KALIHI VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 16
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 6:30 P.M.
KALIHI VALLEY DISTRICT PARK
1911 KAMEHAMEHA IV ROAD, HONOLULU, HI 96819
AND ON WEBEX
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=ma612e944a5fd42ccf8d526553a533be8
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2489 989 6695
Meeting Password: NB16 (6216 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
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
(August 2026 monthly fire and emergency incident statistics, HFD safety tips, reminders, and any upcoming events)
B. Honolulu Police Department
(August 2026 monthly crime and incident statistics, HPD safety tips, reminders, and any upcoming events)
C. Board of Water Supply, Iris Oda
(August 2026 monthly water main break incidents and statistics, BWS tips, reminders, and any upcoming events)
3. RESIDENT’S AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Three Minutes Each):
6. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS (Three Minutes Each):
B. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Bandmaster Clarke Bright
C. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – Constituent Services Director Lynn Robinson
7. STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS (Three Minutes Each):
A. Congressman Ed Case – Kekoa Kaluhiwa
B. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Jill Radke
C. Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Office Representative Kathy Nii
D. Representative Ikaika Hussey
8. PRESENTATION (Ten Minutes Each):
A. Kalihi Connection Coalition – Laura Pokipala
9. BOARD BUSINESS:
B. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
A. State and County Budget Committee Vacant
B. Sidewalk, S-Curve, and Transportation Committee Chair James Soong
C. Beautification Committee Chair Randolph Franklin
D. Resolutions Committee Chair Randolph Franklin
E. Sustainability Committee Co-Chairs Simeon Rojas and Alan Kumalae
F. RPZ Committee Chair Alan Kumalae
G. Communications Committee Chair Chris Lualemaga
H. Joint Committee Chair James Soong
I. Education Committee Chair Ropati Liua
11. OTHER REPORTS:
A. Chair’s Report
12. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A. Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at Kalihi Valley District Park.
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.
13. 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
Ropati Liua – ropati1985@gmail.com
Chris Wong – cwong.nbh@gmail.com
Anson Wu (NB Assistant) – anson.wu@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, HI 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or emailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda, documents, minutes are also available online: https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.
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 complete the form on https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/board-testimony/
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, AUGUST 12, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
KALIHI VALLEY DISTRICT PARK – 1911 KAMEHAMEHA IV ROAD
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI9HAniB-tU
Reports and other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z1fHoHMtwv6GFUbyc3MTvOmGOo2FuwXO
CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:02]: Chair Leialoha Tumbaga called the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board No. 16 meeting to order at 6:44 p.m. Quorum WAS established with six (6) members present. (Note: This 9-member Board requires 5 members to establish quorum and to take official Board action).
Members Present: Michael Gatti, Alan Kumalae, Simeon Rojas, James Soong, Leialoha Tumbaga, Ropati Liua, Chris Lualemaga (arrived at 7:02 p.m.), and Chris Wong (7:07 p.m. appointed).
Members Absent: Randolph Franklin.
Guests: Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply – BWS); Clarke Bright (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Jill Radke (Governor Josh Green); Senator Donna Mercado Kim; Representative Ikaika Hussey; Tracey Wiltgen (Mediation Center of the Pacific); Ronald Higa, Celeste Andres, Momi Akana, Lynette Kumalae, Raelene Shinchi, and Stanley (Guests/Residents); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office – Neighborhood Assistant). Note: Name was not included if not legible on the guest attendance sheet. There were 24 total participants.
[0:00:31] – Hearing no objections Chair Tumbaga moved down item PRESENTATIONS after STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICALS and before BOARD BUSINESS.
CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:02:20]:
Honolulu Fire Department – [0:02:22]: No representative present, a report was provided.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y5uQbyjV8k0XmuInXgsZ_6nTU5Sc8UvP/view?usp=drive_link
Honolulu Police Department – [0:02:32]: No representative present.
Board of Water Supply – [0:02:46]: Iris Oda provided the report and highlighted the following: three water main breaks for the month of July 2026, Thursday, July 2, 2026 near 369 Nihi Street; Wednesday, July 22, 2026 near 1916 Ulani Place; and Wednesday, July 29, 2026 near 1682 Kino Street. Oda announced the Imagine a Day Without Water 2026 event, presented in partnership with the office of State Representative Chris Muraoka and more than 25 city, state, nonprofit, and community organizations, on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Ark of Safety Waianae Mall, 86-120 Farrington Highway. The free, family-friendly event will include interactive exhibits, educational displays, hands-on activities and games, prize giveaways, a rain barrel workshop, and food and refreshments for purchase, highlighting the “One Water” concept.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:04:24]:
1. Water Outage Follow-Up Requested: Representative Hussey asked Oda to share more information about a water outage that occurred the prior Saturday, August 8, 2026. Oda explained her report covers the previous month (July 2026), so an August 2026 issue would not be reflected until next month’s report, but offered to follow up sooner if needed.
Lualemaga arrived to the meeting at 6:51 p.m.; 7 members present.
FILLING OF VACANCIES – [0:05:24]
Filling of At-Large Vacancy – [0:05:26]: [0:05:36] – Soong NOMINATED Momi Akana. [0:05:50] – Kumalae NOMINATED Wong. Hearing no further nominations Momi Akana and Wong provided a brief introduction about themselves. Hearing no discussion, the board conducted a roll call vote. Vacancy WAS NOT filled; 1-3-3 (MOMI AKANA: Soong; WONG: Kumalae, Rojas, and Tumbaga; ABSTAIN: Gatti, Liua, and Lualemaga) – [0:13:14]
[0:17:54] – Due to both nominees not receiving quorum vote Chair Tumbaga conducted a recount vote. Vacancy WAS NOT filled; 1-4-2 (MOMI AKANA: Soong; WONG: Gatti, Kumalae, Rojas, and Tumbaga; ABSTAIN: Liua and Lualemaga) – [0:18:02]
[0:19:15] – Momi Akana withdrew from the Nomination. Chair Tumbaga decided to do a recount vote.
[0:19:55] – Wong provided a brief introduction about himself. Hearing no further discussion, the board conducted a roll call vote. Wong was ELECTED; 7-0-0 (WONG: Gatti, Kumalae, Liua, Lualemaga, Rojas, Soong, and Tumbaga; ABSTAIN: None) – [0:20:58]
[0:21:48] – Neighborhood Assistant conducted the Oath of Office to Chris Wong offline. 8 members present.
RESIDENT’S AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:21:53]:
Kalihi Business Association (KBA) Christmas Parade Announcement – [0:22:17]: Resident Andres announced the KBA Christmas Parade on Friday, November 27, 2026 (Black Friday), running from approximately 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., organized together with Member Liua. Applications open Friday, October 16, 2026; a planning committee Zoom meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (contact Member Liua for the link). The event is seeking approximately $5,000 in sponsorships and donations, including candy donations, with Costco being approached again this year.
Unpermitted Excavation Concern, Maniki Place – [0:24:07]: Resident Stanley raised concern about ongoing excavation by a contractor at 1802 Maniki Place, at the end of the road against the mountain, describing a large hole he estimated as more than 20 feet deep in places, with material hauled out over several months by two excavators, and voiced concern that the scale of excavation suggested plans for more than a typical single-family home. Resident Momi Akana recalled a similar excavation on Kalihi Street years earlier by a contractor that was later followed by heavy rains and a major mudslide requiring extensive cleanup, and urged the City to look into the current excavation given the risk of erosion and landslide during heavy rain. Bandmaster Clarke Bright will take back the concern.
CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS – [0:28:57]:
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:29:05]: Bandmaster Clarke Bright provided the report and highlighted the following: a potential tropical storm was approaching, and residents were urged to prepare early and sign up for HNL Alert; the mayor’s newsletter link was shared in the chat; the We Are Kalihi Youth Matter event will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kalakaua Middle School, featuring cultural crafts, snacks, fresh produce, community health resources, and entertainment; the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is looking into lowering speed limits in school zones; prior concerns regarding a tree issue, Kamanaiki Stream, and overgrowth remain carried over, with the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) requesting more time; and the City will begin rehabilitation of the Numana Road Bridge in Kalihi beginning Monday, August 17, 2026, running approximately 7 months, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:31:22]:
1. Kuikele Street/Place Streetlight Outage: Member Wong raised concerns that the streetlight on the intersection of Kuikele Street and Kuikele Place has been out following construction; Bright took the address and offered to follow up.
2. District Park Pool Shower Maintenance: Member Wong also raised concern that only one outdoor shower remains available for the entire pool at the recreation center, with the remaining showers unremediated, showing graffiti and disrepair, and asked The Department of Parks and Recreation for an update; Bright thanked him for the report.
3. Mayor’s Christmas Parade Participation: Member Liua thanked Bright for confirming the Mayor’s Office received the Christmas parade acknowledgement letter and asked whether the mayor would be available to march in the parade; Bright said the office was still awaiting a response and would follow up.
4. Mayor’s We Are Kalihi Invitation: Member Soong asked Bright to invite the mayor to the We Are Kalihi event; Bright agreed to follow up.
5. Kalihi Valley Overcrowding/Monster Homes Concern: Member Rojas reported observing, through his neighborhood security watch walks, an increase in “monster homes” in Kalihi Valley and expressed concern about resulting overcrowding, excessive vehicles, and strain on the community, and asked the City to look into the issue, including possible overcrowding tied to Section 8 housing.
Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – Constituent Services Director Lynn Robinson – [0:36:37]: No representative present.
STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS – [0:36:55]:
Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Jill Radke – [0:37:05]: Jill Radke provided the report and highlighted the following: the State is preparing for the approaching storm and shared links in the chat to a new storm surge map and a City and County of Honolulu tool providing real-time evacuation alerts and nearby shelter information, as well as a guide for strengthening homes ahead of hurricanes.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:38:14]:
1. We Are Kalihi Invitation to Governor: Member Soong invited the Governor to the We Are Kalihi event on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Radke agreed to pass along the invitation.
2. High School Football Game Cancellation Timing: Member Wong asked when the Governor would announce whether school athletic events, including high school football games this weekend, would be cancelled due to the storm. Radke explained the next forecast review is at 8:00 a.m. the following morning, and that a decision would likely follow shortly after, and offered to share the schedule with the Board directly once available.
3. Homeless Encampment on Bridges: Member Rojas raised an ongoing homeless encampment concern on certain bridges and asked what the State could do. Radke said she would look into it and follow up.
Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Office Representative Kathy Nii – [0:42:07]: Senator Donna Mercado Kim provided the report and highlighted the following: she congratulated Chris Wong on his appointment and noted the low 33.1% statewide primary election turnout; the biennium budget request for Kalihi Valley Homes includes $1.1-2 million for design and $7-8 million for construction of the recreation center, and for Kūhiō Park Terrace (KPT), $1.3 million for design of the gym (including roll-up doors and fire alarms); community garden plans at KPT and Kalihi Valley Homes remain challenged by ongoing redevelopment/Housing and Urban Development (HUD) inspections and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible siting requirements; the School Street affordable senior housing project is expected to be completed and begin accepting applications in mid-October 2026 (eligibility: age 62+, income $30,000-$60,000); she reminded the Board that Statehood Day is the third Friday in August 2026; she referenced recent news coverage of school facility repair and aging-infrastructure issues, which she has raised in committee; and she distributed a community support guide compiling food distribution sites, nonprofit and youth programs, human services, recycling, housing, and other resources, including a feral chicken guidance page and neighborhood board meeting dates. Chair Tumbaga noted 211 as an additional, continuously updated resource for residents to supplement the printed guide.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:47:10]:
1. Safe Places Program Setback at a School: Member Soong reported that a school that had previously agreed to participate in the Safe Places program reversed its decision, and asked whether legislation may be needed to mandate the program or Safe Place designation in schools. Senator Kim asked for the name of the individual involved. Member Soong will email it to her.
2. Recognition for Advocacy: Member Liua thanked Senator Kim for her continued advocacy for Kalihi’s youth.
3. Lost Driver’s License with Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Member Liua asked whether TSA issues fall under the Senator’s office or federal. Senator Kim confirmed TSA is a federal matter. Member Liua explained his driver’s license was lost by TSA in Kona on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and he had been unable to reach TSA by phone; Senator Kim suggested contacting Congressman Ed Case’s office or Senator Schatz’s office, noting their local offices can help navigate federal agencies.
Representative Ikaika Hussey – [0:45:35]: Representative Ikaika Hussey provided the report and highlighted the following: as a member of the Good Government Caucus, he and colleagues signed a letter requesting the Governor and legislative leadership convene a special session to close the “pay-to-play” contractor campaign-donation loophole connected to recent public corruption indictments; and his office has been reaching out to elders in the district ahead of the anticipated storm to ensure they have basic supplies.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:52:08]:
1. Kalihi Street Curve Striping and Sidewalk Concerns: Member Rojas raised concerns about faded center median striping on the curved section of Kalihi Street behind the Kamehameha Shopping Center particularly hazardous in rain, and about ongoing sidewalk issues in Kalihi Valley, both raised at prior meetings without resolution, and asked whether the Board should be conducting formal surveys to document the need. Representative Hussey clarified jurisdiction (Kalihi Street is generally under City jurisdiction; areas past St. Anthony Retreat Center are private) and offered to raise the striping issue with Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s office.
2. 311 App Reporting Reminder: Member Soong, responding to Member Liua’s related concern, reminded the Board and community to use the City and County’s 311 app to report road striping, potholes, sidewalk, and other City-jurisdiction issues with photos for department response.
3. Kamanaiki Stream Erosion and Retaining Wall Failures: Member Rojas asked what has been done regarding erosion and retaining wall failures along Kamanaiki Stream following the recent Kona Low storms, given concern about a further major storm. Representative Hussey described a recent wall failure on Papali Street involving a boulder that damaged an old, unmaintained drainage ditch, noted the short window to address infrastructure issues between storms, described a new legislatively convened stream/watershed maintenance working group, and noted passage of a new law enabling community-based coastal/watershed management; he described overlapping and conflicting agency jurisdictions as part of the challenge and asked residents with concerns about retaining walls or irrigation ditches above their property to contact his office so he can help identify the responsible agency.
4. Informing of Hot Spots: Member Wong followed up on a previously raised concern by Member Rojas and proposed that Board members with specific “hot spot” areas along retaining walls or infrastructure can email Representative Hussey and Senator Kim directly so the relevant departments can be notified to monitor those areas for public safety. Representative Hussey acknowledged the request given limited remaining time.
PRESENTATION – [1:02:16]
Mediation Center of the Pacific – Act 278 Pre-Filing Eviction Mediation Program – [1:02:38]: Tracey Wiltgen presented on Act 278, the pre-filing eviction mediation program that commenced Thursday, February 5, 2026, highlighting: before filing for eviction, a landlord must give a tenant 10 days’ notice, during which the tenant may request free mediation through the Mediation Center of the Pacific; the landlord is then required to participate; mediation is conducted primarily by Zoom, with in-person accommodations available at the Center’s Young Street office, and interpreters are provided; statewide, since the program began through Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 524 mediations have been conducted (over 400 on Oahu), 80% resulting in the tenant remaining in the unit, 86% resulting in payment plans (averaging just over 4 months to repay, with an average repayment amount of $4,631); and she encouraged the Board to help spread awareness, particularly to smaller landlords and tenants unfamiliar with the program.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:09:13]:
1. Aloha United Way/211 Partnership: Member Soong asked whether the Center partners with Aloha United Way’s 211 program. Wiltgen confirmed the partnership and said tenants unable to sustain a payment plan are referred to 211 for rental assistance resources.
2. Flyer Request for Community Coalition: Member Soong asked about flyers for a local family services organization. Wiltgen confirmed flyers are available in 12 languages and offered to email or deliver hard copies to anyone who requests them.
3. Applicability to Agricultural/Farm Leases: Member Rojas asked whether the program applies to farmers who lease land, given community concerns about food security. Wiltgen clarified Act 278 applies only to residential rentals, but the Center mediates other disputes if both parties agree, and encouraged pursuing a legislative resolution to create a similar program for agricultural leases, offering her support.
4. Outreach to Kōkua Kalihi Valley: Member Wong asked whether flyers had been distributed to Kōkua Kalihi Valley for its clients. Wiltgen confirmed prior outreach through a presentation and a direct contact there, and reiterated her offer to provide additional hard-copy flyers on request.
5. Questions Deferred Due to Time: Member Liua noted the Board was short on time and asked to follow up with Wiltgen by email with any further questions and concerns. Wiltgen agreed.
6. We Are Kalihi Event Attendance: Member Soong asked whether the Center had been invited to and would attend the We Are Kalihi event. Wiltgen said the Center currently lacks the staff capacity to attend the event.
BOARD BUSINESS – [1:16:57]:
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 – [1:17:51]: [1:18:03] – Kumalae MOVED and Soong SECONDED to adopt the Wednesday, January 14, 2026 minutes as written. Discussion followed. The motion WAS adopted; 7-0-1 (AYE: Gatti, Kumalae, Liua, Lualemaga, Rojas, Soong, and Tumgaga; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Wong) – [1:19:40]
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 – [1:20:14]: Member Gatti noted of sending his corrections passed the time frame and noted the corrections were minor.
[1:21:00] – Gatti MOVED and Liua SECONDED to adopt the Wednesday, July 8, 2026 minutes with amendments. Hearing no discussion. The motion WAS adopted; 7-0-1 (AYE: Gatti, Kumalae, Liua, Lualemaga, Rojas, Soong, and Tumgaga; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Wong) – [1:21:11]
Vote to Change Physical Location of the Meeting – [1:21:31]: No motion was made.
Vote to Support Nomination and Pruning Applications of the Monkey Pod Tree, Kalihi Street and Kilihana Street, to the Exceptional Tree Program – [1:22:17]:
[1:22:39] – Soong MOVED and Liua SECONDED to support nomination and pruning applications of the monkey pod tree, Kalihi Street and Kilihana Street to the Exceptional Tree Program. Discussion followed.
1. Exceptional Tree Program Clarification: Member Soong explained the tree was identified during a prior City presentation on the Exceptional Tree Program and that the property owner’s nephew is preparing the application, with the Board’s role limited to a letter of support. Member Liua added the nomination also responds to a resident concern about the tree’s overgrowth onto the property. Member Wong recommended the Board strengthen its support by passing a formal board resolution rather than a simple statement of support, to be brought to a future agenda.
[1:25:04] – Hearing no objections this item was postponed to the next agenda.
Vote to Hold the Stream Cleanup Behind Kalihi Valley District Park on Saturday, October 3, 2026 – [1:25:19]:
[1:25:29] – Soong MOVED and Lualemaga SECONDED to hold the stream cleanup behind Kalihi Valley District Park on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Discussion followed.
1. Stream Cleanup Clarification: Member Soong explained the date was proposed to coincide with the start of fall break and that he intends to submit the necessary permit, noting the presence of homeless individuals and accumulated debris in the area to be addressed. Member Wong suggested that, rather than the Board leading the cleanup directly, a community group and HPD be engaged to lead, citing potential Sunshine Law and liability/safety concerns (e.g., drowning risk). Member Rojas sought clarification on whether the vote was to formally schedule a cleanup or simply set a tentative date, given the permit had not yet been obtained. Member Liua asked what distinguishes this cleanup from prior stream cleanups the Board has held. Member Kumalae explained that, consistent with past practice, the Board coordinates with the government agency responsible for the stream area, which brings its own volunteers, safety gear, and community police support, keeping liability with the responsible agency rather than the Board.
[1:31:33] – Hearing no further discussion and objections, the motion WAS adopted; 8-0-0 (AYE: Gatti, Kumalae, Liua, Lualemaga, Rojas, Soong, Tumgaga, and Wong; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).
Vote for the Board to Volunteer for the We Are Kalihi Event, Saturday, September 12, 2026 – [1:32:12]: [1:32:32] – Soong MOVED and Liua SECONDED for the Board to volunteer for the We Are Kalihi Event, Saturday, September 12, 2026. Discussion followed
1. Board Member Volunteers: Member Soong explained volunteers are needed for setup, cleanup, and mid-event support such as trash collection. Member Wong questioned whether a formal vote was necessary for members to volunteer their personal time, characterizing it as unnecessary. Chair Tumgaga noted that the board members who vote NAY and ABSTAIN indicated the Board Member is not able to participate to the event. Member Wong noted he will be voting NAY as he believe that the vote is not necessary.
[1:35:04] – Hearing no further discussion. The motion WAS NOT Adopted; 4-3-1 (AYE: Gatti, Kumalae, Soong, and Liua; NAY: Lualemaga, Wong, and Tumbaga; ABSTAIN: Rojas) – [1:35:02]
Vote for the Board to Hold a Booth at the We Are Kalihi Event – [1:36:45]: [1:36:06] – Wong MOVED and Kumalae SECONDED to hold a booth at the We Are Kalihi Event. Discussion followed.
1. Clarification: Member Wong wants clarification if this item needs to be voted on as in the past the NCO department will set up a booth and the Board Members as volunteers without asking for approval show up. Neighborhood Assistant Wu provided an explanation on Board doing outreach at events. Member Wong clarified that he will be voting NAY as he believe that the vote is not necessary.
[1:37:14] – Hearing no futher discussion. The motion WAS ADOPTED; approximately 6-2-0 (AYE: Gatti, Kumalae, Liua, Lualemaga, Rojas, and Soong; NAY: Wong and Tumbaga; ABSTAIN: None) – [1:37:17]
COMMITTEE REPORTS/ASSIGNMENTS – [1:37:36]:
Sidewalk, S-Curve, and Transportation Committee – Chair James Soong – [1:38:03]: Member Soong reported the S-curve pothole/road issue previously raised has been repaired, approximately three months after being reported. He noted a solar eclipse in the morning and planetary alignment. He also reminded the Board the approaching storm is expected to begin around Sunday, September 16, 2026 morning and end at night. Member Soong reminded the Board the Numana Road Bridge will close beginning Monday, August 17, 2026 for approximately seven months.
Education Committee – Chair Ropati Liua – [1:39:53]: Member Liua reported the school year has begun, and asked the community for patience with student-volunteer requests until teachers complete initial curriculum planning, expecting opportunities to open around September 2026/October 2026. He also noted football season is underway and encouraged community support for student athletes, tying it to the We Are Kalihi youth theme.
Communications Committee – Chair Chris Lualemaga – [1:41:02]: Member Lualemaga said he would like to resume the Board’s newsletter and asked committee chairs and members to email him flyers or upcoming events at least two weeks before the next Board meeting for inclusion. He also publicly commended Member Liua for stopping to help an elderly woman using a walker cross a busy Beretania Street intersection.
OTHER REPORTS – [1:42:45]:
Chair’s Report – [1:42:48]: Chair Tumbaga warned the Board and community about a phishing/impersonation scam using her name and Kumalae’s name, reported to her by at least two Board members, in which the sender claimed to be “out of office” and asked recipients to respond. She reviewed common phishing red flags – urgency, requests for personal information, suspicious links, generic greetings, spelling/grammar errors, and offers that seem too good to be true – and asked residents not to be offended if she does not immediately answer calls while verifying legitimacy.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:43:44]:
Next Meeting – [1:43:45]: Wednesday, October 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at Kalihi Valley District Park. (Note: The printed agenda listed the next meeting as Wednesday, October 12, 2026; Member Soong flagged the discrepancy, and Chair Tumbaga corrected it to Wednesday, September 9, 2026 during the meeting.
Broadcast Meetings – [1:43:50]: Neighborhood Board meetings air on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 on the 4th Saturday of the month at 6:00 p.m., and the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 9:00 a.m.
Parish Hall Fundraiser Announcement – [1:44:02]: Member Liua announced a fundraising dance on Sunday, September 6, 2026 to help restore a local parish hall damaged by recent wind and storm, which is used by the community, parishioners, and for state/district celebrations. Tickets are $70, with all proceeds going toward hall restoration.
Scam Alert Confirmation – [1:44:48]: Member Liua confirmed he was the recipient of the impersonation email referenced in the Chair’s Report and noted he had confirmed with the Chair directly before responding, encouraging other members to do the same when in doubt.
ADJOURNMENT – [1:46:10]: Hearing no further announcements, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations Assistant, 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.