NĀNĀKULI – MĀ‘ILI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 36

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026
NĀNĀKULI PUBLIC LIBRARY
89-070 FARRINGTON HIGHWAY – HAWAIʻI 96792
7:00 PM

WebEx Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mfe9360fe2a14ea27c75390ad0769277a 
Meeting Number/ Access Code: 2491 809 5098
Password: NB36 (6236 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join By Video System: You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.
Join By Phone: 1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OpQrZcPlM4-SOeAKbx0CAgcA0tazyEYf
YouTube Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice

Rules of Speaking: Anyone intending to speak, we will ask that in-person attendees’ line up at the microphone. Attendees joining us virtually, please raise your virtual hand. When recognized by the Chair, state your name clearly for the minutes. Comments must be kept under two (2) minutes. Official’s monthly reports must be kept under three (3) minutes. Presentations are asked to stay under ten (10) minutes. Sergeant-At-Arms will be keeping time, please conclude your comments when the timer goes off or asked to end by the Chair. When making comments, please address your remarks to the Chair. Silence all electronic devices.

Note: The Board may act 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. A two-thirds 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.

Order of Decorum – The Neighborhood Plan states: §2-13-104 Standards of conduct. (a) Board members, in the performance of their duties, shall demonstrate by their example the highest standards of ethical conduct, to the end that the public may justifiably have trust and confidence in the integrity of the neighborhood board system. Board members shall hold their offices or positions for the benefit of the public, shall recognize that the public’s interest is their primary concern, and shall faithfully discharge the duties of their offices regardless of personal considerations.

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Malia Agustin
a. Pule
b. Nānākuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board Roll Call

II. CITY EMERGENCY & FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS
a. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
b. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
c. Honolulu Ocean Safety Department – Kelly Krohne

III. FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES: Two (2) At Large Vacancies.
a. Nominations – Board Vote – Oath of Office
b. Certificates of Appreciation for Vice Chair Valerie Mae Manoa, Treasurer Kaui Asinsin, and Neighborhood Commission Office Jeffrey Jones

IV. STATE OFFICIALS MONTHLY REPORTS: Limited to three (3) minutes
a. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Deaprtment of Agriculture (DOA) Chair Sharon Hurd
b. State Senator – Samantha DeCorte
c. State Representative – Darius Kila

V. PRESENTATIONS: Limited to ten (10) minutes:
a. Office of Hawaiian Affairs – Native Hawaiian Flood Relief Resources & Legislative Updates.
b. Saturday, December 12, 2026 Christmas on the Avenue & Operation Blue Light
Christmas – Co-Chairs Pauahi Leoiki. Trisha Palenepa, Alana Mahoe, Char-Al Mahoe
c. Hawaiki – Member of BW Digital- Fiber Optic Submarine Cable Landing Facilities Project Update – David Slessor, Gina Bohreer, & Lei’a Haff

VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Limited to two (2) minutes

VII. CITY & FEDERAL OFFICIALS MONTHLY REPORTS: Limited to three (3) minutes
a. Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative
b. Councilmember – Andria Tupola
c. Board of Water Supply – Kathleen Pahinui
d. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda Representative – Tolua Samifua
e. Army Representative – Major Teachey
f. Navy Representative – Jhewel Felipe

VIII. BOARD BUSINESS
a. Approval of Thrusday, February 17, 2026 & Thursday, March 17, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
b. January, February & March 2026 Board Member Attendance at Community Meetings and/or Public Hearings.
c. Filling of the Vacancies for Education Committee Chair & Vice Chair
d. Filling of the Vacancies for Land & Water Committee Chair & Vice Chair
e. Letter of Support for Federal Funding to Paʻakea Residents impacted by flooding.
f. Letter of Support for Nānākuli Homestead Cemetery Wahi Pana NAHASDA Project – Shelby “Pikachu” Billionaire
g. Resolution Supporting Residents of Piliokahi Avenue
h. Board Booth Participation for Lei of Literacy Event on Thursday, May 7, 2026 Nānākuli Public Library

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Limited to three (3) minutes each
a. Transportation Chair – Germaine Meyers: 1st Thursday 6:30 p.m. Nānākuli Public Library
b. Housing & Zoning Chair – Germaine Meyers: 1st Thursday 8:00 p.m. Nānākuli Public Library
c. Education TBD
d. Water & Land TBD
e. Hawaiian Affairs Chair – Mapuana Tector: 3rd Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Nānākuli Public Library
f. Park & Recreation Chair – James Cowles: Last Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Māʻili Community Park
g. Public Health & Safety Chair – Paul Aio: Last Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Māʻili Community Park

X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Wednesday, April 29, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Waiʻanae Readiness Review Kick Off Meeting with University of Hawai’i, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the City and County Resilience Office, and Stakeholders in the Waiʻanae planning district. Location: Kaiāulu Community Learning Center 87-790 Kulauku St.
b. Thursday, May 7, 2026 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Lei of Literacy Event at Nānākuli Hawaiʻi State Public Library
c. BOARD IN RECESS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2026
d. Nānākuli- High & Intermediate School Graduation Ceremony – Saturday, May 23, 2026
e. Next Regular Board Meeting – Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., at Nānākuli Public Library and via WebEx Platform.

XI. 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 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 WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
NĀNĀKULI PUBLIC LIBRARY — 89-070 FARRINGTON HIGHWAY, WAIʻANAE, HI 96792
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Meeting Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY8LQDCroIE
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OpQrZcPlM4-SOeAKbx0CAgcA0tazyEYf

1. CALL TO ORDER — [0:00:07]: Chair Malia Agustin called the Nānākuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board No. 36 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was established with 8 members present. Note: This nine-member Board requires 5 members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Paul Aio, James Cowles, Blessings De La Cruz, Germaine Meyers, Charla Weaver, Valerie-Mae Manoa, Mapuana Tector, and Malia Agustin.

Members Absent: Kaui Asinsin

Guests: Sergeant Fumi Muraoka, Corporal Roland Pagan (Honolulu Police Department); Kelly Krohne (Honolulu Ocean Safety Department); Kika Tapeni (Councilmember Andria Tupola); Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); Patty Kahanamoku-Teruya, Carol (Waiʻanae Coast Community Foundation); Leinaʻala Kanana, Dr. Bobby Elisala (Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center); Major Adam Teachey (US Army Garrison Hawaii); Jhewel Felipe (Navy/Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam); Sharon Hurd (Governor Josh Green’s Office/Dept. of Agriculture); Senator Samantha DeCorte; Representative Darius Kila; Lise Vaughan-Sekona (Office of Hawaiian Affairs); Cardinal Mosani, Charlotte (Aloha Animal Outreach), Blanche McMillan, Lena Suzuki, Kimberly Hupo, Austin Salcedo, Kalei Salcedo, Terry Savaiinaea, Johnnie-Mae Perry; Jeffrey Jones (Neighborhood Commission Office).Note: Name was not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 82 total attendees.

Member Cowles opened in pule (prayer) — [0:01:54]

2. CITY EMERGENCY & FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS — [0:04:17]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:04:30]: Captain Oshiro of the Nānakuli Fire Station provided the monthly statistics for February 2026.
• February 2026 Statistics: 8 nuisance (rubbish) fires; 1 cooking fire; 6 activated alarms with no fire; 105 medical emergencies; 2 motor vehicle crash collisions; 1 ocean rescue; 1 hazardous materials incident.
• Fire Safety Tip: Smoke alarms save lives. They should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of the home. Test monthly by pushing the test button and replace alarms that are 10 years old or stop responding.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/117HL5JCgHKbF9S9b5Bnr7oZ4t7mB17Hz/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:05:45]
1. Flooding and Storm Response: Meyers commended HFD for their work during the recent storm and asked if there were any notable public safety hazards from the flooding the community should be aware of. Captain Scholarship identified the Paakea Road area as the main flood concern and advised residents to avoid that area during continuous rainfall. The rest of the district experienced minimal flooding and downed trees compared to the east side.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:07:00]: Sergeant Fumi Muraoka provided the crime statistics for February 2026 online. Acting Sergeant Roland Pagan also joined online to respond to follow-up questions from the February meeting.
• February 2026 Statistics: 0 motor vehicle thefts in Nānakuli (23 district-wide); 0 burglaries in Nānakuli (12 district-wide); 16 thefts in Nānakuli (103 district-wide); 2 vehicle break-ins in Nānakuli (27 district-wide); 770 total citations issued; 1,176 total calls for service in Nānakuli; 7,950 total calls district-wide.
• Follow-Up from February Meeting – Houseless Enforcement Clarifications: Acting Sergeant Pagan clarified that the city does not conduct “homeless sweeps” — HPD performs park enforcement, nuisance abatement, and community complaint-driven operations. Shelter and social services are offered prior to each enforcement action; most individuals decline. As long as shelter space is available through the Honu outreach program, enforcement proceeds; if no shelter is available island-wide, enforcement is paused.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:13:14]
1. Crime Mapping Request: Chair Agustin reported a recent meeting with the new Safe and Sound Westside Coordinator with the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, attended by Board Members Aio and Cowles. She requested that HPD display their crime map during future board meetings to give a better visual of where crimes are occurring. Acting Sergeant Pagan recommended that community members visit honolulupd.org and use the crime mapping tool, which allows individuals to enter their address and see crime types within a specified radius, providing more meaningful context than a generic map display.
2. HPD Protocol for Badge and Name Requests: De La Cruz asked about procedures when a community member requests an officer’s badge number, name, or officer in charge. Acting Sergeant Pagan explained that officers’ names and badge numbers are on their uniform; individuals may read or photograph them. Officers are not required to provide pen and paper. Supervisors are called at an officer’s discretion. Individuals not satisfied after an encounter may go to the police station or call to request a supervisor.
3. Missing Children and Maile Alert Protocol: De La Cruz asked why information is not released to the public sooner when a child is in danger, referencing the 48-hour window. Acting Sergeant Pagan explained that when a child is reported missing, the officer submits a report to detectives, who evaluate the circumstances and criteria to determine whether a Miley alert is warranted (a runaway situation, for example, would not qualify). He committed to finding out exactly who makes that determination and offered to send the board a copy of the protocol.

Honolulu Ocean Safety Department – [0:20:10]: Lieutenant Blake Copuruz provided the February 2026 statistics for the Leeward Coast from Kahe Point to Iroquois Point.
• February 2026 Statistics: A drowning of a 40-year-old male at Lagoon 4, Ko Olina, brought up by a Good Samaritan who started CPR until Ocean Safety and EMS arrived. A scuba diver unable to move his arms and legs at Kahe Point was brought to shore by jet ski and transported to a hospital. Two missing divers whose vessel lost them at Miley Point were located and returned to their vessel and captain. A 14-foot non-aggressive shark was sighted at Kahe Point. A 12-foot and 10-foot aggressive sharks were observed at Nanaiolani Beach Park.
• Post-Storm Beach Conditions: Stream openings along the Leeward Coast from Yokohama to Kahe Point have altered beach topography, creating sandbars that can produce dangerous rip currents without warning. Residents are advised to check with lifeguards whenever they observe changed beach conditions. Flags and rip current signage are posted at hazardous locations.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:21:48]
1. Water Quality Sampling During Storm Runoff: Chair Agustin asked whether Ocean Safety takes water samples to assess swimming safety after storm runoff enters the ocean. Lt. Coporuz confirmed that water quality sampling is handled by the state, not Ocean Safety.
2. Water Rescue at Nānakuli Beach: Aio referenced a rescue at Nānakuli Beach that made the news and asked for a report. Lt. Coporuz confirmed he was second on scene: seven children were playing near the river mouth/bridge area when storm swell reopened the sandbar, creating a rip current that swept out all seven children and a bodyboarder. The local bodyboarder helped rescue everyone back to shore. Four patients were transported by EMS to a hospital.

[0:24:49] Chair Agustin gave a shout out to Board Member Asinsin, who was excused with family but organized the Valley Community Unity event, and to Jodi Kolana for providing food for the meeting. Mahalo was also extended to Board Member Meyers for setting up the meeting room.

3. FEDERAL OFFICIALS’ MONTHLY REPORTS — [0:25:42]

Congresswoman Jill Tokuda Representative – Tolua Samifua [0:25:49]: Tolua Samifua, staff representative for Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, reported online and highlighted the following:
• Town Halls: Congresswoman Tokuda has hosted multiple town halls across the state in recent months, with the latest in Kāneʻohe the prior week. An upcoming one is scheduled in Lāhainā that coming Saturday, with additional ones planned on neighboring islands. No further Oahu town halls are confirmed at this time.
• 2026 Congressional Art Competition: Open to high school students in the district; theme is “Reflections of Hawaiʻi.” Accepted mediums include photography, digital art, and painting. Submissions due by April 8, 2026. Artwork may be mailed to the office or dropped off Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:29:09]
1. Congressional Children and Military Service: Perry expressed concern about the ongoing overseas conflicts and asked whether children of Congressional members are exempt from military service. Samifua committed to following up and providing accurate information to the Chair.
2. Red Hill Cleanup Funding: Meyers asked whether Congresswoman Tokuda can verify how much military budget funding is available for the Red Hill contamination cleanup and assist the Board of Water Supply in accessing those funds. Samifua committed to following up and providing a response at the next meeting.
3. Military Lease Extension Stance: Meyers asked for Congresswoman Tokuda’s position on military lease extensions at Makua and other areas, noting both community concerns about land use and the economic infrastructure role of the military in Hawaiʻi. Samifua committed to obtaining and reporting that position.
4. Art Competition Format: Aio asked whether photographs and drawings are accepted in addition to paintings. Samifua confirmed photography and digital art are accepted.
5. Earlier Community Notice Requested: Manoa, as Education Chair, requested that future communications about the art competition be shared with neighborhood boards at least one month before deadlines so it can be announced at committee meetings.
6. First Engagement from Congresswoman’s Office: Chair Agustin noted this is the first engagement from Congresswoman Tokuda’s office during her time on the board and expressed hope for more consistent engagement.

Army Representative – Major Adam Teachey [0:34:47]: Major Adam Teachey reported on behalf of the 25th Infantry Division and US Army Garrison Hawaii and highlighted the following:
• Training Advisory: Increased noise expected in the Wahiwa and Schofield Barracks area from March 30–31 and in the east range area from March 28 through April 4.
• Prescribed Burns: Scheduled from April 13–19 to clear underbrush within training areas as a wildfire prevention measure.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:35:30]
1. Comment on Overseas Conflicts: A community member and Air Force veteran expressed opposition to military involvement in current overseas conflicts and urged service members not be sent into harm’s way for foreign interests. Major Teachey acknowledged the comment but stated he was unable to respond on that topic.
2. Community Cleanup Partnership at Lualūalei Gate: A community member asked whether the military can partner with community members and Councilmember Tupola for regular cleanups adjacent to the Lualūalei gate. Major Teachey confirmed Schofield Barracks units do conduct cleanups and that a partnership can be arranged; he committed to passing the request up through his report. He also noted that Wheeler and Schofield both experienced storm-related outages, with approximately 72 homes on Wheeler still without power at the time of the meeting.
3. Army Helicopter Activity: Board Member Cowles reported observing army helicopters circling over the ocean near Māʻili for several hours and asked about their purpose. Major Teachey did not have information on that specific activity.

Navy Representative – Jhewel Felipe [0:39:44]: Jhewel Felipe, Community Relations, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, reported online and highlighted the following:
• Kolekole Pass Exercise Update: Shared updated photos from the multi-agency exercise held on March 3, 2026. The Navy-led exercise was designed to prepare for a safe and orderly evacuation route — the same route used during the July 2025 tsunami warning, when more than 400 civilian vehicles were evacuated.
• Naval Magazine Road Repair Update: Road repair challenges include shared ownership among city, state, and federal entities; federal funding authorization requirements; and coordination of contractors and road closures. Hawaii Senate Bill 3156 (with companion HB 2336) would allow the state to work directly with the military to perform repairs on federal property using federal funds. A hearing on the bill was held the morning of the meeting.
• Contact Update: The storm affected Felipe’s desk phone; community members should contact him via email. He invited those interested in the Lualūlei gate cleanup to email him to collaborate.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [0:42:28]
1. Paakea Road Flooding – Navy Overflow Accountability: Pastor Tala stated that three road owners, including the Navy, had given up road rights to the city and state for Paakea Road and asked for confirmation. Felipe was unfamiliar with the specific matter. He then expressed that overflow from the Navy’s site flows into Paakea Road and Hakimo Road, causing knee-high flooding of homes within 30 minutes.
2. Paakea Road Flood Mitigation and Congressional Action: Kahanamoku-Teruya noted that the last federal action on Paakea Road flood mitigation was by Congressman Ed Case in 2002, when over $6 million in federal funds was allocated. Basin drainage was discussed after a flood of over 10 inches of rain in 2011.
3. Kolekole Pass Exercise Results and Community Notification: Meyers asked about the results and recommendations of the exercise and what will be shared with the community. Felipe acknowledged she was not part of the planning and committed to asking those questions. Meyers questioned whether a pre-scheduled exercise constitutes a realistic drill and asked whether future drills could be conducted at irregular times and from participants’ own locations.
4. Senate Bill 3156 / House Bill 2336: Meyers noted that SB 3156’s companion bill HB 2336 has passed third reading in both chambers and is heading to conference committee. She committed to tracking it and asked Felipe to do the same so that funding for road repairs becomes available through the Navy-state partnership.
5. Site Visit Request to Paakea and Hakimo Roads: Meyers, as Transportation Committee Chair, asked Felipe to schedule a site visit to view the flood impact and community videos. Felipe agreed, acknowledging he has never been to Paakea Road or Hakimo Road, and asked to be emailed with proposed dates and times.

4. PRESENTATIONS — [0:53:18]

Ka Waihona o Ka Naʻauao Public Charter School – Lā Kūʻokoʻa Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa — [0:53:20]: Principal Kalehua Krug presented on behalf of Ka Waihona o Ka Naʻauao Public Charter School and highlighted the following:
• Event Request: Ka Waihona is seeking board support for a road closure on Nānakuli Avenue on November 21, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a Lā Kūʻokoʻa (Hawaiian Kingdom Independence Day) parade. The parade would stage at Nānakuli High School and proceed to the Kano Okaha/Kalani Kūhonā shopping center area, followed by a Hoʻolauleʻa celebration from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Parade Logistics: Floats, bands, community organizations, hālau, and school presentations are planned. Ka Waihona will partner with Anapuli Park and the Kalani Kūhonā shopping center for parking, consistent with prior years. The school has experience coordinating evacuations of 750-800 students across Farrington Highway and has a safety team capable of managing large crowds.
• Grade Level Expansion Plans: In response to board questions, Krug confirmed Ka Waihona is working toward extending grade levels through a partnership with Nānakuli High School and by adding six classrooms to its own campus, with a four-year timeline (targeting two years).
• Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18acR-IENwTXJ_QKv0Hi2twx5tLqJZIO7XEpSfIy2G2E/edit?usp=drive_link

[1:01:58] Manoa MOVED and Cowles SECONDED to support Ka Waihona o Ka Naʻauao in a road closure for Nānakuli Avenue for the Lā Kūʻokoʻa parade on November 21, 2026, from Nānakuli High School to the shopping center/village area, through the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for setup. Hearing no opposition, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 8-0-0 (Aye: Weaver, Meyers, Manoa, De La Cruz, Cowles, Tector, Aio, Agustin; Nay: None; Abstain: None) — [1:02:16]

City Refuse Division – 6-Month Pilot Program: Residential Curbside Collection System Changes to Green Compost Carts (GROW Green), Starting Wednesday, April 1, 2026 — [1:02:49]: Henry Gabriel, City and County of Honolulu, Department of Environmental Services, Refuse Division and Recycling Branch, presented the following:
• Program Overview: GROW Green (Green Recycling Organic Waste) is a pilot program launching April 1, 2026 for residents on the automated curbside collection system in Hip Pahu, Nānakuli, Hawaii Kai, Mīlani, Kailua, and Kalihi. After a six-month pilot, the program will expand island-wide in October 2026.
• What’s Changing: Food waste will be placed into the existing green compost cart. No additional cart will be provided. A kitchen container with lid and a reusable bag will be distributed at public workshops. Freezing food waste before placing it in the green cart is recommended to prevent odors; layering green waste over food waste also helps.
• What Happens to Food Waste: Hawaiian Earth Recycling (Waipahu) is the city’s contractor. Food waste is composted using a Gore in-vessel system producing compost in under six months. Residents may also self-drop off at Hawaiian Earth (up to two loads per day). Phase Two will explore Leeward-side drop-off locations for condos, apartments, and those farther from the contractor.
• Scale of Problem: Oahu generates approximately 60,000 tons of residential food waste (180,000 tons combined) annually — about 20% of the total waste stream. Diverting food waste reduces the volume going to H Power and the landfill and produces compost for local farmers, supporting a circular economy.
• Public Workshop: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 7:00–8:00 p.m. at Nanaʻikapono Elementary School Cafeteria (89-153 Mano Ave, Waianae). Social media: @hnl.env. Website: honolulu.gov/env.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:16:11]
1. DOE School Integration: A community member asked how the program can be integrated into DOE public schools, noting Nānākuli High and Intermediate’s Hokupula Academy has livestock and has historically managed cafeteria food waste for animals. Gabriel confirmed he is working on involving DOE, particularly given the new central kitchen being built in Waipahu, which could anchor a circular composting loop.
2. Schoolwide Food and Green Waste: Perry expanded on the idea, noting that all school campuses generate substantial daily food and groundskeeping waste that could supply the program continuously.
3. Freezer Space and Container Concerns: A resident asked whether the requirement to freeze food waste had been considered given limited freezer space. Gabriel clarified that no additional cart will be provided; food goes into the existing green cart. A kitchen container will be provided at workshops. He noted most families produce less than a gallon of food waste per week and that layering in the cart every other day is an option when freezer space is limited.
4. Leeward Drop-Off Location: Weaver asked if a drop-off location could be made available on the Leeward side given the distance to Waipahu. Gabriel confirmed Phase Two plans include drop-off containers for those farther from the contractor.
5. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Alternative: Manoa suggested using LAB (made from starch water or rice water and milk) as a microbial additive to allow food waste to go directly into the bin without freezing, eliminating odors through decomposition. Gabriel acknowledged learning about LAB at a pre-meeting and expressed interest in it as a future teaching tool.
6. Islandwide Program Confirmation: Meyers confirmed with Gabriel that after the six-month pilot, the program will expand island-wide in October 2026 and will not simply end.
7. Connection to Waimanalo Gulch Landfill: Tector asked whether the program helps reduce waste going to Waimanalo Gulch. Gabriel confirmed that food waste represents approximately 20% of the total waste stream; diverting it reduces what goes to H Power and the landfill.
8. Community Benefits of the Program: A community member noted Nanakuli has long borne environmental burdens and asked what the community receives in return. Gabriel explained that composted material goes to farmers who sell local produce back to the community, forming a circular economy loop.
9. Board Member Aio’s Support: Aio expressed personal commitment to the program and spoke about the importance of reducing waste to protect the ʻāina and ocean for future generations.
10. Community Invitation: Chair Agustin invited the community to attend the March 19th GROW Green Public Workshop at Nanaʻikapono Elementary School and asked Gabriel to bring a sample container. Gabriel confirmed containers had been ordered in January and are still pending delivery; he will bring a sample when they arrive, along with a silicone reusable bag.

Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill – Special Use Permit Update — [1:33:04]: Josh Nagashima, Program Administrator, Refuse Division, Department of Environmental Services, presented the following:
• Oahu Waste Management Overview: Oahu generates approximately 1.2 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) per year. Of that, 700,000 tons goes to H Power (generating electricity and 250,000 tons of ash residue), and 500,000 tons is construction and demolition (C&D) waste. When PVT (a private C&D landfill) closes, Waimanalo Gulch may be required to absorb that waste as well.
• Current Status: The final liner has been placed at the top of the landfill as of March 10, 2026. The facility is expected to reach capacity by 2031.
• Failed Siting Attempts: The Landfill Advisory Committee (LAC) was formed after Act 73 (2020) required landfills to be at least a half mile from residences, schools, and hospitals. Six candidate sites were evaluated, but all were in the No-Pass Zone (protecting drinking water aquifer). The mayor announced the Wahiawa West site in December 2024; however, Act 255 (July 2025) prohibited landfill construction on Class A agricultural land and inland of the UIC line, blocking the Wahiawa site.
• Proposed Next Site – Makaiwa Hills: The only currently unrestricted site on Oahu is Makaiwa Hills, adjacent to the existing landfill. The city is pursuing a PIM designation, then land acquisition, Environmental Impact Statement, solid waste permit, Special Use Permit, and construction, with a target opening date of 2033. The city is also seeking to extend Waimanalo Gulch’s operating deadline to 2031 (or until full). Options to bridge the 2031–2033 gap include shipping waste off-island or a temporary landfill site.
• Host Community Benefits: Past benefits (2006–2008) included $3 million donated to local nonprofits and $3.5 million for city parks construction on the west side, funded by property taxes. Going forward, the city plans to restore community benefits when the new landfill opens, funded through a flat fee or percentage of the tipping fee. A community committee will be formed during the EIS process. Hawaii County’s Ka Kāhaha landfill serves as a model, having distributed approximately $2.5 million through a community benefits program accessible at kahcb.net.
• Community Tour: Planned for Saturday, April 18, 2026 (two buses, 50 people each) to visit H Power, Waimanalo Gulch, Hawaiian Earth Recycling, and RRR Recycling. Contact Josh Nagashima to sign up. Online comment deadline for the Special Use Permit: March 26, 2026. Website: honolulu.gov/opala.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed — [1:49:59]
1. PFAS in Food Containers and Health Impact: A community member expressed concern that food containers burned at H Power release PFAS chemicals affecting residents along Farrington Highway, and requested a direct financial return to the 96792-zip code given the long-term environmental burden.
2. Smaller Landfills per District and Cultural Significance: A community member asked if district-based landfills had ever been considered and stated opposition to any further dumping in the community, regardless of financial benefits. She cited the cultural and navigational significance of the Makaiwa area to Native Hawaiians, noting the name “Waimanalo” means “portable water” and that the site was historically important for Hawaiian navigation. She called for genuine community engagement at public hearings.
3. Support for Extension and Legislation: Perry expressed support for the Makaiwa Hills extension and noted the site is technically in Kapolei, not in the 96792-zip code. She referenced landfill-related state legislation — HB 2423 and SB 2485 SD1 — which would create a new state advisory group reporting to the governor.
4. Ocean Water in Siting Criteria: Hoppe-Cruz stated that ocean water must be given equal weight to freshwater in landfill siting criteria, noting the landfill is approximately two miles from the ocean and stormwater runoff reaches two miles offshore. She also raised the high cancer rates in surrounding neighborhoods as a serious consideration.
5. Second Landfill in 96792: Austin Saledo stated this would be the second landfill in the 96792-zip code (the first being the former Waiʻanae Valley landfill, now closed) and urged the community to stand united against further dumping.
6. Paakea Road Sewage and Community Capacity: Billionaire noted that ongoing knee-high sewage and flood water on Paakea Road since the storm (four to five days at the time of the meeting) demonstrates that if the city cannot handle immediate sanitation crises, its capacity to manage a new landfill must be questioned. He urged all relevant agencies to prioritize the Paakea Road drainage issue.
7. Support from Construction Professional: A community member stated that as a construction professional of over 40 years, he understands environmental controls and that the city must find the best available site. He expressed support for Nagashima and the city’s efforts.
8. Native Hawaiian Communities Disproportionately Burdened: Meyers expressed concern that Native Hawaiian communities have historically been placed near landfills, noting Act 73 was created specifically to stop the Wahiawa landfill. She acknowledged Mayor Blangiardi’s stated commitment not to return the landfill to the community but noted the next administration will face the same problem.
9. Past Benefits and Ongoing Impact: Tector acknowledged the past benefits package benefited organizations like the Nānakuli PTSA but noted it was insufficient relative to the burden borne. She asked when host community benefit meetings will begin and how the board can participate, and requested transparency in naming, noting that calling the new site “Makaiwa Hills” rather than acknowledging it as adjacent to Waimanalo Gulch may obscure the reality for the community.
10. Community Must Be Heard: Manoa urged the city to truly listen at public hearings and not simply provide the appearance of consultation while changing nothing. She advocated for the community philosophy that “you make the opāla, you keep it in your own place” and highlighted the cultural and ecological significance of the land, calling for consideration of native flora and fauna.
11. Board Seat on Planning Committee: Chair Agustin asked that a board member be selected to serve on the city’s landfill planning committee. Board Member Aio echoed the request, emphasizing that ground-level community voices must participate in upper-level decisions.
12. Plan Not to Extend: Weaver asked directly whether there is any plan to avoid extending the landfill into Makaiwa. Nagashima acknowledged that based on the current map, there are no other available options.
13. Public Comment Deadline: Chair Agustin reminded attendees that public comments on the Special Use Permit may be submitted online through March 26, 2026.

V. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS — [2:19:49]

Piliokahi Avenue Street Name Change – [2:20:28]: Olivera testified in opposition to the proposed change of Piliokahi Avenue to Piliokahe Avenue. She stated that residents followed all required civic processes in 2022 to oppose the change, yet the DOT changed the street sign in the middle of the night without notice to residents, and is now attempting to push the change through online processes that exclude kūpuna not active on social media. She urged continued opposition, noting the name erases 70 years of the community’s history.

Piliokahi Avenue Testimony – [2:24:05]: Holu detailed the history of the name change issue. Residents attended every meeting from 2022 through early 2023 and were repeatedly told no agenda item on the name change would be introduced, yet changes continued to appear under Act 179. No one from DOT consulted the residents most affected. The neighborhood board voted 7-1 in February 2023 to oppose the change, and DHHL stated they would not support it. Despite this, the sign was changed on December 23, 2022, in the middle of the night.

Powerhouse Church Flooding – [2:27:12]: James “Kimo” Matsumoto, pastor of a church on Paakea Road with a farm and vocational training program, thanked the board for their service and asked for help. About six families on the farm were displaced by the flooding. With approximately 25 children and 23 adults, he asked for support from all available resources.

Paakea Road Flooding – [2:29:56]: Pastor Tala thanked Senator DeCorte for her assistance during the flooding, including donating a roll-off container. He emphasized that the flooding situation is hazardous — septic tanks are failing and the water is contaminating drinking water. He called for the issue to be treated with the same urgency as the Navy’s Red Hill fuel spill.

Paakea Road Flooding (cont.) – [2:32:05]: Billionaire reported that as of the meeting date, four to five days after the storm, the Paakea Road area near Powerhouse Church/the pink store remains knee-high in water. He called out multiple agencies, noting that the city had come twice and left without fully resolving the issue. He urged the board and officials to treat the situation as an emergency and called for an old-school drainage map and ditch-clearing approach.

Piliokahi Avenue Testimony (cont.) – [2:33:35]: Fuata spoke on behalf of the families of Piliokahi Avenue, asking for the board’s support in preventing the name change. Her mother has lived on Piliokahi Avenue since age seven and only four families live on the block, and they are now in their fourth or fifth generation. She stated that changing the “I” to an “E” erases the family’s existence and asked the board to stand with them.

Paakea Road Flooding (cont.) – [2:35:09]: Juan, whose husband and son are also part of a Paakea Road family affected by the flooding, described driving home through water up to the car window and arriving to find the house flooded. She asked whether there is any form of assistance available to affected families.

Piliokahi Avenue Testimony – [2:36:34]: Falao spoke in support of the Piliokahi Avenue families, stating that the residents should have been consulted before any decisions were made. She noted that her grandmother’s family helped clear that land when they first received their homestead lease, and has been there for generations. She asked the board to support keeping the name.

Nānākuli High and Intermediate School Governance Concerns – [2:38:03]: Mosanai, SCC Chair for Nānakuli High and Intermediate School, appeared not as the chair but as a parent and community member. She expressed deep frustration with zero transparency and zero communication from school administration. She shared that senior prom and the senior luʻau were cancelled — affecting the class that also did not have a sixth-grade graduation due to COVID. She asked the board whether it could require the school administration to provide updates at regular intervals so parents and community members have a venue for accountability.

Paakea Road Flooding (cont.) – [2:40:48]: White described how the flooding destroyed property and created unsafe conditions (dead animals, human waste) that prevent residents — many in recovery from addiction — from returning to the farm. She noted the upcoming storm forecast of 95% rain probability and warned of worse damage to come.

Piliokahi / Paakea Accountability – [2:42:44]: Kalei Salcedo spoke about both the Piliokahi name change, calling the middle-of-the-night sign change unethical, and the Paakea Road flooding, urging landowners to be held accountable. She stated the flooding situation is an emergency that should have been responded to faster and urged the community to document everything with videos and share on social media to demand attention for the 96792.

[2:45:36] Chair Agustin noted that written testimony forms are available for those unable to testify orally. Meyers clarified for the public that the DHHL name change process did not receive approval, and that the board will take care of what happened and find out who made the change.

VI. STATE & CITY OFFICIALS MONTHLY REPORTS — [2:46:13]

Chair Agustin took the agenda out of order to respect the time of officials present in person. Due to time constraints, no questions were taken during these reports.

State Senator Samantha DeCorte – [2:46:34]: Senator DeCorte reported in person and highlighted the following:
• Paakea Road Flooding: Senator DeCorte apologized to the community for the ongoing flooding situation. She described spending the prior weekend in constant contact with Pastor Tala, Jodi, and other residents; calling emergency management; contacting DOT; and checking roads personally. She committed to working with the Navy, state, congressional leaders, and the residents of Paakea Road to find a permanent solution.
• Papahana O Kaiona Property Acquisition: The legislature provided funds for Papahana O Kaiona (an ALC alternative learning school) to purchase property on St. John’s Road. Senator DeCorte was able to expedite the project; the school is expected to close on the property by end of March. Demo and soil remediation will follow. She thanked Kamehameha Schools for hosting Papahana O Kaiona at Kalanikūhonā at no charge.
• Senate Floor Presentation – Boxing Gyms: On Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Senator DeCorte will honor the boxing gyms of the 96792 on the Senate floor — HR Boxing, Westside Striking, and Needle Boxing — and will recognize Fred “Pops” Pereira with his own designated day (April 12, his birthday). She invited the community to attend.
• Graduate of Papahana O Kaiona at the Senate: A current graduate of Papahana O Kaiona will deliver the moment of contemplation at the Senate on Thursday. Senator DeCorte invited the community to attend and show support.

Board of Water Supply – Kathleen Pahinui [2:53:41]: Kathleen Pahinui reported in person and highlighted the following:
• February 2026 Statistics: A major break on Young Homestead Road on February 4th — an 8-inch pipe that broke twice during the repair period. On February 23rd, a 12-inch break on Hakimo Road and a 4-inch break on Mohi Place.
• World Water Day: March 22, 2026 is World Water Day (an annual United Nations observance). A march will be held from Ala Moana to Kapiʻolani Park starting at approximately 9:00 a.m., organized by community organizations.
• Koko Head/Kakaako Mauka Pipeline Update (Kokamana): The design consultant has not yet been selected. Staff are preparing the project definition report for divisional signatures before consultant selection begins. The design and construction timeline is estimated at two years per phase (up to seven years total). BWS will need to initiate conversations with residents about obtaining an easement, as it is a private road, and may reach out to board members for assistance.

State Representative Darius Kila – [2:57:07]: Representative Kila reported online and highlighted the following:
• Storm Response Update: Representative Kila thanked the teams from the city, state, and Hawaii Electric. He noted that when state pump trucks arrived at the first assessment, the flooding was worse than anticipated. DFM and the state returned the day of the meeting and accomplished major progress on Paakea;
• Infrastructure and Road Legislation: The House Transportation Committee crossed over 34 bills; multiple bills are moving that Kila believes will improve road safety. The Senate crossed over 26 transportation bills, with the first Senate committee hearing held that day and the next scheduled for Thursday.
• Office Update: Representative Kila’s office has moved to the fourth floor of the legislature.

VII. BOARD BUSINESS — [2:59:35]

Approval of February 17, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes — [2:59:42]: Deferred to next Board Meeting.

January–February 2025 Board Member Attendance at Community Meetings and/or Public Hearings — [2:59:44]: Deferred to next Board Meeting.

Transportation, Housing & Zoning Committee – Joining of Board Member Charla Weaver and Removal of Community Member Gary Shinsato — [2:59:46]: Meyers MOVED and Manoa SECONDED to add Board Member Charla Weaver to the Transportation and Housing & Zoning Committees and remove community member Gary Shinsato from both committees. Hearing no opposition, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 8-0-0 (Aye: Weaver, Meyers, Manoa, De La Cruz, Cowles, Tector, Aio, Agustin; Nay: None; Abstain: None) — [3:00:27]

A Resolution Supporting Olmstead-Aligned, ADA-Compliant, Resilient, and Empowerment-Focused Housing for Kūpuna and Disabled Community Members – Housing & Zoning Committee — [3:01:02]: Meyers, as Housing & Zoning Committee Chair, summarized the resolution, which was unanimously approved at the March 5th committee meeting. The resolution establishes guiding principles for housing proposals affecting kūpuna and disabled residents in the Nānakuli-Māʻili community.

[3:04:17] Myers MOVED and Weaver SECONDED to adopt A Resolution Supporting Olmstead-Aligned, ADA-Compliant, Resilient, and Empowerment-Focused Housing for Kūpuna and Disabled Community Members. Hearing no opposition, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 8-0-0 (Aye: Weaver, Meyers, Manoa, De La Cruz, Cowles, Tector, Aio, Agustin; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [3:04:59]

A Resolution that Nānakuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board Opposes SB 2423 and Companion HB 1734 which Prohibits the Counties from Imposing Certain Lot Requirements on Lots Zoned for Housing — [3:05:07]: Meyers introduced this resolution, noting it was received from Council Chair Tommy Waters. The bills propose to prohibit counties from imposing minimum lot size and subdivision requirements in areas designated as urban district under HRS Chapter 205. She highlighted that portions of Nānākuli, Māʻili, Waiʻanae Town, parts of Lualūalei, and portions of Mākaha are legally designated as urban district and could be directly affected.

[3:07:52] Meyers MOVED Manoa SECONDED to oppose SB 2423 and HB 1734. Hearing no opposition, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 8-0-0 (Aye: Weaver, Meyers, Manoa, De La Cruz, Cowles, Tector, Aio, Agustin; Nay: None; Abstain: None) — [3:08:32]

Resolution Requesting Governance Clarification and Compliance Measures for the 2026–2027 Nānakuli High & Intermediate School Community Council – Education Committee — [3:08:52]: Manoa introduced the resolution and asked Board Member Meyers to summarize it. Meyers explained that School Community Councils (SCCs) have experienced issues including non-elections or unverified elections across peer group seats, lack of clarity about the principal’s role in running SCC meetings, and the SCC handbook not being made available to the community. These issues cannot be corrected in the current school year.

[3:11:31] Manoa MOVED and Aio SECONDED to adopt the Resolution Requesting Governance Clarification and Compliance Measures for the 2026–2027 Nānakuli High & Intermediate School Community Council. Hearing no opposition, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 8-0-0 (Aye: Weaver, Meyers, Manoa, De La Cruz, Cowles, Tector, Aio, Agustin; Nay: None; Abstain: None) — [3:12:02]

A Resolution Requesting the Amendment of Neighborhood Board Boundaries to Include Ko Olina within the Nānakuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board District – Neighborhood Commission Office — [3:12:14]: Chair Agustin summarized the resolution, which requests an amendment to the neighborhood board boundaries to include Ko Olina and the Waimanalo Gulch area within the Nānakuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board District. It is evident that Ko Olina and the Waimanalo Gulch are within the 96792 moku. Resolutions are available in print and on the board’s Google Drive.

[3:13:23] Agustin MOVED and De La Cruz SECONDED to adopt A Resolution Requesting the Amendment of Neighborhood Board Boundaries to Include Ko Olina within the Nānakuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board District. Hearing no opposition, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 8-0-0 (Aye: Weaver, Meyers, Manoa, De La Cruz, Cowles, Tector, Aio, Agustin; Nay: None; Abstain: None) — [3:13:46]

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS — [3:13:56]

Due to time constraints, committee reports were not given during the meeting. A date change was announced for the Education and Land & Water Committees. All other committees will remain on their regular schedule.
• Date Change: Education Committee and Land & Water Committee will now meet on Monday, April 13, 2026 (changed from April 9, which conflicts with Mayor Blangiardi’s Town Hall at Waiʻanae District Park from 6:30–8:30 p.m.).
• Transportation Chair – Germaine Meyers: 1st Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at Nānakuli Public Library
• Housing & Zoning Chair – Germaine Meyers: 1st Thursday, 8:00 p.m. at Nānakuli Public Library
• Education Chair – Valerie-Mae Manoa: 2nd Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at Nānakuli Public Library (DATE CHANGE: Monday, April 13, 2026)
• Water & Land Chair – Valerie-Mae Manoa: 2nd Thursday, 8:00 p.m. at Nānakuli Public Library (DATE CHANGE: Monday, April 13, 2026)
• Hawaiian Affairs Chair – Mapuana Tector: 3rd Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. at Nānakuli Public Library
• Park & Recreation Chair – James Cowles: Last Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at Māʻili Community Park
• Public Health & Safety Chair – Paul Aio: Last Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. at Māʻili Community Park

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS — [3:14:14]

• Public School Spring Break: March 16–20, 2026.
• March 19, 2026 – 7:00–8:00 p.m.: Nānakuli GROW Green Public Workshop, Department of Environmental Services, at Nanaʻikapono Elementary School Cafeteria (89-153 Mano Ave, Waianae 96792).
• March 21, 2026 – 3:00–9:00 p.m.: Legacy Prince Jonah Kūhīō Kalanianāʻole 8th Annual Festival at Kalanianāʻole Beach Park. NOTE: POSTPONED to March 26, 2026, due to flooding at Nānakuli Park/Kalanianāʻole Beach Park. New date: March 26, 2026, 3:00–9:00 p.m.
• March 23, 2026 – 6:00–7:00 p.m.: Kalaeloa Partners Virtual Outreach Meeting.
• March 31, 2026 – 6:00–8:00 p.m.: Waiʻanae Watershed Management Plan Community Meeting at Kalanihōakaha Community Learning Center (89-102 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792).
• April 9, 2026 – 6:30–8:30 p.m.: Mayor Richard Blangiardi’s Town Hall at Waiʻanae District Park.
• Next Regular Board Meeting: TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., at Nānakuli Public Library and via WebEx Platform.

X. ADJOURNMENT — [3:15:29]: Chair Agustin adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:15 p.m.

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