KALIHI – PĀLAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 15
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026
KALIHI WAENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY
1240 GULICK AVE., HONOLULU, HI 96819
AND VIRTUAL VIA WEBEX
7:00 P.M.
WebEx Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m87b646203f9cad03ba885a37cda93aaf
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2495 468 8292
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/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w
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.
A. CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Evelyn Cullen
A. Roll Call
B. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
A. Chair
B. 2nd Vice Chair
C. Treasurer
C. 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) – Gabby Camacho
D. 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
E. PRESENTATIONS (Limited to maximum 10-Minute Presentation)
A. Ka Lei Momi – Mayor Wright & Kaʻahumanu Homes Update – Michael Saines
F. COMMUNITY UPDATES
A. U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Military Report – Selina Gentkowski
G. 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.
H. 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)
I. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Filling of Vacancy: One (1) At-Large Seat
B. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
C. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
J. COMMUNITY RESOURCES
A. Salvation Army Family Services Food Pantry – Local food pantry & emergency food help, 808-521-6551.
B. Catholic Charities Hawaii – 808-521-4357: Residents can call the helpline to ask about rent/utilities relief and housing support programs.
K. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting is scheduled to be on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 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.
L. ADJOURNMENT
A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or
e-mailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda documents and minutes are also available online at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.html
All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, or email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer than three (3) business days remaining before the meeting, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but it may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
KALIHI WAENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY
1240 GULICK AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96819
AND VIRTUAL VIA WEBEX
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqmlgQK8dNk&t=2s
Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jZWmXmsk6bquFmxc5Ch_JqHL1wlHZrRL
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:15]: Vice Chair Evelyn Cullen called the Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and quorum was established with 10 members present. Note: This 13-member Board requires 7 members to establish a quorum and to take official action.
Members Present: Evelyn Cullen, Diosa Mae Daga, Ken Farm, Patricia Hoopii, Randy Jadulang, Willis Moore, Cardenas Pintor, Lloyd Pohano, Lynn Vasquez, Donald R. Guerrero
Members Absent: Erich Mitamura, Vangie Tolete, Amanda Ybanez
Guests: Sergeant Higa (District 1), Sergeant F. Corpuz and Lieutenant Yamashita (District 5) – (Honolulu Police Department); Stephen Courtney (Mayor’s Representative); Councilmember Radiant Cordero; Senator Karl Rhoads; Senator Glenn Wakai; Dre Kalili (Governor’s Representative); Representative Shirley Templo and Kamakea Wright; Daniel Holt’s Representative); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Dr. Miku Lenentine (Community Engagement for Resilient Neighborhoods); Kauahi Ching and Cody Winchester (G70); Carl Sholin (Department of Land and Natural Resources); Office of Representative Daniel Holt; Patrick Watson, Dana Yap, Thomas Beck, e Uegawachi, James Soong, Leialoha Tumbaga, Alan Kumalae, Mike Buck (C.O.R.E) – (Residents and Community Members). Note: Names were not included if not legible. There were 40 total attendees.
II. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:02:37]
A. Honolulu Fire Department – [0:02:44]: No representative present.
Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pAwJJx8ZJT8HWmAdx9J76s6Nv8fVZb5m/view?usp=drive_link
B. Honolulu Police Department – District 1 – [0:02:55]: Sergeant Higa reported October 2025 statistics: 2 motor vehicle thefts, 0 burglaries, 1 theft, 0 UEMV, 2 assaults, 0 sex assaults, 0 graffiti, 2 drug cases, and 12 motor vehicle collisions. He also shared the holiday safety tip: secure vehicles at malls, avoid moving items from the cabin to the trunk in parking lots, and be mindful of surroundings when returning to vehicles.
C. Honolulu Police Department – District 5 – [0:05:03]: Sergeant Corpuz and Lieutenant Yamashita reported October 2025 statistics: 4 aggravated assaults, 9 auto thefts, 6 burglaries, 3 robberies, 4 sex assaults, 11 simple assaults, 27 thefts, 5 UEMV, and 2,670 calls for service. He also shared safety tips: make eye contact with drivers before crossing, never assume a driver sees you and wait for a clear acknowledgement such as a full stop or hand signal before stepping into the crosswalk. Lieutenant Yamashita announced that Honolulu Police Department’s anonymous Community Safety Survey runs from Saturday, November 8, 2025 to Saturday, December 13, 2025. Lastly, Lieutenant Yamashita announced the Heroes & Helpers event on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Salt Lake Target and Fireworks Buyback on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Waipahu Police Academy.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:08:26]
1. Neighborhood Watch Training – Member Hoopii asked how to start a Kalihi-Pālama neighborhood watch. Lieutenant Yamashita noted that he will connect the community with the Community Policing Team.
D. Board of Water Supply – [0:10:25]: Iris Oda reported 4 main breaks at/near: 2160 N. King St. on Friday, October 10, 2025; 2119 N. King St. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025; 717 N. Vineyard Blvd. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and 1819 How St. on Monday, October 27, 2025. For major main break updates, repairs information, and notifications, visit boardofwatersupply.com/mainbreaks, follow Board of Water Supply on Facebook/Nextdoor, and sign up for HNL Alert.
Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gMz1uTDL4BypD8EpNq7lMhw9onuzUMMQ/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:11:56]
1. Water Safety: Member Farm raised water safety concerns regarding selenium and lead reports from Maui/Lāhainā. Iris Oda responded that the Board of Water Supply conducts regular testing and publishes annual water quality reports. She explained that any detected contaminant would immediately trigger notifications and shutdowns of affected sources. Iris Oda committed to following up with the Communications department for additional information.
2. 20% Water Use Reduction & Growth: Resident Thomas Beck inquired whether the 20% water use reduction is permanent and how the Board of Water Supply plans for housing expansions. Iris Oda explained that the reduction request stems from low rainfall and high demand. She committed to following up on the duration of the reduction request and how future developments, such as housing expansions, are incorporated into supply planning.
E. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) – [0:15:20]: No representative present but a written report was submitted.
Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DO5_Jm91vtKeKK7euFbi7MKS_IRX80ZU/view?usp=drive_link
III. PRESENTATIONS – [0:15:33]
A. Community Engagement for Resilient Neighborhoods (CERENE) – [0:16:15]: Dr. Lenentine presented the O‘ahu Resilience Hub Learning Community, defining a resilience hub as a site or group supporting year round community resilience that also activates during disruptions. She also noted that the learning community supports individual hubs, hub micro networks, and, where desired, regional coordination through monthly virtual gatherings, working groups, trainings, youth leadership placements, planned micro grants, and a 2026 summit. Lastly, she shared opportunities which includes joining as a member/hub, leadership roles, and a cultural advisory council.
Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qirQlK4H5x7TZNTgTTzuzrZCygX8EzW2/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:25:57]
1. Redundancy vs. Civil Defense: Resident Thomas Beck inquired whether this creates duplication with existing civil defense, fire, and police services. Dr. Lenentine responded that with resilience, redundancy is advantageous, explaining that hubs serve to address community needs during the interim period before first responders arrive.
2. Government coordination: Resident Thomas Beck inquired about Community Engagement for Resilient Neighborhoods’ specific partnerships, particularly regarding federal regulations and municipal contracts. Dr. Lenentine responded that the organization holds quarterly meetings with the Department of Emergency Management, Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency, the City Office of Economic Revitalization, and the City Office of Resilience to ensure alignment.
3. Sunshine Law practice: Member Farm asked how other neighborhood boards handle the procedural challenges of the Permitted Information Group under sunshine law, especially given his past difficulties as Chair with requirements that limited coordination during initiatives. Dr. Lenentine mentioned she learned about Permitted Information Group from the ‘Ewa Neighborhood Board.
B. Sand Island Historic Properties Project – [0:30:43]: Cody Winchester and Kauahi Ching (G70) along with Carl Sholin (Department of Land and Natural Resources) presented the Sand Island SRA Historic Property Treatment Project including historical overview, project area and scope, issues and need for the project, treatment options, project timeline and opportunities for engagement. They also shared that they have two public Zoom meetings scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025 and Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19GhaseZhM9ZSM-ZFLnNEjRy_ppQ4YCks/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:44:39]
1. Coordination with Global Preservation Initiative: Resident Dana Yap inquired whether the project was partnering with the Global Preservation Initiative. Carl Sholin responded that while their Interpretation Division works with Global Preservation Initiative, this particular project is not directly connected.
2. Cultural Integration: Member Pohano recommended incorporating cultural and historical information into the project. Cody Winchester mentioned their partnership with Mauliola Ke’ehi and explained that adaptive reuse could extend to include cultural interpretation that goes beyond World War II.
3. Per structure Treatment: Member Farm asked how the restoration process works across different sites in the project. Cody Winchester and Kauahi Ching noted that options can vary by site while pursuing a cohesive park vision.
4. Funding/Priorities: Vice Chair Cullen noted pressing park needs (e.g., camping closures due to sewer) and limited funds. Cody Winchester noted a forthcoming park wide master planning process in early 2026.
5. Community Memories: Member Hoopii recalled train play features/fishing activities and suggested restoring the train play area.
6. Historic Registry Status: Member Farm inquired whether the sites are already on the historic registry or if that’s being pursued. Carl Sholin explained that while the sites aren’t currently listed on national or state historic registers, they have been assessed as potentially eligible and may be pursuing listing. He noted that Sand Island holds status as a state monument under Chapter 6E Historic Preservation Statute. Carl Sholin also emphasized that the process is designed to engage the community so that Kalihi Palama residents can shape the narrative about what the place means traditionally, today, and for the future, rather than having planners make decisions unilaterally.
IV. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS – [0:55:07]
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Deputy Director Stephen Courtney (DIT) – [0:54:55]: Deputy Director Stephen Courtney announced that Skyline Segment 2 has officially opened, adding five miles and four new stations including one at Pearl Harbor and Honolulu International Airport. He also noted that the Early Education Center will be temporarily relocating while municipal garage repairs are underway; new sewer rates will take effect on January 1, 2026 and the Royal Hawaiian Band will perform a free concert on Friday, November 28, 2025 at the Blaisdell Center with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. Additionally, a new City press release email system went live on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Lastly, he provided answers to questions from last month’s meeting.
Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v6_3vXxuHmRVKN6FTObUsQyOd5sc8uTB/view?usp=drive_link
[1:00:54]: Vice Chair Cullen recessed the meeting for 5 minutes to address a minor audio issue. The meeting reconvened at 8:05 p.m. [1:05:53]
B. Councilmember Radiant Cordero – [1:06:05]: Councilmember Cordero announced infrastructure improvements including the restoration of crosswalks at Waiakamilo Road, Kalani Street and near Kapālama Post Office, completion of the Dillingham Boulevard bridge in September, and progress on the Fern Community Park multipurpose building expansion. She highlighted ongoing coordination with Honolulu Police Department and Institute for Human Services for outreach, increased cleaning efforts on Gulick Avenue, and reminded residents that City Grants in Aid applications are due on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Councilmember Cordero also announced that Honolulu City Lights will feature a “Star Wars” themed City Council tree on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:11:44]
1. Pedestrian Safety Improvements Near Kahauiki Village: Member Hoopii requested the installation of a crosswalk connecting the housing area to the bus depot, citing safety concerns for pedestrians. Councilmember Cordero voiced agreement, advocating for improved pedestrian safety infrastructure in the vicinity of Kahauiki Village, with suggestions that included the possibility of implementing raised crosswalks or a pedestrian bridge.
Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tJ8mNrhr9lfQOTQxcRCj75SmNQgb1q0A/view?usp=drive_link
C. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [1:14:33]: No representative present.
Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HGQMExw0tZphDYYk9OQmH2NKtaDLO82j/view?usp=drive_link
V. COMMUNITY UPDATES – [1:15:00]
A. U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Military Report – [1:15:02]: No representative present.
VI. RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:15:03]
1. Appreciation and Construction Point Of Contact: Patrick Watson thanked the Board for last month’s recognition of a Honolulu Police Department officer (his son). He also shared that he will be the point of contact for the Gulick overpass bridge extension work.
2. Slippah Foundation Final Event: Member Vasquez announced her final Slippah Foundation event at Mayor Wright Housing on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 after 20 years serving keiki and adults statewide.
3. Community Resource Fair: Member Farm announced a resource fair on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kalākaua District Park Gym. He also noted that the fair will provide resources including mental health services, food pantry access, shelter information, and hygiene supplies.
4. Certificate Process Transparency: Member Hoopii expressed preference for future certificates to be presented with prior Board approval.
5. Board Transparency Statement: Vice Chair Cullen read a statement noting a KHON interview referenced Board plans/positions not brought, discussed, or voted on. She also requested the topic be placed on the next agenda for discussion/action.
6. Safe Crossing Resolution Suggestion: Representative Shirley Templo recommended a joint City/State resolution to improve crossings in Kahauiki Village (e.g., bridge or raised crosswalk).
7. Global Preservation Initiative Cleanup: Member Pohano highlighted Global Preservation Initiative’s Sand Island cleanup on Saturday, November 8, 2025 with the next cleanup on Saturday, December 6, 2025 in Makapuʻu.
8. Kalihi Christmas Parade: Multiple participants promoted next Friday’s Kalihi parade and festivities on Friday, November 28, 2025.
VII. STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:26:36]
A. Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13) – [1:26:45]: Senator Karl Rhoads announced that $56 million in general obligation bonds have been released to the Rental Housing Revolving Fund, which will support the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s Ka Lei Momi Development including Mayor Wright Homes. Additionally, Senator Rhoads discussed the Judiciary Committee’s ongoing informational briefings regarding federal impacts on the state’s rule of law, noting that videos of these sessions are available online for public viewing (capitol.hawaii.gov).
Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YzZT5JVPK6IkvaZ4FWKc-2DhlGIETrqG/view?usp=drive_link
B. Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14) – [1:31:39]: No representative present.
Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V23WBwYVlkyH7iiqo7hs27pIHvWZChKa/view?usp=drive_link
C. Senator Glenn Wakai (District 15) – [1:31:52]: Senator Glenn Wakai announced that Aloha Stadium demolition is set to begin as soon as the City provides approval, with a target completion date for demolition of June 2026. He also noted that the new stadium is scheduled to be finished by March 2029, and penalties will be imposed for any delays in the project timeline. Senator Wakai reported that the University of Hawaii’s Name, Image, and Likeness outreach efforts are expanding throughout Asia, with particular success in Japan where streaming services and merchandising have gained significant traction.
Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1USOJAbjZFDfTY2tt_OuLVK3088uADQ4w/view?usp=drive_link
Member Farm left the meeting at 8:32 p.m. – 9 members present
D. Representative Daniel Holt – [1:34:44]: Daniel Holtʻs representative provided an update on Act 310, which allocates $50 million in nonprofit grants. She also announced that a decision-making hearing will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. and will be streamed on YouTube for public viewing. Lastly, she shared that the program has received a total of 213 applications from nonprofit organizations throughout the state.
E. Representative Shirley Templo – [1:37:24]: Representative Shirley Templo and intern, Kamakea Wright shared their newsletter, which includes resources from findhelp.org that can be searched by ZIP code. Kamakea Wright also highlighted a recent meeting with Kamehameha Schools that was attended by lawmakers.
Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1367HID35uvzBjfrHSKldgq9bRv09Q3QV/view?usp=drive_link
F. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:41:45]: Dre Kalili shared that the Governorʻs newsletter has information about SNAP benefits and other resources available to those affected by the federal shutdown. She also noted that she will be requesting a formal letter from Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Sniffin regarding the implementation of safer pedestrian crossings at Kahauiki Village.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:42:59]
1. Speed Camera Tickets: Resident Thomas Beck asked how the city will handle speed camera tickets that arrive six months late and the difficulty of enforcing changing speed limits near freeway exits, especially since delayed tickets make it harder for residents to contest them. Dre Kalili will work directly with the resident.
2. Procedure for Contesting Traffic Camera Citations: Member Vasquez inquired about the process for contesting a ticket with a legitimate reason. Dre Kalili clarified that citations issued by speed cameras or red-light cameras include instructions on the due process procedure.
3. Data Sources for Speed Camera Location: Member Daga inquired about the data sources used to determine speed camera locations. Dre Kalili explained that enforcement site selection is determined based on crash and injury data as specified in the statute.
VIII. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:48:59]
A. Resolution(s) to vote on – [1:49:05]
I. Pearl City Resolution (Hawaiʻi Injury Prevention Plan & Water Safety Plan) – [1:50:01]: Item deferred.
Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tx8eczY-d236mEoOs8JKFD6JSY5IVkQU/view?usp=drive_link
II. Cards Pintor – HOLO Card Tap to Pay – [1:50:13]: Member Pintor explained that the resolution is to introduce Google Pay and Apple Pay (digital wallets) into the HOLO Card and Mānoa One Card.
Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zucpNiavTyePOoPSys1yk7sx-XF7lpK3/view?usp=drive_link
[1:50:38] Member Daga MOVED and Member Vasquez SECONDED to urge enabling HOLO and UH Mānoa One Card Apple Pay/Google Pay tap to pay. The motion was ADOPTED; 7 1 0. (Aye: Cullen, Daga, Hoopii, Jadulang, Pintor, Pohano, Vasquez; Nay: Moore; Abstain: none) – [1:52:00]
III. Cards Pintor – Amend State Constitution to Prohibit Slavery/Involuntary Servitude – [1:52:01]: Member Pintor explained that the 13th Amendment bans slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for crime, which allows states to pay incarcerated workers extremely low wages of only 25 cents to $2.50 per hour. He added that this disproportionately affects Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations who are overrepresented in prisons, with most inmates having children to support. Lastly, he noted that the resolution proposes amending the state constitution to require minimum wage pay for incarcerated workers.
Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iXOicciMLnZ-3WW_j-R-PSEiVmk0-Dfm/view?usp=drive_link
[1:54:06] Member Daga MOVED and Member Pintor SECONDED to urge to amend the State Constitution to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude and to amend the state constitution to require minimum wage pay for incarcerated workers. Member Moore, who teaches at Halawa Correctional Facility, argued that discussing and interpreting the 13th Amendment is not within the neighborhood board’s jurisdiction and recommended voting down the motion as out of order. Member Pintor clarified that he is not attempting to challenge the U.S. Constitution but rather seeking to amend the State Constitution. The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED; 1 4 3. (Aye: Pintor; Nay: Hoopii, Jadulang, Moore, Vasquez; Abstain: Cullen, Daga, Pohano) – [1:57:57]
IV. Cards Pintor – Urging More Remote/Hybrid Jobs for State/City – [1:57:58]: Member Pintor explained that the resolution is to urge the City and State to have more work from home opportunities especially for the disability community. Item deferred.
Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nMcMjnjgBNVnYOHDQ_ubj48Niket—0/view?usp=drive_link
[1:59:57] Member Moore MOVED and Member Daga SECONDED to defer item to next agenda for amendments/data expansion. The motion was ADOPTED; 8 0 0. (Aye: Cullen, Daga, Hoopii, Jadulang, Moore, Pintor, Pohano, Vasquez; Nay: none; Abstain: none) – [2:00:03]
B. Removal of the Chair – [2:00:19]
[2:00:36] Member Cullen MOVED and Member Jadulang SECONDED to the removal of the Chair. The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED; 5 1 2. (Aye: Cullen, Daga, Hoopii, Jadulang, Pintor; Nay: Moore; Abstain: Pohano, Vasquez) – [2:03:39]
C. Vice Chair’s Announcements – [2:03:46]
I. Clarification on Certificate Presentation – [2:03:56]: Vice Chair Cullen announced that the October certificate presentation took place without being formally listed on the meeting agenda. She also added that to ensure compliance with the Sunshine Law going forward, future recognitions should be brought before the Board in advance and properly included on the agenda.
II. Reminder – [2:04:28]: Vice Chair Cullen reminded the Board members to send their bio and photo to the Neighborhood Commission Office.
D. Election of Officers: 2nd Vice Chair and Treasurer – [2:06:01]: Item deferred.
E. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes – [2:06:55]: The minutes of the regular meeting dated Wednesday, October 15, 2025, were approved by the Board as written.
F. Committees – [2:07:24]: Discussion and establishment of Neighborhood Board Committees, their purposes, and potential members: Public Safety, Health/Medical, Education, Food Security and Resources.
[2:07:34] Member Pintor MOVED and Daga SECONDED to establish the following committees – Health/Medical – Chair Pintor; Food Security and Resources – Chair Vasquez; Education – Co Chairs Daga and Pintor; Public Safety – Chair Cullen; The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Cullen, Daga, Hoopii, Jadulang, Moore, Pintor, Pohano, Vasquez; Nay: none; Abstain: none) – [2:09:14]
IX. COMMUNITY RESOURCES – [2:09:14]
A. Expanded Relief & Family Assistance (Governor’s initiative responding to federal shutdown impacts). Apply via Catholic Charities Hawai’i: 808 521 4357 (press 1 for financial assistance, then 1 for Hawaiʻi Relief Programs).
B. SNAP application assistance – Senior Food Box, Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program/Senior Coupons via Hawai’i Foodbank and partners.
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:10:37]
A. Parades: Vice Chair Cullen announced that the Kalihi parade will be on Friday, November 28, 2025 at Kalihi Union Church, and the Honolulu City Lights Parade will be on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at A’ala Park.
B. Palama Settlement Free Christmas Celebration: Vice Chair Cullen announced that the Palama Settlement Free Christmas Celebration is on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 4:00–8:00 p.m.
C. Toy Drive: Toys for Tots donations collected at tonight’s meeting.
D. Next Meeting: Vice Chair Cullen announced that the next meeting is on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. and the Board will recess in December.
E. 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.
XI. ADJOURNMENT – [2:11:34]: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:11 p.m.
Submitted by: Melissa Urubio, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Robert Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Finalized by: Evelyn Cullen, Vice Chair