When
Where
715 Hoʻomoana St, Pearl City, Hawaiʻi, 96782
Events
PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
MOMILANI COMMUNITY CENTER,
715 HOʻOMOANA ST, PEARL CITY, HI 96782
AND VIA WEBEX
This meeting location is open to public participation.
Other available options including WebEx and phone-in instructions are as follows:
WEBEX Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m9548a7ebd3743fc3f1febe04ca334e38
Meeting Number/Access Code: 2488 368 8061
Password: NB21 (6221 from phones and video systems)
Join By Phone: 1-408-418-9388
PCNB Documents posted on Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V5AlaHjrMVo42KclDDH1qS-pc2oJVF9l
MEETING POLICY – Adopted July 22, 2025
Rules of Speaking:
Virtual: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to open the list of participants and click the “raise hand” icon by their name. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. Remarks should not exceed 3 minutes. (Please cancel the “raise hand” icon after speaking. Presentations must be kept under 5 minutes. Please silence your cell phones. The “chat” box can also be used to ask simple questions. Board Members are required to keep their video active during the board meeting.
Recordings of Board Meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
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. Board actions such as draft resolutions and outgoing letters will be posted for the public on Google Drive.
Board Agenda Items: The Board is requesting that all written reports presented at the board meeting be soft copy emailed to the Board Chair and Website Manager: lveray@hawaii.rr.com and info@pearlcitynb.com. All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, 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 Blvd, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Larry Veray
A. Pledge of Allegiance followed by Cubmaster Update – Cub Scout Pack 75 – Cubmaster Scott Ogasawara
B. Time Limit Policy and Procedures from previous board term
C. All participants are to sign in for in-person and virtual identify yourself to NCO Assistant on WEBEX
D. Introduction of the Neighborhood Board Team (All board members must have their video turned on)
II. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department
III. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS
A. PCNB, Sen Elefante and Councilmember Okimoto to Recognize Pearl City Highlands Intermediate School Science Olympiad Students
B. City & County Honolulu, Environmental Services (ENV), Green Recycling Organic Waste (GROW) New Pilot Program – Henry Gabriel
IV. PUBLIC TESTIMONY – Limited to 3 minutes each (Resident/Community Concerns) to include confidential and public safety concerns from residents who wanted to remain anonymous requesting board member to present their issue at the board.
V. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU
A. Office of the Mayor – Mr. Gene Albano, Director Facility Maintenance
B. Councilmember Val Okimoto
VI. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
1. Governor Josh Green’s Office – Mr. Jeff Hickman, Public Affairs
2. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation – Mr. Casey Abe, HDOT State Highways Division
A. STATE LEGISLATURE
1. Senator Glenn Wakai (D15)
2. Senator Brandon Elefante (D16)
3. Senator Rachele Lamosao (D19)
4. Representative Gregg Takayama (D34)
5. Representative Cory Chun (D35)
6. Representative Trish La Chica (D37)
B. STATE EDUCATION
1. University of Hawaiʻi – Leeward Community College – Chancellor Carlos Penaloza
C. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS
1. Congressman Ed Case –Mr. Nestor Garcia, Director of Communications
VII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Resolution Opposing SB2423 and HB1734 related to Zoning that will negatively impact the character of our housing community while influencing out of state investors and increase costs for housing for our residents
B. Resolution Urging the Honolulu City Council and Department of Environmental Services Modify Bulk Material Pickup Procedures for Townhome Multi-Unit Associations that Will Improve Efficiency, Health and Safety and Beautification of Our Neighborhoods
C. PCNB Letter to Director, Department of Transportation Requesting Traffic Light Signal Direction to One Direction at a Time at the Intersection of Komo Mai Drive and Waimano Home Road
D. PCNB Letter to Deputy Director for Highways Requesting Repair of state fence along Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery and Kamehameha Highway
E. Reports from board members on testimony provided to legislative bills
F. Committee Reports
VIII. OTHER AGENCIES
A. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam – Ms. Kris Tanahara
B. Pearl City Library – Ms. Vicky Bowie, Branch Manager
C. Board of Water Supply – Mr. Arlen Ledward, Civil Engineer
D. Pearl City Community Events – Mr. Tony Velasco
IX. BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes Approval – February 24, 2026 minutes
X. CHAIR & BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 next board meeting will be both Hybrid Virtual and In-Person facilitated on WEBEX virtually and facilitated at Momilani Community Center 715 Hoomoana St, Pearl City. The next board meeting will be on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 meetings are broadcasted on Focus Channel 49 and air 2nd Saturday at 6:00 PM and 1st and 3rd Friday at 1:00 PM.
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 MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
MOMILANI COMMUNITY CENTER, 715 HOOMOANA ST. PEARL CITY, HI 96782
ONLINE VIA WEBEX
Video Recording of Meeting Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af3nlV9XhB8
Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DgbY8in-eOFiMYn8SbQ4EuZSt1xRaI2A
I. CALL TO ORDER — [0:00:39]: Chair Veray called the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. and announced meeting policy.
Pledge Of Allegiance – [0:01:16]: Cub Scout Pack 75 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Introduction of the Neighborhood Board Team — [0:03:09]: Quorum was established with 10 members present.
Note: This 11-member Board requires 6 members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.
Members Present: Rodney Awong, Charmaine Doran, Gauis Dupio II, Guy Inouye, Daniel Smith, Nathan Takeuchi, Michael Taylor, Tony Velasco, Larry Veray, and Ryan Yamato
Members Absent: Heide Weber
Guests: Firefighter Sophia Wilcox, Darren Murakami (Honolulu Fire Department); Councilmember Val Okimoto; Nancy Vo (Department of Information Technology); Director Gene Albano (Mayorʻs Representative); Jeff Hickman (Governor Josh Greenʻs Office); Jan Salcedo (Senator Brandon Elefanteʻs Office); Senator Rachele Lamosao; Representative Cory Chun; Alani Santana (Representative Trish La Chicaʻs Office); Kris Tanahara (Navy Region Hawaiʻi); JoAnna Delfin (Navy Closure Task Force Red Hill); Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza (Leeward Community College); Vicky Bowie (Pearl City Library); Arlen Ledward (Board of Water Supply); Pearl City High School Girlsʻ Basketball Team, Coaches and Parents; Linda Lee, Rachel Pahukea Malia, Joalyn Roberts, Dominic Inocelda, Alvin Wong, Ashley Tobosa, Fireflies.ai Notetaker, Leelynn, Kalea, Keith, LA, Michelle, Nicolas Adzuara, Paul Lee, Rt, Tati, Valerie Tuoma (Residents and Community Members); Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Names were not included if not legible. There were approximately 83 participants.
II. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS — [0:03:59]
A. Honolulu Fire Department — [0:04:22]: Firefighter Sophia Wilcox reported January 2026 statistics: 2 nuisance fires, 2 activated alarms with no fires, 141 medical emergencies, 2 motor vehicle crashes/collisions, 1 mountain rescue, and 1 hazardous materials incident. She announced that the Honolulu Fire Department transitioned from the Legacy National Fire Incident Reporting System to the Modern National Emergency Response Information System on January 1, 2026, noting this may cause fluctuations in category counts and that the motor vehicle collision with pedestrian category is temporarily unavailable. Firefighter Sophia also shared the monthly safety tip: residents should always call 911 rather than driving to a fire station, provide their need and address to the operator, and note that 911 text messaging is available in poor-reception areas.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FIzRmIFlOkZSrTtuT4khlaP__IA5Ny8M/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:06:38]
1. Fire Hydrant Parking Distance: Resident Alvin Wong asked how many feet from a fire hydrant a vehicle is prohibited from parking. Firefighter Wilcox responded that the required clearance is 10 feet, typically marked by red curb paint.
B. Honolulu Police Department — [0:07:59]: No representative was present.
[0:08:15] Chair Veray announced an addition to the agenda — a letter from the Board to the Deputy Director of the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation regarding a safety issue, to be discussed further during Board Business. No objections were raised.
III. PRESENTATIONS — [0:08:40]
A. Pearl City High School Coach and Girls’ Basketball Team Recognition — [0:08:40]: Chair Veray invited Councilmember Val Okimoto to open the recognition. Councilmember Okimoto congratulated the team, referenced her history playing basketball at Highlands with Coach Kyle Martin, and committed to bringing both the varsity and JV teams to Honolulu Hale. Member Velasco then presented certificates of recognition on behalf of the Board to all players and coaches, honoring their 2025–2026 Oahu Interscholastic Association Division 2 Championship and second-place State finish with a perfect 10-0 league record. Coach Martin thanked the Board, crediting the girls for their work and calling it a historic season.
B. City & County of Honolulu — New HNL 311 App — Department of Information Technology — [0:22:09]: Nancy Vo presented the revamped HNL 311 application (launched December 2025). She explained that the platform handles non-emergency service requests such as potholes or park concerns, accessible at hnl311.com or via mobile app. She demonstrated how to submit a request, noting that signed-in submissions allow the City to provide status updates while anonymous submissions do not. She explained that requests are automatically routed to the appropriate department with no delay and that submissions and their statuses are publicly trackable.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:31:35]
1. HNL 311 Visibility Duration and Outreach for Service Providers: Resident Valerie asked how long requests remain visible and whether service providers would be notified when issues are resolved. Nancy Vo responded that public display will be limited in the future to 14 days, and explained that providers can filter by category to monitor status in real time, with City departments updating status as work progresses.
IV. PUBLIC TESTIMONY — [0:35:53]
1. Community Safety Concerns — Hit-and-Run, Fireworks, Sidewalks, and Park Fence: Resident Alvin Wong reported that his daughter’s car was totaled in a December hit-and-run by a vehicle with no safety sticker, and suggested Hawaiʻi officers be authorized to remove plates and install locking devices on such vehicles. He also raised illegal fireworks within 1,000 feet of a Pearl City mental care home, a lack of sidewalks near Pearl City Highlands Elementary School that forces students to walk in the road, and a long-standing hole in the fence between Manana Foodland and Manana Community Park that poses a safety risk to children. Chair Veray acknowledged all concerns, directed Mr. Wong to use the HNL 311 app for applicable items, and offered to provide the State Department of Law Enforcement’s fireworks hotline number.
2. Hawaiian Immersion — Request to Remain in Pearl City: Kalea, a student at Kula Kaiapuniʻo Waiau (Hawaiian immersion school), testified virtually that she loves her school and teachers, feels safe there, and hopes to remain in Pearl City for Middle School because her mother has a disability and cannot drive far. Chair Veray thanked Kalea and asked her mother to share their contact information via the chat so he could personally follow up.
V. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU — [0:39:47]
A. Office of the Mayor — Director Gene Albano, Director Facility Maintenance — [0:39:52]: Director Albano presented highlights from the Mayorʻs February newsletter, including Kahuku District Park renovation updates, Black History Month, Honolulu Fire Department’s 175th anniversary, the appointment of Ocean Safety’s new Deputy Chief Jim Barros, a new off-leash dog park in Makiki, and a new UV system that protects Kailua waters. He reinforced support for the HNL 311 app and followed up on resident Mariko Hirano’s request from the prior meeting, noting that the Department of Community Services requested an extension to evaluate her proposal for a dedicated dumpster near the Waiawa Pearl Highlands rail station.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ErfDfdqck516aOam8_o9tVS8ztYQECT-/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:42:57]
1. Pearl Skyline Rail Station Land Use: Member Smith noted the HNL 311 map did not show the rail station near the homeless encampment and suggested it may need updating. Member Awong asked what the plan is for the parcel near the rail station, noting an increase in vehicles and houseless individuals in the area. He suggested utilizing the space for a productive purpose, such as a community urban garden. Director Albano committed to follow-up.
2. Palisades Park Storm Drain — Interdepartmental Dispute: Vice Chair Doran raised an ongoing 311 request for an overgrown storm drain at Palisades Park (approximately 6 feet of vegetation) where Department of Facility Maintenance, Storm Drain, and Department of Parks and Recreation have each denied responsibility. Director Albano asked if it was currently in the 311 system; Vice Chair Doran confirmed it was. Director Albano committed to resolving the dispute, stating he does not tolerate departments deflecting to each other.
3. Albizia Tree Removal: Member Dupio II commended Director Albano’s staff for cleanly cutting down the Albizia tree on the road up to Palisades. Director Albano acknowledged the feedback.
4. Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery Flooding and 311 Routing for Private Property: Chair Veray reported that recent heavy rains caused additional grave site collapses at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, possibly due to an underground stream, while City culverts were proactively cleaned with no backups.
5. Homeless on Private Property – Routing Process: Resident Valerie asked where 311 complaints about homeless on private property are routed. Director Albanpo replied that such complaints go to the Department of Community Services, which assesses jurisdiction, and that state-land complaints are forwarded to the state with a response posted in the 311 app.
B. Councilmember Val Okimoto — [0:51:19]: Councilmember Okimoto reported from her February newsletter sharing the City budget calendar. She highlighted District accomplishments including Pearl City District Park gym roof repair, graffiti cleanup, and a slide repair. She also recognized Manana Elementary School as a National Blue-Ribbon Awardee, teacher Jodi Kadayama as Teacher of the Year, and retiring Principal Brian Lou. She noted legislative items including Bill 1 (2026) establishing Medical Examiner fees, and pending Bills 76 and 77 (budget transparency), In response to a community request, she reported that Honolulu Police Department District 3 issued 116 citations (60 expired safety inspections, 56 expired registrations) from Wednesday, January 28, 2026 to Monday, February 9, 2026 in the Pearl City area. She closed by noting road safety improvements near Highlands Intermediate and Waimano Home Road are in progress.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HB4-38xQBY0ycj-AVmAN8CgsdIn8F0B_/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:59:54]
1. Oʻahu Zone Building Permits and Parking Concerns: Member Awong asked about two construction projects: one in a nearby cul-de-sac with two connected dwellings that could generate 12–16 vehicles with insufficient parking, and another behind Pearl City Highlands Elementary where a second driveway being added could eliminate an existing student sidewalk. Councilmember Okimoto asked Member Awong to email both addresses so she could submit formal inquiries to the Department of Planning and Permitting.
2. Traffic Signals and Bus Service: Member Smith reported that Traffic Engineer Kelly Akasaki told him at the recent sign-waving event that signal changes are ready for implementation, and asked about bus service to Pearl City High School campus. Councilmember Okimoto confirmed Department of Transportation Services is aware of both items.
3. Bus Stop Shelters: Member Dupio II asked about adding a bus stop canopy. Councilmember Okimoto explained that Department of Transportation Services assesses ridership and space before installing shelters and requested an email with a specific location and photos.
VI. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE — [1:07:03]
1. Governor Josh Green’s Office — Mr. Jeff Hickman, Public Affairs — [1:07:10]: Jeff Hickman responded to a prior question from Member Awong about the State Fire Marshal, reporting that she is hiring an assistant and that legislation has been introduced for a deputy position, with a larger staff expected by summer. He shared highlights from the Governor’s State of the State address covering affordable housing, cost of living, homelessness, the local economy, environmental protection, health care, and Maui recovery. Lastly, he noted that he would work offline with Member Awong on multi-agency road concerns.
Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JjkM_l_J9Qnb9vzSiVCavP3NsCi-tsYg/view?usp=drive_link
2. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation — Mr. Casey Abe — [1:08:54]: No representative was present.
A. STATE LEGISLATURE — [1:09:08]
1. Senator Glenn Wakai (District 15) — [1:09:09]: No representative was present.
2. Senator Brandon Elefante (D16) — [1:09:14]: Jan Salcedo stood on the written report and expressed the Senator’s gratitude to first responders for storm response.
Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13x0lTSkbOmSxYjbzEfzWVzfZKJYFKTYQ/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:09:49]
1. Palisades Tree and Hawaiian Immersion Pathway Issue: Vice Chair Doran thanked the office of Senator Elefante for following up on the Palisades tree matter and asked that the office reach out to Kalea and her father regarding contact with the Office of Hawaiian Education on the Hawaiian immersion pathway issue.
3. Senator Rachele Lamosao (District 19) — [1:11:14]: Senator Lamosao stood on her written report and noted the legislature has passed the first lateral deadline and is heading to first decking. She highlighted Senate Bill (SB) 3053 (stream management for all streams in Senate District 19, with water monitoring and agency accountability), and Senate Bill (SB) 2892 (feral chicken collection following capture).
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n4cdC6ArLPjSBSpzJfNvF1gvYMj0i4ay/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:14:02]
1. Questions on SB 2103 and SB 3053: Member Dupio II asked about SB 2103 (pesticide buffers). Senator Lamosao noted she is not on that committee and directed the question to Representative Chun. Member Awong also asked whether SB 3053 covers all streams or only those on the west side. Senator Lamosao confirmed it covers all streams across District 19 including those in Pearl City and Aiea, and that it is scheduled for Ways and Means.
4. Representative Gregg Takayama (District 34) – [1:17:41]: No representative was present.
5. Representative Cory Chun (District 35) — [1:17:48]: Representative Chun explained that the vehicle for addressing feral chickens is now House Bill 2561 introduced by Representative Ikaika Olds. He noted his own bill’s provision to humanely kill chickens on private property drew opposition, so he removed it and inserted his collection/drop-off language into House Bill (HB) 2561, which also classifies feral chickens as a controllable pest on state/county lands, provides the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the City more enforcement tools, institutes fines for feeding or abandoning chickens on government property, and includes a rescue exemption. He also reported Pearl City High School tennis courts are budgeted for repaving in Department of Education FY 2026–2027, and highlighted House Bill (HB) 1969 (colorectal cancer screening) and House Bill (HB) 1880 (ban on restricted-use pesticide Telone).
Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ch09ufSb1KJypQ1dwCwwC4mgT9aA5cDm/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:23:15]
1. Bill-Combination Strategy: Member Smith commended the bill-combination strategy. Representative Chun explained that removing the contested kill provision was necessary to allow the broader measure to advance.
6. Representative Trish La Chica (District 37) — [1:24:56]: Alani Santana highlighted House Bill (HB) 1782 (Artificial Intelligence safeguards and penalties for interactions with minors), House Bill (HB) 2186 (crosswalk safety near roadways and school area), House Bill (HB) 1779 (universal free school lunch beginning 2029), House Bill (HB) 1780 (free school bus for qualifying students), and House Bill (HB) 1785 (school bus driver shortage). She also followed up on Member Weber’s prior water safety inquiry, noting the 2025 bills carried over but the Senate did not hear them, and that Representative La Chica will support reintroduction.
Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lav8HZrI72j9KuwJrtRbHg_uLOwnaRGz/view?usp=drive_link
B. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS — [1:28:21]
1. Congressman Ed Case — [1:28:22]: No representative present.
VII. BOARD BUSINESS — [1:28:37]
A. Resolution in Response to FAA Airspace Modernization Project Survey — [1:28:44]: Chair Veray introduced the item, explaining that the Federal Aviation Association is soliciting Neighborhood Board responses as part of its national airspace modernization scoping process, and that Pearl City’s concerns center on helicopter traffic. Member Taylor read the full resolution, which requests the Federal Aviation Association: (1) limit commercial tour helicopter flight patterns to the coastal south side of Pearl Harbor with a minimum altitude of 1,000 feet; (2) enforce military helicopter corridors strictly over the H1/H2 expressways at a minimum altitude of 1,000 feet; and (3) relocate the helicopter training area from near Pacific Palisades homes to approximately half a mile northwest near the Waiawa Correctional Facility. Chair Veray noted the survey deadline is March 12.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XkCt9ZGLitsBZRsPDbZGZUJrgL3EF6c1/view?usp=drive_link
[1:32:12] Member Taylor MOVED and Member Awong SECONDED to approve the Resolution in Response to the Federal Aviation Administration Airspace Modernization Project Survey. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-1 (Aye: Awong, Doran, Dupio II, Inouye, Smith, Takeuchi, Velasco, Veray, Yamato; Nay: None; Abstain: Taylor). — [1:33:23] Note: Member Taylor stated he must abstain due to his work with the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation.
B. Reports from Board Members on Testimony — [1:33:35]: Chair Veray commended board members for actively submitting legislative testimony. Vice Chair Doran noted she submitted approximately seven testimonies and planned to submit one more the following day.
C. Committee Reports: Item not addressed.
D. Letter to Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Requesting Fence Repair on Kamehameha Highway (Item added to the agenda) — [1:34:22]: Chair Veray explained that this item was to address a public safety concern along Kamehameha Highway at Sunset Memorial Cemetery, where homeless individuals have cut through the state-installed fence creating a pathway that also endangers disabled pedestrians. He confirmed with Casey Abe that Board approval and legislative endorsement are required before the State can proceed with repair. Chair Veray disclosed a conflict of interest as president of a non-profit associated with the cemetery and stated he would abstain.
[1:35:36] Vice Chair Doran MOVED and Member Dupio II SECONDED to add the item, Letter to Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation to the agenda. The motion was ADOPTED by voice vote with no objections; 10-0-0 (Aye: Awong, Doran, Dupio II, Inouye, Smith, Takeuchi, Taylor, Velasco, Veray, Yamato; Nay: None; Abstain: None). — [1:36:09]
[1:36:10] Vice Chair Doran MOVED and Member Dupio II SECONDED to approve a letter to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Deputy Director requesting repair or replacement of the fence along Kamehameha Highway. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-1 (Aye: Awong, Doran, Dupio II, Inouye, Smith, Takeuchi, Taylor, Velasco, Yamato; Nay: None; Abstain: Veray). — [1:38:29]
Note: Vice Chair disclosed a potential conflict of interest, noting that she periodically supports nonprofits along Kamehameha Avenue that may be connected to the fence matter, and stated he would submit the disclosure in writing. Chair Veray also disclosed a conflict of interest as president of a non-profit associated with the cemetery and stated he would abstain.
VIII. OTHER AGENCIES — [1:38:37]
A. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam — Ms. Kris Tanahara — [1:38:43]: Kris Tanahara announced that monthly ship tours continue every Saturday, and that a community white boat tour is available on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. from the PAC Fleet Boat House. She also announced Hawaiʻi Navy Week on Monday, March 9, 2026 to Sunday, March 15, 2026 (the first in Hawaiʻi), featuring sailor community engagement and volunteer activities, and noted Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) this summer is expected to be the largest exercise to date with dates to be announced.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ul7uwxwzMy4QCGYxcVWFMD5qvHDf_Dnc/view?usp=drive_link
• Weekly Moʻolelo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WvH0laJDoxe4fl81fi7HTIONSvWXji-2/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:41:28]
1. Change of Command Ceremony: Chair Veray asked for an update on the change of command ceremony for Captain White. Kris Tanahara committed to follow up.
B. Navy Closure Task Force Red Hill — [1:41:47]: JoAnna Delfin reported that the task force is currently pressure washing Tanks 3 and 4 and degassing Tank 15, with preparations underway for the next tank. She noted that air quality data is posted hourly on the mobile app and daily on the website during active degassing, and that pipeline removal is expected to begin within a few weeks with community notification to follow.
• Red Hill Highlights: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WeDH4FIWMFbhpfazwiR_J3OliMsFdAkl/view?usp=drive_link
C. Leeward Community College — Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza — [1:43:04]: Chancellor Peñaloza reported enrollment at both Leeward and West Oʻahu is up approximately 1% each. He described the ongoing exploration of a collaborative relationship between the two campuses, with the goal of creating a seamless community-college-to-four-year-degree pathway without students needing to travel to Mānoa, and committed to sending community input invitations. He noted Leeward was reaccredited for seven additional years with commendations for online learning and Native Hawaiian student success, and highlighted West Oʻahuʻs hosting of the Wall That Heals Vietnam War Memorial replica. He also introduced Pearl City High School senior Kenny Suru, whose Kenny Boy ice cream is produced through the Leeward food innovation program and would be showcased at the State Capitol the following day. Lastly, he announced the “Direct To UH” initiative giving all Department of Education senior students simplified access to any of the seven community colleges and University of Hawaiʻi Hilo and West Oʻahu (GPA 2.7+).
Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:46:32]
1. Blue-Collar Programs and West Oʻahu Degrees: Member Awong asked Chancellor Peñaloza whether Leeward would expand blue-collar and trade programs, and whether West Oʻahu would eventually offer full four-year degrees. Chancellor Peñaloza responded that Leeward is actively building workforce connections and developing non-credit pathways, negotiating with Kapiʻolani and Honolulu Community College to bring programs including Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training to the west side. He confirmed the West Oʻahu exploration is specifically aimed at expanding essential programming so students do not need to travel to Mānoa.
D. Pearl City Library — Ms. Vicky Bowie, Branch Manager — [1:50:00]: Vicky Bowie announced the library will be closed on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in observance of Prince Kuhio Day, and highlighted two March programs: Chair Yoga on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., and “Explore the Possibilities with Camille,” focused on exercise, meditation, and stress reduction. She also reported that the administration is still negotiating a lease at Pearl Ridge for the popup location and expects confirmed details next month. Lastly, she noted a closing ceremony is planned before the library moves to the popup, with invitations to be sent to the community and Board.
E. Board of Water Supply — Mr. Arlen Ledward, Civil Engineer — [1:51:58]: Arlen Ledward was online but could not be heard. Chair Veray noted that his written report had been distributed to all members.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fo7sbCPcmq1fQRtSDlEtyWgKznAa_oyj/view?usp=drive_link
Hearing no objections, Chair Veray took the agenda out of order to hear item X. Board Administrative Actions before item IX. Associations.
X. BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS — [1:52:33]
A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes Approval — January 27, 2026 — [1:52:34]: Chair Veray asked whether there were any amendments to the January 27, 2026 minutes. No amendments were raised, and the minutes were approved as written.
IX. ASSOCIATIONS — [1:52:56]
A. Pearl City Community Events — Mr. Tony Velasco — [1:52:57]: Member Velasco announced two upcoming events: the Pearl City Community Association Breakfast Bingo on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Highlands Intermediate School, and a Pearl City Craft Fair at Pearl City Shopping Center on Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
XI. CHAIR & BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS — [1:53:23]: Chair Veray announced that the next Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 meeting will be Hybrid, Virtual and In-Person on WebEx and at Momilani Community Center, 715 Hoʻomoana St, Pearl City, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 meetings are broadcast on ʻŌlelo Channel on the 2nd Saturday at 6:00 PM and 1st and 3rd Friday at 1:00 PM. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:54 p.m.
Submitted by: Melissa Urubio, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Robert Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Finalized by: Larry Veray, Chair and Tony Velasco, Secretary
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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