PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 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. Recognize Pearl City High School Student Ambassadors who represented Hawaiʻi visiting Korea

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. PRESENTATIONS
A. City & County Honolulu, Environmental Services (ENV), Green Recycling Organic Waste (GROW) New Pilot Program – Henry Gabriel
B. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (PAWS) – Mr. Dennis Hida

VIII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Resolution Supporting Responsible State Action to Expand Housing Opportunities for Local Residents while Protecting Community Character
B. Resolution Calling for Immediate State and City Action to Clear Obstructions and Increase Capacity of Streams, Culverts and Drainage Outlets to Prevent Flooding and Protect Lives and Property
C. PCNB Letter to the Police Commission Recommending Mike Lambert to be the Next Honolulu Police Chief
D. Reports from board members on testimony provided to legislative bills
E. Committee Reports

IX. 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

X. BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes Approval – March 24, 2026 minutes

XI. CHAIR & BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. 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, May 26, 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.
B. Hawaiʻi Foodbank Food Drive: City and County of Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Foodbank are Partnering up to Fight Against Hunger: Neighborhood Assistant Melissa Urubio will be collecting donated canned goods at the Neighborhood Board Meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

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, MARCH 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=8lvfJBV2iYo

Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DgbY8in-eOFiMYn8SbQ4EuZSt1xRaI2A

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:01:03]: Chair Veray called the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 meeting to order at approximately 7:01 p.m. and announced the meeting policy, rules of speaking, and Board procedures.

Introduction of the Neighborhood Board Team – [0:02:20]: 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, Gauis Dupio II, Guy Inouye, Daniel Smith, Nathan Takeuchi, Michael Taylor, Tony Velasco, Larry Veray, Heidi Weber, and Ryan Yamato.

Members Absent: Charmaine Doran.

Guests: Captain Tanigawa (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Glenn Iwasaki (Honolulu Police Department); Principal Joseph Halfmann (Pearl City High School); Coach Brandon Sha, Coach Kathy Lin, Pearl City High School and Highlands Intermediate Students; Keila Okamura and Senator Brandon Elefante (D16); Senator Rachele Lamosao (D19); Representative Greg Takayama (D34); Representative Cory Chun (D35); Alani Santana (Representative Trish La Chica’s Office); Aaron Wilson (Councilmember Val Okimoto’s Office); Director Gene Albano (Mayor’s Representative); Casey Abe (Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation); Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza (Leeward Community College/West Oʻahu); Kris Tanahara (Navy Region Hawaiʻi); Michelle Tiemeyer (Navy Closure Task Force Red Hill); Vicky Bowie (Pearl City Library); Sierra Martin (KWO District 2&3); Della Bellati, Kuʻu Pasco, Donald Sakamoto, Fred “Doc” Brummer, Bryson C., Fireflies.ai Notetaker Leelynn, Johnnie-Mae L. Perry, Mike Buck for C.O.R.E., Tiffany G., Collette Chang Hasegawa, Jocelyn Roberts, Dominic Inocelda, Sharon Toyomura, (Residents and Community Members); Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Names were not included if not legible. There were approximately 85 participants.

II. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS – [0:03:08]

A. Honolulu Fire Department [0:03:23]: Captain Tanigawa presented the February 2026 statistics: no structure fires, no brush fires, three nuisance fires (rubbish fires outside a structure or vehicle), no cooking fires, 11 activated alarms, 132 medical alarms, zero pedestrian versus auto incidents, six motor vehicle collisions, no mountain rescues, no ocean rescues, and no hazmat incidents. He also shared the monthly safety tip on smoke alarms, noting that they save lives and should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, tested monthly, and replaced when they are 10 years old or unresponsive.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x7Y6nUM1hiZrYm9XxBVev8pWbFkqjpzU/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:04:55]
1. Storm Flooding: Chair Veray asked whether there was any flooding in Pearl City during the recent storm. Captain Tanigawa reported no flooding in the Pearl City area. Chair Veray also mentioned a reported small rockslide on Waimano Home Road that needs investigation.
2. Fire Hydrant Status: Resident Donald Sakamoto asked whether power outages during the Kona Low storm affected fire hydrant water availability. Captain Tanigawa confirmed all Pearl City fire hydrants were in service.

B. Honolulu Police Department – [0:06:42]: Lieutenant Glenn Iwasaki presented February 2026 reported incidents: five motor vehicle thefts, zero burglaries, 20 thefts, four car break-ins, 1,401 total calls for service, and 4,738 total District 3 calls. He also shared the monthly safety tip to be aware of surroundings, highlighting a recent armed robbery near Foodland on Kuala Street where masked individuals targeted people wearing gold chains in a parking lot at night, and advised avoiding secluded areas, especially after dark. Lastly, he noted that during the Kona Low storms, the Honolulu Police Department responded to flooding on Kamehameha Highway westbound near Dixie Grill, cleared a blocked drain at Pearl City Industrial, and closed Waipio Depot Road due to flooding near the police academy.

III. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS – [12:08]

A. Science Olympiad Recognition – Pearl City High School and Highlands Intermediate School – [0:12:17]: Member Velasco and Member Weber presented certificates of recognition to the Pearl City High School Science Olympiad team for placing second in the 2025–2026 State Division C Science Olympiad Championship, and to the Highlands Intermediate School Science Olympiad team for placing first in the 2025–2026 State Division B Science Olympiad Championship. Coach Brandon Cha thanked the students for countless hours of hard work on weeknights, weekends, and summer, and acknowledged support from administration and parent volunteers. Coach Kathy Lin announced the team would aim for a national championship in Los Angeles. Senator Brandon Elefante, Senator Rachele Lamosao, Representative Greg Takayama, and Representative Cory Chun also presented certificates and offered congratulatory remarks.

B. City & County of Honolulu – Environmental Services (ENV) GROW Program – [0:31:46]: No representative present.

IV. PUBLIC TESTIMONY – [0:32:24]

1. Congressional Candidate Introduction: Della Bellati introduced herself as a congressional candidate for Congressional District 1, visiting neighborhood boards across the district. She also announced a planned community dinner and talk story in Pearl City in May.
2. Kaiapuni School Update: Kuʻu Pasco provided an update on Kaiapuni (Hawaiian immersion school), noting that while the Board of Education has responded, the Superintendent has not committed to taking action, and urged the community to attend or submit testimony at the next meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Chair Veray asked Kuʻu to email him directly so he could distribute information to Board members for testimony.

V. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU – [0:35:43]

A. Office of the Mayor – Director Gene Albano [0:35:58]: Director Gene Albano presented the Mayor’s report, highlighting key updates including the HNL 311 app, Mayor Blangiardi’s 2026 town hall schedule, first responder training in Waianae, the city food drive, the Department of Environmental Services GROW program, new affordable housing openings, new Department of Transportation Services Deputy Director Hong Li, the Honolulu Police Commission’s search for a new police chief, and increased Skyline ridership following passage of Bill 60 to extend planning toward Ala Moana and downtown Kapolei. On follow-up items from the prior meeting, he noted that garbage concerns near the rail station were referred to Cleanup 808 and Heli Mua, while the adjacent parcel is designated for a future bus transit center with design beginning soon and construction completion expected by 2030. Additionally, he shared that Parks will remove a fallen tree at the overgrown storm drain at Palisades Park, with the Department of Facility Maintenance to follow up on cleanup.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12wVzXTSCrCL_XpBXDd5uDcoTGwBUuHmK/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:40:56]
1. Backhoe Activity by Waiawa Skyline Station: Member Awong reported seeing a backhoe by Waiawa Skyline Station. Director Albano was unaware of specific work at that location.
2. Debris Staging at The Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park (CORP) Field: Member Weber asked about debris piles at the Central Oʻahu Regional Park field, which she believed came from Haleʻiwa following the Kona Low storm. Director Albano explained that the field was selected as a temporary staging area because debris from the North Shore needed to be sorted before disposal – some will be recycled, some sent to H-Power, and some to the landfill. He acknowledged the field is used but it was selected as the least-impactful area available.
3. Traffic Light Signal: Member Smith had raised the ongoing traffic light signal issue at the intersection of Komo Mai Drive and Waimano Home Road. He also noted that a letter will be sent to Council Member Okimoto and Traffic Engineer Kelly Akasaki requesting action. Director Albano noted current priorities are storm recovery.
4. Handivan/Paratransit Van Availability: Donald Sakamoto, president of Citizens for a Fair ADA Ride, reported that Pearl City paratransit riders cannot book rides due to the new Trapeze pass system. He also raised a concern that Handivan OTS reports 77.5% van availability (179 of 218 vans working), yet 101 retired vans remain counted in the system, skewing the reported availability figure. He posed the question to multiple agencies with no response. Chair Veray committed to following up.
5. Off-Duty Firefighter Harassment Policy: Fred “Doc” Brummer described experiencing harassment from an off-duty firefighter and stated that when he contacted the mayor’s office, he learned there is no signed code of conduct for Honolulu Fire Department personnel during off-duty hours. He asked whether the Mayor is briefed on such reports. Director Albano confirmed the Mayor’s office is aware of queries submitted and that harassment-type issues are elevated to the Mayor.

B. Councilmember Val Okimoto – [0:55:25]: Aaron Wilson from Council Member Okimoto’s office reported that the Council Member will personally thank and meet each Science Olympiad student. He noted that Mayor Blangiardi introduced the city’s proposed $5.09 billion FY 2027 budget — comprising $3.97 billion in operating funds and $1.11 billion in capital improvement projects — with budget briefings held on Monday, March 9, 2026 to Friday, March 13, 2026. Lastly, he noted that the Department of Environmental Services is leading the Kona Low cleanup, awaiting a contracted mainland company to restore all debris disposal fields per contract. In regard to Aaron’s question, Member Weber clarified that the baseball field capital improvement project requests were for Pearl City District Park and the Breene Harimoto Mānana District Park.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NkXxRj2vNJKKbYn7CXtDMjpz6MwdCHN1/view?usp=drive_link

VI. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE – [0:59:40]

1. Governor Josh Green’s Office – Mr. Jeff Hickman [0:59:41]: No representative was present.

2. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation – [0:59:51]: Due to technical issues and hearing no objections, Chair Veray noted that the Board would move on and return to the item once the technical difficulties were resolved.

A. STATE LEGISLATURE – [1:00:59]

1. Senator Glenn Wakai (D15) – [1:01:00]: No representative was present.

2. Senator Brandon Elefante (D16) – [1:01:07]: Senator Elefante provided his spring newsletter for March–April 2026, acknowledging Member Weber for organizing the traffic awareness effort at Waimano Home Road and Komo Mai Drive, honoring healthcare heroes, attending the project-based learning showcase at Pearl City Highlands, recognizing Chair Veray and Member Smith for submitting testimony on driver’s license renewal legislation, and recognizing first responders and voluteers during the Kona Low storms. On follow-up items, he shared that the Department of Land and Natural Resources successfully removed a tree from the Waimano stream per Vice Chair Doran’s request, and the Department of Health found no noise violations regarding sounds coming from the valley. Lastly, he highlighted Senate Bill 3125, and shared that the Senate is also reviewing expiring tax credits for budget balance.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19xEYKaQImNctdFeVMtMZs6hZX9rVVXYp/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:06:34]
1. Senate Bill 2450 and Noise Camera Bills: Donald Sakamoto asked about the status of Senate Bill 2450 and noise camera bills for H-1 highways. Senator Elefante committed to checking on both bills.
2. House Bill 2360 – Paid Family Leave: Kuʻu Pasco requested a status update on House Bill 2360. Due to audio difficulties, Senator Elefante directed Kuʻu to message the neighborhood assistant for a written follow-up.
3. Senate Bill 2136 – E-Bike Regulations: Member Awong raised concerns about e-bikes operating without reflectors or lights. He asked whether Senate Bill 2136 would require mandatory reflectors and front lights at point of sale. Senator Elefante noted tha Representative Kila’s bill on e-bike regulations is still moving and committed to checking whether reflector language can be incorporated. Member Smith added that key features from various e-bike bills should be merged into a single measure to aid enforcement.

3. Senator Rachele Lamosao (D19) – [1:12:42]: Senator Lamosao stood on her written report, congratulating Manana Elementary School for its National Blue Ribbon School nomination, and highlighted pending resolutions Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 79 and Senate Resolution (SR) 81, scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., with companion measures House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 78 and House Resolution (HR) 72 introduced in the House by Representative Chun, urging the community to submit testimony. She also reminded the Board that streams are both a State and City issue and encouraged reporting of any debris buildup.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vl9MSaYW8K6IDBXof4R-0VDjhRk1APco/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:16:31]
1. Pacific Palisades Landslide Concern: Chair Veray flagged the cliffs of Pacific Palisades and the road along Waimano Home Road as a landslide concern.
2. Water Flow on Koma Mai Drive: Member Inouye noted that water regularly flows over Komo Mai Drive at the bend past Children’s House heading toward Palisades, intensifying during the recent storms, and expressed concern that 5,000 Palisades homes could be severely impacted if the area is compromised. Senator Lamosao asked him to email Chair Veray with the exact location so it could be forwarded to relevant State and City agencies for monitoring.

4. Representative Gregg Takayama (D34) – [1:20:11]: Representative Takayama reminded the public to use the Hawaiʻi State Legislature website to check bill status, and noted that Senate Bill 2423 and House Bill 1734 — both on the Board’s agenda for a resolution in opposition — are dead. He reported that the House Health Committee passed three vaping-related bills addressing stricter county vaping and tobacco laws, banning disposable vape devices with lithium-ion batteries due to fire hazards, and limiting e-cigarette sales to only 39 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved flavors and devices. He also noted the defeat of House Bill 1919, which would have eliminated county requirements for additional parking when homeowners add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

5. Representative Cory Chun (D35) – [1:25:12]: Representative Chun provided updates on the chicken bill — funding for counties to receive already-caught chickens — which passed out of his committee and is now in the Senate, and acknowledged road crews for pothole repairs along Kamehameha Highway and the Farrington interchange. He also highlighted the Kona Low’s impact on the legislature’s financial planning, noting that the Governor requested federal disaster funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and that the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity has released emergency farmer relief funds with applications open at dab.hawaii.gov/emergencyfarmerrelief, where farmers with a General Excise (GE) tax license can receive up to $1,500.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wW-Lucf9zdADQz8_Dw0hrLIBXalMsQ9Z/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:28:30]
1. Kamehameha/Farrington Road Conditions: Member Weber asked about the road surface at the Kamehameha Highway/Farrington Highway merge area near the H-2 on-ramp (hubcaps collecting on the roadside). Representative Chun acknowledged it is a State road and the area is a known issue, explaining that the transition between the concrete bridge and asphalt pavement is where water tends to penetrate and cause damage, and that repaving and redoing the entire area may be the only solution.
2. Farmer Relief and Supplemental Budget: Member Taylor thanked the representatives for sharing the farmer relief information, adding that those with limited internet access can also contact the governor’s office by phone, and expressed appreciation for the supplemental budget, particularly the $1 million allocated for Palisades emergency route plans, urging continued support as it moves to the Senate given the risk to lives and homes, and also acknowledging the inclusion of two elementary schools in the project list.
3. Kūpuna Caucus Bills Status: Donald Sakamoto asked about the status of the five Kūpuna Caucus priority bills. Representative Chun confirmed that all five bills crossed over to the Senate and their companion Senate bill crossed to the House, with all remaining alive.

6. Representative Trish La Chica (D37) – [1:32:23]: Alani Santana highlighted ongoing work on pedestrian and crosswalk safety, online artificial intelligence (AI) safeguards for children, and safe routes to school, noting that a $5 surcharge, already passed into law, will fund sidewalks and safer pedestrian pathways once implemented. She also shared community highlights, including the Kipapa Gulch cleanup, Walk with a Doc’s 10th anniversary, and Read Across America classroom visits, extended congratulations to Manana Elementary School for the National Blue-Ribbon Award and to Jodie Kadayama for being named Pearl City–Waipahu Complex Area Teacher of the Year, and reminded the public that the mid-session survey is open for feedback.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FJ3pur5XpJJeGUt9Qkv4sZ0BUHhlpJAn/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:36:25]
1. Safe Routes to School $5 Surcharge: Member Weber asked what the $5 surcharge referenced for safe routes to school applies to. Alani Santana committed to finding the answer and following up with the Board.

[1:37:19] Hearing no objections, Chair Veray took the agenda out of order to hear Item VI-2: Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.

VI-2 Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation – [1:37:28]: Casey Abe from the State Department of Transportation Highways Division provided several updates, including that the bus-only U-turn near Acacia Road is not available for commercial trucks with a gate and shoulder widening planned for the future; the state-owned fence along the sidewalk next to Sunset Memorial Park is pending repair with Chair Veray drafting a letter to expedite the process; a homeless encampment within the Department of Transportation right-of-way on the west side of the Kaʻahumanu Street overpass was removed and the fence repaired; and a constituent noise complaint near the viaduct at 1st Street and Lehua Avenue is under review. He also noted that the shoulder lane from the Kamehameha Highway/Farrington Highway merge to the Waimalu/Pearl City off-ramp will be converted to a 24/7 travel lane with restriping scheduled for this summer; a pothole on Kamehameha Highway westbound near Jamba Juice was patched following the first Kona Low with graffiti and damaged fencing to be addressed; and a new signalized left-turn lane at Kuala Street from Kamehameha Highway to Pearl Highlands Center is scheduled to be advertised this summer, with construction starting late 2026 or early 2027, covering seven phases over approximately two and a half years.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:44:43]
1. Traffic Signal Synchronization at Kuala Street: Member Weber asked whether the new traffic signal at Kuala Street will be synchronized with the nearby signal at Kuala and Kamehameha. Casey Abe confirmed the signals will be interconnected via cable and will communicate with each other to maintain synchronized flow, including when pedestrian buttons are pressed.
2. Road Conditions at Kamehameha/Farrington Merge: Member Weber noted the pavement at the Kamehameha Highway/Farrington Highway loop near the H-2 on-ramp is extremely rough, causing hubcaps to be knocked off. Casey Abe noted that the focus is currently on freeways and multi-lane highways/other roads will be addressed as paving resources allow. Chair Veray suggested prioritizing this area and recommended temporary signage or a reduced speed limit.
3. Kuala Street Bus U-Turn and Elevation Change: Member Awong asked whether the new left-turn lane project will eliminate the existing bus U-turn and how the road’s current five-foot elevation rise will be addressed. Casey Abe indicated the U-turn will likely be eliminated and that a retaining wall will be incorporated into the design to manage the grade change.
4. Freeway Potholes: Member Inouye emphasized that freeway potholes are more dangerous than those on surface roads and requested they remain a priority. He noted he emailed Casey Abe a narrative for prioritization.

B. STATE EDUCATION – [1:51:34]

1. University of Hawaiʻi – Leeward Community College / West Oʻahu – Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza – [1:51:45]: Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza reported that both Leeward Community College and West Oʻahu sustained significant infrastructure damage from the Kona Low, including leaks and power and network failures, but both campuses reopened with short-term workarounds in place and basic needs resources available to affected students and employees. He also highlighted that Leeward’s cybersecurity teams placed 5th and 10th nationally and West Oʻahu’s team placed 9th nationally out of 8,500 students from 490 colleges, noted an in-development Biosecurity Academy apprenticeship partnership with the Department of Agriculture, the Leeward culinary showcase on Saturday, May 9, 2026 (nearly sold out), and the connections.hawaii.edu website serving as the central hub for Leeward–West Oʻahu exploration updates. Lastly, he shared that high school seniors with a 2.7 GPA or higher may apply to University of Hawaiʻi Hilo or West Oʻahu, while those below 2.7 may apply to any community college.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:56:00]
1. Housing Above Leeward Campus Parking Lot: Member Smith suggested building housing above the Leeward Community College parking lot. Chancellor Peñaloza explained that West Oʻahu has land and housing plans in development, and that Leeward’s campus is also periodically considered for higher density, but the main obstacle is inadequate egress – particularly during peak events.
2. West Oʻahu Higher Education Expansion: Member Awong expressed support for expanding higher education offerings on the west side emphasizing that it should be a collaborative rather than competitive effort. Chancellor Peñaloza responded that it is only a matter of time, noting that productive discussions are already underway, West Oʻahu is ready, and the university system and elected officials are strongly supportive of building a more robust university presence on the west side of the island.

C. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS – [1:59:55]

1. Congressman Ed Case [1:59:58]: No representative was present.

VII. BOARD BUSINESS – [2:00:02]

A. Resolution Opposing SB 2423 and HB 1734 – [2:00:08]: Chair Veray announced that, based on updated information from Representative Takayama confirming Senate Bill 2423 and House Bill 1734 are dead, there is no need to submit the resolution, and with no objections raised, the resolution was withdrawn.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12eY19U2woJeJ-ogeQjOg0kPYsSeimAbJ/view?usp=drive_link

B. Resolution Urging Modification of Bulk Pickup Procedures for Townhome/Multi-Unit Associations – [2:00:32]: Member Weber presented the resolution urging the Honolulu City Council and Department of Environmental Services to require multi-unit townhome associations to establish house rules, enforcement procedures, and a single designated drop-off location for City bulk pickup.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ThmHNb0bl7lSdj3OCPmotE_tmLSW2BnF/view?usp=drive_link

[2:04:19] Member Weber MOVED and Member Awong SECONDED to adopt the resolution urging modification of bulk pick-up procedures for Townhome/Multi-Unit Associations. The motion was ADOPTED; 10-0-0. (Aye: Awong, Dupio II, Inouye, Smith, Takeuchi, Taylor, Velasco, Veray, Weber, Yamato; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) – [2:05:01]

C. PCNB Letter to Director, Department of Transportation Services – [2:05:11]: Previously discussed during the Mayor’s Report segment, Chair Veray noted that a letter will be sent requesting action on the traffic light signal direction at the intersection of Komo Mai Drive and Waimano Home Road.
• Letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f0LJIUEazT9RYk5krdj7fqwW0rXk2Vf9/view?usp=drive_link

D. PCNB Letter to Deputy Director for Highways – Fence Repair along Kamehameha Highway – [2:05:20]: Previously discussed with Casey Abe, Chair Veray noted that a letter will be sent requesting repair of the state fence along Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery and Kamehameha Highway.
• Letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fW83wOY63UucvfRlljOpYf9e_w8YILtv/view?usp=drive_link

E. Reports from Board Members on Legislative Testimony – [2:05:29]: Chair Veray noted that he met with the board of directors and approximately 30 residents at Hale Mohalu, where primary concerns included crime, vehicle thefts, break-ins, homeless individuals, and e-bikes accessing the property through a culvert bridge, and committed to working with the City on possible solutions.

F. Committee Reports: Item not addressed.

VIII. OTHER AGENCIES – [2:06:40]

A. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam – [2:06:50]: Kris Tanahara highlighted the following: a successful Navy Week from Monday, March 9, 2026 to March 15, 2026, led by Rear Admiral Ryan Mahelona; a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the Navy, Army, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and State Transportation officials allowing Kolekole Pass to be used for emergency access; a community Pearl Harbor boat tour on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. departing from the PAC Fleet Boat House; ongoing monthly ship tours with the USS Shiloh featured this month; and Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) coming up this summer with dates to be announced. She also noted that concerns about high occupancy vehicle (HOV) violations by military personnel have been shared with Joint Base leadership, and a reminder about rules of the road will be issued.

Navy Closure Task Force Red Hill – [2:11:41]: Michelle Tiemeyer reported that degassing of Tank 12 began Tuesday, March 17, 2026 with hourly app and daily website updates available. She also noted that the Navy is coordinating with the Department of Health to reopen the Navy Aiea Halawa Shaft, which would restore drinking water supply to Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, with upcoming community engagement efforts including a drinking water booth at Kapilina Night Market and a planned open house.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:12:43]
1. Illegal Dumping Concern: Chair Veray raised a concern about illegal dumping along Lehua Avenue near the Pearl City Peninsula and asked the Navy to investigate jurisdiction. Kris Tanahara acknowledged the concern, noting that she would pass along the information and work toward a resolution for the area.

B. Pearl City Library – [2:14:05]: Vicky Bowie reported that the library will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026 and Sunday, April 5, 2026 for Good Friday and Easter, that April programs are available on the library website and in-branch calendar. She also noted that while a lease for the pop-up location at the old Sears side at Pearl Ridge has been agreed upon, it must be approved by the Attorney General’s office before a closure date is confirmed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:14:58]
1. Kona Low Storm: Chair Veray asked whether the library experienced any issues with flooding during the Kona Low storm. Vicky Bowie confirmed that the library was not impacted by flooding.
2. Pop-Up Library Location: Member Smith noted that he had heard some opposition to the pop-up library being located at Pearl Ridge rather than in Pearl City. Vicky Bowie responded that multiple locations were surveyed but were ultimately unsuitable for various reasons, primarily cost, as many nearby locations were asking for more than the library could afford.
C. Board of Water Supply – [2:16:36]: No representative was present.

D. Pearl City Community Events – [2:16:48]: Member Velasco announced upcoming community events, including Charger Palooza on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Pearl City High School and Pearl City High School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) Spring Craft Fair on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Chair Veray also noted that the Pearl City Lions Club will be supporting an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Momilani Community Center.

IX. BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS – [2:17:34]

A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes Approval – February 24, 2026 – [2:17:35]: Member Weber noted two corrections to the February 24, 2026 minutes: (1) under Section V-B, Principal’s name should be spelled B-R-Y-A-N L-O-O; (2) under Section VII-D, “Kamehameha Avenue” should read “Kamehameha Highway,” and the pronoun referring to Vice Chair Doran should be “she”. With these corrections, the minutes were accepted as written.

X. CHAIR & BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:19:33]: Chair Veray announced the next Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 meeting will be held hybrid – virtual via WebEx and in-person at Momilani Community Center, 715 Hoʻomoana St., Pearl City, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. He also shared that meetings are broadcasted on ʻŌlelo channels. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:20 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.