ĀLIAMANU – SALT LAKE – FOSTER VILLAGE – AIRPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 18
MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026 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 David Yomes
B. National Anthem
2026 Salute to America (USA- 250th Anniversary Celebration)
This month honoring the NAVY
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-Āliamanu)
3. NB #18 COMMUNITY WARRIOR(S) OF THE MONTH
A. February Warrior of the Month
4. COMMUNITY EVENTS / CONCERNS / UPDATES
A. Salt Lake Waterway Update
B. Other Events / Concerns / Updates
5. COMMUNITY AGENCY UPDATES (Short Updates “One-Minute”, Due to Presentation)
A. Aloha Stadium
B. Military
C. Board of Water Supply
6. CITY ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS (Short Updates “One- Minute”, Due to Presentation)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi
B. Councilmember Radiant Cordero
7. STATE ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS (Short Updates “One-Minute” Due to Presentation)
A. Governor Josh Green
B. Senator Glenn Wakai
C. House Representative Linda Ichiyama
D. House Representative Garner Shimizu
8. PRESENTATIONS / BOARD ACTIONS
A. Government Presentation Regarding the Flooding of Streets & Sidewalks in Mapunapuna.
9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of the January 08, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
10. COMMITTEE TEAM CHAIRS / ASSIGNMENTS & REPORTS
A. Homeless – Clarence DAVIS
B. Health Services / Environment – Chandra KANEMARU
C. Transportation – Joseph OMURA
D. Legislation / Construction – Nancy VALDEZ
E. Oahu Metro Planning Org./ NB System – James GAUER
F. Senior Citizens (Kupuna) – Patti IGAWA
G. Schools / Parks & Recreation – Douglas FUJIKURA
H. Community / Board Meetings – Faye JOHNSON
I. Military / Public Safety – David YOMES
11. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next Āliamanu/Salt Lake/Foster Village/Airport Neighborhood Board No.18 regular meeting will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m., at the National Guard Association Building, 891 Valkenburgh Street.
B. 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
12. ADJOURNMENT
A. Last minute announcements.
B. Meeting Adjourned.
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, Hawaii 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 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 MINUTES
THURSDAY, JANUARY 08, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION BUILDING — 891 VALKENBURGH STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96818
(IN-PERSON ONLY / NO WEBEX)
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntyWk92xe-M
Recordings of Board meetings: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:12]: Chair David Yomes called the Āliamanu-Salt Lake-Foster Village/Airport Neighborhood Board No. 18 meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Chair Yomes announced that throughout 2026, in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the board will honor a different military branch or first responder agency at each meeting. This month honored the United States Army. The presentation included the National Anthem sung by Sergeant Anna Rodriguez, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scouting of America Troop 24, a color guard posting, and a video tribute celebrating the Army’s 250 years of service.
ROLL CALL – [0:16:06]: Secretary Chandra Kanemaru conducted roll call and confirmed quorum. Seven (7) members were present. Quorum was established.
Members Present: Clarence Davis III, Douglas Fujikura, Faye Johnson, Chandra Kanemaru, Joseph Omura, Nancy Valdez, and David Yomes.
Members Absent: James Kawika Gauer and Patti Igawa.
Guests: Captain Adam Rose (Honolulu Fire Department — Engine 30); Lieutenant Keoni Hong (HPD District 3); Sergeant Dante Cambra, Lieutenant Sean Yamashita (HPD District 5); Deputy Director Bryan Gallagher (Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Office); Dr. Kealoha Fox (Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency); Councilmember Radiant Cordero (Council District 7); Jimmy Yanos (Board of Water Supply); Colonel Rachel Sullivan, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Perry (U.S. Army); Specialist Emiron Ore, Sergeant Jordan Shepard, Private reviewedFirst Class Jay Mesa, Sergeant Isella Hulcom, Sergeant Michael Reinhardt, Sergeant Anna Rodriguez (Army Honor Guards); Colonel James Sullivan, Becky Unales (Troop 24 Scouting America); Scouts from Troop 24 (Shane, Christopher, Zachary, Landon, Marilyn, Olivia, Savannah, Nick Engram); Chris Kinimaka, Samantha Spain (Aloha Stadium); Chuck Anthony (Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam); Diamond Badajos (Governor Josh Green’s Office / Department of Hawaiian Homelands); Kaylani Gallen (Senator Glenn Wakai’s Office); Representative Linda Ichiyama, Jhen Elizando (Representative Ichiyama’s Office); Representative Garner Shimizu; Galen Wong (DOT-Hwy); Jeff Ramsey (Crawford-USA); Kim Pang (Guests / Residents); Zhoydell Magaoay (Neighborhood Assistant – NCO). Note: The names of any attendees who were illegible were not included. There were 56 total participants.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS – [0:16:43]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:16:55]: Firefighter Adam Rose (Engine 30 / Moanalua Fire Station) provided the December 2025 incident statistics and a safety tip.
December 2025 Statistics: There was one (1) cooking fire, five (5) activated alarms (no fire), 62 medical emergencies, one (1) motor vehicle collision, and one (1) hazardous materials incident.
Safety Tip: Electrical safety in the home — plug one heat-producing appliance into a wall outlet at a time (coffee makers, toasters, etc.); major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, stoves) should be plugged directly into wall outlets without extension cords or power strips; check electrical cords to ensure they are not running across doorways or under carpets; extension cords are not intended for permanent use; have a licensed electrician install outlets to eliminate extension cord use and perform all electrical work.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tq-TomUCbNmIYXB3LDbXld9Q26EVbO-J/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:18:16]
1. New Year’s fireworks data: Board Member Omura asked if fire-related data from the New Year’s week (Christmas to New Year’s) would be available, and Firefighter Rose responded that he could request that information and provide it at the next meeting.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – District 3 (Foster Village) – [0:19:50]: Lieutenant Keoni Hong reported November and December 2025 statistics.
November 2025 Statistics: There was one (1) motor vehicle theft, one (1) burglary, zero (0) thefts, zero (0) car break-ins, and 277 calls for service.
December 2025 Statistics: There were zero (0) motor vehicle thefts, zero (0) burglaries, zero (0) thefts, zero (0) car break-ins, and 272 calls for service.
Fireworks Calls: From November 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, there were eight (8) fireworks-related calls in this area, compared to 39 during the same period in 2024. District 3 as a whole had 160 fireworks calls in 2025 compared to 393 in 2024. There were no fireworks-related injuries or damage reported in this area.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – District 5 (Salt Lake–Āliamanu) – [0:21:34]: Sergeant Cambra reported December 2025 statistics.
December 2025 Statistics: There were zero (0) aggravated assaults, two (2) auto thefts, two (2) burglaries, two (2) sex assaults, three (3) simple assaults, nine (9) thefts, two (2) unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMVs), and 510 calls for service. There were nine (9) fireworks calls for service in this area.
Sex Assault Details: Lieutenant Yamashita noted one (1) case involved a juvenile at a Thanksgiving family gathering but was withdrawn. The second case involved an Uber driver who was inappropriately touched by an elderly male passenger (approximately 60s, walks with a cane) while helping him exit the vehicle. The suspect is still outstanding, and the case has been forwarded to the Sex Crimes Detail.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:23:00]
1. Drone usage for enforcement: Board Member Omura asked about the use of drones for enforcement, particularly for speeding cars, noise complaints, and illegal activity occurring late at night. Sergeant Cambra responded that drone usage is still evolving and remains a question for City and State authorities, but drones were used for New Year’s Eve fireworks enforcement and represent the future of law enforcement technology.
Illegal Fireworks Comments / Concerns / Reports – [0:25:00]
1. Fireworks in Tropicana/Salt Lake area: Board Member Omura reported that his sister and neighbors noted increased fireworks activity in the Tropicana area near Salt Lake Shopping Center, which is typically quiet. He observed large fireworks display near the park around 12:15 a.m. and saw aerial displays in the Āliamanu-Salt Lake housing area with two police cars responding.
2. Permit compliance tracking: Board Member Davis asked if there is a way to get year-end statistics on fireworks permit registrations and those detained for using illegal fireworks to show the community progress toward compliance.
3. Chair’s fireworks observations and enforcement concerns: Chair Yomes observed improved but still illegal fireworks activity in Salt Lake and Āliamanu on New Year’s Eve and recommended a Civil Beat article on fireworks-related injuries. Chair Yomes reported difficulties reporting violations: 911 didn’t answer initially and placed him on hold for 13 minutes, while the State Law Enforcement Division hotline had a full mailbox. Chair Yomes proposed a volunteer telephone system with approximately 30 volunteers to screen fireworks calls separately from 911, allowing police to focus on other emergencies while volunteers document complaints for officers. He called for creating a dedicated fireworks detail with additional officers and reserves and urged law enforcement and community collaboration before next New Year’s Eve to stop aerial fireworks and illegal firecracker use.
NB #18 COMMUNITY WARRIOR(S) OF THE MONTH – [0:37:04]: Chair Yomes presented the Neighborhood Board No. 18 “Community Warrior of the Month” award for January 2026 to Zhoydell Magaoay, Neighborhood Assistant with the Neighborhood Commission. The award recognized his behind-the-scenes work, including setting up and breaking down meeting equipment, preparing meeting minutes, sending reminders to board members, coordinating venue schedules, ensuring videography presence, and providing respectful, collaborative service. His dedication, professionalism, and positive attitude exemplify the spirit of a community warrior.
COMMUNITY EVENTS / CONCERNS / UPDATES – [0:41:36]
Salt Lake Waterway Update – [0:41:44]: Secretary Chandra Kanemaru announced that the Salt Lake Waterway project enters its third year of a five-year initiative in 2026 and invited Boy Scouts to participate in future cleanups and Genki Ball tosses for community service merit badges. The first “Operation Clean Sweep” event has been moved to Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., to coincide with Earth Day, featuring a community cleanup and Genki Ball making at a location being coordinated with the Honolulu Country Club, which owns the waterway. A pack down event will follow next week, with the Genki Ball toss scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026. Secretary Kanemaru will present an abstract about the community collaboration at the all-Pacific Water Conference on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as one of 100 speakers discussing community-led restoration efforts.
Christmas Parade – [0:45:06]: Chair Yomes thanked Called Church for organizing the successful December 20, 2025 Christmas Parade and providing a decorated trolley for board members. He expressed amazement at the number of children and adults who lined the streets of Salt Lake for the event and looked forward to the next parade.
Other Events / Concerns / Updates – [0:46:09]
1. Unleashed dogs on bicycle path near Pearl Harbor: Board Member Omura read a concern from his sister (a cyclist) who encountered two medium-sized unleashed dogs near the bicycle path from Dillingham Boulevard/Middle Street area down to lower Pearl Harbor on January 6, 2026. The dogs growled and chased her as if ready to attack. There are homeless people living under the bike path viaduct with unchained dogs. She requested that the public bike path be made safe for public use.
2. Flooding concern on Olino Street: Resident Kim Pang reported that her property on Olino Street (next to two water tanks, behind government/Navy property) floods every time it rains heavily (even after just 10 minutes of heavy rain). Water comes from the Navy side through a drainage system that is too small to handle the volume, resulting in water flowing onto her property. Navy Representative Chuck Anthony offered to speak with her to gather information and help address the issue.
COMMUNITY AGENCY UPDATES – [0:49:13]
Aloha Stadium – [0:49:29]: Chris Kinimaka introduced Samantha Spain as the new community relations specialist and Michael Yadao as deputy stadium manager with construction expertise and board experience since 2021. Demolition is underway with perimeter fencing installed and site surveys completed. The Stadium Authority is relocating offices to a temporary location at Salt Lake Boulevard and Kahuapaani Street between late January and early February 2026, while crane delivery has been delayed to mid-February to redirect $50,000-$70,000 in storage costs toward stadium seats. The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is relocating to the Lower Hālawa parking lot, and a partnership event with DTS and Skyline on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., will offer collectibles, raffles, and free entry for HOLO cardholders. March 2029 remains the target completion date.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R2YpuWHkkN–Hg1NxXgIdhlXeLgvAz12/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:57:49]
1. Swap Meet tent safety incident: Board Member Valdez inquired about a November 2025 incident at the Swap Meet where a tent flew over and injured a vendor and asked how future incidents will be prevented. Samantha Spain reported that the vendor, who was struck in the head by a pole, is recovering after hospitalization. The incident was caused by a localized dust storm. Vendors are being advised about increased windiness at the new location and are implementing better tie-down procedures. While securing tents to the ground was considered, it raised safety concerns, so alternative solutions are being evaluated.
Army – [0:59:40]: Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Perry updated the community on several 2026 initiatives. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the Army will conduct ranger/jungle tactics, aviation, and artillery motor demolitions training at Schofield Barracks in January with minimal community impact. Prescribed burns at Schofield Barracks Training Range Complex (April 13-19, 2026) will use one of the most effective wildfire management tools to protect endangered species while reducing fuel loads, with full Army support and 24-hour on-site monitoring. Additionally, “The Wall That Heals” — a three-quarter scale Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica—will be displayed at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oahu (January 14-19, 2026) free and open 24 hours daily, featuring a mobile education center and honoring the 58,821 service members who died in the Vietnam War.
• Advisory: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_nBSNP40qVaJnH-1tNZ9uZCe2XmwIXNm/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:03:14]
1. Appreciation for Army presentation and scouts: Chair Yomes thanked Colonel Sullivan for bringing Troop 24 Scouting America to present the Pledge of Allegiance and participate in the meeting for their communications merit badge requirement.
Navy – [1:03:54]: Chuck Anthony announced the next Restoration Advisory Board meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Oahu Veterans Center, which will include a module on Kalaeloa environmental issues. Rear Admiral Lester Tease replaced Rear Admiral Williams, who served approximately two years overseeing the permanent decommissioning and environmental remediation of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Anthony also announced Century Aloha, a two-week fighter aircraft exercise running January 14-28, 2026, which will increase jet traffic with takeoffs and tactical landings depending on weather conditions. Hawaiʻi’s isolated location and unrestricted airspace make it ideal for training 4th and 5th-generation fighters from the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard and Air Force pilots.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [1:07:57]: Jimmy Yanos provided a follow-up on the November 2025 main break at 3330 Ala Ilima Street, confirming it occurred on the makai side and explaining that multiple breaks in an area can result from various factors including pipe age, corrosion, ground shifting, water pressure surges, or nearby construction—though electrical lines typically don’t cause breaks, other utility work can trigger ground movement affecting pipelines. In December 2025, one (1) main break occurred on December 6, 2025, at 3375 Koapaka Street (12-inch diameter pipe). Yanos also announced expanded Water Sensible rebate programs developed in partnership with the Department of Environmental Services, with doubled rebates now available: $150 for Energy Star clothes washers, $200 for WaterSense labeled toilets, and $400 for water smart monitors for residents, plus higher commercial rebates on plumbing and kitchen equipment—details available at www.boardofwatersupply.com/rebates.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qGpBoP2fI-R-vpCI2csplgitnZGUdat4/view?usp=drive_link
• Rebates: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19NCkk0bNwlVsi7gZw6xweIx5KoheaTFU/view?usp=drive_link
CITY ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS – [1:10:17]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [1:11:55]: Deputy Director Bryan Gallagher highlighted the new HNL 311 public reporting system (www.hnl311.com) with mobile app capabilities, Waiʻanae Police Station expansion, and transit-oriented housing in Kapolei and Kalihi. Infrastructure updates include DTS delaying the Salt Lake Boulevard speed bump study until May 2026, DFM pursuing Pearl Harbor Historic Trail bridge repairs, and ongoing pothole repairs on Ala Lilikoi Street. Moanalua High School addressed parking and jaywalking issues through principal notifications, resulting in one citation and 58 warnings for traffic violations during an enforcement action on November 25, 2025.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PANWbQeh5iFxRSBYYWT0HoKJSNZoa1Bi/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:19:34]
1. Potholes on Valkenburgh Street: Board Member Davis reported a severe pothole near the Navy-Marine Golf Course on Valkenburgh Street on the downhill section that is large enough to damage both front tires and cause vehicles to need towing. The area experiences heavy traffic during the morning and 5:00 p.m. rush hours. Deputy Director Gallagher responded that they would check the jurisdiction between the city and the state and coordinate to ensure the appropriate party receives the repair information.
2. Nimitz Highway pavement conditions: Board Member Davis reported the far-right eastbound lane on Nimitz Highway (heading downtown) has extremely deteriorated pavement resembling “a horrible roller coaster” for approximately a mile and a half, causing potential damage to vehicle shocks and suspensions. Most drivers avoid that lane until after Paiea Street. Deputy Director Gallagher responded that they would check jurisdiction and coordinate between the city and the state to get the information to the appropriate party.
3. Dashboard camera program: Secretary Kanemaru asked about the new dashboard camera program, where residents can submit videos of traffic violations and potholes. Deputy Director Gallagher was not immediately aware of the program but indicated they would check whether it is a State program and how the City and State coordinate on such initiatives. Chair Yomes confirmed it is a State Department of Transportation program.
4. Bicycle path concerns – Dogs and homeless encampments: Board Member Omura discussed the bicycle path between Middle Street and Puʻuloa Road that goes under the H-1 viaduct, where homeless individuals have cut the state-owned barbed wire fence and are living underneath with aggressive dogs venturing onto the path. The fence was replaced years ago but has not been maintained in the last 3-4 years, creating jurisdictional confusion between the city and the state with no resolution. Deputy Director Gallagher responded that they would investigate jurisdiction and fence ownership, noting that the city provides homeless outreach, dog control, and area cleanup services. Chair Yomes suggested that Board Member Omura use the HNL 311 app to document and report specific issues, which Deputy Director Gallagher supported.
5. Property tax concerns – Non-Social Security recipients: Board Member Omura raised concerns on behalf of his sister (age 68), who worked most of her life in Japan and does not receive Social Security. After returning to Hawaii, her property taxes increased significantly because earned income is counted in tax calculations while Social Security is not, disadvantaging those who worked outside the U.S. and must work in retirement. Deputy Director Gallagher responded that they would investigate this issue, noting there are age-related reductions and that it aligns with ongoing City Council and administration discussions about property tax relief.
6. Salt Lake Boulevard widening completion timeline: Board Member Omura noted that while one side of Salt Lake Boulevard may be completed by the end of 2026, the other side will take another two years, extending the entire project completion timeline. Deputy Director Gallagher acknowledged this and noted property issues on the other side, where homeowners may misunderstand property boundaries.
Councilmember Radiant Cordero – [1:32:05]: Councilmember Cordero recommended that Board Member Omura’s sister apply for homeowner’s and senior exemptions (age 65+) to benefit from the City Council’s recent $160,000 home exemption increase, with details in her newsletter. She noted the approaching deadline for appealing real property assessments. She also reported EMS service expansion, including EMT training partnerships, acquisition of the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi property for additional ambulances, and adjusted staffing hours (10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.) to align with peak demand. District updates include the Hulakui Drive rehabilitation project (beginning December 10, 2025), scheduled crosswalk repainting, street sign repairs, efforts to honor a former board member, and a Read Aloud event at Skyline Hālawa Station on January 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zHckTFkwqDUIE8YMjeO81kluEo-AMEVI/view?usp=drive_link
STATE ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS – [1:41:26]
Governor’s Representative – [1:42:25]: Diamond Badajos provided updates and acknowledged concerns raised at the meeting, including fireworks enforcement and potential community collaboration, as well as the dog incident under the airport viaduct, which may fall under the Department of Transportation’s jurisdiction. She offered to send two press releases about the dashboard camera program with the Department of Transportation and remains available for any follow-up questions from the community or board.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C-X4-MmiNI2BK-Dg84zWdSqx4ngZwpHH/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:43:25]
1. State taxes – No tax on tips and overtime: Board Member Omura asked about federal tax changes eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, and whether Hawaii (as one of 22 states not adopting this change) will implement these tax breaks, noting this would significantly help non-union workers, especially those in restaurants, hotels, and retail who work for close to minimum wage. Diamond Badajos noted the question and said she would check it.
Senator Glenn Wakai – [1:45:13]: Kaylani Gallen reported that recent legislation has clarified criminal penalties for illegal fireworks and elevated violations to felonies when casualties occur. Senator Wakai’s Senate Bill 222/246 extends the State Illegal Firework Task Force through 2030 to ensure continued enforcement coordination. On New Year’s Eve, HPD and the Department of Law Enforcement seized 61 tons of illegal fireworks using drones, resulting in five felony arrests and 29 citations. In addition, stadium demolition began last month, with barriers now being installed; the ten-month demolition phase is expected to result in the new stadium’s completion by March 2029. Senator Wakai also attended Christmas performances at Moanalua and Radford Complex, witnessing the community’s holiday spirit and generosity.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lTIp1saZ0M7FPhDzRai4qoLELHqfb0va/view?usp=drive_link
Representative Linda Ichiyama – [1:47:39]: Representative Linda Ichiyama introduced Jhen Elizando as her legislative aide for this session, who will attend meetings on her behalf. She distributed copies of the January community update and announced that the legislative session officially starts on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Representative Ichiyama highlighted improvements to the legislative website, including an enhanced search bar to help residents find topics of interest. She also announced that Āliamanu Elementary School is hosting an e-waste recycling day on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and directed residents to check the list of accepted recyclables.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18_CyIa1ihd02iPluaKtfzPmrv7YBFNk2/view?usp=drive_link
Representative Garner Shimizu – [1:49:52]: Representative Garner Shimizu addressed resident Kim Pang’s flooding concerns by coordinating with Navy liaison Chuck Anthony, who committed to investigating Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) drainage improvements; recent water tank construction does not appear to be the contributing factor. Regarding Salt Lake Boulevard traffic safety, DTS found no justification for dedicated left turns at Radford Drive and Wanaka Street but will install median delineators to prevent illegal turns from Makalapa Elementary’s parking lot. Shimizu also noted a request for vegetation clearing and fire mitigation on Navy property adjacent to 4319 Halupa Street in Foster Village due to wildfire risk, which Chuck Anthony acknowledged.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16JSZ1ptiCRC4k1RFoDqoZoMyxDTmipMR/view?usp=drive_link
[1:54:54] – Chair Yomes thanked Scouting America Troop 24 for attending the meeting and for the Army’s participation in celebrating the 250th anniversary.
PRESENTATIONS / BOARD ACTIONS – [1:56:08]
City Presentation Regarding Water Flooding Streets & Sidewalks in Mapunapuna – [1:56:34]: Deputy Director Bryan Gallagher and Dr. Kealoha Fox committed to a full presentation on February 12, 2026, with at least one hour allocated to address flooding involving City, State, Federal, and private property considerations. Dr. Fox outlined a five-pronged approach: agency coordination and partnership; research with updated information, including Salt Lake Waterway patterns; near-term and long-term planning scenarios; pursuing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding; and educating residents through virtual and in-person meetings and mailers. Chair Yomes emphasized the urgency of flooding, which damages business infrastructure and causes vehicle stalls, and requested information on Salt Lake Waterway flows and storm drain systems, which Deputy Director Gallagher noted are available on Honolulu GIS (www.honolulugis.org).
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:10:33]
1. Disaster preparedness education: Secretary Kanemaru requested that the February 12, 2026 presentation include emergency disaster preparedness information, particularly regarding tsunamis, since the evacuation zones have been realigned. Dr. Fox responded that her office is working on disaster preparedness education this year and will connect with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) to bring information and resources, with a goal of reaching 250,000 HNL Alert enrollments for direct emergency notifications from DEM and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – [2:12:15]
The Board approved the minutes of the Wednesday, November 13, 2025, regular meeting as written.
COMMITTEE TEAM CHAIRS / ASSIGNMENTS & REPORTS – [2:12:23]
Chair Yomes announced the committee assignments for 2026:
• Homeless: Clarence Davis
• Health Services / Environment: Chandra Kanemaru
• Transportation: Joseph Omura
• Legislation / Construction: Nancy Valdez
• Oahu Metro Planning Organization / NB System: James Gauer
• Senior Citizens (Kupuna): Patti Igawa
• Schools / Parks & Recreation: Douglas Fujikura
• Community / Board Meetings: Faye Johnson
• Military / Public Safety: David Yomes
Chair Yomes clarified media communication protocol: Committee Chairs may speak to media about their areas of responsibility after notifying the Chair. Individual board members can speak to media as private citizens but not on behalf of the board. Only the Chair, Vice Chair (if unavailable), or Secretary (if both unavailable) is authorized to speak on behalf of the board. The Chair will meet with each Committee Chair throughout the year to discuss community improvement strategies.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:14:26]
Next Meeting: Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., National Guard Association Building, 891 Valkenburgh Street.
ʻŌlelo Airings: Channel 49 on the 4th Saturday at 9:00 p.m.; 2nd and 4th Fridays at 7:00 a.m. Recordings available on YouTube for approximately two to three days after meetings.
ADJOURNMENT – [2:15:19]
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Submitted by: Zhoydell Magaoay, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy
Final Review by: Chandra Kanemaru, Secretary, and David Yomes, 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.
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