WAHIAWĀ – WHITMORE VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 26

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
WAHIAWA DISTRICT PARK – MEETING ROOM
1129 KILANI AVENUE  WAHIAWA, HI 96786
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m28c9b5a055c2d0b8b8b678d5d69ce7a4 
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2491 161 6187
Password: NB26 (6226 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: United States Toll +1-408-418-9388

Phone:  Chair will ask if there are any participants on the phone, state your name and position on issue/concern.
Video: Raise your hand, Chair will recognize you and ask to state your name and position on the issue/concern.

Neighborhood Board 26 Rules of Decorum:  Listed under Agenda Item V and shall be followed by all participants.
Written testimony: 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 Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov.

Meeting Materials: Find an archive of handouts and referenced materials for Neighborhood Board No. 26 at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Yd5HUNwQV4zDLyFMyvEkED-_DA0Xxgd7
Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice/search?query=wahiawa
Sign-In:  Attendees are encouraged to sign the NCO Sign-In Sheet. Virtual attendees: identify themselves and the organization they represent.
Rules of Speaking: 1. Anyone wishing to speak shall do so at the microphone, by identifying themselves and addressing their comments to the Chair, and are encouraged to keep to the two (2) minutes rule. 2. Those giving reports shall also do so at the microphone and are urged to keep their reports to three (3) minutes. Presentations are allowed ten (10) minutes. 3.  Please silence all electronic devices.
NOTE: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS92), specific issues not noted on this Agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of six (6) of this nine (9) member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Items may not be added if they are of major importance and will affect a significant number of people.

OPENING CEREMONIES AT 6:58 P.M.: Aloha and Pledge of Allegiance

I. CALL TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.: Chair Jeanne Ishikawa

II. FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)

III. MONTHLY REPORTS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Federal/Military
1. Congressmember Jill Tokuda Nicole Grey
2. United States Army 1st Lt Julia Gogal
3. United States Navy Daniel Sanford
B. Government Agencies
1. Board of Water Supply (BWS) Nicole Rodwell
2. State Dept of Transportation Fawn Yamada

IV. RESIDENT’S CONCERNS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Residents have up to three (3) minutes to express a concern, comment, or make an announcement of an upcoming community event. (A few follow-up questions are allowed.)

V. PRESENTATION: Rules of Decorum: All participants at this meeting shall extend the spirit of aloha to one another. There shall be no displays of disrespect to one another. Public comments can be made, within the stated time limits and without interruption, unless the comments are offensive and/or out of order and are “not conducive to civil discourse.”
A. PRESENTATION:  Whitmore Wastewater Receiving Facility – Update
Presenter:  Michael Cummings, P. E. Civil Engineer, Regulatory Control Branch Head, City & County of Honolulu

VI. ELECTED OFFICIALS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi        Kevin Auger
B. Councilmember Matt Weyer Kelly Anaya
C. Governor Josh Green Rosemarie Bernardo
D. Senator Donovan Dela Cruz Charles Miller
E. Representative Amy Perruso Representative Amy Perruso

VII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes
1. Regular Meeting of Monday, January 26, 2026
2. Regular Meeting of Monday, February 23, 2026
B. Chair’s Report and Board Actions
1. Call for Disclosure by Board Members (meetings, events, etc.)
C.   Committee Reports
1.    Education Erin Mendelson, Committee Chair
2.    Military Jyun Yamamoto, Committee Chair
3.    Transportation/OMPO Joe Francher, Committee Chair
4.    Water Yvonne Yoro, Committee Chair
5.    Hawaiian Affairs TJ Cuaresma and Ethan Roesler, Committee Chairs.

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Board Meeting: Our Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board No. 26 will be on recess for the month of April 2026. We will reconvene on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Wahiawa District Park Meeting Room.  Please check our website for updates on our NB26 Meeting schedule. Mahalo!

2. March 2026 Training Advisory for Army Ranges on O’ahu   U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii
• March 16-27, 30-31.  East Range:  Range and Jungle Tactics, Small Arms Blank Fire
6 a.mn. – 6 p.m. daily
• March 16-27, 30-31.  East Range: Aviation Training/Rappel Master School
6 a.mn. – 6 p.m. daily
• March 28-31.  Artillery, Mortar, and demolitions live fire training on Schofield Barracks
5 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
(Day and Night Live Fire, including late evening and early morning hours.)
To report concerns related to noise or training, contact the U.S. Army Hawaii’s Community Concern Line at
(808) 787-1528 or usag.hawaii.comrel@army.mil   Concerns are responded to during regular business hours,
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4p.m.

3. Wahiawa Lions Club Annual Benefit Breakfast Event at Leilehua High School’s Cafeteria: Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 7:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m.; Tickets:  $10.00 per ticket. Purchase tickets from Lion’s Club members, or at the door/cafeteria; Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, sausages, rice, muffin, Dole pineapple chunks, and a drink.
Tore444
4. 2026 Annual Kunia Orchid Show at Leilehua High School Gym – Free Admission
Friday, March 20:  9am – 5pm.    Saturday, March 21:  9am – 4pm.

5. Notice from Hawaiian Electric: Within the next several weeks, a pole will be replaced or installed at 1766 Walea Uka Pl.

6. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s 2026 Town Hall Meeting Schedule – April 30, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting for the following:  Waipahu, Kunia, Waipio, Mililani, Mililani-Mauka, Wahiawa, Pearl City, and ‘Aiea
Meeting Location:  Kanoelani Elementary School. (Outdoor Pavillion)

Information Contacts:
• City Streets Pothole Hotline:  #808.768.7777
• State Streets Pothole Hotline:  #808.536.7852
• HART Maintained Roads Pothole Hotline: #808.566.2299
• City’s Refuse Inspector Office #808.768-5220.
• Schofield Noise Complaints: #808.656.3487(email: usaghi.comrel@gmail.com) or the 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office at (808) 655-4756 or email usaghi.comrel@gmail.com.

Message: Aloha everyone!  Hope all is well with you and your ‘ohana.  This New Year 2026 is flying by fast!  We’re already into March with several issues currently being discussed and others being worked on for possible resolution. Your continued support and participation in our Neighborhood Board No. 26 is important, not only to our neighbors, but to our overall Wahiawa-Whitmore communities as well. Please join our meetings, in-person/virtually/phone/etc.  Together, we’ll care for, and love, our Wahiawa and Whitmore Village communities. Mahalo and take care!

IX. ADJOURNMENT

‘Olelo:  WWV NB26 meetings are videotaped for re-broadcast on ‘Olelo on the following dates:  1st Tuesday on Focus 49 at 9:00 p.m. and 1st and 3rd Saturdays on View 54 at 6:00 a.m.

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 Kapalama Hale, Suite 160, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco.

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 Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. 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 that three (3) business days remaining before the meeting, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but it may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
WHITMORE VILLAGE COMMUNITY PARK – 1259 WHITMORE AVENUE, WAHIAWĀ, HI 96786
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Video recording of Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVBMyeCrMNo

Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Yd5HUNwQV4zDLyFMyvEkED-_DA0Xxgd7
CALL TO ORDER — [0:00:40]: Chair Jeanne Ishikawa called the Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board No. 26 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was established with 9 members present. Note: This 9-member Board requires 5 members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.
Members Present: Jeanne Ishikawa, Joe Francher, Jyun Yamamoto, Ethan Roesler, Yvonne Yoro, Erin Mendelson, TJ Cuaresma, Michelle Umaki, and Sylvia Manley-Koch.
Members Absent: None.
Guests: Lieutenant Scott Vierra; (Honolulu Police Department); Chief Jose Jaen (United States Navy, filling in for Daniel Sanford); Nicole Gray (Congresswoman Jill Tokuda); Kevin Auger (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Kelly Anaya (Councilmember Matt Weyer); Charles Miller (Senator Donovan Dela Cruz); Representative Amy Perruso; Barbara Natali and Kira Ramos (G70 / DLNR); Jun Yang, Brandon Misuda, and Alan Ong (Office of Governor, Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions); Sierra Martin (KWO Homeless Outreach); Michael Cummings (City and County of Honolulu, Dept. of Environmental Services); Patrick Watson (Honua Consulting); George Grace and John Sakamoto (waste haulers); Joseph Simpliciano (Kingdom Pathways); Nani Brown; Tom Lanchenko; Andrew Phomsouvanh; Jeffrey Jones (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 77 participants.
FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS — [0:00:45]
Honolulu Fire Department — [0:00:48]: No representative present.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GghwtOg3-fnkn7QdPvyt7Q1faPgo1qab/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department — [0:00:58]: Lieutenant Scott Vierra provided the report and highlighted the following:
• January 2026 Statistics: 17 assaults; 1 robbery; 0 burglaries; 2 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles; 52 motor vehicle collisions; total calls for service: 1,240.
• Safety Tip: February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Signs teens may experience include: physical threats or violence, unwanted sexual pressure, explosive anger, property damage, controlling behavior, isolation tactics, excessive monitoring, jealousy, and insecurity. For more information, visit honolulapd.org or call the Domestic Violence Action Center or the national hotline.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:02:23]
1. Blue Lights on Poles: Umaki asked about poles with blue lights similar to police car lights around the island, including on North Rally. Lieutenant Vierra clarified they are not affiliated with HPD and are likely some kind of signal device, possibly from Spectrum.
2. Assault Statistics: Manley-Koch asked if 17 assaults was high for Wahiawa. Lieutenant Vierra confirmed it is a little high, but noted that of the 17, 15 were misdemeanors and 2 were felonies; 11 of the 17 cases were already closed (arrest made, suspect identified, or complaint withdrawn). He noted assault can range from a simple altercation to a weapon-involved incident, and that there appears to be a rise in hostility and aggression statewide.
3. Vehicular Accidents: Cuaresma asked if the 52 motor vehicle collisions were within the 96786 zip code or across the entire district. Lieutenant Vierra confirmed the figure covers all of Wahiawa and that the number is about average for a month.
4. Walgreens Homicide Update: Chair Ishikawa asked for an update on the Walgreens homicide. Lieutenant Vierra stated there are no updates; the incident initially came in as a motor vehicle collision but was determined to be a stabbing; the victim died at the scene and the case is an active investigation with the homicide unit.
MONTHLY REPORTS — [0:05:30]
Congresswoman Jill Tokuda’s Office — [0:05:34]: Nicole Gray provided the report and highlighted the following:
• Farm and Family Relief Act: Congresswoman Tokuda joined House Agriculture Committee Democrats to introduce the Farm and Family Relief Act, providing economic assistance to family farmers impacted by the president’s tariffs and mitigating the impacts of SNAP cuts.
• Rural Healthcare: Tokuda led a bipartisan letter to the Department of Homeland Security supporting rural healthcare by requesting an exemption from USCIS’s newly implemented $100,000 fee for foreign healthcare workers applying for new H-1B visas.
• ICE Funding Vote: Following the deaths of two Americans in Minnesota and a year of aggressive ICE enforcement actions nationwide, Congresswoman Tokuda voted NO on a two-week stop-gap funding bill for ICE. The measure passed the House; Congress is negotiating how to keep ICE accountable to legal and moral standards.
• Town Hall: Tokuda thanked board members, State Rep. Perruso, and community members who attended her recent town hall. The next town hall will be at Windward Community College in Kaneohe on March 10th at 7:00 p.m.
• Farm Bill: The House Agriculture Committee is set to hold a markup on the farm bill in late February. Tokuda continues working with Republican and Democrat colleagues to ensure the bill supports Hawaii farmers, ranchers, and producers.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [8:09]
1. State of the Union: Francher asked whether Congresswoman Tokuda would be attending the State of the Union address the following day. Gray stated she had no information on that.
2. Appreciation for Town Hall: Mendelson expressed appreciation for Congresswoman Tokuda’s town hall, praising her ability to hold an honest and informative conversation about federal policy impacts on Hawaii, including ICE-related incarcerations occurring locally.

United States Army — [0:09:55]: Lieutenant Julia Gogal provided the report and highlighted the following:
• Hiring Fair: US Army Garrison Hawaii will hold its next hiring fair on March 17th at Mililani High School cafeteria from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Training Activities: Aviation Day training on February 27th; artillery, mortar, and demolitions training will continue through the end of the week.
• Fun Run: US Army Garrison Hawaii MWR is extending an invite to all community members for an upcoming fun run through Kolekole Pass on February 25th.
• Prescribed Burns: Reminder that the primary dates for Army prescribed burns are April 13th–19th.
• Drum Road Update (follow-up from last month): Drum Road is more than 23 miles long with paved and unpaved sections, steep embankments, and multiple gated access points managed by several landowners. Portions are unimproved gravel/dirt; low water crossings become impassable in heavy rain; subject to fallen trees, rockfall, and erosion. Current conditions present high-risk travel.
• McNair Gate Traffic Light (follow-up): US Army Garrison Hawaii’s Department of Emergency Services has coordinated with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding traffic flow near McNair Gate. DOT completed a traffic study in September 2025.
• McNair Gate U-turns Clarification: In the morning from 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., McNair Gate does not let anyone out; vehicles appearing to go the wrong way during this window are authorized. The Army cannot enforce off-post driving behavior.
• Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) Insecticide (follow-up): The primary insecticide used for palm tree trunk injections is imidacloprid. The Army follows state-approved CRB treatment protocols used across Hawaii. Flowers are removed from palms before treatment; fruit from treated palms is not consumed for one year following the final treatment.
• East Range Bridge (follow-up for Representative Perruso): The bridge along East Range Road has weight limits and is restricted to controlled single-lane traffic; it is not considered a reliable option for large-scale evacuation. East Range Road includes unpaved sections that become muddy in heavy rainfall, creating additional safety concerns.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:14:37]
1. Drum Road Contact: Cuaresma asked who the contact person at the Garrison is regarding Drum Road conditions. Lt. Gogal indicated she would take that back and follow up, noting current conditions due to weather are not great.
2. Evacuation Alternatives via East Range: Yoro asked if there are alternative evacuation routes for the community given the Army’s response about East Range Road. Lt. Gogal indicated she does not know and will take the question back.
3. CRB Insecticide – Spelling and Studies: Brown asked Lt. Gogal to spell the insecticide name so she could write it down, and also asked which studies were done to verify the one-year safe period. Lt. Gogal spelled the chemical (I-M-I-D-A-C-L-O-P-R-I-D) and indicated she would take back the question about studies as she did not personally know the answer.
4. CRB Insecticide (cont.): Brown shared research from a Google search indicating imidacloprid is a long-lasting systemic insecticide with a soil half-life ranging from several months to over a year (up to 1,230 days). She noted it breaks down in sunlight but is stable in water, has potential to contaminate groundwater and surface water, is heavily linked to declines in bee populations, and is moderately toxic to humans and pets but highly toxic to beneficial insects.

United States Navy — [0:18:06]: Chief Jose Jaen provided the report, highlighting the following:
• Weekly Mo’olelo Newsletter: The Navy’s weekly newsletter goes out every Wednesday around noon. Those wishing to be added to the distribution list should contact Mr. Sanford.
• Monthly Ship Tours: Available on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.; an opportunity for groups to visit an active naval ship.
• Community White Boat Tours: Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial tours for community members; next one is Thursday, February 26th at 4:00 p.m. Groups interested in attending should contact the Navy.
• Laulima Navy: The Navy wrapped up the prior year with 292 community projects and programs. The program continues this year with a goal of highlighting 10 major community events for the military and community to participate in together.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [20:41]
1. Laulima Project Recognition: Cuaresma thanked Chief Jaen for filling in and recognized the Laulima project, noting that last summer, Mr. Sanford and Navy volunteers came out for nine weeks to help load boxes for the Calcutta for Kids program (boxes weighing about 25 pounds).
2. Submarine Dry Dock Update: Mendelson asked for a follow-up on a previously asked question about the Navy submarine dry dock project and the EPA monitoring coverage, noting that civilians who had been monitoring the project had lost their jobs. Chief Jaen indicated Mr. Sanford had let him know that if this question came up, he would get back to Mendelson directly via email.
State Department of Transportation — [0:22:58]: No representative present.
RESIDENT’S CONCERNS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS — [0:23:09]
Olive Avenue/Kamehameha Highway No Parking Enforcement — [23:25]: Sumida (Marcus Property Management) shared that HPD recently began tagging tenants’ cars parked along the road in front of the Water Building on Olive Avenue and Kamehameha Highway. He stated the area has been used for tenant parking for decades and that the sudden enforcement is hurting businesses; he brought signed complaint letters from businesses. Tenants also shared their frustration with the citing of vehicles.

Wastewater Tanker Trucks in Whitmore Village — [32:38]: Glover, a 40-year Whitmore Village resident, expressed concern that large tanker trucks are entering the neighborhood daily (Monday, Tuesday, and Friday) and dumping something into the ground without community knowledge or permission. He stated the board director was previously unaware of the activity and asked the board to look into potential health impacts.

King Central Church Community Event Announcement — [34:06]: Cornelius and Emily (outreach directors, Kings Milani, soon to be King Central) announced an Easter Extravaganza event on April 3rd (Good Friday) at Kaʻala Elementary from 9:00a.m.–11:00 a.m. The event will include free food, games, candy, and 10,000 eggs. The organization holds Sunday services at the old DOTS location from 10:00a.m.–12:00 p.m. and is expanding from Mililani throughout all five regions of the island.

Hawaiian Land Jurisdiction Concerns — [36:03]: Lenchenko, Whitmore Village resident, addressed the board regarding concerns over land title and jurisdiction for crown and government lands.

CRB Insecticide Follow-up — [43:43]: Brown returned to the microphone to share Google search findings on imidacloprid (spelled out I-M-I-D-A-C-L-O-P-R-I-D), a long-lasting systemic insecticide with a soil half-life of several months to over a year (up to 1,230 days). She noted it is stable in water, has potential to contaminate groundwater and surface water in high-rainfall areas like Wahiawa, is heavily linked to bee population declines, and is restricted in some regions.

Wahiawa Pedestrian Bridge Update — [48:28]: Watson (Honua Consulting, public information management) announced that Honua Consulting is assisting the Wahiawa pedestrian bridge construction team with community outreach by helping to facilitate future community meetings. Meeting dates and locations are to be confirmed and will be announced on the project website at wahiwabridge.com. The website includes project schedule information, progress updates, and contact information.

Wahiawa Middle School Concerns — [52:05]: Liz McCarthy (Wahiawa resident) raised two concerns regarding the cattle gate motorbike activity and the feral roosters and cats on campus.

Waste Haulers and Whitmore Village Wastewater Discharge Facility — [57:15]: George Grace (waste hauler) addressed the board on behalf of a group of waste haulers, requesting a separate community meeting to explain the situation. He noted there is no dump site for haulers from Kahuku to Waialua area; they must travel to Ewa Beach, which increases costs and limits emergency response ability.

PRESENTATIONS – [1:30:30]

State’s DLNR DOCARE Wahiawa Substation Project – 525 Avocado Street — [1:30:51]: Barbara Natale (Senior Associate Planner, G70) and Kira Ramos (Staff Planner, G70) presented on behalf of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). G70 was contracted by DLNR to conduct an environmental assessment (EA) on the potential acquisition of 525 Avocado Street for a Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) substation.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:36:26]
1. Property Clarification: Cuaresma shared that the building will be approximately 9,000 square feet, the Pearl City DOCARE office will close and staff will transition to the Wahiawa facility, and noted the Wahiawa Freshwater Park falls under federal jurisdiction. She also warned that there is a hollow tile wall on the back side of the property near Lake Wilson that is deteriorating; the embankment could slide into the lake given the saturated ground and upcoming heavy rains. She asked why no fencing has been placed there to protect the public.
2. Prior Concerns: Chair Ishikawa confirmed she has raised the fencing/safety concern at prior meetings and restated there is nothing protecting the public from walking off the embankment.
3. Environmental Assessment Concern: Mendelson asked whether a private property owner’s EA could be conducted without their consent. Natali explained that while EAs are typically done on properties the agency intends to acquire, in this case the community brought the property to state/city attention, which prompted the DLNR action; the community’s direction and the cost of the EA driven by representatives were the primary reasons.
4. Property Usage Clarification: Manley-Koch asked whether the landowner is aware of DLNR’s intent. Natali confirmed DLNR and the city are reaching out to the landowner, though communication is somewhat difficult. She added the city has made good strides with working with the landowner and they are aware of the state’s intent.
5. Raise in Property Value: Manley-Koch noted the landowner appears to be improving a building on the property and suggested this may be an attempt to drive up the land value.
6. Site Consideration: Cuaresma asked whether alternative sites in Wahiawa were considered if this property was unavailable; Ramos confirmed alternatives were evaluated, including a site at the Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area, but DLNR preferred 525 Avocado Street based on proximity to Kamehameha Highway and community input.

Report On the State’s Proposed Kauhale Project in Wahiawā — [1:43:29]: Jun Yang (Statewide Coordinator on Homelessness, Office of the Governor / Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions), along with staff members Brandon Misuda and Alan Ong, and consultant Homemade Hawaii, presented on a proposed Kauhale project for the Wahiawa area. The project would be located off Wilikina Drive going towards McNair Gate, on an approximately 8-acre overgrown parcel owned by the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:53:13]
1. Proximity Concerns: Francher expressed concern that the proposed site is not in proximity to community services, stores, or support systems. Yang acknowledged this and stated services and transportation would be incorporated into the project. He noted a workforce component tied to agriculture on the adjacent land is being explored.
2. Location Clarification: A board member asked for clarification on the exact location; Yang clarified it is farther down Wilikina Drive, across from McNair Gate, at the Y intersection — an approximately 8-acre overgrown parcel above the surface parking, just past Kimo Farms.
3. Clarifying Funding: A community member asked about the funding source and rules of the program. Yang clarified the office is a state office connected to DHS; funding is through the legislature. House rules will exist; the concept is helping individuals learn to be good neighbors again, keeping sound within units, paying program rents, and living in community.
4. Notifying Nearby Residents: Francher asked whether nearby apartment residents had been notified. Yang stated they plan to do so; they came out in September at a representative’s invitation and this meeting is the next public communication step. He acknowledged a prior private developer proposal in the area that neighbors were not favorable toward.
5. Bus Access: Bus access concerns were raised; Yang stated they will work with DTS. A board member expressed concern about the bus route being cut (referencing what happened at a Kauhale on Nimitz Highway where residents lost bus access) and asked for coordination with the city to protect bus access.
6. Smell from Lake Wilson: A board member asked about the smell from deep water in Lake Wilson and whether that has been mitigated. Yang stated there are plans for dam improvements in the near future and the issue can be raised through the process.
7. Potential Zoning Change: Yoro asked how long ADC has held the land and whether converting it from agricultural to housing purposes is consistent with ADC’s mission. She also asked about the wastewater plan for 40–60 units. Yang stated ENV has been coordinated with and there is a plan for utility connections, including sewer capacity.
8. Waste Hauler Usage: Cuaresma clarified that the wastewater question relates to whether haulers could dump at the facility; Yang confirmed it will be fully connected to sewer and no septic or septage dumping would be needed.
9. Building Infrastructure: Cuaresma questioned whether this was going to be dormitory-style like Kama’oku or individual units. Yang clarified it will be more like one-bedroom studio units with individual kitchens and bathrooms — different from Kama’oku, which has centralized bathrooms and cafeteria. The good-neighbor concept applies regardless of unit style.
10. Resident Clarification: Cuaresma asked whether the Kauhale would serve only 96786 area residents or others; Yang stated the project will prioritize community members from this area but cannot legally exclude others.
11. Work from Kealahou West Oahu (KWO): Sierra Martin stated KWO services Wahiawa and surrounding areas (Districts 2 and 3) and has been working closely with the Office of Homelessness to bridge gaps. KWO will serve as the connecting agency to the Kauhale project. She confirmed families tend to get housed faster than singles or couples and that the project will have a significant positive impact on the lake area and its pollution.
12. Housing Discrimination: Cuaresma suggested the AG’s office review the priority resident statement for potential housing discrimination issues. She also recommended incorporating the Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA/ETPL) and agencies like Alu Like, OHA, and CNHA into wraparound workforce services. She asked that someone verify whether the ADC’s use of this land for a Kauhale is consistent with the purpose for which the legislature funded ADC (given a recent audit revealing 59 deficiencies).
13. Time of Project: A community member asked whether the Kauhale is long-term or has a residency time limit. Yang stated there is no time limit; the Alana Ola Pono project (45 units, opened January 2024) has already served nearly 150 people who have moved into permanent housing, reconnected with family, or accessed services.

ELECTED OFFICIALS — [2:15:47]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative — [2:15:54]: Kevin Auger provided the report and highlighted city initiatives, projects, and services affecting Wahiawa and Whitmore Village:
• HNL 311 System: The new HNL 311 system launched in December is a portal for residents to report issues. Reports go directly to the responsible department; registered users receive status updates. Found at hnl311.com.
• Mayor’s Newsletter: Highlights include the new Deputy Chief Jimmy Baros of Ocean Safety; Honolulu Fire Department’s 175th anniversary; Black History Month; and proposed Kahuku District Park renovations. Available at honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter.
• Trash at District Park (follow-up): Illegal dumping continues to be an issue at all parks. Staff removed most items earlier this month; additional materials were recently dumped. Removal was scheduled for February 23rd.
• Lone Star Motorsports Illegal Parking (follow-up): From January 20–29, District 2 officers issued 30 citations and towed 4 vehicles for illegal parking. Officers will continue to monitor.
• Business Closures (follow-up): DPP does not have jurisdiction over this. The Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) was contacted; they do not have specific statistics on businesses that have closed. They obtain data from public records such as census data. If a specific timeline or examples are provided, OER will continue to research.
• Complete Streets Program (follow-up): Department of Design and Construction is soliciting bids for the Rehabilitation of Localized Streets Phase 17 project, which will repave and repair roadways in Lower Wahiawa and install missing sidewalks on California Avenue (between Kamehameha Highway and Ohi Street) and on School Street (between Mahele and Kaliponi Streets). Construction expected to begin in early fiscal year 2026–27. Department of Transportation Services is in the preliminary engineering phase of the Wahiawa Walkways project (California Avenue between Kamehameha Highway and Karsten Drive; Glenn Avenue and Uku Street between Kellogg Street and California Avenue). Design anticipated for completion in 2028; construction bids expected in 2029. Federally funded at 80%; state provides approximately $4.2 million (20% local match). Department of Facilities Maintenance has an upcoming project to repave California Avenue from Kamehameha Highway into Wahiawa Heights, including parking-protected bicycle lanes, travel lane reconfiguration, curb extensions, and an uphill bicycle lane to the elementary school. Plans available at honolulu.gov/completestreets/central-oahu.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [2:23:02]
1. OER Audit: Manley-Koch asked what the mayor thinks of the audit report on the Office of Economic Revitalization, whether the $324.3 million budget was spent wisely, and whether the additional $2.3 million requested should be granted given unmet goals. Auger stated the Office of the Mayor/Managing Director has prepared a response to the audit which was submitted or will be submitted to the City Council in the form of a Mayor’s Message. He will follow up and send a copy to the Chair for distribution.
2. Next Meeting Absence: Auger noted he will be traveling to Phoenix on city business for the March meeting and will arrange a substitute.

Councilmember Matt Weyer (District 2) — [2:25:01]: Kelly Anaya provided the report and highlighted Council District 2 initiatives and constituent services:
• Taste the Town Wahiawa: Councilmember Weyer recognized the Taste the Town Wahiawa group at Full Council. The event drew over 40 local vendors and an estimated 1,500 attendees.
• Gondola Project Update: DPPP requested a 30-day extension; the applicant concurred. Status will be monitored.
• Bill 4 – Affordable Rental Housing: Introduced by Councilmember Weyer with Councilmember Okimoto to strengthen the city’s incentives for affordable rental housing construction, updating subsidies and grants to keep pace with rising construction costs. Passed first reading in January; referred to the Zoning and Planning Committee.
• Bill 54 – Bus Fare Increase: Passed third reading in January. Will increase costs for monthly/annual passes, youth passes, visitor passes, handy van rides, and cash payments. Councilmember Weyer voted NO because raising bus fares places a financial burden on working families.
• Milana Place Parking/Trash Pickup (follow-up): HPD monitored the area February 2–11 and issued three citations. Residents urged to call 911 when they observe violations.
• Olive/Ohi Street Illegal Parking – Automotive Business (follow-up): HPD has been actively working on this from last year. Residents urged to call 911 when violations are observed.
• Olive Avenue No Parking – Dong Yang/Hawaii Hot Pot (follow-up): Anaya confirmed she went out to the area and photographed three posts with no parking signs. DTS confirmed the entire stretch is no parking.
• Mango Street Grill, Reynolds, and Holy Chicken Permits (follow-up): Still awaiting response from DPPP.
• Illegal Dumping at Wahiawa District Park (follow-up): DPR is not sure what kind of hood closure would be effective as a deterrent; the existing four-sided fence has no top cover.
• Kiliko Drive Signage (follow-up): Kiliko Drive is a loop, not a one-way road; therefore, the signs saying “begin” and “end” are not incorrect and will not be changed.
• Hale Ho’ipa’a Park “No Camping” Signage (follow-up): Still waiting to hear back from DPR.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [2:29:52]
1. Trash Enclosure History: Francher clarified that the trash enclosure at the district park was originally designed for recyclables, not general trash. People kept cutting the wire to steal recyclables, so the cover was eventually removed. This is also why DPR does not have recycling bins at beach parks and other facilities — theft and improper use have been ongoing problems.
2. Bill 54 – $4 Million Allocation: Mendelson thanked Councilmember Weyer for voting NO on Bill 54 and asked what the $4 million (state’s local match for the Complete Streets project) will be allocated for. Anaya stated she will look into it.
3. Gondola Project – Movie Filming: Cuaresma asked why DPPP needed to ask the gondola project owner for more time to respond to issues. She also raised the concern that a movie will be filmed on the gondola project site (scouting parties already confirmed on-site; filming expected at the end of March) and asked whether DPPP is aware that the property owner may be making significant revenue from this while permit/use questions remain unresolved. Anaya stated she was aware of scouting but was not aware they confirmed use of the site; she will look into it. She noted DPPP received over 200 testimonies and needed time to review them.

Governor Josh Green — [2:35:56]: No representative present.

Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (District 17) — [2:36:08]: Charles Miller provided the report and highlighted the following:
• Budget/Fund Stabilization: Senator Dela Cruz is committed to not cutting community general services. The Senate has not yet received the state budget; the budget will cross over on March 18th. The senator will review the Council on Revenues report in March for the updated financial outlook for Hawaii.
• SB 2211: Provided an emergency appropriation to DHS to replace general fund appropriations redirected to provide emergency food assistance during the 2025 federal government shutdown.
• SB 2802: Appropriated money to establish a bachelor’s degree program in education and agricultural science at Leeward Community College.
• SB 3281: Establishes the criminal offense of promoting illegal electronic gambling devices; authorizes civil penalties and actions.
• Legislative Session Update: The first lateral deadline was February 20th; Senate bills are now in their final Senate committees.
• 123 Mango Street Update: The senator’s office is aware of recent activity on the property and is working with the Office of Community Resources and the Budget and Finance Office on a solution using a GIA grant from 2024. More details will be available at the March meeting.
• Feral Chickens: SB 2892 appropriates funds to each county to facilitate the collection of feral chickens that have already been caught. There is a House companion bill.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [2:38:30]
1. Feral Chicken Bill Clarification: Chair Ishikawa asked Miller to repeat the chicken bill summary as it was a hot topic at the meeting. Miller confirmed SB 2892 relates to feral chickens and appropriates funds to counties to facilitate collection of already-caught feral chickens; there is a House companion bill (number not noted).
2. State Land/County Permission: A board member asked whether, if the county is to address feral chickens, the state would give permission for the county to act on state land. Miller was not familiar enough with the bill to answer and will research for next meeting.
3. Lake Wilson Dam and Spillway: Cuaresma asked whether the recent heavy rains and the Senator’s media interview regarding Lake Wilson prompted any urgency around purchasing the dam/spillway from Dole and its other 50% private owner, given another major rain system is expected this weekend. Miller confirmed the acquisition is in the works and must await the final state budget for completion; funding has already been allocated for the purchase but additional appropriations are needed for repairs and maintenance.

Representative Amy Perruso (District 46) — [2:43:30]: Representative Perruso provided the report and highlighted the following:
1. Feral Chicken Legislation: House Bill 2561 (to be heard in Finance Committee on Wednesday, February 25th) declares feral chickens on public lands to be a public nuisance and controllable pest in cities with populations of 300,000 or more (essentially Oahu/Honolulu); prohibits supporting/feeding feral chickens on public lands; prohibits abandonment of chickens on public or private property without consent; establishes fines; and provides funds for the humane disposition of feral chickens that have been caught.
2. Legislative Session Status: First lateral deadline passed. Bills are moving into final committees. Third readings are beginning before crossover, which is expected in the next couple of weeks.
3. House Bill 2007 – Household and Dependent Care Tax Credit: Increases the value of the childcare and elder care tax credit, raising the percentage of expenses that taxpayers can claim. Significant benefit for working families managing childcare and kupuna care costs. To be heard by Finance Committee on March 3rd.
4. House Bill 2369 – True Cost for Social Service Providers: Addresses the crisis in social service care provision by ensuring community-based organizations receive contracts that provide protections against inflation and additional funds to increase contract prices. Intended to prevent nonprofits from failing due to underfunding. Formerly Alia Bridge and Achieve Zero are cited as examples of nonprofits that could not make ends meet.
5. Wastewater/Septage: Perruso’s office is working with Senator Fabella to help the Mayor understand the importance of reopening the Pearl City and Kahuku septage receiving locations to create more balance. She stated Whitmore Village is being treated as a sacrifice zone, which is unjust.
6. Cesspool Conversions: Perruso is working on obtaining data from truck driver routes to understand where cesspools are failing so families can be supported in funding conversions. Related legislation is moving at the legislature.
7. Landfill Bill: A bill to repeal the prior ban on landfills over aquifers was moving in the legislature but was deferred in the Energy and Environmental Protection Committee. Perruso expressed the belief the evolution of the bill into a repeal was unintentional.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [2:48:35]
1. Alaia Bridge/Achieve Zero Organizations: Chair Ishikawa asked if Perruso is still in contact with those organizations. Perruso stated she is not; she cited them as examples of nonprofits that failed partly due to unsustainable funding, which HB 2369 aims to address.
2. Appreciation for HB 2570 (Online Sports Gambling) NO Vote: Manley-Koch thanked Perruso for voting NO on HB 2570 (legalizing online sports gambling) in committee. Note: Manley-Koch initially misstated the bill number as 2007 (Perruso’s own childcare tax credit bill), which was quickly corrected.
3. Wilikina Drive Drug and Prostitution Activity: Cuaresma raised a community member’s concern about drug activity and prostitution on Wilikina Drive (near the proposed Kauhale site) and asked if Perruso had heard anything. Perruso stated she had not heard about it and asked for more information when available; she noted Wilikina Drive is state responsibility and the state should be involved.
4. Landfill Repeal Bill – Number and Sponsors: Cuaresma asked for the bill number and who introduced/supported it. Perruso stated the bill originated from windward-side legislators who wanted a no-pass zone for their community (not a repeal) but it morphed in committee into language that would have repealed the aquifer landfill ban. She believes this was unintentional.

BOARD BUSINESS — [2:53:25]
Regular Meeting of Monday, January 26, 2026 — [2:53:36]: Cuaresma MOVED and Mendelson SECONDED to approve the minutes of Monday, January 26, 2026. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0. (Aye: Francher, Mendelson, Yamamoto, Roesler, Yoro, Manley-Koch, Cuaresma, Umaki,Ishikawa; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) — [2:53:53]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Next Meeting: The next Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board No. 26 Meeting will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Wahiawā District Park Hale Koa Room.

• Information Contacts:
o City Streets Pothole Hotline: 808-768-7777
o State Streets Pothole Hotline: 808-536-7852
o HART Maintained Roads Pothole Hotline: 808-566-2299
o City’s Refuse Inspector Office: 808-768-5220
o Schofield Noise Complaints: 808-656-3487 or email usaghi.comrel@gmail.com
o 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office: 808-655-4756 or email usaghi.comrel@gmail.com

• Chair’s Message: Aloha everyone! Thank you for your continued interest and participation in our Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board No. 26. Many things are developing in our little town, so please keep in touch, join our meetings in person or via our meeting links. We welcome you, and your comments and concerns. Mahalo and take care.
ADJOURNMENT — [2:29:00]: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:29 p.m.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Jones, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO
Finalized by: