MĀNOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 7
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 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 – Chair Dave Nagaji
II. FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS
a. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
b. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
III. PRESENTATION
a. Pesticide Use in Hawaii – Climate Future Forum
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. Updates on University Lab School and Proposed “CampusTown” Project
i. Lori Lum has informed the Chair that the results of the project’s survey will be provided to this Board at the next meeting.
V. BOARD BUSINESS
a. Filling of Vacancies. Sub District 3 (One Vacancy); Sub District 4 (Three 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. Formation of Permitted Interaction Groups (P.I.G.s) – Any Board Member may propose the creation of a permitted interaction group at this time. Such a proposal should describe the subject matter, scope, and goals of the group.
c. Determination of Recess Schedule
i. At last meeting, this board voted to have recess in July 2026.
ii. The board decided not to have recess in December, leaving open the possibility of a different recess month (such as November, January, or February).
d. Approval of the Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Meeting Minutes
e. Updates from Be Ready Mānoa
f. Discussion on Invasive Species Council
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. COMMUNITY CONCERNS
a. Other Concerns Not Otherwise Listed
IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Next Meeting: Next regular board meeting will be held on either Wednesday, November 5, 2025, or Wednesday, December 3, 2025 (depending on whether this board decides to recess in November 2025). It will be held in person at Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria, as well as online via WebEx, starting at 6:30pm.
b. Agenda Items for the Next Meeting:
i. No new items are currently planned for the next meeting 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.
c. 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.
X. 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 (Chair) 2 davenagaji@gmail.com
Dave Fields 2
Christopher R. Moylan (Vice Chair) 3 drcmoylan@gmail.com
Diane Chong (Treasurer) 3 dchonghawaii@gmail.com
Joan Koff (Secretary) 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
VACANT 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, SEPTEMBER 3, 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=DcHXvBHj4OU&t=1561s
Meeting materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NO7LXTCebl7VkAMZ8–ocGHcb14-omUL
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:01]: Pro-Tem Chair Dave Nagaji called the Mānoa Neighborhood Board No. 7 regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Quorum was established with nine (9) board members present. Note – This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish a quorum and take official board action.
Board Members Present: Robert Zane, Ellen Watson, Whitney Bosel, Dave Nagaji, Elton Fukumoto, Dave Fields, Diane Chong, Christopher Moylan, Robert Fox, Joan Koff (6:32 p.m.), Patti Kawano (6:32 p.m.), Joseph Mishreki (6:45 p.m.), and Phil Lee (8:01 p.m.).
Board Members Absent: Timothy Palms.
Guests: Fire Captain Christopher Edwards (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Miura (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Deputy Director Gavin Thornton (Mayor’s Representative); Heath Williams (Councilmember Scott Nishimoto); Senator Carol Fukunaga (Senate District 13); Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett (House District 27); Laci Goshi (Governor’s Representative); Ella Alexander and Ace Shimizu (Climate Future Forum); Chris Edwards, Ruth Crockett, Brett Kurashige, Melvira Kurashige, Kristin Condit, Kurt Takara, Vanessa Distago, Jolyn Okimoto, Ron Brown, Veneeta Acson, Shayna, Betty, Beverly Smith, Ron, Deborah Millikan, Tom Benedict, Paul M., Angie Knight, Teri Mitchell, Wilbur Wong, Janyce, Russel Fujita, Tom Heinrich (Resident); Howard Luke, Ellen Sofio, and Lori Lum (PBR Hawaii). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were 46 total participants.
II. FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:01:28]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:01:40]: Fire Captain Christopher Edwards from Mānoa Fire Station provided the report and highlighted the following:
• August 2025 Statistics: There was 1 structure fire, 2 activated alarms without fire, 53 medical calls, and 2 motor vehicle collisions in August 2025.
• Safety Tip: Charge into fire safety with lithium-ion batteries in your home. This year, the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week campaign works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small place and can overheat, start a fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged. Tips include: buy only listed products with safety certification marks (UL, ETL, or CSA); charge devices safely using cords that came with the product; charge on hard surfaces; don’t overcharge; and recycle batteries responsibly.
• Upcoming Event: HFD is hosting a Fire Prevention Family Day event on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the Honolulu Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Training at St. Francis: For the next month, there will be 3-5 fire trucks at St. Francis daily for medical refresher training focused on active shooter drills.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19-0ThY__qwKDl01f-lf7srE0pEsizVhK/view?usp=drive_link
Koff arrived to the meeting at (6:32 p.m.); 10 members present.
Kawano arrived to the meeting at (6:32 p.m.); 11 members present.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:04:13]
1. Upcoming Events Clarification: Member Fukumoto wanted repeat of the information regarding the upcoming event. Firefighter Edwards mentioned it is a family day at the zoo on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Member Fukumoto asked what activates will they have. Firefighter Edwards was not sure.
2. Medical Response Clarification: Resident Kurashige asked about the 53 medical calls and whether they came from the Mānoa station. Firefighter Edwards explained that when someone calls 911 for an ambulance, fire trucks are often dispatched as co-responders because there are more fire stations than ambulance stations, allowing them to arrive first and provide basic care until EMS arrives.
3. Ambulance Station Locations: Member Watson asked about past initiatives to park ambulances at fire stations rather than at hospitals. Firefighter Edwards provided contact information for HFD Community Relations Officers (Captain Malcolm Medrano at 808-723-7168 and Captain Jamie Song at 808-723-7080) for further inquiries.
4. Training Activity at St. Francis: Resident Sofio noted seeing six fire engines from various stations and asked if there was an anticipated increased risk to Mānoa Valley. Firefighter Edwards explained this was part of their annual medical refresher training, themed this year around active shooter response, which requires multi-agency coordination. He emphasized there was no known threat or increased risk.
5. Community Notification: Member Chong asked if residents around St. Francis would be notified about the training activity. Firefighter Edwards noted they were recently approved to have training at St. Francis and agreed to pass along.
Mishreki arrived to the meeting at (6:45 p.m.); 12 members present.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:16:28]: Lieutenant Miura provided the report and highlighted the following:
• August 2025 Statistics: 5 motor vehicle thefts, 3 burglaries, 15 thefts, 1 unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, and 5,882 total calls for service.
• Safety Tip: HNL Alert – Informed, Aware, Prepared. Residents can get alerts about severe weather, emergency information, road closures, ocean conditions, water main breaks, and more by signing up at hnlalert.gov. The app is customizable for types of alerts and notification methods.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:17:22]
1. Moped Safety: Member Kawano asked about enforcement of the rule against having two people on a moped. Lieutenant Miura confirmed that officers can pull over mopeds with two riders and mentioned the department’s initiative for safer driving.
2. Racing Noise: Member Kawano reported hearing racing noises near the freeway on weekend nights between 12:30-1:30 a.m. Lieutenant Miura acknowledged awareness of the issue and confirmed officers are conducting enforcement on the freeway.
3. Moped Sidewalk Parking: Member Watson asked about the legality of mopeds parking on sidewalks, specifically mentioning the Rise Entrepreneur Center where 20-25 mopeds block pedestrian access. Lieutenant Miura confirmed it is illegal to obstruct sidewalks and encouraged calling 911 to report violations.
III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND CONFIRMATION OF BOARD DETAILS – [0:22:56]
Election of Officers – [0:23:06]: The Board conducted elections for officers to serve from September 2025 to June 30, 2026.
[0:23:17] – Pro-Tem Chair Nagaji passed the gavel to Pro-Tem Vice Chair Bosel.
Chair – [0:23:15]: [0:23:29] – Nagaji self-nominated for Chair. Discussion followed.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:23:30]
1. Treasurer Clarification: Member Watson wanted clarification on the purpose of the Treasurer role. Neighborhood Assistant (NA) provided an explanation.
[0:25:52] – Hearing no further nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Nagaji is nominated as Chair; 11-0-0 (NAGAJI: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, and Mishreki; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:26:01]
Vice Chair – [0:27:14]: [0:27:17] – Hearing no objections Chair Nagaji added to have 2 Vice Chairs.
[0:27:47] – Moylan self-nominated for first Vice Chair. Hearing no further nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Moylan is nominated as first Vice Chair; 11-0-0 (MOYLAN: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, and Mishreki; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:28:22]
Second Vice Chair – [0:29:08]: Chair Nagaji postponed the election of the second Vice Chair. This item was revisited at a later time.
Secretary – [0:29:28]: [0:29:36] – Koff self-nominated for Secretary. Hearing no further nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Koff is nominated as Secretary; 11-0-0 (KOFF: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, and Mishreki; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:29:56]
Treasurer – [0:30:45]: [0:30:51] – Chong self-nominated for Treasurer. Hearing no further nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Chong is nominated as Treasurer; 11-0-0 (CHONG: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, and Mishreki; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:36:22]
Second Vice Chair – [0:32:27]: No nominations were received for Second Vice Chair. The position will remain vacant.
Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Format – [0:33:30]: Members Watson, Moylan, and Fox suggested to keep it the same, noting the importance of having WebEx option.
[0:36:16 – Moylan MOVED and Zane SECONDED to maintain the current meeting schedule: first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria and via WebEx. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (AYE: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, Fox, and Mishreki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:31:24]
Determination of Recess Schedule – [0:36:35]: After discussion about the timing of recesses,
[0:38:17] Moylan MOVED and Fox SECONDED to have a recess in December 2025 and July 2026. Discussion followed.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:39:03]
1. Recess Suggestion: Member Watson, Bosel, and Kawano suggested to keep the meeting in July 2025 only due to developers providing information to projects in December.
2. Motion Amendment: Chair Nagaji asked member Moylan if he wants accept the amendment. Member Moylan suggested in keeping the original motion.
3. Different Recess Month: Member Watson suggested having the recess in February 2026.
4. Recess Clarification: Member Watson wanted clarification if it is required for the board to have two recess. NA clarified that it is a suggestion to have two recess.
[0:47:38] – Bosel MOVED and Watson SECONDED to amend to have the recess only in July 2026. Hearing no further discussion, the board conducted a roll call vote. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 9-3-0 (AYE: Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Koff, Chong, Kawano, and Mishreki; NAY: Zane, Moylan, and Fox; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:48:26].
[0:49:58] – Hearing no further discussion and objections, the motion to have the recess only in July 2026 WAS ADOTED; 12-0-0 (AYE: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, Fox, and Mishreki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:31:24]
Formation of Committees – [0:50:21]: Member Watson expressed interest in forming Permitted Interaction Groups (PIG) instead of committees and asked for a clarification on PIGs. Resident Heinrich provided information regarding PIG. Chair Nagaji will place this item in the next agenda. Member Moylan wants to re-form his proactive solutions committee with him as Chair of the committee.
[0:58:09] – Moylan MOVED and Fukumoto SECONDED to continue the Proactive Solutions Committee with Moylan as Chair. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (AYE: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, Fox, and Mishreki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:58:32]
IV. RETURNING BUSINESS – [0:59:03]
Updates on Mānoa Banyan Court & Aria Lane – [0:59:09]: Resident Luke provided an update on Aria Lane, reporting that in late July, they met with Mayor Blangiardi and Michael Formby. They requested that the Department of Planning and Permitting and Zoning Board of Appeals consider their concerns about the project’s compliance with city regulations. Their appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals has been postponed until October 2029. Mr. Luke also mentioned subsequent meetings with legislators and former Managing Director Mike McCartney.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:04:31]
• T-shirt: Resident Sofio presented a “Save St. Francis Mānoa” t-shirt campaign, explaining the cultural and historical significance of the site.
• Flyer for Support: ResidentTakara announced that Mālama St. Francis Mānoa has incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization and is fundraising for legal expenses. Their GoFundMe target is $30,000 to fund their appeal and possible injunction if construction begins before the appeal is heard.
• Appeals Information: Member Koff asked what the appeal is for. Resident Takara provided an explanation.
• Affordable Housing: Member Watson expressed concern on the price point for homes in the development that contradicts claims of providing affordable housing for university staff and questions why Governor Green is not supporting this movement. Resident Takara noted that the Mayor’s office views any housing as good housing despite concerns about safety issues and traffic congestion.
• Banyan Court Concern: Resident commented that the proposed Banyan Court development would worsen infrastructure and flooding issues that affect Waikīkī.
Updates on Ala Wai Flood Mitigation – [1:13:43]: Member Fukumoto reported no updates.
Updates on the Primary Urban Center Development Plan – [1:13:53]: Member Watson reminded the Board that the Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUCDP) calls for no housing developments mountain side of Wilder Avenue, which would preclude both Aria Lane and Mānoa Banyan Court. She expressed frustration that politicians and bureaucracy are ignoring the plan that taxpayers funded.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:16:35]
1. Verification: Resident Heinrich suggested on verifying that the PUCDP has completed the City Council process for full amendment to the land use ordinance.
University Lab School and Proposed “CampusTown” Project – [1:16:55]: Lori Lum from PBR Hawaiʻi reported that they launched a website with an online survey on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 for the 15-acre property bordered by Metcalf Street, University Avenue, and Dole Street. The survey deadline is Friday, September 5, 2025. After compiling results, they plan to present draft concepts to the community by the end of the year.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:18:35]
1. Clarification: Member Moylan asked for clarification about the University Lab School’s status within the Feasibility study. Lum confirmed the feasibility study encompasses the entire 15-acre parcel, including buildings currently used by the University Lab School, but emphasized that educational uses, including the lab school remaining on site.
2. Charter School Information: Member Moylan shared research on charter school facility requirements, noting that unlike California, Hawaii does not appear to require existing public schools to provide space for charter schools.
3. Concerns: Member Watson expressed concern about protecting view planes and maintaining the character of Mānoa, opposing tall buildings, concrete structures, restaurants, and commercial development. Lum clarified that no specific plan exists yet and encouraged completing the survey to provide input.
4. Resolution Update: Member Fukumoto asked about a legislative resolution regarding workforce housing on the site. Lum confirmed that workforce housing is one option being considered among recreational, commercial, and educational uses.
5. Various Concerns: Resident Heinrich requested a 2-3 week extension of the survey deadline and emphasized the need to consider the broader context of UH Mānoa’s long-range development plans.
6. Concerns (Continued): Member Chong expressed concern about the University Lab School potentially being displaced. Lum assured that there has been no talk of eviction and that they have had positive conversations with the principal and board chair. Chair Nagaji noted that the Board previously passed a resolution asking for a written agreement between University Laboratory School and the University of Hawaiʻi to allow the school to stay, and this position has been communicated to PBR Hawaiʻi.
V. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:32:40]
Filling of Vacancies – [1:32:38]: Chair Nagaji announced one vacancy in Sub District 3 and two vacancies in Sub District 4. No nominations were received.
Lee arrived to the meeting at (8:01 p.m.); 13 members present.
Fox left the meeting at (8:02 p.m.); 12 members present.
Endorsement of Changing the Charter to Follow Standard Parliamentary Procedure – [1:33:12]: Member Moylan explained that the current charter interpretation requires a majority of the maximum membership (9 out of 17) for quorum and to pass motions, which makes it difficult for boards to function effectively when there are vacancies or absences. He proposed a board support in making charter amendments to allow for standard parliamentary procedure where quorum is a majority of filled seats and motions pass by majority vote of those present.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:18:35]
1. Clarification: Member fields questions if this is based on the neighborhood plan. Member Molyan said its based on the City Charter.
2. Support: Member Fukumoto supports the proposed change, due to June’s 2025 meeting not having quorum.
3. Charter vs. State Law: Tom Heinrich noted that Hawai’i Revised Statutes Section 92-15 sets forth quorum requirements for boards and commissions as a majority of all members to which the board is entitled. Hawai’i Revised Statutes Section 92-15 can be amended by the legislature. Member Moylan acknowledged this but emphasized the importance of fixing the charter portion now, as charter amendments require public votes that only happen every two years.
[1:40:59] – Watson MOVED and Zane SECONDED to endorse changing the charter to follow standard parliamentary procedure. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (AYE: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Lee, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, and Mishreki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:58:32]
Approval of the Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Meeting Minutes – [1:41:44]: [1:41:58] – Koff MOVED and Zane SECONDED to approve the Wednesday, June 4, 2025 meeting minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (AYE: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Lee, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, and Mishreki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:42:22]
Approval of the Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Meeting Minutes – [1:42:30]: [1:42:37] – Watson MOVED and Zane SECONDED to approve the Wednesday, August 6, 2025 meeting minutes as written. Discussion followed.
[1:43:45] – Bosel MOVED and Zane SECONDED to with an amendment the minutes to stike phrase “regarding the funds of”. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (AYE: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Lee, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, and Mishreki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:44:22]
[1:44:11] – Watson MOVED and Zane SECONDED to approve the August 6, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 12-0-0 (AYE: Zane, Watson, Bosel, Nagaji, Fukumoto, Fields, Lee, Koff, Chong, Moylan, Kawano, and Mishreki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:44:27]
VI. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [1:44:37]
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [1:44:43]: Dominic Dias provided the report and highlighted the following:
• Main Breaks: Two water main breaks in August 2025 – an 8-inch waterline fronting 2316 Metcalf Street on Friday, August 22, 2025 and a 4-inch main fronting 2318 Beckwith Street on August 28th.
• Project Update: The Kākela Drive/Mohala Way Water System Improvement Project is continuing and is more than 50% complete.
• Upcoming Event: “Imagine a Day Without Water” event on Saturday, September 20th at Windward Mall center court, featuring over 20 city, state, and community organizations providing information on water conservation, activities, prizes, and giveaways including rain catchment barrels.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:46:20]
1. Project Completion: Resident Sofio asked about the status of the water system improvement project. Dias confirmed the project is at least 56% complete. He offered to provide a more detailed update at the next meeting.
2. Construction Equipment: Resident Sofio noted that Mira Construction has cleared equipment from behind Noelani Elementary and asked if Mira Construction will be doing more construction to increase the size of the pipes from 6 inches to 8 inches. Dias will double check the current status of the work and will report back.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Office – [1:47:55]: Deputy Director Gavin Thornton provided the report and will take back any questions, comments, and concerns.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FNdIYe44vvS_1tgah229l0ULQb4YWgR8/view?usp=drive_link \
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:48:30]
1. Traffic Circle Feasibility: Member Moylan asked for an update on the feasibility study for a traffic circle at the Five Corners, which has been pending for several months. Deputy Director Thornton committed to personally follow up on this request.
City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [1:49:07]: Heath Williams provided the report and highlighted the following:
• Mānoa Library Book Sale: The Friends of Mānoa Library Fall Book Sale will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 and Sunday September 7, 2025.
• Council Meeting: A Council meeting was held earlier that day. Details are available in the Councilmember’s newsletter.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:49:41]
1. Bill 53 Support: Resident Kurashige thanked Councilmember Nishimoto for his work on Bill 53, which establishes guardrails for development in high-density areas and ensures community input is considered.
2. Storm Water Utility Concerns: Member Watson expressed concern about discussions of a storm water utility fee and questioned the appropriation of potential funds for homeless storage facilities. Williams clarified that any storm water utility would require Council approval.
VII. STATE MONTHLY REPORTS – [1:54:08]
Senator Carol Fukunaga (Senate District 13) – [1:54:16]: Senator Fukunaga provided the report and highlighted the following:
• Ala Wai Watershed Response: Senator Fukunaga provided a response and reported on recent conferences on storm water quality that discussed the Ala Wai watershed. She indicated that the flood mitigation project appears to be dead but noted that both city and state have moved forward with alternative financing mechanisms, including a state green fee for climate change and sea level rise mitigation, and a city allocation of real property tax to a resiliency fund.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r7nlkf0agZJxd3DZIM1EYHYwPX3rr0Tu/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:56:01]
1. Various Concerns: Member Watson requested legislation to repeal state authorization for storm water utility fees and expressed concern about the cost of renaming facilities after deceased officials. Senator Fukunaga agreed to work on draft legislation and meet offline to discuss further.
Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett (House District 27) – [1:58:02]: Representative Garrett provided the report and highlighted the following:
• Special Session Update: A special session to address federal funding cuts is less likely this year, as many cuts won’t take effect until 2027.
• Aria Lane/St. Francis: The developer has indicated interest in potentially selling the property to University of Hawaiʻi (UH). Representative Garrett plans to introduce legislation in 2026 to appropriate funds for negotiations, noting that previous negotiations stalled due to the developer’s $50+ million asking price (compared to the $23 million purchase price).
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:59:19]
1. Public School Access: Member Watson asked about legislation introduced by Senator Mike Gabbard regarding community access to public schools after hours, noting concerns about locked gates and fences. Representative Garrett explained that principals cite liability concerns but agreed to look into the issue.
University of Hawaii at Mānoa Updates – [2:01:48]: No representative was present.
Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [2:01:53]: Laci Goshi provided the report and will take back any questions:
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:02:12]
1. Invasive Species Council: Member Watson asked about the Governor’s position on expanding the Invasive Species Council and expressing concern about their effectiveness and funding. Goshi promised to provide the Governor’s position before the next meeting.
Congressman Ed Case’s Representative – [2:04:14]: No representative was present.
VIII. PRESENTATION – [2:04:22]
Pesticide Use in Hawaii – [2:04:22]: Ace Shimizu and Ella Alexander from Climate Future Forum were present but due to time, this item was postponed to the next agenda.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:07:10]
1. Be Ready Mānoa: Member Watson requested that the Invasive Species Committee and Be Ready Mānoa be added back to the agenda for future meetings. Chair Nagaji will look into that request.
IX. COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [2:08:04]: No concerns
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:08:15]
Next Meeting – [2:08:16]: The next regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday October 1, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria and via WebEx.
Friends of Mānoa Library Fall Book Sale – [2:08:26]: Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Mānoa Public Library.
October Agenda Items – [2:08:39]: The pesticide use presentation will be rescheduled for the October 2025 agenda.
Olelo Re-Broadcast – [2:08:58: 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/
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:07:10]
1. PIG – [2:09:13]: Memeber Watson wants the formation of Permitted Interaction Groups to be added to the next agenda.
XI. ADJOURNMENT – [2:09:27]: Chair Nagaji adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, 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.
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