KALIHI – PĀLAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 15

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
KALIHI WAENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY
1240 Gulick Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96819
AND VIRTUAL VIA WEBEX
7:00 P.M.

WebEx Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m6dc081b8be7948c1d402fd26b062d691
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2487 959 4101
Password: NB15 (6215 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

Meeting Materials: Find a monthly archive of handouts and referenced materials concerning to Kalihi-Palāma Neighborhood Board No. 15 at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jZWmXmsk6bquFmxc5Ch_JqHL1wlHZrRL.

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

Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to click the “raise hand” icon, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Remarks should not exceed one minute-thirty seconds and one question per speaker, additional questions be posted in the chat or emailed to presenters. Please ensure your microphone is muted unless you are speaking. Please state your first and last name for the record before moving into your comments/question, etc. Written testimony may also be submitted via email using the contact information listed on the Neighborhood Commission Office website.

Purpose: The purpose of neighborhood boards and the neighborhood plan is to increase and assure effective citizen participation in the decisions of government.

Notes: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote, nine (9) of this thirteen (13) member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Adding an item to the agenda, however, is not permitted if 1. The item to be added is of reasonably major importance and 2. Action on the item by the Board will affect a significant number of persons.

Determination of whether a specific matter may be added to an agenda must be done on a case-by-case basis. Please silence all electronic devices.

I. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Amanda Ybanez

II. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS: Three (3) minutes each
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department – District 1
C. Honolulu Police Department – District 5
D. Board of Water Supply – Iris Oda
E. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART)

III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS TO SERVE FROM SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 to JUNE 30, 2026 [NP §2-14-120(b)]. The officers to be elected are the Chair, one or more Vice Chairs, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and any other officer(s) determined to be needed to conduct the board’s business.
A. Chair
B. Vice-Chair
C. Secretary
D. Treasurer

IV. PRESENTATION (Limited to maximum 10-Minute Presentation)
A. Ella Alexander: Intern for the Office of Representative Amy Perruso: Pesticide Resolution
B. Hapa: Aria Castillo: Reclaiming Democracy Program Director: Resolution: Free College for Hawaii Residence
C. Hawaii Bicycling League: Paula Bender: Walk Bike Drive Coordinator.

V. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS: Three (3) minutes each
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Deputy Director Stephen Courtney, Department of Information Technology (DIT)
B. Councilmember Radiant Cordero
C. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam

VI. COMMUNITY UPDATES
A. U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Military Report – Selina Gentkowski

VII. RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Three (3) Minutes each: Meeting participants may present their community concerns at this time. Note – Due to the State “Sunshine Law,” concerns not listed on the agenda may be presented, but no Board action can be taken. Items brought up may be placed on a future agenda for discussion/action.

VIII. STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS: Three (3) minutes each
A. Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13)
B. Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14)
C. Senator Glenn Wakai (District 15)
D. Representative Daniel Holt (House District 29)
E. Representative Shirley Templo (House District 30)
F. Governor Josh Green’s MD Representative – Dreana Kalili, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT)

IX. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Resolution(s) To Vote On:
i. Pesticide Reform Resolution
ii. Resolution Urging For Expanding Eligibility For The Hawaiʻi Community College Promise Program
B. Approval of Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Minutes

X. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Three (3) minutes each
A. Discussion about and formulating committees.

XI. COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
A. If there are concerns about homeless individuals or groups in your neighborhood that need help, you can email HonoluluCORE@honolulu.gov or call the C.O.R.E. hotline at (808) 768-2673 to ask for assistance. This line is for non-emergencies only and calls will be returned as soon as possible.

XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting is scheduled to be on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kalihi Waena Elementary School Library.
B. The Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 recordings can be seen on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 or at www.olelo.org/live at the following times: 1st Monday of each month at 9:00 p.m. and 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m.

XIII. 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, HI 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or call Neighborhood Assistant Zhoydell Magaoay at (808) 768-4224 or e-mail zhoydell.magaoay@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, HI 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov.

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

DRAFT INITIAL CONVENING MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
WEBEX VIDEO TELECONFERENCE AND KAPĀLAMA HALE
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mrZIYe61lQ
Reports and other meeting materials can be found at: Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 Google Drive
CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:05]: 7:00 p.m.
Chair Pro-Tem Ybanez called the Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was established with 11 members present when announcing agenda items that needed board member votes (Board members were required to have video capabilities on to establish quorum). Note: This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.
Board Members Present: Evelyn Cullen (arrived at 7:13 p.m.), Diosa Mae, Ken Farm (arrived at 7:13 p.m.), Donald Guerrero, Patricia Hoopii, Randy Jadulang, Erich Mitamura, Willis Moore, Cardenas Pintor, Lloyd Pohano, Vangie Tolete, Lynn Vansquez, and Amanda Ybanez.
Board Members Absent: None.
Guests: Firefighter Hunter Young (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD); Sergeant Brian Sekiya (Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – District 1); Sergeant Kevin Takehara (Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – District 5); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply – BWS); Deputy Director Stephen Courtney, Department of Information Technology – DIT (Mayor Blangiardi’s Representative); Dee Hayashida (Councilmember Cordero’s Office); Lynn Robinson (Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s Office); Senator Karl Rhoads; Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Savannah Coules, Kathy Nii (Senator Kim’s Office); Ashley Niibu (Senator Glenn Wakai’s Office); Dre Kalili (Governor Josh Green’s Representative); Gabby Camacho (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation – HART); Kaipolani Motsuzuki (NAN, Inc.); Selena Gentkowski (U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi); Jesse Jones (To The Top Hawaiʻi); Carl Otsuka (HFD); Jon Nouchi, Kumalae, Mike Buck (CORE); DM, Ernest Caravalho (Downtown Chinatown Neighborhood Board Chair), Dana Yap, Principal Daniel Larkin (Kalihi-Waena Elementary School), Leialoha Tumbaga (Kalihi-Valley Neighborhood Board Chair), Anne Leake (Kaumakapili Church).
ELECTION OF OFFICERS TO SERVE FROM JULY 1, 2025 to JUNE 30, 2026 – [0:00:17]
Chair – [0:00:30]:
[0:0:33] – Member Vasquez NOMINATED Member Ybanez for the position of Chair.
[0:00:50] – Member Hoopii NOMINATED Member Pintor for the position of Chair, which he respectfully declined.
[0:01:00] – Member Hoopii NOMINATED herself for the position of Chair.
[0:01:18] – Member Vasquez MOVED and Member Guerrero SECONDED to close the nomination. Hearing no objections, the nomination for the position of Chair was closed. The Board conducted a roll call vote [Ybanez (9): Diosa Mae, Guerrero, Jadulang, Mitamura, Moore, Pintor, Pohano, Vasquez, Ybanez; Hoopii (2): Hoopii, Tolete; Abstain: None] – [0:04:08]. Member Ybanez was elected as Chair.
Vice-Chair- [0:04:23]:
[0:04:39] – Member Diosa Mae NOMINATED Member Vasquez for the position of Vice Chair, which she respectfully declined.
[0:04:44] – Member Pohano NOMINATED Member Pintor for the position of Vice Chair, which he respectfully declined.
[0:04:57] – Member Pintor NOMINATED Member Diosa Mae for the position of Vice Chair, which she respectfully declined.
[0:05:02] – Chair Ybanez NOMINATED Member Pohano for the position of Vice Chair, which he respectfully declined.
[0:05:41] – Member Vasquez MOVED and Member Pintor SECONDED to close the nomination. Hearing no objections, the nomination for the position of Vice Chair was closed. The Board conducted a roll call vote, [Hoopii (10) – Guerrero, Hoopii, Jadulang, Mitamura, Moore, Pintor, Pohano, Tolete, Vasquez, Ybanez; Abstain: Diosa Mae] – [0:08:11]. Member Hoopii was elected as Vice Chair.
Secretary – [0:08:14]:
[0:08:17] – Member Diosa Mae NOMINATED Member Pintor for the position of Secretary.
[0:08:41] – Member Vasquez MOVED and Chair Ybanez SECONDED to close the nomination. Hearing an objection to the motion, the Board conducted a roll call vote, 0-11-0 [Aye: None; Nay: Diosa Mae, Guerrero, Hoopii, Jadulang, Mitamura, Moore, Pintor Pohano, Tolete, Vasquez, Ybanez; Abstain: None]. [0:10:40].
[0:10:41] – Member Diosa Mae NOMINATED Member Mitamura for the position of Secretary.
[0:11:07] – Member Pintor MOVED and Member Diosa Mae SECONDED to close the nomination. Hearing no objections, the nomination for the position of Secretary was closed. The Board conducted a roll call vote [Mitamura (2) – Diosa Mae, Mitamura; Pintor (9) – Guerrero, Hoopii, Jadulang, Moore, Pintor, Pohano, Tolete, Vasquez, Ybanez; Abstain: None]. – [0:12:56]. Member Pintor was elected as Secretary.

Member Cullen and Member Farm arrived at 7:13 p.m. There were 13 members present.

Treasurer – [0:13:04]:
[0:13:06] – Member Vasquez NOMINATED herself for the position of Treasurer.
[0:13:23] – Secretary Pintor NOMINATED Member Farm for the position of Treasurer, which he respectfully declined.
[0:13:46] – Vice Chair Hoopii NOMINATED Member Mitamura for the position of Treasurer.
[0:14:08] – Member Cullen requested to revisit the election of officers. The request was denied.
[0:14:38] – Member Moore MOVED and Member Guerrero SECONDED to close the nomination. Hearing no objections, the nomination for the position of Treasurer was closed. The Board conducted a roll call vote [Vasquez (8): Diosa Mae, Farm, Guerrero, Moore, Pintor, Pohano, Vasquez, Ybanez; Mitamura (4): Hoopii, Jadulang, Mitamura, Tolete; Abstain: Cullen] – [0:17:14]. Member Vasquez was elected as Treasurer.
CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:17:39]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:18:17]: Firefighter Hunter Young from Kalihi Station 6 reported the following June 2025 statistics: five (5) structure fires, two (2) brush fires, seven (7) nuisance fires, one (1) cooking fire, one (1) activated fire alarm with no fire, sixteen (16) emergencies, two hundred and three (203) medical emergencies, one (1) motor vehicle collision with pedestrian, twelve (12) motor vehicle crash/collisions, zero (0) mountain rescues, zero (0) ocean rescues, and one (1) hazardous material incident. Firefighter Young provided fire safety tips focused on wildland fire awareness, prevention, and preparedness. Tips included maintaining yards, cleaning gutters, clearing vegetation around campfires, and ensuring proper maintenance of equipment with spark arrestors. For more information, visit fire.honolulu.gov, honolulu.gov-dem, or hwmo.org-lookout. A copy of the report can be found at: HFD July 2025 Report.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:21:13]. A board member inquired about National Guard response times during the Nanakuli fires.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 1 – [0:23:39]: Sergeant Brian Sekiya reported the following June 2025 statistics: two (2) motor vehicle thefts compared to three (3) the previous month, one (1) burglary case (same as previous month), three (3) theft cases compared to five (5) the previous month, one (1) assault case compared to zero (0) the previous month, zero (0) sex assault cases compared to one (1) the previous month, zero (0) graffiti cases, zero (0) drug cases, and 304 total calls for service compared to 340 the previous month. Sergeant Sekiya provided safety tips regarding safe driving, noting there were 43 fatalities compared to 19 during the same period last year. He encouraged the public to be patient, aware, and avoid distracted driving. More information can be found at www.honolulupd.org.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 5 – [0:28:30]: Sergeant Kevin Takehara reported the following June 2025 statistics: eight (8) aggravated assaults compared to five (5) in the previous month, twelve (12) auto thefts compared to thirteen (13) in the previous month, seven (7) burglaries compared to six (6) in the previous month, two (2) robberies compared to three (3) in the previous month, zero (0) sexual assaults, nine (9) simple assaults compared to twelve (12) in the previous month, thirty-two (32) thefts compared to thirty-three (33) in the previous month, ten (10) thefts from vehicles compared to six (6) in the previous month, and 2,524 calls for service compared to 2,827 in the previous month.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:29:34]. Board member Hoopii raised concerns about parking tickets being issued on Mokauea Street where residents have limited parking options. Sergeant Takehara explained that complaints likely generated the increased enforcement.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:32:15]: Iris Oda reported one (1) main break in June 2025 near 1200 North Nimitz Highway. Oda announced that July is Smart Irrigation Month and provided conservation tips including checking for leaky sprinkler heads, watering early in the morning, using shut-off nozzles on garden hoses, installing weather-based irrigation controllers (eligible for rebates), and capturing rainwater in rain barrels (also eligible for rebates). For more information, visit boardofwatersupply.com/irrigation.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:33:55]. Board member Cullen asked when the main office would reopen and when businesses would be able to pay online. Oda confirmed the office is open with cashiers available at the window and will follow up regarding online payment options for businesses.
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) – [0:35:52]:Gabby Camacho, accompanied by Kaipolani Motsuzuki from Nan Inc., provided the following updates:
Segment 2 (Pearl Harbor to Middle Street): Station construction was completed in May 2025, core system installation is complete, and testing has started. Trial running is ongoing, and an emergency preparedness drill was conducted with multiple agencies including DTS, DOT, HFD, HPD, EMS, TheBus, TSA, safety consultants, HART, and Hitachi Rail Honolulu Joint Venture.
CCR4 Project (Dillingham utility relocation): Work continues on installing switch gear and transformer pads, electrical lines, jet grouting, relocating water and sewer lines, and completing punch list items for telecommunication, street light, and traffic signal work.
PCR3 Downtown: Crews are completing paving, striping, landscaping, street lighting, and other punch list items.
City Center Guideway and Stations (CCGS): Contractor is working in the easement area along Kaaahi Street for drilled shaft work for guideway column foundations.
Camacho recapped the Hōlō Chinatown station neighborhood design workshop held last month, which had 40-50 public attendees. Similar workshops for Kekaulike, Downtown, and Civic Center stations will be held in the next two months. An online business and community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., focusing on Segment 3 guideway and station construction from Kalihi to Kakaako. For more information, email info@honolulutransit.org or call 808-566-2299.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:41:14]. Senator Kim inquired about the completion timeline (now estimated for 2030 construction completion and 2031 public service) and ridership numbers. Other concerns included construction impacts, tire damage from metal plates, and accessibility features including restrooms and elevators/escalators.
BOARD BUSINESS – [0:52:28]
Meeting Determination – DATE/TIME/LOCATION/FORMAT – [0:52:33]:
[0:52:54] – Board member Farm MOVED and Treasurer Vasquez SECONDED to hold the meeting on Third Wednesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Kapālama Hale-Room 153 and via WebEx. Discussions followed. Hearing no objections, the Board approved the motion.
Determination of Board Recess Schedule – [0:53:51]
[0:54:35] – Secretary Pintor MOVED to recess in August 2025, December 2025, and May 2026. Without a second, the motion is deemed defeated. Board member Diosa MOVED and Board member Farm SECONDED to recess in August 2025, December 2025, and June 2026. Hearing no objections, the Board agreed to maintain the current recess schedule for August 2025, December 2025, and June 2026.
Adoption of Rules, including Oral Testimony – [0:55:36]:
The board adopted rules for oral testimony, maintaining the 1.5-minute time limit for questions and comments, and 10 minutes for presentations.
Establishment of Committees and Committee Chairs/Co-Chairs – [0:56:36]:
There were discussions regarding the establishment of committees. This item will be deferred to the next meeting.
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – [1:04:07]: [1:04:08] – Board member Pohano MOVED and Secretary Pintor SECONDED to adopt the minutes as written. Hearing no corrections and no objections, the minutes were adopted as written.
PRESENTATIONS – [1:04:19]
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) – [1:04:27]: There was no representative present.

To The Top Hawaiʻi – [1:05:04]: Jesse Jones, founder of To The Top Hawaiʻi, presented on his nonprofit organization focused on ending homelessness. Jones shared personal stories of helping individuals transition from homelessness to housing, including providing essential resources, documentation assistance, and support services. The organization bridges gaps between homeless individuals and available resources, addressing root causes of homelessness through compassionate, sustainable approaches. Jones highlighted partnerships with organizations like Mana Church, River of Life, and Andrea Tupola’s R3 program. The organization has helped over 300 local businesses, been involved in over 125 community events, mentored over 500 youth, and assisted 120 individuals with housing transitions. To The Top Hawaiʻi also organizes night markets, beach cleanups, and school supply drives.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:35:09]. Board member Cullen asked if Jones could assist with homeless individuals on Sand Island Access Road area, particularly those with severe addiction issues.
Cooking Fire Safety– [1:36:15]:
Carl Otsuka presented on cooking fire safety. He explained the fire triangle (oxygen, heat, and fuel) and provided safety tips including:
• Never leave cooking unattended
• Wear tight-fitting clothes while cooking
• Keep pot lids or cutting boards nearby to smother oil fires
• Keep children away from cooking areas
• Turn pot handles inward
• Don’t store items on stovetops
• Turn off stoves during power outages
• Don’t cook when sleepy, after drinking alcohol, or when taking medications that cause drowsiness
• Never put water on oil fires
• Clean grease from stovetops and vent hoods
• Use propane/butane stoves safely, ensuring proper ventilation
• Look for UL or CSA labels on cooking equipment
Otsuka demonstrated the dangers of putting water on oil fires through a video and emphasized proper fire extinguishing techniques. He announced he would return in November to discuss Thanksgiving cooking safety. A copy of the presentation can be found at: Cooking Safety Presentation.
RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:38:32]
Neighborhood Board 15 Social Media Accounts – [1:38:39]: Secretary Pintor announced the Facebook group “Kalihi Pālama Neighborhood Board” and Instagram account @KalihiPālama15.
Bon Dances – [1:39:07]: Secretary Pintor announced that the Koboji Shingon Mission on 1223-B North School Street is having their Bon Dance on Friday, July 18, 2025 and Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Papana Music Camp – [1:39:33]: Member Cullen announced that the Kaumakapili Church is having a music camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 and Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Kaumakapili Church, 766 N. King Street. More information can be found at: Papana Music Camp Flyer.
Revote Request – [1:40:35]: Member Cullen expressed concern about not receiving notification of the location change for the meeting and requested a revote on items missed due to this confusion.
Multi-Board Collaboration – [1:44:14]: Ernest Caravalho, Chair of Downtown Chinatown Neighborhood Board, suggested collaboration between neighborhood boards on shared issues like homelessness in the Chinatown-River Street area.
Abandoned Cars – [1:45:29]: Member Guerrero reported 22 abandoned cars at 1035 Matzie Lane, noting concerns about the property.
[1:47:47] – Chair Ybanez called for a recess at 8:47 p.m.
Chair Ybanez called the meeting back to order at 8:53 p.m.
NA Magaoay did not resume recording after the meeting was called back to order. Missing on the recording is the Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative Report.
[Audio Recording] – Member Diosa Mae MOVED and Member Hoopii SECONDED to redo the Election of Officers – Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Member Jadulang offered a friendly amendment to redo the Election of Officers at the beginning of the next Regular Board Meeting. Hearing no objections, the motion was adopted, 13-0-0 [Aye: Diosa Mae, Farm, Guerrero, Moore, Pintor, Pohano, Vasquez, Ybanez, Hoopii, Jadulang, Mitamura, Tolete, Cullen; Nay: None; Abstain: None].
CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:48:14]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative: (audio recording) – Deputy Director Stephen Courtney provided the report which can be found at: Mayor’s Highlights July 2025. Deputy Director Courtney highlighted the City’s 80-acre master planning effort for the Iwilei-Kapālama sub-corridor; Mayor Blangiardi signs a trio of bills into law designed to help increase public safety, especially along the Leeward Coast; Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts helps unveil three new art installations as part of the Wahi Pana; entrepreneurs along the Wai’anae Coast begin the Idea2Biz incubator program; and the online driver’s license learner’s permit tests.
Councilmember Radiant Cordero – Dee Hayashida was having audio difficulties and was not able to present the report. A copy of Councilmember Cordero’s report can be found at: Councilmember Cordero July 2025 Report.

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [1:48:14]: Lynn Robinson reported on the $350,000 improvements to the ʻĀhihi Street foot bridge in Kalihi Valley and the mayor’s signing of a robust illegal game rooms package (Bills 11, 12, and 13). Bill 11 targets video amusement devices used to conceal gambling, Bill 12 allows DPP and HPD to coordinate code enforcement for gambling-related nuisances, and Bill 13 lets landlords request HPD officer accompaniment during property inspections.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:49:50]. Board member Evelyn Cullen asked about property inspection access when owners deny entry.
STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:52:11]
Senator Karl Rhoads – [1:52:13]: Senator Rhoads reported on $250,000 in grant funds released to Kline-Welsh Behavioral Health Foundation for commercial kitchen improvements at their Kalihi Street facility. He highlighted budget items affecting the neighborhood, including $56 million for Mayor Wright Homes and $3,050,000 for plans and designs for Kaʻahumanu Homes redevelopment. Senator Rhoads discussed Senate Bill 405, which was signed into law, allowing dialogue between elected officials and neighborhood boards. He also mentioned the reactivation of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund for condo insurance and Senate Concurrent Resolution 128, which requires cataloging of federal leases with the state. Regarding rail, Rhoads acknowledged frustrations with delays but expressed confidence that ridership will increase once the rail reaches downtown areas.
Senator Donna Mercado Kim – [1:57:35]: Senator Kim noted her committee report was sent electronically to board members. She highlighted Senate Bill 1252 (Act 283) regarding Alzheimer’s training, which appropriates $525,000 each fiscal year starting in 2026 to the UH John Burns School of Medicine. Kim outlined budget allocations including $60 million for DOE deferred maintenance, $41.9 million for summer learning programs, $11.8 million for school athletics, $30 million for DOE electricity costs, $30 million for healthcare education loan repayments, $37 million for Kalihi housing projects, $6 million for child protective services, $14.8 million for fire protection programs, and $15 million for wildfire mitigation and highways. Kim announced a meeting on August 11, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Farrington High School Library to address youth-related issues, with representatives from Farrington, DOE, DHS, HPHA, HPD, and local nonprofits. She also announced free sports physicals for youth athletes on July 17, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:02:27]. Board member Evelyn Cullen asked if the budget amounts were additions to existing funding or replacements.
Representative Daniel Holt – [2:04:01]: No representative was present and no report was submitted.
Representative Shirley Templo – [2:04:05]: No representative was present. A copy of the report can be found at: Representative Templo July 2025 Report.
Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [2:04:49]: Dre Kalili noted the governor’s July newsletter features information about the new state fire marshal. Kalili acknowledged the inquiry about DLE sheriffs ticketing vehicles on Mokauea Street and will follow up with a report in September. A copy of the report can be found at: Ke Ala Hou July 2025.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:05:12]. Board members raised concerns about crooked lane lines on Nimitz Highway (Kalili noted these are temporary until permanent markings are installed), Matson staging trucks on Libby Street, and parking enforcement issues.
Senator Glenn Wakai – [2:09:55]: Ashley Niibu from Senator Wakai’s office reported on SB589, which mandates the PUC establish procedures allowing power producers to sell power directly to HECO customers within two years. She noted Hawaii pays three times the national average for power, with HECO buying renewable energy at 11 cents per kilowatt but selling it for 43 cents. Niibu mentioned a proposal to use confiscated fireworks for a stadium show rather than spending $1 million to dispose of them. She also announced that Farrington High School will receive a new gym, with completion expected in 2027. A copy of the report can be found at: Senator Wakai July 2025 Report.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:13:16]. Board members expressed concerns about the fireworks proposal, citing safety issues and contradicting efforts to reduce fireworks use.
COMMUNITY UPDATES – [2:14:49]
U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Military Report – [2:14:56]: Selena Gentkowski announced the next hiring fair on August 19, 2025, at Helemano Military Reservation from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. She reported that a wildland fire burned 600 acres at Schofield Barracks training area, requiring 660 gallons of water to extinguish. The cause remains under investigation. Annual training is scheduled for October-November 2025, which may increase noise and military vehicle traffic.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:16:34]. Gentkowski confirmed the Army supported firefighting efforts in Nanakuli and Kunia with helicopter bucket drops and ground personnel.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS – [2:16:42]
The Salvation Army offers emergency shelter, financial assistance, mental rehabilitation, health services, emergency food distribution, and casework services at 808-521-6551. Red Cross resources are available at redcross.org.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:17:17]
The next Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
The Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 recordings can be seen on Channel 49 or at the website at the following times: 1st Monday of each month at 9:00 p.m. and 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT – [2:18:04]: The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Submitted by: Zhoydell Magaoay – Neighborhood Board Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Robert Dylan Whitsell – Deputy Director
Finalized by: Secretary Pintor and Chair Ybanez

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.