MĀNOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 7

INITIAL CONVENING MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.
Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria
2655 Woodlawn Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m0703b535a40c894de5b9cd9e2a50ae05
Meeting Number/ Access Code: 2483 095 1817
Password: NB07 (6207 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: 1-408-418-9388

Meeting Materials: Find a monthly archive of handouts and referenced materials relating to the Mānoa Neighborhood Board No. 7 at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NO7LXTCebl7VkAMZ8–ocGHcb14-omUL

Recordings of Board Meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice

Rules of Speaking: Address the chair, be recognized before proceeding, and confine remarks to the subject under discussion. Speakers are asked to keep their comments under one (1) minute. Please listen for the direction of the timekeeper and mute yourself if not recognized by the chair to speak.

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, 530 South King Street, Room 406, Honolulu, HI 96813. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov

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 12 of this 17-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.

I. CALL TO ORDER – Pro-Tem Chair Dave Nagaji

II. FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS
a. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
b. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)

III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND CONFIRMATION OF BOARD DETAILS
a. Election of Officers – To serve from September 2025 to June 30, 2026: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and any other officers the Board determines it needs to conduct its business.
b. Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Format (Virtual Option) – Mānoa Neighborhood Board No.07 presently meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria and via WebEx.
c. Determination of Recess Schedule – Up to three (3) per year.
d. Formation of Committees – Neighborhood Plan Section 2-14-124[a]: The Board may establish committees. If any Board Member is interested in serving on a committee, then please inform the Chair.

IV. RETURNING BUSINESS
a. Updates on Mānoa Banyan Court & Aria Lane
b. Updates on Ala Wai Flood Mitigation
c. Updates on the Primary Urban Center Development Plan
d. University Lab School and Proposed “CampusTown” Project
i. The developer has set up a website at: https://arcg.is/1ji4u43

V. BOARD BUSINESS
a. Filling of Vacancies. Sub District 3 (One Vacancy); Sub District 4 (Two Vacancies) – Residents interested in filling a vacant board seat must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Anson Wu [anson.wu@honolulu.gov] to verify residency in advance.
b. Endorsement of Changing the Charter to Follow Standard Parliamentary Procedure
i. Typical parliamentary procedure requires a simple majority present in order to have quorum, whereas our Board requires a majority of the maximum membership (9 out of maximum 17) to have quorum. Similarly, typical parliamentary procedure requires a simple majority vote to make a decision, while our Board always requires 9 affirmative votes to make a decision. Because of this, our Board follows rules that are more restrictive than usual parliamentary procedure, which makes it more difficult for this Board to take any action.
c. Approval of the Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Meeting Minutes
d. Approval of the Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Meeting Minutes

VI. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
a. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Dominic Dias
b. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Office
c. City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto

VII. STATE MONTHLY REPORTS
a. Senator Carol Fukunaga
b. Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett
c. University of Hawaii at Mānoa Updates – Elmer Kaai
d. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Laci Goshi
e. Congressman Ed Case’s Representative

VIII. PRESENTATION
a. Pesticide Use in Hawaii – Representative Amy Perruso’s Office

IX. COMMUNITY CONCERNS
a. Other Concerns Not Otherwise Listed

X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Next Meeting: Next regular board meeting will be held on October 1, 2025. It will be held in person at Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria, as well as online via WebEx, starting at 6:30pm.
b. The Friends of Mānoa Library Fall Book Sale will be held on Saturday, September 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Sunday, September 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Mānoa Public Library.
c. Agenda Items for the Next Meeting:
i. No new items are currently planned for the October 2025 agenda. Board Members and other interested individuals may contact the Chair in order to request that a new item be added to the agenda. Due to mandatory deadlines, please make any such agenda requests more than a week in advance of the next meeting.
d. Olelo Re-Broadcast: Watch on second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 3:00 p.m.,or every third Tuesday at 9:00 p.m, or online: https://olelo.org/tv-schedule/ or https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-ncomenu/site-nco-sitearticles/1657-board-meeting-videoarchive.html.

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; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or call Neighborhood Assistant Anson Wu at (808) 768- 3706 or e-mail anson.wu@honolulu.gov. 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, Hawaiʻi 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 at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

NAME SUB DISTRICT CONTACT
Ellen Watson 1 pehi@hawaii.rr.com
Robert Zane 1 zanero9141@gmail.com
Whitney Bosel 1 wboselmnb@gmail.com
Elton Fukumoto 2 etfukumoto@gmail.com
Dave Nagaji 2 davenagaji@gmail.com
Dave Fields 2
Christopher R. Moylan 3 drcmoylan@gmail.com
Diane Chong 3 dchonghawaii@gmail.com
Joan Koff 3 joankoff@yahoo.com
VACANT 3
Philmund “Phil” Lee 3 philmund@gmail.com
Robert Fox 4 rfoxent@gmail.com
Patty Kawano 4 lowermanoa@gmail.com
Joseph Mishreki 4 joseph.mishreki@gmail.com
Timothy Palms 4
VACANT 4
VACANT 4

MAP: For a map of the Mānoa Neighborhood Board Sub District Boundaries go to: https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/nco/maps/07_Manoa.jpg.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.
NOELANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA – 2655 WOODLAWN DR, HONOLULU, HI 96822
AND VIA WEBEX

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlEtniDoONY

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NO7LXTCebl7VkAMZ8–ocGHcb14-omUL

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:01] – Chair Dave Nagaji called the Mānoa Neighborhood Board No. 7 meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.

Quorum was NOT established with seven (7) members present. Note: This seventeen-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Robert Zane, Ellen Watson, Dave Nagaji, Elton Fukumoto, Joan Koff, Diane Chong, Christopher Moylan, and Phil Lee (6:37 p.m.).

Members Absent: Whitney Bosel, Dave Fields, Jason DeMarco, Patti Kawano, Robert Fox, Joseph Mishreki, Timothy Palms, and Bradley Shields.

Guests: Firefighter Fernandez (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant T. Nakamura (Honolulu Police Department); Senator Carol Fukunaga; Takemi Nakasone (Representative Andrew Garrett); Elmer Kai (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa); Laci Goshi (Governor Josh Green’s Office); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Scott Nishimoto; Tom Heinrich; Laura Ruby, Wilbur Wong, Stanton Lum, Dylan Armstrong, Hector Venegas, Brett Kurashige, Melvira Kurashige, Cardenas Pintor, Vanessa Distajo, Ruth Crockett, Hector Venegas, Stephanie Salmons, Helen Nakamo, Glenn Otaguro, Amanda Ybanez, Betty, Mike Buck, Vernelle, Paul M., Stanton, Vanessa, Lori, Jason Swanson, R. Fujita, Beverly Smith, Terri Yoshinaga, Ellen Sofio MD., and Suzie Martinson (Residents); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were 34 total participants.

[0:01:36] – The NA conducted the oath of office.

II. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS – [0:02:55]

Honolulu Fire Department – [0:02:55]: Firefighter Fernandez from the Mānoa Fire Station shared information previously requested from June, provided the incident statistics for July 2025, and safety tips August 2025

Questions previously answered:
• Do fire stations accept visitors? Yes, if the fire station personnel are in quarters. Visitors may be accepted except during meal times.
• Do fire stations conduct tours? Yes, to schedule station tour call (808) 723-7184.

July 2025 Statistics: There were no structure fires, no wildland fires, no nuisance calls, no cooking fires, four (4) activated fire alarms; 36 medical emergencies, three (3) motor vehicle crashes, and two (2) mountain rescues.

Safety Tip: Emergency Notification and Resources – Understanding how you’ll be alerted during urgent emergencies and knowing where to find accurate official information is key to being prepared. Learn more at honolulu.gov. Two different alert methods were described:
• Opt-in alerts: Notify individuals who have signed up to receive alerts via text, email, or app push notifications based on user preference. Sign up at hnlalert.gov to receive notifications
• Public alert and warning systems: These systems deliver urgent life-saving information during immediate threats to public safety, including the emergency alert system, wireless emergency alerts, and outdoor warning sirens.

Honolulu Police Department – [0:05:14]: Lieutenant T. Nakamura provided the crime statistics for July 2025 as compared to the previous month and August 2025 safety tips

July 2025 Statistics: There were three (3) motor vehicle thefts (same as previous month), four (4) burglaries (compared to five), ten (10) thefts (compared to seven), one (1) unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV) (compared to seven), and 5,662 total calls for service for the district. Further statistical information can be found at honolulupd.org.
Safety Tip: HPD encouraged residents to sign up for emergency alerts at hnlalert.gov. Residents can choose which alerts they want to receive. For urgent alerts only, text alerts are available. Lieutenant Nakamura advised setting up accounts in advance rather than during an emergency.

Lee arrives to the meeting at (6:37 p.m.); 8 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:07:05]
1. Alert System Information: Member Koff asked about the email address for the alert system. Lieutenant Nakamura responded that it is hnlalert.gov and mentioned that a flyer with a QR code was available.
2. Mōʻiliʻili Japanese Cemetery: Resident Ruby thanked the police department from District 7 for apprehending someone digging at the Mōʻiliʻili Japanese Cemetery. She commended the officers for their responsiveness and follow-up.

III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND CONFIRMATION OF BOARD DETAILS – [0:09:34]: This agenda item was deferred due to lack of quorum.

IV. RETURNING BUSINESS – [0:09:38]

Updates on Mānoa Banyan Court & Aria Lane – [0:09:43]: Chair Pro-tem Nagaji reported that Member Bosel had checked with the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and there were no recent updates on the Banyan Court situation. A Mānoa resident had filed a lawsuit regarding the funds of the Mānoa Banyan Court.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:10:15]
1. Aria Lane Land Purchase: Member Watson asked why the University of Hawaii had not purchased the Aria Lane property. Member Chong responded that the price was too high for the university to afford. Member Fukumoto added that Representative Garrett had sponsored a bill to fund the purchase of the property, but negotiations failed because the current owner’s asking price of $50 million was not something the state was willing to pay.

Updates on Ala Wai Flood Mitigation – [0:12:44]: Member Fukumoto reported that several newspaper articles had recently covered this topic. One article discussed potential flooding in Waikīkī due to usual rainfall plus sea level rise, which would make it more difficult to drain Waikīkī during periods of sea level rise, hurricane storm surge, or waves. Another article discussed a draft resolution being presented by the Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration to neighborhood boards and eventually the city council. Member Fukumoto explained that the resolution had been revised to remove tax key numbers of homeowners in Mānoa, though these could potentially be added later. The entity that would be created by the resolution would not have the ability to assess a fee, but the purpose of the research was to establish a stormwater utility fee. This might be politically difficult following a recent sewage fee increase.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:16:52]
1. Storm Water Fees Concerns: Member Watson stated that the storm water utility fee has been discussed for years and is politically untenable. She explained that the state legislature passed a bill allowing cities and counties to impose a storm water utility fee. She expressed concern that the city council would use part of the money to pay for storage of homeless people’s belongings, and that the fee would become a general fund that would continuously increase. She noted that the fee would be assessed on homeowners based on satellite images of roofs and driveways, regardless of whether they have rain barrels or other mitigation measures.
2. Transparency Concerns: Resident Ruby commented that the proposal involves a special district that would include everyone in the Ala Wai watershed, using a top-down approach with city and county officials as the mainstay rather than community involvement.
3. Environmental Services (ENV) Meeting: Resident Ybanez noted that ENV was having ongoing conversations at the Blaisdell with community stakeholders regarding wastewater management. Member Fukumoto responded to Amanda, clarifying that this initiative only concerns the Ala Wai watershed, which is the city between Punchbowl and Diamond Head, though if successful it could be expanded to other areas.

Updates on the Primary Urban Center Development Plan – [0:23:34]: No updates were provided.

University Lab School and Proposed “CampusTown” Project – [0:23:48]: Member Moylan shared information from his experience as a public school teacher in California, noting that charter schools are public schools and typically use space from existing public schools. He expressed hope that someone with knowledge of Hawaiʻi’s laws could clarify whether the Department of Education should be responsible for finding space for the University Lab School if the University of Hawaiʻi reclaims their space.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:26:23]
1. Campus Town Development Concern: Member Watson stated that charter schools are public schools, but was unsure if the state provides them with land. She expressed concern that the university plans to create a “campus town” with condos and restaurants, removing green space and displacing the lab school.
2. Lack of Transparency: Resident Pintor informed the board as a university student, he had no details about the progress of the project and expressed concern about the lack of transparency. Chair Nagaji had talked to Lori Lum, the public relations person on the project, who said they’re considering plans and would have an update in September or later. Member Moylan stated that the university was still in the information gathering stage and mentioned that parking was a key concern given the shortage of spaces relative to daily campus population.
3. Campus Town Development Concern (Continued): Resident Sofio speculates the development at the University of Mānoa is likely due to the anticipation of the rail. She speculates that the railroad’s objective is not transportation, but rather development along the line. Member Moylan claimed that Mayor Blangiardi intends to build the rail to the University, but due to funding constraints, it will only go to Downtown. Member Moylan reassures that the goal of the train is to alleviate traffic on the H1, and that after the two additional stations are completed, ridership will grow.
4. Campus Town Project Suggestions: Resident Kurashige suggested looking at the YMCA collaboration with Clarence TC Ching as a potential model for the Campus Town project, noting how that development is taking a multi-use approach that benefits the community.
5. No Further Development: Member Chong emphasized that the focus should be on keeping the school rather than developing the area.
6. Campus Town Development Concern (Continued): Resident Wong, a University Lab School parent, explained that as a public charter school, the Department of Education (DOE) has an obligation to provide space if available, but it’s up to the DOE or Board of Education to determine if space is available. He noted that the proximity of the school to the university is a huge benefit for research purposes, and while the project is still in works, the demolition of the PBS building and relocation of other entities suggests the direction the university is heading.
7. Lease: Member Watson mentioned that the board had previously passed a resolution asking the university to give the lab school a lease, but the university refused. She noted that the current year-to-year lease arrangement means the university could give just one year’s notice to vacate. Resident Wong confirmed Member Watson’s statement, adding that one year’s notice is not sufficient for a K-12 school.
8. Response from Lori Lum: Chair Pro-Tem Nagaji reported that he had emailed Lori Lum, the public relations person for the project, informing her of the board’s prior resolution supporting long-term usage of the property by the University Lab School. He also requested that traffic studies be conducted when schools are in session. Ms. Lum had indicated that an official announcement of the project would come in September 2025 or later.
9. Campus Town Development Concern (Continued): Resident Ruby believes that the project would be unsuccessful and destroy the green entrance to Mānoa Valley. She expressed concern about the impact on the College of Education and teacher training.
10. Residency: Member Moylan asked if resident Ruby lives in Mānoa. Resident Ruby clarified she worked at UH Mānoa for 34 years.

V. BOARD BUSINESS – [0:45:48]

[0:45:49] – Due to lack of quorum this section was revisited at a later time. Member Watson questions the number of Board members. Chair Pro-Tem Nagaji reminded member Watson they need 9 members to establish quorum.

VI. STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:45:53]

Senator Carol Fukunaga – [0:46:27]: Senator Fukunaga distributed information about a virtual meeting being held the following evening for the city’s 2025 hazard mitigation plan. She encouraged the board to review and comment on the plan, noting that after the recent evacuation alert experience, it’s important to consider how the community can work with city and state agencies to be better prepared for hazards such as storm water flooding, wildfires, and evacuation alerts.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:48:03]
1. Virtual Meeting Information: Member Watson asked for information about the virtual meeting, which she hadn’t received. Senator Fukunaga responded that she would send a link to board members and other interested parties.
2. Oahu Self-reliance: Member Watson suggested that the legislature should develop a plan to reduce dependence on tourism and increase self-reliance. She advocated for planting agricultural lands with food crops rather than installing solar farms, recommending that solar panels be placed on roofs instead. Senator Fukunaga offered to respond to these questions offline by email.
3. Virtual Meeting Information (Continued): Resident Sofio asked where the meeting is being held. Senator Fukunaga informed that the meeting is virtual and is being sponsored by the city’s Department of Emergency Management.
4. Town Hall Meeting: Resident Lum asked about a town hall meeting on the upcoming Friday Central Union Church regarding the Ikenakea Development project. Senator Fukunaga explained that the town hall would allow residents to express concerns that could be taken back to the developer, Housing Finance Development Corporation (HHFDC), and potentially the city council.

Representative Andrew Garrett – [0:54:19]: Takemi Nakasone reported on behalf of Representative Garrett, who was attending a University of Hawaiʻi function in his role as chair of the House Higher Education Committee. She shared that a special legislative session may no longer be necessary since many federal funding cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act won’t take effect until 2027, allowing more time to plan for the regular session. Representative Garrett continues visiting UH campuses statewide and will have toured all ten campuses by the end of fall. He welcomes input as preparation begins for the 2026 legislative session.

University of Hawaii at Mānoa – [0:56:14]: Elmer Kai provided two announcements:
• Student move-in to campus housing will occur on Wednesday, August 19, 2025 to Thursday, August 21, 2025, with designated time slots for each resident to reduce traffic congestion. Move-in hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• The first day of the fall semester is Monday, August 25, 2025.
• The Complete Streets project on Dole Street from University to St. Louis Heights has been completed, reducing the road from two lanes to one lane in each direction to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. He asked for patience as people adjust to the changes.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:57:40]
1. Lab School Plans: Member Koff asked about the planned development at the University of Mānoa with respect to the lab school. Elmer Kai responded that he had to defer to Lori Lum as the point of contact for that project. Member Koff requested that he bring back more information. Elmer Kai suggested inviting the executive director for the public charter school commission (Ed Noel) to provide more information about charter schools, noting they have a good communication team.
2. University Events Limit: Member Watson asked about the process for limiting university facilities to university events rather than high school events, noting that high school graduations and games create significant traffic problems for Mānoa residents. Elmer Kai will take back her suggestions.
3. University of Mānoa Dorm Concerns and Suggestions: Laura Ruby expressed concern about the graduate dorm built at the edge of Mānoa Stream. She also suggested returning to two lanes on Dole Street to accommodate parent drop-offs at the early education facility, and recommended adding greenery to the building to align with the green campus objective. Elmer Kai responded that he would get back to her on that issue.

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:02:20]: Laci Goshi provided updates from the governor’s newsletter, noting that bill signing season had concluded with hundreds of bills signed to enhance safety and provide essential support to Hawaii communities. She highlighted Senate Bill (SB) 1300 (now Act 139), which expands access to free school meals for students who qualify for reduced-price meals starting in the 2025-26 school year. Families are encouraged to apply for meal benefits and to determine eligibility visit: hawaiipublicschools.org.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:03:32]
1. Governorʻs Veto list Clarification: Member Fukumoto asked about the governor’s process when he issues an intent to veto, but later signs a bill, specifically regarding SB935 concerning retirement for members of the state judiciary. Laci Goshi responded that she would check with the policy team and report back to the board.
2. Invasive Species Council Bill: Member Watson asked about a bill to transform the Invasive Species Council into an Invasive Species Authority with increased funding. She expressed concern that the council has failed to keep invasive species out of Hawaiʻi. Laci Goshi confirmed the bill was signed into law and offered to share Member Watson’s comments with the governor’s office.
3. Governorʻs Veto list Clarification (Continued): Tom Heinrich clarified that the governor has until the last moment to decide whether to veto a measure or allow it to become law, and inclusion on the intent to veto list does not obligate the governor to ultimately veto the measure.

Congressman Ed Case’s Representative – [1:08:41]: No representative was present.

VII. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [1:08:53]

Board of Water Supply – [1:08:55]: Dominic Dias reported there were no main breaks in Mānoa last month. He noted one current construction project, the Kakela Drive/Mohala Wy water system improvements, which is approximately 60% complete with contractors are installing meter boxes along Kakela Drive. He announced the Board of Water Supply’s new Water Wisdom program aimed at condominium and townhouse developments to help reduce water usage. The program offers online, on-site, and virtual presentations, water audits for common areas and for kupuna (seniors) 60 years or older, and conservation materials. The free program can be accessed at boardofwatersupply.com/waterwisdom.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Office – [1:10:51]: No representative was present.

City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [1:11:01]: Councilmember Nishimoto apologized for missing previous meetings due to scheduling conflicts with full city council meetings. He reported that at the day’s council meeting, Bill 37 regarding the HaleʻIwa
project was referred back to committee for more work after hearing extensive testimony, including concerns from Mānoa residents.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:12:17]
1. Sidewalks Lowrey Avenue: Member Chong questioned the budget allocations, noting that Pālolo received $2 million, Kakaʻako received $13 million, while Mānoa only received $500,000. She emphasized the need for sidewalks on Lowrey Avenue. Councilmember Nishimoto responded that he understood the concern and would push for sidewalks on Lowrey Avenue in next year’s budget.
2. Turtle Bay Development: Member Koff asked about development at Turtle Bay on the North Shore and whether anything could be done to halt it. Councilmember Nishimoto responded that he would look into it, noting it was outside his district.
3. Homelessness: Resident Kurashige asked about the city’s potential response to President Trump’s recent executive orders regarding homelessness. Councilmember Nishimoto responded that he hadn’t yet discussed this with the administration and noted they would need to consult with corporation counsel regarding legal implications.
4. Dog Park Advice: Resident Ruby thanked Councilmember Nishimoto for his past help with establishing a dog park at Ala Wai Park and asked if he could provide advice to Mānoa residents seeking to create a dog park. Councilmember Nishimoto responded that $1 million had been allocated in the budget for dog parks in the district and expressed support for establishing a formal dog park in Mānoa.
5. Dog Park and Sidewalks on Lowrey Avenue Concerns (Continued): Resident Sofio reiterated her hope that any dog park development wouldn’t disrupt the currently well-functioning informal arrangement. She also clarified that she lives at the end of Pamoa Road, which has no sidewalks but is still safe for pedestrians.
6. Sidewalks Lowrey Avenue (Continued): Resident Armstrong emphasized that Lowrey Avenue is a major arterial road unlike the end of Pamoa Road, making it dangerous for pedestrians. He supported Member Chong’s concerns about sidewalk needs on Lowrey Avenue.

III. BOARD BUSINESS (REVISITED) – [1:21:29]

[1:21:30] – Due to lack of quorum, the board could not take action on filling vacancies, forming committees, or approving minutes. However, they were able to discuss the following items that did not require a vote:

Filling of Vacancies. Sub District 4 (One Vacancy) – [1:21:30]: Due to lack of quorum, postponed to the next agenda.

Formation and Re-Formation of Committees – [1:21:30]: Due to lack of quorum, postponed to the next agenda.

Dogs and Parks – [1:21:35]: Chair Nagaji explained that the City’s Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is considering ways to make local parks more dog-friendly and has asked neighborhood boards to discuss the matter with their communities. DPR requested feedback by Friday, August 29, 2025, and specifically identified the following parks in the district:
• Kamānele Square (dogs prohibited)
• Wilder Avenue Mini Park (dogs prohibited)
• Mānoa Valley District Park Perimeter Area (dogs allowed if on leash)

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:22:25]
1. Dog Park Recomendations: Member Zane suggested creating a fenced area for dogs to go off-leash in the corner of Mānoa Park beyond the two baseball fields, closer to the houses. He recommended a fenced area with a doggy bag dispenser and trash can.
2. Dog Park Recomendations (Continued): Resident Glenn agreed with the need for a fenced area but suggested using the Makai side of the park with the empty fields between the baseball field and drainage point. He recommended creating two separate areas for large dogs and small-to-medium dogs to prevent confrontations.
3. Children Safety: Resident Glenn observed dogs running freely in various locations including near Mānoa Elementary School and expressed concern about safety, particularly mentioning an incident where a puppy was running back and forth across Olopua Street with traffic present.
4. Off-Leash Proposal: Member Watson reported that she and Member Zane were willing to work together on forming a proposal for an off-leash dog park at Mānoa District Park. She noted there is a specific process to follow and invited others to join the effort.
5. Observation: Resident Sofio encouraged board members to visit and observe how well the dogs get along. She expressed hope that any changes would not ruin something that is already functioning effectively.
6. Dog Park Cost Clarification: Councilmember Nishimoto clarified that the $1 million allocated in the budget was for multiple dog parks in District 5, not just one in Mānoa.
7. Dog Park Recomendations (Continued): Member Zane added that the small dog/large dog park section idea was good and suggested looking at the dog park near Ward area across from South Shore Market as an example. He also recommended including a water faucet in the park design.
8. Dog Park Recomendations (Continued): Member Watson mentioned Hawaii Kai Dog Park as a good model as well.
9. Letter to DPR: Chair Nagaji stated he would summarize the discussion and send it to the Department of Parks and Recreation by the Friday, August 29, 2025 deadline.
10. Dog Park Safety concerns (Continued): Resident Armstrong emphasized the importance of addressing and be mindeful of the safety concerns in regards to people or dogs misbehave.

Mānoa’s Five-Way Intersection – [1:34:57]: Member Moylan reported feedback from the City Department of Transportation, stating that the layout is complicated and the need to conduct additional surveying to determine if a roundabout is feasible. He will continue communicating with the chief engineer supervising the project and will keep the board informed. If determined to be feasible, the board could consider a resolution encouraging the city to install a traffic circle.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:36:56]
1. Roundabout Concerns: Resident Venegas, a Rainbow Drive resident, stated that local people who use the intersection are courteous and aware of how to navigate it properly. He expressed doubt that there is enough room for a roundabout without acquiring more land.
2. Purpose of the Board: Resident Armstrong mentioned that in 2012, as part of the complete street’s effort, Tom Heinrich and other community members identified University Avenue and Maile Way as a potential future roundabout site. He encouraged the board to continue the discussion and learn about the city’s road management processes, noting that such debates are valuable even if the board doesn’t control the final outcome.
3. Roundabout Concerns (Continued): Resident Sofio cautioned of acting too soon arguing that decisions about increased density in the valley should precede traffic accommodation measures. She stated that building a traffic circle to accommodate developers’ increased traffic before density decisions are made is not proper urban planning.

Approval of the Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Meeting Minutes – [1:41:24]: Due to lack of quorum, postponed to the next agenda.

Report: Proactive Solutions Committee – [1:41:24]: Due to lack of quorum, postponed to the next agenda.

VIII. COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:41:27]

B-Ready Mānoa Event – [1:41:39]: Resident Venegas announced that B-Ready Mānoa will be hosting a disaster preparedness fair at Mānoa Marketplace on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will feature city, county, and state disaster preparedness groups.

Honolulu Charter Commission – [1:43:14]: Tom Heinrich informed the board about the ongoing Honolulu Charter Commission, which considers proposals for amendments to the Honolulu City Charter. He encouraged monitoring the commission’s activities and provided the website: honolulucitycouncil.org/charter-commission.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:45:08]
1. Chart Edits Suggestions: Member Moylan mentioned he had discussed with the council member and mayor some potential charter tweaks to simplify operations for boards and commissions. He noted issues with quorum requirements, explaining that vacancies on the board still count toward the total membership when calculating quorum, making it difficult to conduct business. He advocated for changes to align with standard Robert’s Rules of Order, where a majority of actual members constitutes a quorum and a majority of those present can pass motions. Tom Heinrich responded that some requirements are established by state law and would need to be addressed by the legislature. He offered to provide a brief discussion at the September meeting about the differences between the city charter and the neighborhood plan, noting that many issues could be addressed through the neighborhood commission.

Empty Homes Tax Bill – [1:48:34]: Chair Nagaji asked a question requested by a resident to Councilmember Nishimoto about his voting on the Empty Homes Tax Bill. Councilmember Nishimoto explained that the council had received part one of a study but there were reports that the administration may have canceled part two. He has not yet participated in a committee hearing on the bill and would like to hear public testimony before making a decision.

Committee Meetings – [1:49:25]: Member Moylan asked whether his committee could meet given the lack of quorum at the current meeting. The NA responded that he was unsure and would check with the Neighborhood Commission Office and provide an answer.

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:50:08]

Mānoa Library Book Sale – [1:50:13]: Member Fukumoto announced the annual Mānoa Library book sale on the weekend of Saturday, September 6, 2025 to Sunday, September 7, 2025. The sale will run Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Most books will be priced at $1. Donations of books, CDs, and albums can be dropped off at the library or arranged for pickup by contacting Member Fukumoto.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:51:22]
1. Additional Donation – [1:51:25]: Member Watson asked if the book sale accepts magazines. Member Fukumoto responded that they do not accept magazines, only books, CDs, and possibly albums.

Next Meeting – [1:51:58]: Chair Nagaji announced that the next regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria and via WebEx. Agenda items will include a presentation by State Representative Amy Perusso on the harmful effects of pesticide use in Hawaii, Tom Heinrich’s presentation on the charter versus neighborhood plan, and the officer elections and other items that were deferred due to lack of quorum.

Olelo Rebroadcast – [1:54:16]: Chair Nagaji announced that Olelo broadcasts of the meetings can be watched on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 3:00 p.m. or every third Tuesday at 9:00 p.m., or online on the Olelo website or the Honolulu city digital archives.

X. ADJOURNMENT – [1:54:28]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m.

Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Finalized by: Joan Koff, Secretary

To view agenda and minutes, visit our board website.

Event shows physical location; however, other options of participation may also include WebEx and phone.  If available, instructions for WebEx and phone can be found at the top of the agenda.