WAHIAWĀ – WHITMORE VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 26

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025, at 7:00 P.M.
WAHIAWĀ DISTRICT PARK – HALE KOA BUILDING
1129 KILANI AVENUE WAHIAWĀ, 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
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
(Please state your name and organization. Limited to two (2) minutes each.)

V. PRESENTATIONS: 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: “Taste the Town Wahiawā” – (Center Street Event)
Presenter: Guillaume Maman, Regenerative Tourism Program Manager/Office of Economic Revitalization
City and County of Honolulu

B. Presentation: Wahiawā Fall Festival – October 31, 2025
Presenter: Pastor Lori Shimabukuro, New Hope Central O’ahu

C. Presentation: Discussion / Review of 2025 Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau event at Whitmore Village (July 12 and 13, 2025)
Presenter: Brian Miyamoto, Administrative Assistant, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau

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 Malachi Burrows
E. Representative Amy Perruso

VII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes
1. Regular Meeting of Monday, July 21, 2025 and August 18, 2025
2. Discussion and Vote on the following upcoming events/issues:
a. “Taste the Town Wahiawā”” Saturday, November 15, 2025 1:00pm – 8:00 pm
b. “Wahiawā Fall Festival” Friday, October 31, 2025 5:30pm – 9:00 pm
c. Discussion and Vote Regarding the Issue of Proposed Development at/on Mt. Kaʻala in Waialua.

B. Chair’s Report and Board Actions
1. Call for Disclosure by Board Members (meetings, events, etc.)
2. Correspondence and Distribution
3. Follow-Up – Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Event
.
C. Committee Reports
1. Education: Erin Mendelson, Committee Chair
2. Military: Jyun Yamamoto, Committee Chair and Ethan Roesler
3. Transportation/OMPO: Joe Francher, Committee Chair
4. Water: Yvonne Yoro, Committee Chair
5. Hawaiian Affairs: Vacant

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A. Board Meetings: The next Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board No. 26 meeting will be on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the Wahiawā District Park’s Hale Koa Meeting Room. Please check the website for any updates on our meeting schedule.

B. 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.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, 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 http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.html

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

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2025, at 7:00 P.M.
WAHIAWĀ DISTRICT PARK – HALE KOA BUILDING
1129 KILANI AVENUE WAHIAWA, HI 96786
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skImzRj1MPc
Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Yd5HUNwQV4zDLyFMyvEkED-_DA0Xxgd7
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:01]: 7:04 p.m.
Chair Jeanne Ishikawa called the Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board No. 26 meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Quorum WAS established with 9 board members present. Note: This 9-member Board requires 5 members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.
Board Members Present: Jeanne Ishikawa, Ethan Roesler, Michele Umaki, Jyun Yamamoto, TJ Cuaresma, Joe Francher, Erin Mendelson, Silvia Manley-Koch, and Yvonne Yoro.

Board Members Absent: None

Guests: Lieutenant Scott Vierra (Honolulu Police Department); Fire Fighter Matt Cheape, Fire Fighter Ryan Bump (Honolulu Fire Department); Daniel Sanford (United States Navy); Kelly Anaya (Councilmember Weyer); Kevin Auger (Mayor Blangiardi); Charles Miller (Senator Dela Cruz); Representative Amy Perruso; Nicole Rodwell (Board of Water Supply); Nicole Gray (Congressmember Tokuda); Michael Holmberg, Dianna Motley (The Queenʻs Medical Center West Oʻahu and Wahiawā); Erik Nakamura (Kiewit); Roberta Hickey-Gomez (The Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc); Mike Buck (C.O.R.E.); Brian Miyamoto (Hawai’i Farm Bureau); Darlene M., Manawakolu, Marcy Healey, Lei Learmont, Warren Gualdarama (Residents and Guests); Jeffrey Jones (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 59 participants.
II. FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:48]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:50]: A representative from HFD provided the following statistics for July 2025: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E4qBGBpEdw_XjplI5UMjq6AWkCQutEy5/view?usp=drive_link
• July 2025 Statistics: 1 structure fire; 4 brush fires; 1 nuisance fire (rubbish); 7 activated alarms with no fire; 53 medical emergencies; 10 motor vehicle collisions
• Previously Reported Brush Fires: 1 at Kunia Road and Wilikina Drive near Schofield Barracks; 1 at Saipan Drive and Whitmore Avenue in Whitmore Village
• Fire Safety Tip: Emergency notifications and resources. The representative explained two alert methods:
o Opt-in alerts: Residents can sign up at hnlalert.gov to receive notifications via text, email, or app push notifications
o Public alert and warning systems: Including Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and outdoor warning sirens

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:03:23]
1. Determining Brush Height: Member Yamamoto asked about determining if neighboring properties have brush that is too high. The representative noted they would research enforcement options for state property owned by Hawaii Housing Authority.
2. Brush Fire Suspicion: Resident Dean Harvest asked about suspicious activity related to brush fires. The representative stated there is suspicion but no suspects have been identified.
3. Brush Fire Follow-Up: Member Cuaresma asked about the nature of the brush fires on Saipan Road and requested follow-up with the state and ADC regarding the property.
4. Thanking HFD: Member Francher thanked HFD for their prompt and professional response to a recent 911 call.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:08:46]: Lieutenant Navaras from Wahiawā Station provided the following statistics: 3 assaults; 0 robberies; 4 burglaries; 7 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UMVs); 59 motor vehicle collisions; 1,199 calls for service.
• New Major Introduction: Lieutenant Navaras introduced Major James Slater, newly assigned from the Traffic Division, and noted there may be increased traffic enforcement in the area. He also reminded residents to drive safely with schools back in session.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:10:39]
1. Differences Between Crimes: Member Cuaresma asked about the difference between robbery and burglary. The Lieutenant explained robbery involves force against a person, while burglary involves entering a structure.
2. Citizens Police Academy Program: Member Yamamoto asked about the Citizens Police Academy program. The Lieutenant confirmed it exists and will provide information on the next session.
3. Wilikina Drive Traffic Issue: Member Roesler reported people driving in the wrong direction on Wilikina Drive. The Lieutenant committed to addressing this issue.
4. Thanking HPD: Member Cuaresma thanked HPD for their response to an e-bike accident involving a young rider and requested increased presence on Rose Street after school hours.
5. E-Bike Concern: A resident expressed concern about children doing wheelies on e-bikes throughout the community.
6. Update on Incident: Chair Ishikawa asked for updates on a recent incident involving weapons across from the park. The Lieutenant confirmed the suspect was in custody and the case was under investigation.
7. E-Bike Concern (cont.): Chair Ishikawa relayed community concerns about dirt bikes and wheelies on California Avenue and Kilani Avenue, particularly after school hours.
III. MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:22:27]
Congressmember Jill Tokuda – [0:22:30]: Nicole Gray provided the report and highlighted the following: Representative Tokuda and Senator Hirono reintroduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen Social Security, extending the program’s ability to pay scheduled benefits from 2034 to 2045; Military service academy nominations application process is open with a deadline of October 19, 2025
• Information is available at tokuda.house.gov

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:25:55]
1. Department of Education Funding: Member Mendelson asked about Title II funding for the Department of Education, which was reportedly received after a delay.
United States Army – [0:27:03]: Julia Goggle, replacing Lieutenant Cox as the Army representative, provided the report and highlighted the following: Job fair at Helemano Military Reservation on Tuesday, August 19, 2025; Artillery, mortar, demolition training, and night live fire exercises scheduled; Wounded Warrior Canoe Regatta at Fort DeRussy Beach Park on August 23, 2025; 25th Infantry Division will conduct JPMRC training exercise between October-November 2025; New community concern line: (808) 787-1528.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:29:09]:
1. Beetle Treatment: Member Manley-Koch asked about rhinoceros beetle treatment for palm trees at Wheeler Army Airfield.
2. Contact Information: Member Yamamoto requested contact information from the representative.
United States Navy – [0:31:27]: Daniel Sanford provided the report and highlighted the following: Rear Admiral Brad Collins has taken command of Navy Region Hawaii, replacing Rear Admiral Steven Barnett; Provided copies of the weekly “Moʻolelo” publication.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:32:39]:
1. Contact Information: Member Yamamoto requested contact information.
2. Thanking the Navy: Member Cuaresma thanked the Navy representatives for volunteering with the Hawaii Food Bank’s Keiki program, which fed 450-500 children weekly.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:34:55]: No representative present.
State Department of Transportation – [0:35:06]: No representative present.
IV. RESIDENT’S CONCERNS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS – [0:35:16]
Speeding Concerns – [0:35:48]: Resident Warren Guadorama expressed concerns about speeding vehicles on Circle Street and Rose Street where children walk to school. Also noted a new store, Vape King Express, displaying cannabis paraphernalia visible from outside.
Improper Maintenance – [0:37:56]: Resident Diego Rivera large piles of dirt and woody debris left at the state fairgrounds, creating potential breeding grounds for coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB). Requested contact with ADC to address the issue.
Residential Noise Concern – [0:39:23]: Resident Chad Bugal shared ongoing concerns about a neighbor running a generator, sometimes past 10:00 p.m. Also reported issues with construction debris left by Board of Water Supply workers on his property on Ames Road.
Commercial Lease – [0:46:15]: Resident Tom Lanchenko asked about the commercial lease on crown lands at Whitmore where the Farm Bureau held an event. Also inquired about the Kai County Park fence and Whitmore Village sign that were damaged in an accident.
Board Support – [0:47:40]: Cardenas Pintor and Amanda Ybanez from the Kalihi-Palama Neighborhood Board offered support to Wahiawa and North Shore communities, particularly regarding water protection and preservation efforts.
Abandoned Property – [0:50:27]: Resident Pony Askey expressed concerns about abandoned property on Avocado Street adjacent to kupuna housing. Also noted maintenance issues at the transit center, including non-working lights and a broken clock. Councilmember Weyer provided follow-up.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Request – [0:55:43]: Member Cuaresma requested OHA to present regularly at the Neighborhood Board meetings.
Fence and Signage Repair – [0:56:43]: Resident Ren Lanchenko asked about the Kahi Kani Neighborhood Park Fence and Whitmore Village sign repairs.
V. PRESENTATIONS – [0:57:25]
Rules of Decorum – [0:57:29]: Chair Ishikawa reminded all participants to extend the spirit of aloha, avoid displays of disrespect, and make comments within stated time limits without interruption.
Wahiawā Center for Workforce Excellence Project – [0:57:51]: Eric Nakamura, Project Manager, presented on the demolition of existing library and storefront portable buildings to build a new 40,000 sq. ft. three-story office building with an adjacent 86-stall parking garage providing service to the library (first floor), the Department of Education (second floor), and the University of Hawaiʻi Community College (third floor). These will independently serve their demographic associated with the floor while providing greater resources for the community.
• Presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bDJybyTmOp-TPOUf8a2C9qbkSXWaRBM6/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:18:10]
1. Building Logistics: Board members asked about parking arrangements, security measures, and building materials.
2. Building Maintenance: Member Umaki expressed concerns about maintenance of the building exterior and screening.
3. Building Logistics (cont.): Member Cuaresma asked about ADA access, special event parking, and landscaping plans.
4. Complex Name and Access: Lelay Lmont (Friends of the Library) questioned the name “Workforce Excellence” and asked about meeting room access.
5. Thanking Developer: Larry Meim thanked the team for toning down the graphics to better fit the community.
6. Accessibility Concerns: Kai Perry asked about community access to upper floors and parking availability.
7. Building Suggestions: A resident suggested the following: creating DOE pathways for mechatronics to prepare students for the programs; moving beyond pineapple imagery to reflect deeper cultural history of Wahiawa.
Discussion/Review of Hawaii State Farm Fair Event at Whitmore Village – [1:54:29]: No representative present. Chair Ishikawa indicated this would be rescheduled.
VI. ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:55:39]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi – [1:55:42]: Kevin Auger provided the report and highlighted the following: Resolution for demolition of the structure on Avocado Street is on the council agenda; Street lamps at Holly Koa building have been repaired; Notice of violation issued for overgrowth at Bethel Bible Church property; Work request submitted for Holly Koa room ceiling fans; Water cooler at Holly Koa room needs replacement when funding becomes available; Homeless encampment near Carson Thought Bridge being addressed with Dole Plantation representatives; New walkways project to improve pedestrian safety on California Avenue and Glenn Avenue; Community meeting scheduled for September 9, 2025, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Wahiawa District Park.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:02:00]:
1. Hale Koa Building Maintenance: Member Umaki noted the ceiling fan repair was incomplete, with only half working and no speed control.
2. Hale Koa Building Maintenance (cont.): Member Roesler confirmed water fountains still not working.
3. Bus Service Improvements: Member Manley-Koch asked about improving bus service between Wahiawa and Schofield Barracks.
4. Sidewalk Improvements: Member Umaki requested sidewalk improvements near the Avocado property for kupuna access.
5. Importance of Water Coolers: Member Cuaresma emphasized the importance of replacing water coolers for kupuna groups and children’s activities.
Councilmember Matt Weyer – [2:08:57]: Councilmember Weyer provided the report and highlighted the following: Board of Water Supply found no evidence of water theft on Avocado Street and Mango Street; Island-wide paper towel shortage affecting park facilities; Individuals living in shed at Whitmore Community Park accepted services; work order issued to demolish shed; HPD monitoring mechanic shop parking issues on Olive and car dealership parking on Mingo Street; Clock at transit center needs repair; parts availability has been an issue; Mormon Church hedges on Avocado Street/Walker Avenue addressed; Demolition of 525 Avocado Street property moving forward; Resolution 25-234 introduced to add traffic cameras following tsunami warning issues; Resolution 25-185 introduced to support relocation efforts for housing development residents; New crosswalk installed near Helemano Elementary School; Office of Economic Revitalization planning “Taste of Wahiawa” event for November.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:17:20]:
1. Water Issues: Member Umaki asked for more details about water issues on Avocado Street.
2. Sidewalk Project: Member Yamamoto confirmed the sidewalk project presentation location.
3. Emergency Access Roads: Member Cuaresma asked about potential emergency access roads above Kamehameha Highway for tsunami evacuation.
4. Emergency Access Roads (cont.): Member Yamamoto inquired about Drum Road as a potential emergency route.
Governor Josh Green – [2:27:19]: Rosemarie Bernardo provided the report and highlighted the following: Governor’s newsletter highlighted key legislation: Senate Bill 1396 (Green Fee) implementing a visitor fee to support environmental protection; Senate Bill 1300 expanding access to free school meals for qualifying students.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:29:20]:
1. COVID Resurgence: Resident Dean Harvest asked if the Governor has directed any public awareness regarding the resurgence of COVID.
2. Military Land Leases: A resident asked about negotiations with the US military regarding land leases.
Senator Donovan Dela Cruz – [2:31:24]: Charles Miller provided the report and highlighted the following: CRB treatments scheduled for Royal Palm Drive (89 palms) and Kellogg Street (10 palms) between August 18-29; Provided information on private pest control companies that treat CRB; Two young royal palms planted at the top of Royal Palm Drive; Continuing work on the Kahalu’u project with the Statewide Office of Homelessness; DOT announced completion of metal plate construction on northbound H-2; Senator submitted testimony supporting demolition of 525 Avocado Street; Senator attended Center for Workforce Excellence groundbreaking; Senator and staff participated in Keiki food drives at Freshwater State Water Park.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:33:48]:
1. Signage Removal: Member Cuaresma requested removal of signs along Kipapa Gulch on the freeway since the steel plate has been removed.
2. Pest Treatments: Member Mendelson expressed concerns about environmental impacts of pest treatments on bee populations.
Representative Amy Perruso – [2:36:13]: Representative Perruso provided the report and highlighted the following: Recently returned from the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL); Serves on Education and Natural Resources committees at the national level; Working with the new finance chair on revenue generation proposals; Department of Transportation declined to implement traffic calming on Rose Street; New e-bike regulation bill drafted and ready for potential special session in November.
VII. BOARD BUSINESS – [2:29:55]
Approval of Minutes – [2:40:00]: Due to technical issues with the meeting link reported by the Neighborhood Commission Office, no action was taken on approval of minutes.
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:40:48]
• The next Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board No. 26 meeting will be on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Wahiawa District Park’s Hale Koa Meeting 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
ADJOURNMENT – [2:42:58]: The meeting was adjourned at 9:46 p.m.

Submitted by: Jeffrey Jones, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO
Finalized by:

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.