ĀLIAMANU – SALT LAKE – FOSTER VILLAGE – AIRPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 18

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.
NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION
891 VALKENBURGH STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96818
(IN-PERSON ONLY / NO WEBEX)

Quorum Requirement: This nine (9)-member Board requires five (5) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.
Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under One (1) minute; those giving reports are encouraged to summarize remarks under Three (3) minutes.
Please Kōkua: Silence all electronic devices.
Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda.
Oral Testimony Rules: Board Members must keep comments under One (1) minute per turn. Board Members may not speak a second time until all other members were given a chance to speak. At the conclusion of the Board comment period, audience will be given the opportunity to comment.

1. CALL TO ORDER
A. Chair-Welcome
B. National Anthem / Hawaiʻi Ponoʻi
C. Roll Call of Board Members – Establish quorum

2. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department: District 3 – (Foster Village)
C. Honolulu Police Department District 5 – (Salt Lake-Aliamanu)

3. NB #18 COMMUNITY WARRIOR(S) OF THE MONTH
A. SUAFO’A Family Warrior Award

4. BOARD ACTION
A. SUAFO’A Family Resolution-Certificate from City Council requested.

5. COMMUNITY EVENTS, UPDATES, & CONCERNS
A. Next Salt Lake Waterway Clean-Up & Genki Ball Toss
B. Other Events/Concerns

6. CITY ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi
B. Councilmember Radiant Cordero

7. STATE ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
A. Governor Josh Green
B. Senator Glenn Wakai
C. House Representative Linda Ichiyama
D. House Representative Garner Shimizu

8. FEDERAL ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
A. Senator Brian Schatz
B. Congressman Ed Case

9. PRESENTATIONS
A. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Radford High School Contamination-Remediation Update)
B. Red Hill Fuel Bulk Storage Facility Update

10. COMMUNITY UPDATES
A. Aloha Stadium
B. Military
C. Board of Water Supply

11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of the February 13, 2025 regular meeting minutes.

12. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next Āliamanu/Salt Lake/Foster Village/Airport Neighborhood Board No.18 regular meeting will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m.at the National Guard Association Building (891 Valkenburgh Street).
B. City and County of Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Foodbank are Partnering to Fight Against Hunger: Neighborhood Assistant Zhoydell Magaoay will be collecting donated canned goods at the next Neighborhood Board meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2025.
C. Videotaped Board meetings are aired on `Olelo Channel 49 on the 4th Saturday of the month at 9:00 p.m.; and the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at 7:00 a.m. Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice

13. BOARD COMMUNITY TEAM- ASSIGNMENTS / REPORTS
A. Transportation / Construction- BAIRD
B. Homeless / Aloha Stadium- FUJIKURA
C. Health Services / Environment- KANEMARU
D. Legislation / Rail (Sky Line/The Bus)- OMURA
E. Parks & Recreation / Military- HIND
F. Oahu Metro Planning Org./ NB System- GAUER
G. Senior Citizens (Kupuna) / Children (Keiki)- IGAWA
H. Education /Schools- GODFREY
I. Public Safety-First Responders YOMES

14. 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, HI 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 http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.html

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

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025
NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION, 891 VALKENBURGH STREET

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L1_n9FCTY4

Meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aP4kVkP-EpQeEBwveD_Znew0Memb9wP5

1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:05:14]

Chair Yomes called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Honor Guard soldiers of the 516th Theater Brigade from Fort Shafter presented the U.S. Flag and sang the national anthem, followed by Musician Second Class Brenton Mitchell singing Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī. A roll call was conducted [0:10:33]. Quorum WAS established with six (6) members present. Note: This nine (9)-member Board requires five (5) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: David Yomes, Larry Baird, James Gauer, Lorene Godfrey, Joseph Omura, Douglas Fujikura and Nicole Hind (joined at 7:54 p.m.).

Members Absent: Chandra Kanemaru and Patti Igawa.

Guests: Fire Chief Hao (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD); Major Ikehara, Lieutenant Iwasaki, Lieutenant Hatico (Honolulu Police Department – HPD); Diamond Badajos (Governor Josh Green’s Representative); Bryan Gallagher, Ian Schuering (Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative); Council Member Radiant Cordero; Ashely (Senator Glenn Wakaiʻs Representative); Shanda Delos Reyes, Representative Linda Ichiyama (Representative Linda Ichiyama’s Office); Cole Galloway, Representative Garner Shimizu (Representative Garner Shimizuʻs Office); Captain Samuel White, Chuck Anthony, Victor Flint (Navy/NAVFAC); Liana Kim (U.S. Army Garrison); Galen Wong (Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation); Chris S. (Stadium Authority); Davis Harris (Residents/Guests); Rachel Cristobal (NCO). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 33 total participants.

2. NB #18 COMMUNITY WARRIOR(S) OF THE MONTH – [0:11:12]

United States Navy – [0:11:18]: Chair Yomes noted that the Warrior of the Month segment is to honor those people who have made or are making a difference in the Neighborhood Board No. 18 community. Navy Liaison Chuck Anthony and Victor Flint were recognized for their monthly presentations and updates on keeping the Board well informed and actively involved in all aspects that affect the constituents within this district. He also recognized the United States Navy for their community volunteerism achievements and contributions regarding the cleanup of the Salt Lake Waterway along with the surrounding areas and a few other items. He recognized Captain Samuel White who will be accepting the Neighborhood Board #18 Warrior of the Month Award Certificate for February 2025.

Chair Yomes announced Captain Samuel White and the Board will be taking photos – [0:15:16].
Captain Samnuel White provided a few words to the Board and the community – [0:15:38].

3. COMMUNITY EVENTS & CONCERNS – [0:18:04]

Next Salt Lake Waterway Clean-Up & Genki Ball Toss – [0:18:04]: Chair Yomes announced that the next Salt Lake Waterway Clean-Up will be on Saturday, March 8, 2025 and Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 8, 2025 Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p0uYRkdgiHDkc_3qjNA26sFycET3mXTB/view?usp=drive_link
• Saturday, March 22, 2025 Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/101-VQ6yNxHVZWSwBs0qlQbvZrBBG3SbA/view?usp=drive_link

Neighborhood Board Elections – [0:18:23]: Item was not discussed.

Other Events/Concerns – [0:18:23]: Item was not discussed.

4. ILLEGAL FIREWORKS (OPEN PUBLIC FORUM) – [0:18:23]

Chair Yomes called for a moment of silence for the victims of the Aliamanu tragedy – [0:19:24].

Public Safety Officials (Fireworks Only)
• Honolulu Fire Department – [0:19:59]: Fire Chief Hao described the chaotic event of New Year’s Eve, when the department typically responds to 175 calls a day but received 276 calls that night. The initial alarm reported a fireworks explosion with no injuries, but it quickly escalated to a mass casualty incident with over ten injured. Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Police worked in difficult conditions with fireworks still going off and poor visibility. Despite the chaos, responders, including neighbors, triaged and transported victims in just over an hour. The incident, which resulted in six fatalities, left a lasting emotional impact on responders, and Chief Hao emphasized the need for peer support for first responders dealing with such traumatic events. The investigation is ongoing.
• Honolulu Police Department – [0:29:10]: Major Ikehara and Lieutenant Hatico shared details about the tragic fireworks incident on New Year’s Eve, where six people died and ten others were arrested. The scene was chaotic, with first responders already spread thin due to earlier injuries and fireworks-related calls. Despite this, emergency services, including HFD and EMS, worked together to manage the situation. There was an explanation of the ongoing investigation and discussed the challenges of enforcing fireworks laws. It was also mentioned that a lack of witnesses and evidence often leads to cases being dismissed. Lieutenant Iwasaki shared that although videotaping could be used as evidence that they would not want anyone to jeopardize their safety.
• Emergency Medical Services – [0 38:23:]: No representative present.
• State Department of Law Enforcement – [0:38:52]: No representative present.

Government Officials – [0:38:57]
• Governor Josh Green – [0:38:57]: Diamond Badajos presented a statement on behalf of the Governor’s office. The statement emphasized the commitment of the Governor’s office, along with the Department of the Attorney General, law enforcement agencies, and legislative partners, to strengthen Hawaii’s laws against the sale and possession of fireworks. These groups are also working to enhance enforcement efforts at both the state and county levels. Over the past year, state and county law enforcement have collaborated with federal partners through the Illegal Fireworks Task Force, recognizing the growing importance of these federal partnerships.
o Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eGJprytC38gx8PCCGA314CFMo6yqspuQ/view?usp=drive_link
• Mayor Rick Blangiardi – [0:40:14]: Bryan Gallagher expressed gratitude to HFD for their presentations and acknowledged the hard work of the community. He also highlighted the Mayor’s newsletter and the available website, which provides updated information. Bryan mentioned the City’s work with the City Council and Legislature on new ordinances, bills, and legislation. He pointed out a new affordable housing project in Makiki, which will include 90 units, scheduled to open in spring 2026 at the corner of Pensacola Street and Wilder Avenue.
o Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FOzUoSCRFgjNJeQ8TFQtcwuKqAwQHdNI/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:42:14]: Chair Yomes asked if the Mayor will be in contact with HFD and HPD to create a solution for the illegal fireworks.

• Mayor Rick Blangiardi (Continued) – [0:42:52]: Ian expressed that hearing the Fire Chief and HPD speak about the incident resonated with him deeply. Sharing emphasized the city’s strong commitment to enforcement, particularly in collaboration with HPD and the Department of Law Enforcement. He assured the community that the administration is dedicated to preventing future tragedies and encouraged people to ask questions if they have any concerns.
• City Council Member Radiant Cordero – [0:44:39]: Council Member Radiant Cordero discussed the city council’s role in creating strict laws, particularly regarding fire safety. She mentioned Bill 72025, which addressed fire code enforcement, but noted challenges due to the limited authority of local governments to impose certain penalties. She emphasized the importance of working with first responders, including the Honolulu Fire Department, Police, and EMS, to ensure the bill would be effective. She called for community input to make sure the bill would be enforceable and didn’t get dismissed in court.
o Newsletter:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VNlfiF-7Xq1AT0yBAzhINs-YB6gc5KTM/view?usp=drive_link
• Senator Glenn Wakai – [0:48:16]: Ashley thanked the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) and Honolulu Police Department (HPD) for their outstanding work during the emergency and throughout the year, and expressed concern for the mental health of first responders following the incident. She highlighted that several bills were moving through the legislature, all passing through the Public Safety Committee. She also mentioned that Senator Wakai had introduced Bill (Senate Bill) SB 999, which focused on civil forfeitures, and offered to provide more details during the public inquiry.
o Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FIxEstHWGloPI7jRg1G5XF9EbajwE_zd/view?usp=drive_link
• House Representative Linda Ichiyama – [0:49:44]: Shanda Delos Reyes provided a quick overview of the bills moving through the legislature. Shanda mentioned that there were about 30 bills introduced, with some not moving forward due to today being the lateral deadline. She encouraged the community to use the Capitol website to track bills, submit testimony, and watch public hearings live.
o Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GqHuCMDVYRFACA4SMWlCRIlLniwT9IKE/view?usp=drive_link
• House Representative Garner Shimizu- [0:50:44]: Representative Garner Shimizu thanked first responders for their work and shared his visit to the site on New Year’s Day, offering prayers with those cleaning up. He highlighted bills moving through the legislature, including one to clarify enforcement language and another to fund the Department of Law Enforcement for improved harbor investigations. Representative Shimizu emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to prevent future incidents.
o Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wZ_ff7MKxjOT5_DtTtK29gLir9wdS7SF/view?usp=drive_link

Member Hind joined at 7:54 p.m.; 7 members present.

Public / Community – [0:54:13]
Open Forum for the Public regarding Illegal Fireworks and Opportunity to ask questions, voice their concerns, provide ideas – [0:54:13]: Board members discussed concerns about illegal fireworks, particularly dangerous aerial bombs. They expressed frustration with weak penalties and insufficient law enforcement, emphasizing the need for stricter laws and better coordination between authorities. A proposal for a ballot measure to ban fireworks was suggested, and the importance of community involvement in helping law enforcement was highlighted, with a focus on addressing the issue before the next New Year’s Eve. Liana Kim from U.S Army Garrison shared that the accident occurred just three blocks from her home, and while fireworks are common in the area, they appreciated the neighborhood’s response to cease them for a few nights in honor of the victims.

5. COMMUNITY UPDATES – [1:20:44]

Aloha Stadium – [1:20:44]: Chris announced that there were 2 community meetings. He shared that there were questions at the meeting regarding affordability of the units, swap meet relocation, new schools and activities. He also noted that the Great Aloha Run will be on Monday, February 17, 2025 along with the Girl Scout Cookie distribution will be taking place within that week.
• Community Q&A: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10Pgc5cAFO0ovMPwHhzRdYDxSqrmaiKEO/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:23:12]:

Military – [1:24:09]:
• U.S. Army Garrison – [1:24:09]: Liana Kim reported that the next training job fair would be on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. She provided the various of departments/jobs that were available for hiring. There will also be a National Vietnam Veterans Parade in Waikiki on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
o Media Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m9Fv4QVmd3N0xqQveyARrMx46jhmrgxQ/view?usp=drive_link
• Navy – [1:26:35]: Chuck Anthony thanked the Board for recognition. He mentioned that they will try to get volunteers to come out to attend the next Salt Lake waterway cleanup on Saturday, March 8, 2025. An upcoming community service project is the food pantry which is distributing food. Lastly, Chuck shared that the Centrury Aloha exercises were concluded. Victor Clint provided updates on Wall Seven, the open house, and the Peral Harbor Restoration Advisory Board.
o Tank Cleaning Webinar: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NQ3lfgwqtiuO6WHbo-vS0ULCQWWz4a4o/view?usp=drive_link
o Open House: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x2IrGrhmYVQKAmnVSsBjelcTqHN_3EzY/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:31:32]:

Board of Water Supply – [1:33:26]: Jimmy Yanos reported on the Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) measures to prevent water meter tampering, explaining that new digital water meters feature a tamper alert indicator. The BWS investigates any significant changes in water consumption or when meter readings are not obtained, sometimes estimating water bills based on past usage. If illegal connections or damage are found, the BWS contacts the Honolulu Police Department. Jimmy also shared that there was only one main break in January 2025. Finally, he encouraged the public to report water waste through the BWS website, email, or phone, stressing the importance of conserving water.
• Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hDyLRkBaLOD8O7ImR5p1-07ryI8zwcuw/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101205618811575423434&rtpof=true&sd=true

Government Officials / Politicians short updates on other matters – [1:36:27]:

House Representative Garner Shimizu – [1:37:47]: Representative Shimizu introduced his legislative, Cole Galloway and that he may attend meetings if he is unable to.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:38:24]:

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – [1:38:49]

Approval of the January 09, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes – [1:38:49]: Hearing no amendments; the January 2025 minutes were approved as written 7-0-0 [1:39:00] (Aye: Yomes, Baird, Gauer, Godfrey, Omura, Fujikura, and Hind. Nay: None. Abstain: None.).

7. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:39:06]

The next Āliamanu/Salt Lake/Foster Village/Airport Neighborhood Board No.18 regular meeting will
be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, 6:30 p.m.at the National Guard Association Building (891
Valkenburgh Street).

Videotaped Board meetings are aired on `Olelo Channel 49 on the 4th Saturday of the month at 9:00 p.m.; and the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at 7:00 a.m. Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice

8. BOARD COMMUNITY TEAM- ASSIGNMENTS / REPORTS – [1:39:31]

Parks & Recreation / Military – [1:39:48]: Member Hind provided an announcement to the Board for those that had asked her for tickets for a concert on that upcoming weekend that she will be working on them.

9. ADJOURNMENT – [1:42:30]: The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

Submitted by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy
Finalized by: Secretary Kanemaru and Chair Yomes

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.