KALIHI VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 16

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026 6:30 P.M.
KALIHI VALLEY DISTRICT PARK
1911 KAMEHAMEHA IV ROAD, HONOLULU, HI 96819
AND ON WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=ma612e944a5fd42ccf8d526553a533be8
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2489 989 6695
Meeting Password: NB16 (6216 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

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. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under 2 – 5 minutes, and those giving reports are encouraged to keep their reports under 3 – 5 minutes. Please ensure your microphone is muted unless you are speaking. Please state your first and last name for the record before moving into your comment or question. Written testimony may also be submitted via email using the contact information listed on the Neighborhood Commission Office website. Please silence all electronic devices. NOTES: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapter 92), specific issues not listed on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless properly added to the agenda.
ARCHIVE: Find an archive of handouts and referenced materials concerning to the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board No.16 at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z1fHoHMtwv6GFUbyc3MTvOmGOo2FuwXO
VIDEO RECORD: Meeting Recordings can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w

1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Leialoha Tumbaga

2. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS (Three Minutes Each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department
(May 2026 monthly fire and emergency incident statistics, HFD safety tips, reminders, and any upcoming events)
B. Honolulu Police Department
(May 2026 monthly crime and incident statistics, HPD safety tips, reminders, and any upcoming events)
C. Board of Water Supply, Iris Oda
(May 2026 monthly water main break incidents and statistics, BWS tips, reminders, and any upcoming events)

3. RESIDENT’S AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Three Minutes Each)

4. PRESENTATIONS (Ten Minutes Each):
A. Exceptional Tree Program – The Mayor’s Arborist Advisory Committee
B. Hawaiʻi Hazards Awareness and Resilience Program (HHARP) – Evan Mokuahi Hayes

5. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS (Three Minutes Each):
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Bandmaster Clarke Bright
B. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – Constituent Services Director Lynn Robinson

6. STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS (Three Minutes Each)
A. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Jill Radke
B. Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Office Representative Kathy Nii
C. Representative Ikaika Hussey

7. BOARD BUSINESS:
A. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS/ASSIGNMENTS
A. State and County Budget Committee Chair May Mizuno
B. Sidewalk, S-Curve, and Transportation Committee Chair James Soong
C. Beautification Committee Chair Randolph Franklin
D. Resolutions Committee Chair Randolph Franklin
E. Sustainability Committee Co-Chairs Simeon Rojas and Alan Kumalae
F. RPZ Committee Chair Alan Kumalae
G. Communications Committee Chair Chris Lualemaga
H. Joint Committee Chair James Soong
I. Education Committee Chair Ropati Liua

9. OTHER REPORTS
A. Chair’s Report – Be aware of scam emails, text, and anything where I, or any neighborhood board members are asking for any money, or gifts of any kind. Double check the sender’s email address to the email on this agenda. Please call or text if you are unsure. Please report and delete scam emails and texts. Safety first.

10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Meeting: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at Kalihi Valley District Park.
B. Broadcast Meetings: Neighborhood Board meetings aired on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 on the fourth Saturday of the month at 6:00 p.m., and the first and third Sunday of the month at 9:00 a.m.

11. ADJOURNMENT

2025-2026 Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board No. 16 Members:
Alan Kumalae – kumalaea001@hawaii.rr.com
Leialoha Tumbaga – leialt98@gmail.com
Randolph Franklin – bigvalley808@gmail.com
Simeon Rojas – simeonrojas@gmail.com
Michael Gatti — mcgatti@gmail.com
Chris Lualemaga — clualemaga@gmail.com
James Soong — jaysoong@outlook.com
May Mizuno – jojemay@yahoo.com
Ropati Liua – N/A

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, HI 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or emailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda, documents, minutes are also available online: 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, 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, MAY 13, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
KALIHI VALLEY DISTRICT PARK – 1911 KAMEHAMEHA IV ROAD
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

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

Reports and other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z1fHoHMtwv6GFUbyc3MTvOmGOo2FuwXO

CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:15]: Chair Leialoha Tumbaga called the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board No. 16 meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Quorum WAS established with five (5) members present. (Note: This 9-member Board requires 5 members to establish quorum and to take official Board action). Chair Tumbaga noted that May is normally the Board’s recess month, but the meeting was held because the previous two months were canceled due to Kona Low storms.

Members Present: Alan Kumalae, Leialoha Tumbaga (Chair), James Soong, Michael Gatti, Simeon Rojas, Ropati Liua (arrived at 7:20 p.m.).

Members Absent: Randolph Franklin, May Mizuno, Chris Lualemaga.

Guests: Captain Alan Castillo, Firefighter Edward Clattenburg (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD); Sergeant Tabanera, Lieutenant Yamashita (Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 5; Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply – BWS); Bandmaster Clarke Bright (Mayor’s Representative); Lynn Robinson (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam Office); Jill Radke (Governor Josh Green’s Representative); Kathy Nii (Senator Donna Mercado Kim’s Office); Representative Ikaika Hussey; Sage Murakami (CERENE); Ty Shiramizu and Noah Tabur (Bowers + Kubota), Becky Choi (HPHA); Patrick Smith (Neighborhood Commission); Clarence Saren, Chris Wong, Antonio Rarangol, Pauline Hirohata, Ronald Higa, (Guests/Residents); Zhoydell Magaoay (Neighborhood Commission Office – Neighborhood Assistant). Note: Name was not included if not legible on the guest attendance sheet. There were 32 total participants.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:01:42]
Honolulu Fire Department – [0:01:52]: Captain Alan Costello provided the report and highlighted the following:
April 2026 Statistics: There was one (1) brush fire/wildfire, two (2) nuisance fires, one (1) activated alarm (no fire), and 49 medical emergencies.
Fire Safety Tip – Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness: Hawaii is entering a period of increased wildfire risk with dry conditions, tall grass, and shifting winds. One spark is all it takes. Most wildfires are human-caused and preventable. Tips include: (1) Clear dry brush and vegetation around your home. (2) Never park on dry grass – hot exhaust can ignite it. (3) Avoid activities that create sparks or heat during dry, hot, windy weather. (4) Stay aware of weather and fire conditions. For more information, visit fire.honolulu.gov and hawaii-wildfire.org.
For more details on incidents and mapping, visit the Fire Response Search Tool on the HFD website at fire.honolulu.gov under the News and Info tab. Questions may be emailed to www.HFDNHB@honolulu.gov.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QM0FacAP3GQcs9iPM1JmRwMSG1qJgEH_/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns – [0:03:42]
1. Wildfire Prevention for Hillside Area: Secretary Soong noted that the hillside/mountain in the area catches fire and asked what can be done to prevent a fire this year. Captain Costello stated that residents can educate children not to play with matches and fire, educate parents, and have property owners cut brush back at least 20 feet from buildings. He noted that the previous brush fire was reportedly started by kids playing with fire.
2. Fire Break Responsibility for Private Landowners: Treasurer Kumalae asked if private landowners at the mountain’s base are responsible for a 20-foot fire break despite not owning the upslope brush. Captain Costello clarified that owners are only responsible for fire breaks on their own property; beyond that, it falls to DLNR or the adjacent property owner. He recommended at least 5 feet of clearance from buildings per NFPA standards and encouraged keeping brush away from neighboring properties. Residents with questions can contact fire inspectors for an on-site assessment.
3. Fire Break Distance for Farmland: Member Rojas asked what the required barrier distance is from one farm to another. Captain Costello stated he was not sure and recommended contacting a fire inspector for that information.

Honolulu Police Department – [0:07:15]: Sergeant Tabanera provided the report and highlighted the following:
April 2026 Statistics: There were two (2) aggravated assaults (compared to one (1) in March), six (6) auto thefts (compared to four (4) in March), three (3) burglaries (compared to two (2) in March), zero robberies, three (3 ) sex assaults (compared to two (2) in March), two (2) simple assaults (same as March), nine (9) thefts (compared to seven (7) in March), two (2) UEMVs (compared to three (3) in March), 630 total calls for service (compared to 574 in March).
Safety Awareness – Click It or Ticket: HPD’s May campaign focuses on seatbelt awareness. Residents are reminded to wear seatbelts, ensure keiki are in proper safety restraints, booster seats, or safety seats as recommended for their age.
Announcement – Coffee with a Cop: Lieutenant Yamashita announced that a Coffee with a Cop event will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Kamehameha Shopping Center Starbucks, located at 1620 North School Street, giving the community an opportunity to talk story with officers.

Board of Water Supply – [0:10:21]: Iris Oda reported two main breaks in February 2026 near Kamehameha IV Road and on Kilohi Street, none in March, and one in April at Kalihi Street and Anuu Place. Despite recent rainfall, BWS encouraged summer conservation through simple habits like morning watering, shorter showers, and checking for toilet leaks, with rebates available for water-efficient appliances and more tips at www.boardofwatersupply.com/sevenways. In response to prior meeting questions, Oda noted that water loss from main breaks cannot be precisely measured, as BWS focuses on quickly isolating and repairing the break; repair timelines vary based on break size, site conditions, and underground utilities. The Kalihi Pump Station museum remains closed pending completion of a fire alarm system replacement, with no estimated completion date, though BWS will provide updates as available.

RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:15:52]
1. RPZ Permit Concerns – [0:16:13]: Resident Clarence Saren raised concerns about the RPZ permit program, arguing that while the pilot successfully reduced non-resident parking, the transition to a paid system feels like a bait-and-switch. With a four-vehicle limit and $625 annual cost, residents — many of them multi-generational households — feel burdened paying to park on a public street or risk a $35 fine. He also raised safety concerns, noting that directing residents to consolidate vehicles in driveways limits mobility for kupuna and wheelchair users in emergencies. Saren pointed out that only 225 of 42,000 permits have been issued, suggesting low community support, and criticized a public meeting held at a private residence as an inappropriate venue where resident concerns were dismissed. He asked the board to pause the program and hold a widely publicized community forum, emphasizing that public streets should not be a source of revenue at residents’ expense. Chair Tumbaga acknowledged his comments and noted they are on record and available on YouTube.

PRESENTATIONS – [0:20:30]
Community Engagement for Resilient Neighborhoods (CERENE) – [0:20:36]: Sage Murakami presented on the O’ahu Resilience Hub Learning Community (HLC), a joint program with the Lāhui Foundation focused on building community resilience across the island. Resilience hubs are trusted community groups — as simple as six people with a shared sense of kuleana — that support everyday preparedness and can activate during emergencies, with no physical site required. The HLC’s goals include supporting individual hubs, fostering cross-sector partnerships, elevating intergenerational leadership, and connecting hubs to funding, training, and resources. Monthly gatherings are held on the third Thursday at 3:00 p.m., and approximately 10–12 student leaders from KCC and UH West O’ahu are available to support capacity building. Partners include the Hawaii Climate Commission, HI-EMA, the American Red Cross, and Vibrant Hawai’i, with the program growing into a statewide initiative. Working groups cover neighborhood boards, youth, health, grant funding, kupuna, and faith-based communities. The program is free, funded by CCSR and city grants, with virtual office hours Mondays and Fridays from noon to 2:00 p.m. A Resilience Hub Summit is scheduled for June 6–7, 2026.

Questions, comments and concerns – [0:32:50]
1. Resilience Hub and Emergency Response: Secretary Soong asked whether the program is essentially trying to form a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) group or emergency response team for Kalihi Valley. He noted that two-thirds of all low-income housing is in Kalihi, so their hub would also focus on food banks, ESL training, job training, and blue-sky resilience in addition to emergency response. Murakami confirmed that resilience is proactive and includes both blue-sky and gray-sky preparedness, and that the program aims to meet each community’s specific needs.
2. Hub Participation Expectations: Treasurer Kumalae asked what a person who participates in a hub would be expected to do. Murakami explained that as a leader, one might facilitate individual hub meetings; as a member, the commitment is minimal – members benefit most with the least input, primarily staying aware of what is going on so they are prepared when events occur. In gray skies, the network uses Telegram to communicate emergency alerts and information.
3. CERT and Other Training: Secretary Soong described the various training opportunities available through the resilience hub program, including ham radio training, American Red Cross training, HI-EMA training, CPR/AED certification, fire extinguisher use, and CERT training. CERT is the most intensive – a three-day Saturday course covering search and rescue, with a certificate upon completion. Other less intensive training options are also available. Murakami noted they are working with HI-EMA to adapt CERT training to be more accessible, including at the college level, and to find a middle ground for community members’ availability.
4. Program Cost: Chair Tumbaga asked to confirm that the program does not cost anything for participants. Murakami confirmed it is free – the staff is funded by city and county grants and CERENE, and this is a service for the community.

Kalihi Valley Homes Community Center Demolition Project Update – [0:40:05]: Ty Shiramizu of Bowers + Kubota, along with Becky Choi from Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority (HPHA), presented on the proposed demolition of the Kalihi Valley Homes Community Center, which has been closed for over 10 years due to severe deterioration. Built around 1973, the approximately 6,000-square-foot structure serves the 373-unit affordable housing community. A historic architecture study determined the building does not meet significance criteria for historic registers, so no preservation requirements are triggered. Because it is federal public housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approval of a Section 18 demolition application is required before work can begin, along with a federal environmental assessment and other agency consultations; a state environmental assessment is not required. The project is currently out to bid with five respondents, and the second bidder is being vetted after the low bidder withdrew. HUD approval is expected around October 2026, with demolition taking approximately six months. No specific redevelopment plans exist yet, but HPHA intends to replace the community center and will conduct a community design process; a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design consultants is being issued with a qualified candidates list expected by July 1, 2026. Construction funding has not yet been secured — HPHA will pursue federal funds for design and request construction funding from the legislature. Residents at a December 2025 community meeting expressed support for a new center and requested programming for keiki and teens.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QWF1ZVxkgWvKs-lktVp69VN5Jlv3Xo3S/view?usp=drive_link

Member Liua arrived at 7:20 p.m. There were six (6) members present.

Questions, comments and concerns – [0:47:32]
1. Project Start and Completion Timeline: Secretary Soong asked when the project is planned to start or be completed. Shiramizu stated that demolition cannot start until all federal requirements and applications are completed, which is estimated to be around October 2026. There is no set timeline for how long the demolition will take yet, but updates will be provided once a solid timeline is established.
2. Future Plans for the Site: Member Rojas asked whether there are any future plans for what will be built to replace the community center and how it will benefit the community. Shiramizu stated there are no specific plans for what will happen with the site after demolition; the first phase is to demolish the structure and clear the site for safety. Choi added that HPHA’s intention is to replace the community center, and the consultant process will include community input on the vision for the new center. The basketball court concrete will remain.
3. Funding Sources: Vice Chair Gatti asked about funding sources. Choi explained that HPHA receives approximately $14.5 million annually in federal formula grants for capital improvements, supplemented by state legislative requests — though $14 million is roughly the cost of a single project. A design funding request was made this year but did not make the governor’s budget. HPHA has been requesting $80+ million from the legislature and receiving as little as $4–10 million or nothing, with safety and health concerns prioritized. Severe staffing shortages further limit the agency’s capacity to advance projects.
4. Funding Source and History: Member Liua expressed frustration that the community center has been in disrepair since the mid-1990s when he lived in Kam IV housing, and asked how long HPHA has been requesting funding. Choi stated that over the last 10 years, HPHA has been requesting funding, and the request has been prioritized alongside a backlog of over $300 million in needs. Safety and health issues take precedence. She acknowledged the community’s feeling of being abandoned but noted that housing residents having a place to live is the highest priority, which competes with community center funding.
5. Quarterly Transparency Reporting Request: Member Rojas requested HPHA provide quarterly written updates to the board so the community can track progress. Choi confirmed she noted the request; while monthly in-person attendance may not be feasible given staffing constraints, written reports will be provided.
6. Statewide Nature of $14 Million Grant: Treasurer Kumalae asked whether the $14 million federal formula grant is statewide. Choi confirmed it is statewide; the previous renovation of four buildings at Kalihi Valley Homes alone cost $12 million, illustrating how quickly the funds are consumed.
7. Demolition Duration and Community Impact: Resident Chris Wong asked about the estimated duration of demolition and potential community impacts. Choi explained demolition is expected to take approximately six months, with daytime-only work, dust barrier fencing, and a designated contractor parking area to minimize impact. Hazmat materials will be properly packaged and transported to approved disposal sites. Wong asked the board to track noise, dust, traffic, and RPZ impacts during the demolition period.

CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:10:55]
Mayor’s Representative – Bandmaster Clarke Bright – [1:11:01]: Bandmaster Bright reported that Kona low storm recovery is ongoing, with residents able to report damage and find assistance at oneahu.org; mayor’s town halls have been postponed. Other city highlights include the 2026 State of the City address, AZA accreditation for the Honolulu Zoo, expanded Chinatown housing, and the 2026 sustainability report. On follow-up items, DFM requested extensions on the Monkey Pod Tree and Kamanaiki Stream Cleanup, likely due to storm recovery. At Kalihi Uka Community Park, HPD should be contacted for houseless or inhabiting vehicles, while lighting and camera installation requires DOE and DPR coordination due to shared jurisdiction. HPD noted District 5’s two crime reduction units are deployed based on staffing and crime data, with Scientific Investigation Section (SIS) responding to eligible incidents islandwide rather than routine patrols. The Kalihi Valley District Park boxing gym remains closed pending roof and termite-damaged floor repairs.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F-7KYHcAk4M-dmtTZK3pJ7F2GlOgoLkB/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns – [1:17:14]
1. Security Camera Costs at KPT: Secretary Soong shared that according to Hawai’i Dredging, KPT will be receiving three cameras at $35,000 each plus a $1,000 monthly operating fee, for general board awareness.
2. Royal Hawaiian Band for KBA Parade: Member Liua followed up on a November 2025 request regarding Royal Hawaiian Band participation in the KBA parade. Despite audio issues, Bandmaster Bright confirmed the Band will participate.
3. ADA Accessibility at Park Restrooms: Member Rojas asked whether paved accessible pathways to park restrooms are mandatory under ADA, citing an observed incident at Maunalua Bay where an elderly woman with a walker could not access the restroom. Bandmaster Bright responded that ADA access to restroom facilities is a desire and likely a mandate, and committed to researching the specific site and following up.

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [1:22:49]: Lynn Robinson reported that the City Council is reviewing the Mayor’s proposed budget and holding departmental hearings, with several measures affecting the Kalihi area under consideration, including infrastructure and community safety initiatives. Bill 8, targeting animal nuisances and dangerous dog attacks, passed third reading and will increase penalties for repeat violations. Graffiti on bus shelters, state properties, and parks can be reported through the Mayor’s Office at 768-5180. The Kalihi Valley District Park pool remains closed pending filtration parts with no confirmed repair timeline, while the FY27 capital budget proposal includes $4.8 million for gym repairs and roof replacement, with approval expected around July. Residents may contact Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s office for city-related assistance; the newsletter is available in Google Drive and chat.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10YIyUScv8PlAG6R6XBOnF_RkpuoVy9fa/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns – [1:26:37]
1. Duration of Pool Closure: Member Liua asked how long the pool at Kalihi Valley District Park has been closed. Robinson confirmed it has been closed for approximately one week and that they are working to expedite the replacement parts.
2. Corrections to Councilmember’s Mailer: Secretary Soong noted that Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s recent mailer contained errors: the NCO office is now at Kapalama Hale (not its previous location), and the neighborhood board meets at Kalihi Valley District Park at 6:30 p.m. He requested corrections for future mailings. Robinson acknowledged the feedback.
3. Contact Number for Parks and Recreation Inquiries: Member Rojas asked for a general contact number for DPR inquiries. Robinson noted the number she shared was specific to graffiti reporting, and directed Rojas to the city’s website or to contact her office directly for assistance.

STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:30:44]
Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:30:40]: Jill Radke reported that the state legislative session has concluded, with the Governor signing or reviewing passed bills. Key outcomes affecting the Kalihi community include funding for housing programs, education initiatives, and infrastructure improvements. Residents are encouraged to visit the state’s website for information on available programs, including affordable housing assistance, healthcare enrollment, and senior services. Addressing a prior question about the delay in assigning a governor’s representative, she noted there was no specific reason — it appeared to be a timing issue, possibly related to holidays — and she took the assignment as soon as it became available. She also noted that she works at the Hawaii Tourism Authority as Public Affairs Officer.

Senator Donna Mercado Kim – [1:33:06]: Kathy Nii reported online and thanked residents who attended last month’s town hall. Senator Kim’s May newsletter was shared electronically and uploaded to the board’s Google Drive. Key legislative highlights include SB 3125, which protected and strengthened existing tax cuts for working families; HB 1800, the budget bill, for which Senator Kim supported the Senate conference draft; and SB 2877, a Story Maker/Book Pilot Bill targeting schools in the Kalihi and Nānākuli/Waiʻanae areas.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ad5I76oFSCUf714Nq42o9qRGC1Qoby7y/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, Comments and Concerns – [1:33:42]
1. DOE Collaboration for Education Task Force: Secretary Soong asked whether Senator Kim’s staff member Ann Mahi could volunteer time for an upcoming education task force meeting at the PATH office at KPT (next Thursday at noon) regarding issues with DOE access and organizing within schools. Nii agreed to follow up with Ann Mahi and requested Soong send an email so she could coordinate.
2. Stream Cleanup Follow-Up: Secretary Soong stated he has not received a response following a prior email about a stream cleanup coordination. Nii acknowledged the issue and committed to following up the next day, noting the relevant department had said they would contact Soong directly.
3. Access to Senator Kim’s Newsletter for Community: Member Rojas asked that Senator Kim’s newsletter be briefly summarized at meetings for community members without internet or email access, and suggested the newsletter be bcc’d to all board members in advance. Nii agreed to keep this in mind for future meetings and to email all board members directly.
4. Thanks for Farrington High School Birthday Bash: Member Liua thanked Senator Kim, Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam, and Representative Hussey for attending the Farrington High School birthday bash the prior month.

Representative Ikaika Hussey – [1:40:26]: Representative Hussey highlighted key outcomes from the concluded legislative session, including measures against dark money, strengthened tax cuts for working families, immigrant rights protections, increased care home funding to offset anticipated federal cuts, and community co-management of streams and watersheds — which he hopes could benefit Kalihi Stream. He voted against the NIL bill over concerns about drawing $4 million from UH student tuition. Locally, he secured funding for KPT gym repairs and the Kalihi Public Library, and is preparing an infrastructure memo to the city with resident input available at hawaii29-st.netlify.app. With session concluded, he invited board and community collaboration on beautification projects including stream cleanups, graffiti paint-outs, and youth activities.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IZyWrLB0lx8SH9Q5m61sBRVS0IILn_l3/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns – [1:46:42]
1. Stream Cleanup Near District Park: Secretary Soong noted the stream behind the district park is in need of cleanup, describing it as worse than the Kilohana-Kalihi stream cleanup. He indicated he has been working with Senator Kim’s office to coordinate a cleanup and hopes to involve youth during summer. Hussey agreed to look into a fall or summer stream cleanup.
2. Church and Community Partnership for Kalihi Restoration: Member Liua expressed enthusiasm for Hussey’s summer plans and offered to partner through the parish and other churches in Kalihi Valley to engage youth and restore the community, referencing the “ROC” (Restoring Our Community) concept. He also commended the coffee shop opened by Hussey near Kalihi Uka.
3. Safety Before Stream Cleanup: Member Rojas emphasized the importance of ensuring encampments in the stream area are addressed before organizing a community cleanup, to provide a safe environment for participants.

BOARD BUSINESS – [1:50:00]
Approval of February 11, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes: Chair Tumbaga called for any corrections to the February 11, 2026 minutes. Hearing none, the minutes were approved without a formal motion as no corrections were identified.
Consideration to Revert Joint-Communications Committee Back to Two Separate Committees: Joint Committee and Communications Committee – [1:50:44]: Chair Tumbaga explained that combining the Joint and Communications committees was her mistake, as she did not realize they served different purposes. The Joint Committee handles joint community concerns and partnerships, while the Communications Committee handles board communications and outreach. She proposed reverting back to having two separate committees.
[1:52:25] Liua MOVED and Rojas SECONDED to revert the Joint-Communications Committee back to two separate committees: the Joint Committee and the Communications Committee. Following discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 5-0-1 (Aye: Gatti, Kumalae, Rojas, Liua, Tumbaga; Nay: None; Abstain: Soong) – [1:53:02].

COMMITTEE REPORTS/ASSIGNMENTS – [1:53:17]
State and County Budget: No report given.

Sidewalk, S-Curve, Transportation: Soong reported that he visited the S-Curve. A major ditch was observed on the Keiki O Ka ʻAina side. He spoke with Keiki O Ka ʻAina, who is using the 311 app to report the ditch. He also reported the guardrails on the S-Curve are in poor condition and need to be replaced; he has submitted a request through the DOT.

Beautification: No report given.

Resolutions: No report given.

Sustainability: Rojas reported that before and after the Kona Low storm, he observed erosion issues with curbs and sidewalks. He will provide a list of eroded areas to the committee. Some erosion areas are being addressed by the city, but more remain.

RPZ: No report given.

Communications: No report given.

Joint Committee – Secretary Soong: Secretary Soong reported that Kalihi Ahupuaʻa Ride is back on May 30, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and he suggested meeting up at KVIB to support them. He donated snacks and water. Also, Costco is moving the gas station and having a presentation at the Kalihi-Palama Neighborhood Board meeting on May 20, 2026; the meeting is on Webex. He set up another tour – “Tour Day Trash” – visiting H-Power and Waimānalo Gulch in July 2026; carpooling is suggested, and an RSVP form needs to be submitted. Space is limited. He is also setting up a tour to H-Power HI-EMA (Diamond Head), trying to get an American Red Cross tour, and setting up another tour with HAR at the rail station yard. Future tours are in the works.

Education: Member Liua reported attending Farrington High School’s School Community Council meeting, where enrollment was projected to drop to 1,611 students next year. The school is struggling to attract students, and morale is low among teachers, custodians, and security staff — which Member Liua connected to Farrington ranking among the bottom two schools in testing scores. He also noted enrollment declines at Dole and Kalihi Elementary schools, attributing some impact to ongoing construction and a lack of parks for children. Member Liua emphasized the need for the neighborhood board to take a more active role in improving the community and appreciated the efforts of representatives in securing local funding.

OTHER REPORTS – Chair’s Report – [1:57:20]: Chair Tumbaga had no report.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:01:00]
Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at Kalihi Valley District Park. Chair Tumbaga noted it will be hot and offered to bring cold drinks.
Broadcast Meetings: Neighborhood Board meetings aired on ‘Ōlelo Channel 49 on the 4th Saturday of the month at 6:00 p.m., and the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 9:00 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT – [2:02:13]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m.

Submitted by: Zhoydell Magaoay, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Finalized by: Secretary James Soong and Chair Leialoha Tumbaga

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.