest, open to K–6 students for poster entries and grades 7–12 for poetry, themed “Everyday Conservation,” with a deadline of Friday, February 27, 2026 — visit boardofwatersupply.com/wcwcontest for more information. Lastly, she noted a Conservation Challenge Instagram contest, Ka Wai Wednesday, that was held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 and Thursday, February 11, 2026.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a8lv1StRtwUZvGu9VoH3CSX4li_wt5Zm/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:20:13]
1. Kaaahi Street Main Break and Rail Construction: Member Moore asked if the break was related to rail construction. Iris Oda indicated she would follow up and report at the next meeting.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) — [0:20:55]: Gabby Camacho announced a Neighborhood Design Workshop for the Mokauea Station on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Kalakaua Middle School cafeteria (821 Kalihi Street). She also shared that attendees may review prior feedback, view updated station renderings, vote on aesthetic designs, and comment on materials and colors, with comments also accepted via info@honolulutransit.org. She also noted, as a follow-up from a prior meeting, that the total cost of the Middle Street Transit Center station was $43,096,440, and that the shaft was drilled deep due to soft, unstable soil beneath Kalihi Stream, requiring drilling below the water table to support the structures reliably.
• Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pB0_YqQb_BjyeKUPb8_BouXgvOQx5aeS/view?usp=drive_link

D. PRESENTATIONS — [0:23:46]
Neighborhood Commission — Chair Patrick Smith — [0:23:47]: Chair Smith briefed the board on Commission activities: (1) boundary review of all boards — input requested by end of April 2026; (2) rewrite of complaints procedures — nearing completion, pending public hearings and mayoral approval; (3) item-by-item review of the neighborhood plan (including outdated provisions like the treasurer requirement). He also noted that Boards facing quorum challenges can request changes to at-large seats, and raised a Sunshine Law concern, reminding Board members that they should not speak during public comment unless directly responding to a community member.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:27:33]
1. Neighborhood Board Fundraising and Treasury: Member Hoopii asked if the Board can fundraise for the treasury. Chair Smith indicated he would research the question, noting most expenditures go through the Neighborhood Commission Office, which occasionally allocates small funds (e.g., $500–$1,000) for promotional activities.
2. Boundary Change — Iwilei Road: Member Moore raised that Iwilei Road belongs more to Chinatown/Downtown and encouraged a boundary review at Nūu’anu Stream. Member Jadulang commented that he is in that same area and would also support rezoning it to Chinatown. Chair Smith committed to exploring the matter with the Chinatown Board.

Rona Mangayayam of Kokua Kalihi Valley — The Kalihi Ahupuaʻa Ride Scheduled on April 11, 2026 — [0:33:09]: Rona Mangayayam thanked the Board for supporting last year’s Kalihi Ahupua’a Ride and requested support for the 2026 ride. She shared a video of last year’s event, which featured youth from the Kalihi Valley Instructional Bike Exchange (K-Vibe), and noted that registration is now open, with a QR code available on distributed flyers.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zMFOqMwk48IONJTeqIZOjjwR_PTS6-kR/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:41:47]
1. Community Appreciation and Youth Development: Member Diosa thanked K-Vibe for being a safe space and shared how a youth she knew personally has grown into a confident leader through the program.
2. Ride Details, Volunteer Opportunities, and Registration: Member Hoopii asked for start time, end location, and volunteer needs. Rona Mangayayam indicated the ride begins at 8:00 a.m. at Hoʻoulu ʻĀina and the group arrive at the end venue approximately 1:00–1:30 p.m. Rona Mangayayam also noted that volunteers are needed to provide water and protein bars at stops, and that detailed timelines will be provided closer to the event.

St. Elizabeth’s Church — [0:44:36]: No representative present.

E. RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS — [0:44:50]
1. Public Nuisance at Hawaiian Snow Company (Gulick Avenue and Waterhouse Street) — [0:45:09]: Kirsten Liana reported ongoing public nuisance issues, including public drinking, urination, and loitering, at Hawaiian Snow Company, directly across from her residential building. She noted that when she called 911 on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Officers Spencer and Torres advised that nothing could be done as individuals were on private property, which conflicted with guidance from the Councilmember’s office. Kirsten Liana requested clarity on the proper protocol and asked whether the property owner would secure the site after hours.

F. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS — [0:48:30]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative — Deputy Director Stephen Courtney (DIT) — [0:48:38]: Deputy Director Courtney shared the improved HNL 311 system, which is accessible via mobile app or hnl311.com and routes service requests directly to responsible departments. He also shared newsletter highlights, including Honolulu Fire Department’s 175th anniversary on Sunday, January 11, 2026, a Black History Month proclamation at University of Hawaiʻi Manoa on Monday, February 2, 2026 and the appointment of Jimmy Barros as Honolulu Ocean Safety’s first-ever deputy chief. Regarding the Hawaiian Snow Company nuisance, he reported that a District 5 officer spoke with an employee who was advised to install floodlight motion sensors, surveillance cameras, and no-trespassing signage, and he committed to further follow-up and recommended continued 911 calls for criminal activity.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uuc2KCJ-kO_291Rtq4VurFmonFbNIE-7/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:52:26]
1. Abandoned Oversized Vehicle and 311 App Limitations: Chair Cullen reported using the 311 app on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 to report an abandoned derelict tour bus, but was told the vehicle exceeds the gross vehicle weight limit of the City’s towing contract. Deputy Director Courtney committed to follow up on options for overweight vehicles.

Councilmember Radiant Cordero — [0:53:44]: Councilmember Cordero expressed continued support for the K-Vibe Kalihi Ahupua’a Ride and addressed the Hawaiian Snow Company nuisance, explaining her office is compiling an email trail of complaints to strengthen Honolulu Police Department and Department of Planning and Permitting enforcement requests, and encouraged continued 911 calls. She also shared newsletter highlights, including Neal Blaisdell Center February events, a reminder that the real property tax appeal deadline is Friday, February 20, 2026, pop-up offices at Kalakaua District Park and other parks on select Saturday mornings, and a reminder not to place plastic in green compost bins.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:59:31]
1. Crosswalk/Bridge at Kahauiki Village Near Nimitz Highway: Member Hoopii asked about the status of a safe crosswalk or bridge for Kahauiki Village residents accessing the bus depot on Nimitz Highway. Councilmember Cordero deferred to Governor’s Representative Dreana Kalili as the most current point of contact on this matter.
2. Encouragement to Persist with Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Calls: Member Diosa thanked Councilmember Cordero and her office for being proactive in responding to calls, and encouraged the community to keep calling the police, noting that persistence pays off. She shared that her own issue on Beckley Street was resolved by calling every day, and urged others to continue making noise to be heard.
3. Farrington High School Esports and Library Innovation Center Announcement: Councilmember Cordero announced that Farrington High School, which she has supported in esports for three years, is now hosting its third tournament, the Honolulu International Esports Tournament, and that a former Farrington alumni donated one million dollars to potentially transform the school’s library into an innovation center.

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam — [1:02:46]: No representative present.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hm4UhpLKtonzot8ukYJhLbY3HVtfYgpg/view?usp=drive_link

G. COMMUNITY UPDATES — [1:03:06]
U.S. Army Garrison Hawai’i Military Report — Selena Gentkowski — [1:03:20]: Selena Gentkowski announced that the next hiring fair will be held on Monday, March 17, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Mililani High School cafeteria, open to the public, with child and youth services positions available. She also announced the Kolekole 10K Run on Saturday, February 28, 2026, noting that a DoD ID or visitor’s pass is required to participate. Lastly, she reminded the community of prescribed burns scheduled at Schofield Barracks ranges from Monday, April 13, 2026 to Sunday, April 19, 2026.

H. STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS — [1:05:40]
Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13) — [1:06:00]: Mia Ogata, legislative aide for Senator Karl Rhoads, reported that residents in zip codes 96817 and 96819, covering Chinatown, Kalihi, Liliha, and Nu’uanu, can participate in the Hawai’i Energy Appliance Trade-Up Program, trading in a working refrigerator or freezer for a new Energy Star model for as low as $250, with a deadline of Wednesday, April 15, 2026. She also provided an Artificial Intelligence (AI) legislative update, noting that Senator Rhoads introduced Senate Bill (SB) 2687 banning political deepfakes during elections, which was struck down by a federal court and is currently under appeal, and that he is signed on to Senate Bill (SB) 3001 – Senate Draft Version 1, which establishes Artificial Intelligence (AI) protections for minor account holders and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee. Lastly, she noted that Senator Rhoads views Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool and will continue to support reasonable regulation.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1abdME1yffdK5KRMX4dODA5jR5eRycXO-/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:09:30]
1. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent Face Mask Legislation: Resident Thomas Beck expressed concern about a bill limiting face coverings for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, questioning state authority over a federal agency and noting law enforcement opposition. Mia Ogata noted community support for the bill and exceptions for health-related mask use, and committed to conveying Mr. Beck’s concerns to the Senator. Member Pintor expressed support for the bill citing ICE activity concerns near University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa affecting international students.

Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14) — [1:14:47]: Senator Kim congratulated newly elected officers and shared that the first Senate decking is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, with a mandatory one-week recess to follow. She highlighted three of her six introduced bills, including a moratorium on non-essential state-funded travel, a reduction in outside consultant reliance in favor of in-house state engineers and architects, and a real property tax homeowner’s exemption fix for affordable housing buyers who close after the September 30 filing deadline. She also spotlighted Senate Bill (SB) 2877 (‘Story Makers’), a one-year pilot program for fifth graders in eight Kalihi Title 1 schools to write, design, and publish original digital books rooted in their culture and community experience, and noted that Senate Bill (SB) 2260 was pulled from the agenda and may be dead on the Senate side.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19GGV3-1xST7x7cDK00kZe4jyxciFDqUE/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:21:43]
1. Senate Bill 3334 – Department of Education Superintendent Accountability: Community member Kekoa Kealoha expressed concern that Senate Bill (SB) 3334 appeared retaliatory toward the Department of Education (DOE) Superintendent and cited overwhelming opposition testimony. Senator Kim acknowledged frustrations, explained the bill is meant to prompt improvement discussions, stated amendments are being considered, and conceded there were high emotions on both sides. Senator Wakai defended Senator Kim, noting those who testified in opposition had vested interests in the status quo.
Senator Glenn Wakai (District 15) — [1:25:26]: Senator Wakai announced the start of Aloha Stadium demolition (began the previous day), with full demolition targeted by August 2026 and a new stadium planned to open March 2029 as an anchor for a mixed-use development (hotel, shopping, affordable workforce housing). He also highlighted a bill that would separate Hawaiian Electric’s generation functions from its distribution/transmission operations, allowing private entities to handle power generation to improve reliability and reduce costs.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qgvLN8XCVAxIwkjN5OQF_-wpVpwOboHH/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:28:35]
1. Hawaiian Electric Generation and Private Sector Involvement: Resident Thomas Beck raised NextEra’s failed 2016 acquisition attempt and questioned whether private companies would invest given that history. Senator Wakai acknowledged Hawaiian Electric’s deteriorating financial and infrastructure situation and expressed confidence that interested parties exist. He also noted Hawaiian Electric’s near-junk-bond financial status following Maui wildfire liability and the aging state of diesel generators (50–76 years old) producing 65% of O’ahu’s electricity.

Representative Daniel Holt (House District 29) — [1:33:04]: No representative present.

Representative Shirley Templo (House District 30) — [1:33:20]: Justin, reporting on behalf of Representative Templo, encouraged members to complete the Community Voice Survey by Monday, February 23, 2026.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:34:12]
1. Free Bus Fare Bill (House Bill 2451): Member Pintor asked if Representative Templo, as a Finance Committee member, could assist in scheduling a hearing for House Bill 2451 (free bus fares), citing benefits for kūpuna, keiki, and transit-dependent adults. Justin committed to relaying the request to the Representative.

Governor Josh Green’s MD Representative — Dreana Kalili, Hawai’i Department of Transportation (HDOT) — [1:35:39]: Dreana Kalili shared that Governor Green’s State of the State address focused heavily on health care, cost of living, and housing.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dpI0zSXiW9xWsnRWZ9N_lGMXctVAcFaO/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:36:26]
1. Crosswalk/Bridge at Kahauiki Village Near Nimitz Highway: Member Hoopii raised the long-standing need for a safe crosswalk or bridge near Kahauiki Village for residents accessing the bus depot on Nimitz Highway. Dreana Kalili committed to a written response to the Board Chair or at the March meeting, noting the matter may also involve City infrastructure.

I. BOARD BUSINESS — [1:37:48]
Filling of Vacancy: One (1) At-Large Seat — [1:37:49]: Chair Cullen announced the vacancy and opened nominations. Two candidates came forward for the At-Large seat.

[1:37:55] Member Diosa nominated resident Thomas Beck who graciously declined.
[1:38:18] Michael “Cov” Ratcliffe introduced himself, noting that he is a Pua Lane resident, a University of Hawaiʻi Law School graduate, a former law clerk, and a union labor attorney who was born on Kauai.
[1:38:36] Member Diosa nominated Michael “Cov” Ratcliffe. Member Hoopii seconded the nomination.
[1:38:51] An Vo introduced himself, noting that he is a public health college student and intern for the Coalition for Tobacco-Free Hawai’i Youth Council and Hawai’i Youth Food Council, and is active in civic and food security advocacy.
[1:41:03] Member Pintor nominated An Vo.

[1:41:21] Member Pintor MOVED and Member Diosa SECONDED to close the nominations. Michael “Cov” Ratcliffe provided more information about him. [1:43:46]
[1:43:51] The Board conducted a roll call vote. First round: Ratcliffe (6; Diosa, Hoopii, Jadulang, Mitamura, Moore, Tolete ), An (2; Cullen, Pintor ), Abstain (1; Guerrero). [1:47:17]
[1:47:26] Chair Cullen announced a revote. Second round of voting: Radcliffe (7; Cullen, Diosa, Hoopii, Jadulang, Mitamura, Moore, Tolete ), An (1; Pintor ), Abstain (1; Guerrero). Michael “Cov” Ratcliffe was seated as the new At-Large board member. [1:48:29]

Five-minute recess taken. [1:48:29] — Board reconvened at [1:48:50]
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 — [1:49:12]: Chair Cullen disclosed her conflict of interest (she submitted the original charter proposal P059 as a community member) and recused herself from the vote. The proposal addresses older residential homes (built pre-1940s) in industrially/commercially zoned areas, which are currently limited to 10% annual repairs under Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) rules. The resolution would allow these legacy homes to be fully rebuilt to the same footprint.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e0FI5Nk12IFytOe2lWOKJbbowbjO3l4k/view?usp=drive_link

[1:51:30] Chair Cullen MOVED and Member Pintor SECONDED to support the Resolution in Support of a Proposed Charter Amendment to Establish a Legacy Residential Protection Program within the Department of Planning and Permitting. Discussion included improvement restriction. The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED; 3-0-6. (Aye: Hoopii, Jadulang, Tolete; Nay: None; Abstain: Diosa, Guerrero, Mitamura, Moore, Ratcliffe, Pintor) — [1:56:11]

[1:56:18]: Member Jadulang MOVED and Member Diosa SECONDED to place the resolution on the March meeting agenda. The motion was ADOPTED with no objections; 9-0-0. (Aye: Cullen, Diosa, Guerrero, Hoopii, Jadulang, Mitamura, Moore, Pintor, Tolete; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) — [1:57:00]

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 — [1:57:06]: The minutes of the regular meeting dated Wednesday, January 21, 2026, were approved as distributed with no amendments. Chair Patrick Smith clarified that the Chair only needs to ask if there are any corrections to the minutes, and if none are raised, they are accepted as distributed — no vote required. Member Jadulang commented that the minutes approval process has caused significant drama at Downtown-ChinatownvNeighborhood Board meetings. He also suggested that basic parliamentary procedure training for Board members would be beneficial.

Change Start Time of Regular Board Meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. — [1:59:13]: Member Pintor MOVED and Member Diosa SECONDED to change the regular meeting start time from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The motion was ADOPTED with no objections; 9-0-0. (Aye: Cullen, Diosa, Guerrero, Hoopii, Jadulang, Mitamura, Moore, Pintor, Tolete; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) — [1:59:42]

Committees – [2:00:11]: Chair Cullen noted Committees must submit agendas and minutes prior to the monthly meeting. The board acknowledged no committee agendas or minutes were submitted and agreed to revisit at the next meeting.

J. COMMUNITY RESOURCES – [2:00:35]: Vice Chair Cullen announced the following:
A. Salvation Army Family Services Food Pantry: Local food pantry & emergency food help, 808-521-6551.

K. ANNOUNCEMENTS — [2:00:44]: Vice Chair Cullen announced the following:
A. The next Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Kalihi Waena Elementary School Library.
B. Recordings can be seen on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 or at www.olelo.org/live: 1st Monday of each month at 9:00 p.m. and 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m.

[2:01:16] Member Moore raised a concern about not receiving meeting materials (minutes and resolution) by email prior to the meeting. Neighborhood Commission Chair Smith clarified that resolutions should be emailed to the Board Chair for distribution, and that residents may call the Neighborhood Commission Office to update their distribution list. He also advised that members introducing resolutions should send their materials to the Chair in advance.

L. ADJOURNMENT — [2:04:28]: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:04 p.m.

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