KALIHI VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 16
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 7:00 P.M.
KAPĀLAMA HALE, ROOM 153
925 DILLINGHAM BOULEVARD
AND ON WEBEX
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m08f15763a74e55673ba301c551aeac04
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2486 074 5181
Meeting Password: NB16 (6216 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
Join by Video System: Dial 24940045995@cchnl.webex.com
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. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under 2 – 5 minutes, and those giving reports are encouraged to keep their reports under 3 – 5 minutes. Please ensure your microphone is muted unless you are speaking. Please state your first and last name for the record before moving into your comment or question. Written testimony may also be submitted via email using the contact information listed on the Neighborhood Commission Office website. Please silence all electronic devices. NOTES: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapter 92), specific issues not listed on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless properly added to the agenda.
ARCHIVE: Find an archive of handouts and referenced materials concerning to the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board No.16 at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z1fHoHMtwv6GFUbyc3MTvOmGOo2FuwXO
VIDEO RECORD: Meeting Recordings can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Leialoha Tumbaga
2. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS (Three Minutes Each):
A. Honolulu Fire Department
(November & December 2025 monthly fire and emergency incident statistics, HFD safety tips, reminders, and any upcoming events)
B. Honolulu Police Department
(November & December 2025 monthly crime and incident statistics, HPD safety tips, reminders, and any upcoming events)
C. Board of Water Supply, Iris Oda
(November & December 2025 monthly water main break incidents and statistics, BWS tips, reminders, and any upcoming events)
3. RESIDENT’S AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Three Minutes Each):
4. PRESENTATIONS (Ten Minutes Each):
A. City & County of Honolulu Dept. of Environmental Services’ Refuse Division on G.R.O.W Pilot Program – Henry Gabriel
B. Hale Kipa on their organization – Phillip Humphrey
5. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS (Three Minutes Each):
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Bandmaster Clarke Bright
B. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – Constituent Services Director Lynn Robinson
6. STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS (Three Minutes Each):
A. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Pending Assignment
B. Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Office Representative Kathy Nii
C. Representative Ikaika Hussey
7. BOARD BUSINESS:
A. Meeting Determination – Location/Time (February 2026 – June 2026)
a. Kalihi Valley District Park at 6:30 PM (End Time 8:30 PM)
B. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS/ASSIGNMENTS
A. State and County Budget Committee Chair May Mizuno
B. Sidewalk, S-Curve, and Transportation Committee Chair James Soong
C. Beautification Committee Chair Randolph Franklin
D. Aloha ʻĀina for Sustainability Committee Co-Chairs Simeon Rojas and Alan Kumalae
E. RPZ Committee Chair Alan Kumalae
F. Communications Committee Chair Chris Lualemaga
G. Resolutions Committee Chair Randolph Franklin
H. Joint Committee Chair James Soong
9. OTHER REPORTS
A. Chair’s Report – Any committees who did not submit their meeting minutes, please submit your minutes as soon as you can to the NCO. It can be half a page with the date, time, place, attendance, and what was discussed. Must note any decisions made, or state no decisions made.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 11, 2026. time, and location To Be Determined.
B. Broadcast Meetings: Neighborhood Board meetings aired on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 on the fourth Saturday of the month at 6:00 p.m., and the first and third Sunday of the month at 9:00 a.m.
C. Kalihi Stream Cleanup: Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Corner of Kilohana and Kalihi Street from 8:30am-10:30am. Volunteers needed!
11. ADJOURNMENT
2025-2026 Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board No. 16 Members:
Alan Kumalae – kumalaea001@hawaii.rr.com
Leialoha Tumbaga – leialt98@gmail.com
Randolph Franklin – bigvalley808@gmail.com
Simeon Rojas – simeonrojas@gmail.com
Michael Gatti — mcgatti@gmail.com
Chris Lualemaga — clualemaga@gmail.com
James Soong — jaysoong@outlook.com
May Mizuno – jojemay@yahoo.com
Ropati Liua – N/A
Jeffrey Jones (NB Assistant) – jeffrey.jones@honolulu.gov
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 Email nco@honolulu.gov. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco
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.
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
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
KAPĀLAMA HALE, ROOM 153 – 925 DILLINGHAM BOULEVARD
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING
Video recording of this meeting can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w
Reports and other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z1fHoHMtwv6GFUbyc3MTvOmGOo2FuwXO
CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:05]: 7:00 p.m. No audio
Chair Leialoha Tumbaga called the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board No. 16 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was established. Note: This Board requires a majority of its members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.
Members Present: Alan Kumalae, Leialoha Tumbaga (Chair), Randolph Franklin, Michael Gatti, Chris Lualemaga, James Soong, Ropati Liua.
Members Absent: May Mizuno, Simeon Rojas.
Guests: Honolulu Fire Department; HPD District 5 personnel (including Sgt. Leighton Kato, Lt. Yamashita); Board of Water Supply – Iris Oda; Mayor’s Representative – Bandmaster Clarke Bright; Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – Constituent Services Director Lynn Robinson; Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Office Staff; Representative Ikaika Hussey; Community organizations and residents including Dana Yep, Sierra (KWO Homeless Outreach), Lynette, Nani Brown, Daniel Gabriel, and others; Neighborhood Commission Office – Jeffrey Jones (Neighborhood Assistant). Note: Names not included if not audible/legible.
[0:01:45] Franklin MOVED and Soong SECONDED to amend the agenda to add the recognition of a Honolulu Police Department (HPD) officer to the agenda. Hearing no objections or abstentions, the motion was ADOPTED with a vote count of 7-0-0 (Aye Soong, Gatti, Liua, Franklin, Lualemaga, Kumalae, Tumbaga; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:02:20]
HPD Officer Recognition – [0:02:25]: Member Gatti read the Certificate of Recognition for Officer Alika Watson, highlighting the ongoing work and service to the Kalihi community. Following, various Board Members and residents expressed their appreciation to Officer Watson.
[0:04:31] Chair Tumbaga called a recess for Board Members and residents to have an opportunity to take pictures and congratulate Officer Watson.
[0:10:10] Chair Tumbaga called the meeting back to order.
CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:10:14]
Honolulu Fire Department – [0:10:17]: Firefighter Kaleo provided the report and highlighted the following:
• October 2025 Statistics: 1 structure fire, 0 wildland/brush fire, 1 nuisance fire, 1 cooking fire, 1 activated alarm (no fire), 60 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with pedestrians, and 2 hazardous materials incidents.
• Seasonal “Holiday Cooking Safety” tips: stay alert, never leave cooking unattended, keep combustibles away from stovetop, use timers, and keep children/pets 3 feet away.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XiqWxruoy0v6pwnUlR1CcCXAN480cG0r/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments and concerns – [0:12:11]
1. Hazmat Specifics: Member Franklin asked what the two hazmat incidents were and where they occurred. HFD noted many calls are alarm-related; exact hazmat case details were not on hand and referred to HFD’s online incident tools.
2. Fireworks and Medical Calls: Chair Tumbaga asked about holiday risks (e.g., smoke inhalation). HFD emphasized common-sense safety and law compliance to reduce avoidable medical emergencies.
3. General Holiday Reminders: HFD reminded residents to use caution with grills/party setups and keep clear access for responders.
Honolulu Police Department – [0:15:12]: Sergeant Leighton Kato and Lieutenant Yamashita provided the report and highlighted the following:
• October 2025 Statistics: 1 aggravated assault, 1 auto theft, 4 burglaries, 0 robberies, 1 sexual assault, 3 assaults, 4 thefts, 2 UEMVs, 614 calls for service.
• Safety tip: Holiday travel – share itineraries, know emergency numbers, secure belongings, avoid real-time social posts.
Questions, comments and concerns – [0:15:49]
1. Fireworks Enforcement and Reporting: Member Liua confirmed anonymous reporting is allowed; HPD explained they need to witness the violation or receive valid witness video per law. Drones are operational, but use around fireworks is unlikely due to damage risks; HPD will follow up on any official drone plans. Staffing will be increased for the season.
2. Illegal Game Rooms: Member Lualemaga described a raid between Lady of the Mount Church and Kalihi Uka; HPD (Lt. Yamashita) cited Operation Follow Through, noting CRU, narco, and undercover units actively address gaming rooms islandwide.
3. Increased Enforcement for Illegal Fireworks: Member Gatti asked about plans; HPD aims for 100% staffing (targeting 18–21 beat officers across District) to help reduce violations.
4. Mobile “Crime Reduction” Cameras: Member Franklin asked if mobile camera trailers were in Kalihi; HPD said none in Kalihi, one operating at Mākāpu‘u; license plate readers are citywide but the closest mobile trailers are near School/Vineyard.
5. Crime Mapping: Member Franklin asked about restoration of detailed city crime maps; HPD advised residents to use crimemapping.com; HPD also promoted its community survey (find on honolulupd.org by searching “survey”).
6. “Blue Light” Cameras on Private Property: Member Kumalae asked about blue lights at the former Love’s Bakery site (Middle & King); HPD confirmed these were private security lights/cameras, not HPD.
7. Illegal Parking Ticket Blitz: Member Liua asked why one area got many citations but adjacent areas did not; HPD explained enforcement hinges on observed violations and specific 911 parking complaints; noted prior Board requests prompted targeted enforcement that day/area.
8. Follow-up on Parking Saturation: HPD added that earlier Board-raised concerns led to resource deployment and multiple citations in the area; officers also act when available elsewhere.
9. Community Appreciation: Resident Amanda Ybanez and community thanked HPD for patrols around shopping centers, which reduced theft and disturbances.
Board Of Water Supply – [0:36:19]: BWS (Iris Oda) covered main break alerts (website and HNL Alert), and three follow-ups:
• Road repair by Kalihi Elementary reservoir (Naai Street/Halina Street): Weekend work to avoid school impacts; ~$50,000 cost; BWS to monitor for subsidence and repair promptly.
• Agricultural Users and Sewer Rates: BWS controls water rates; sewer rates are ENV; new volumetric sewer rates mean water conservation reduces sewer charges; see ENV website/phone.
• Residential Food Growing: No special residential rates; agricultural (commercial) users can qualify under strict conditions (e.g., backflow prevention). Rebates available: rain barrels ($40), weather-based irrigation controllers (up to $100).
RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:42:15]
Overgrown Tree and Dark Corridor – [0:42:27]: Member Liua shared a large monkeypod near 1710 Kilohanna Street has roots impacting private property and creates a dark walking route. Discussion clarified City cites for right-of-way obstructions, but trees on private property are owner responsibility; suggested organizing community/nonprofit assistance for trimming/removal. City can cite if the tree obstructs public lighting/signage.
Kalihi Valley Rec Center Bench and Pool Vandalism – [0:47:50] Member Kumalae shared a concern regarding a broken concrete bench near water exercise class remains unrepaired; pool repeatedly closed due to toilet paper thrown in at night. Requested DPR repair and security measures.
KBA Holiday Parade and FACF – [0:49:25]: Resident Dana Yap shared the holiday parade is confirmed for Friday, November 28, 2025 (Black Friday), route details shared. Board participation discussed (walking group vs. limited trolley seats with Kalihi-Farrington Alumni).
PRESENTATIONS – [0:51:49]
Parents and Children Together – Kalihi Connection Coalition – [0:51:55]: No representative present.
CERENE – [0:52:17]: No representative present.
CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS – [0:52:34]
Mayor’s Representative – Bandmaster Clarke Bright – [0:52:36]: Bandmaster Clarke Bright provided the report and shared highlights from the Mayor’s newsletter.
• Highlights: Skyline Segment 2 opened; municipal parking structure repair relocations; new sewer rates Jan 1; updated press release distribution (link shared).
• Royal Hawaiian Band: Free concert at Blaisdell on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.; Thomas Square lighting the same evening.
Questions, comments and concerns – [0:56:58]
1. Property Watch (Deed Fraud Protection): Member Franklin asked if City has a program similar to State Bureau of Conveyances’ Property Watch.
City Council (District 6) Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [0:59:51]: Lynn Robinson provided the report and highlighted the following: Addressed encampment resurgence at A‘ala/Decourt Park with Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) and Community Policing Team (CPT); illegal hillside activity reported to schools/CPT; sewer fee briefing Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Princess Ruth Middle; BWS to repave Halina St. on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Questions, comments and concerns – [1:03:56]
1. Facility Improvements Status: Member Lualemaga asked about gym floor and fans from prior site walk.
2. Community Cleanup Outcomes: Lualemaga reported a successful wall cleanup; and suggested a mural or a full repaint.
3. Youth Safety and Programming: Member Soong described increased shootings in the community, gym closures at Kuhio Park Terrace (KPT) and Kalihi Valley Homes, and the need for programs at District Park.
4. Cameras and School Signs: Member Franklin asked for crime cameras in Kalihi and updates on two longstanding broken school zone signs.
5. Property Watch (Deed Fraud Protection) (cont.): Member Franklin asked if the Councilmember’s office is looking into any form of deed fraud protection.
6. Kalihi Valley District Park: Resident Lynnette Kumalae asked why the bathrooms at the district park are open 24 hours without property security over the park.
STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:27:36]
Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Office (Savannah Coules) – [1:27:38]: Savannah Coules provided the report and highlighted the following: Red-light/speed camera citations started Saturday, November 1, 2025; seeking DOT clarity on speed thresholds, site selection, and revenue use; stream project grass removal coordination with Corrections; HPD Keiki ID cards at Kalihi-Palama Library Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Questions, comments and concerns – [1:30:15]
1. Speed Thresholds: Member Franklin asked for exact mph threshold; DOT said higher than prior 11 mph warning level; office sent formal request and will report back.
2. Site Selection & Data: Member Franklin questioned low crash history at School St/Liliha compared to placement; office will request site-specific justification and share public data links.
3. Revenue Allocation: Member Soong raised concern about revenues going to Judiciary and transparency; office will confirm.
4. Expansion and Equity: Member Liua asked if crime cameras would come to Kalihi; office to inquire; Board suggested revenues support safety programs.
Representative Ikaika Hussey – [1:39:47]: Representative Hussey provided the report and highlighted the following: Discussed 2029 military lease options; preferred short-term leases preserving cleanup requirements vs. condemnation; working on community gardens/food commons on public lands; KPT/Valley Homes safety task force updates (access control, community hub “station” opening, academic incentive program ideas); graffiti paint-out; exploring sanctioned community fireworks concept for future.
Questions, comments and concerns – [1:47:13]
1. Economic Mix: Member Soong cautioned against reducing military presence’s economic role; Hussey acknowledged balance and continued exploration of diversified industries.
2. Food Resilience Contacts: Chair to connect Hussey with local practitioners (SERENE, etc.).
3. Fireworks Policy: Member Franklin argued current laws are unenforceable, suggested legalizing with high pricing to curb volume and fund services; Hussey open to policy discussion post-election, noted current broad illegality complicates such a model.
4. School Zone Signs: Member Franklin reiterated needs; Hussey asked for photos/locations; will coordinate with Council office.
5. Parade Fireworks Observation: Chair noted hearing fireworks near a recent park event; unclear if permitted; will monitor.
6. “One-Way / Red Curb” Requests: Representative Hussey logged requests for clearer parking limits at intersections, one-way signage (Laukua & Kalihi), and red curbs at bus stops valley-wide; will email Lynn Robinson.
BOARD BUSINESS – [2:01:10]
Meeting Determination – Location (January–June 2026) – [2:01:13]: After discussing potential meeting location for the remainder of the term, Board members ranked the following locations: (1) Kalihi Valley District Park, (2) Kalihi Uka Elementary, (3) Our Lady of the Mount Church; Kapālama Hale as backup. NCO to assist with communications, permitting, and potential time adjustments; final confirmations to be returned next meeting.
Consideration to Participate in the KBA Holiday Parade – [2:19:03]: Board discussed walking participants vs. limited trolley seats (coordination with Kalihi-Farrington Alumni).
[2:24:35] Franklin MOVED and Soong SECONDED to participate in the KBA Holiday Parade. Hearing no discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 6-0-0 (Aye: Soong, Gatti, Franklin, Liua, Kumalae, Tumbaga; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – [2:24:52]: Member Kumalae shared amendments needed to reflect proper spelling of street names.
[2:27:30] Franklin MOVED and Liua SECONDED to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes with proposed amendments. Hearing no discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 6-0-0 (Aye: Soong, Gatti, Franklin, Liua, Kumalae, Tumbaga; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
Vote to change Sustainability Committee to Aloha ‘Āina Committee – [2:27:56]: Franklin MOVED and Gatti SECONDED to rename the “Sustainability Committee” to “Aloha ʻĀina for Sustainability.” Hearing no discussion, a voice vote was conducted and ADOPTED with a vote count of 6-0-0 (Aye: Soong, Gatti, Franklin, Liua, Kumalae, Tumbaga; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
COMMITTEE REPORTS/ASSIGNMENTS – [2:28:50]
• State and County Budget – May Mizuno: No report.
• Sidewalk, S-Curve, Transportation – Member Soong: Ongoing coordination and information sharing.
• Beautification – Member Franklin – [2:29:02]: Launching “Adopt-a-Bus-Bench,” coordinating shirts/ID, signage progress.
• Aloha ‘Āina (formerly Sustainability) – Member Kumalae – [2:29:40]: Stream restoration support, frontage cleanups, ongoing street maintenance in Piliwai area.
• RPZ – Alan Kumalae – [2:30:28]: Continuing to intake RPZ applications through Dec; RPZ takes effect Jan 1.
• Communications – Member Lualemaga: No report at this time.
• Resolutions – Member Franklin – [2:30:52]: Persisting with seven Board-approved resolution goals (rec center, lighting, cameras, school traffic safety); regular engagement with agencies.
• Joint Committee – Member Soong – [2:32:04]: CERT training coordination forthcoming; attended multi-board resilience session; cleanup partnership with Salvation Army; neighborhood safety task forces; announced 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. community talk-story at Kalihi Valley District Park to gather residents’ concerns.
OTHER REPORTS – Chair’s Report – [2:35:53]
• Hawai‘i Foodbank volunteer shifts announced (Nov 13–14, morning and midday).
• Education Committee: Chair to place formation on January agenda.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:36:46]
• Recess Notice: The Board will recess its December 2025 Regular Meeting.
• Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m., location TBA.
• Broadcast: ʻŌlelo Channel 49, 4th Saturday at 6:00 p.m.; 1st and 3rd Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
• NCO and Toys for Tots – Toy Drive: Collecting new, unwrapped toys at the Nov 12 meeting and at NCO office through Dec 4.
ADJOURNMENT – [2:42:43]: The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Jones, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by:
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.