ĀLIAMANU – SALT LAKE – FOSTER VILLAGE – AIRPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 18
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.
NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION
891 VALKENBURGH STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96818
(IN-PERSON ONLY / NO WEBEX)
Quorum Requirement: This nine (9)-member Board requires five (5) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.
Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under One (1) minute; those giving reports are encouraged to summarize remarks under Three (3) minutes.
Please Kōkua: Silence all electronic devices.
Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda.
Oral Testimony Rules: Board Members must keep comments under One (1) minute per turn. Board Members may not speak a second time until all other members were given a chance to speak. At the conclusion of the Board comment period, audience will be given the opportunity to comment.
1. CALL TO ORDER
A. Chair-Welcome
B. National Anthem /Color Guard by U.S. Navy / Hawai’i Ponoʻi-Vice Chair Nicole Hind
C. Roll Call of Board Members – Establish quorum
2. NB #18 COMMUNITY WARRIOR(S) OF THE MONTH:
A. United States NAVY
3. COMMUNITY EVENTS & CONCERNS
A. Next Salt Lake Waterway Clean-Up & Genki Ball Toss
B. Neighborhood Board Elections
C. Other Events/Concerns
4. ILLEGAL FIREWORKS (OPEN PUBLIC FORUM)
A. Public Safety Officials (Fireworks Only)
• Honolulu Fire Department
• Honolulu Police Department
• State Department of Law Enforcement
• Emergency Medical Services
B. Government Officials (All Government Elected Officials are encouraged to participate on behalf of their constituents regarding this illegal fireworks issue and the Aliamanu incident.)
• Governor Josh Green
• Mayor Rick Blangiardi
• Senator Glenn Wakai
• City Council Member Radiant Cordero
• House Representative Linda Ichiyama
• House Representative Garner Shimizu
C. Public / Community
• Open Forum for the Public regarding Illegal Fireworks
• Opportunity to ask questions, voice their concerns, provide ideas.
5. COMMUNITY UPDATES
A. Aloha Stadium
B. Military
C. Board of Water Supply
D. Government Officials / Politicians short updates on other matters
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of the January 09, 2025 regular meeting minutes.
7. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next Āliamanu/Salt Lake/Foster Village/Airport Neighborhood Board No.18 regular meeting will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, 6:30 p.m.at the National Guard Association Building (891 Valkenburgh Street).
B. Videotaped Board meetings are aired on `Olelo Channel 49 on the 4th Saturday of the month at 9:00 p.m.; and the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at 7:00 a.m. Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
8. BOARD COMMUNITY TEAM- ASSIGNMENTS / REPORTS
A. Transportation / Construction- BAIRD
B. Homeless / Aloha Stadium- FUJIKURA
C. Health Services / Environment- KANEMARU
D. Legislation / Rail (Sky Line/The Bus)- OMURA
E. Parks & Recreation / Military- HIND
F. Oahu Metro Planning Org./ NB System- GAUER
G. Senior Citizens (Kupuna) / Children (Keiki)- IGAWA
H. Education /Schools- GODFREY
I. Public Safety-First Responders YOMES
9. 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, Hawaii 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 at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025
NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION, 891 VALKENBURGH STREET
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB-r3JXJkYE
Meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aP4kVkPEpQeEBwveD_Znew0Memb9wP5
CALL TO ORDER – [0:03:22]: Chair Yomes called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was established with seven (7) members present. Note: This nine (9)-member Board requires five (5) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action. Honor Guard soldiers of the 516th Theater Brigade from Fort Shafter presented the U.S. Flag and sang the national anthem, followed by Vice Chair Hind singing Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī. A moment of silence was observed for the victims of the Āliamanu fireworks tragedy and for Firefighter Jeff Fiala.
Board Members Present – David Yomes, Chandra Kanemaru, Nicole Hind, Patti Igawa, James Gauer, Lorene Godfrey, and Joseph Omura.
Board Members Absent – Douglas Fujikura and Larry Baird.
Guests – Captain N. Kahiapo (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD); Lieutenant Keoni Hong – District 3; Lieutenant Sean Yamashita – District 5 (Honolulu Police Department-HPD); Director Roger Babcock, Environmental Services – ENV; Councilmember Radiant Cordero; Diamond Badajos (Governor Josh Green’s Representative); Ashley Niibu (Senator Glenn Wakai’s Office); Shanda Delos Reyes (Representative Linda Ichiyama’s Office); Representative Garner Shimizu; Colonel Rachel Sullivan, Lieutenant Colonel Donald Pratt, Selina Gentkowski, Liana Kim (U.S. Army Garrison); Chuck Anthony, Victor Flint (Navy/NAVFAC); Chris Sadayasu, Jeff Ramsey, David Harris (Stadium Authority); Richard Riegels (Stafford Development); Ryan Toyomura, Jon Ching (Kaiser Permanente); Joel Nelson (TNT Contructors); Dennis Egge, Daniel Sanend, Josh Strickler (Amereso), JoAnna Delfin (Residents, Guests); Zhoydell Magaoay (Neighborhood Commission Office NCO). Note: Any attendees’ Names were not included if they were not legible. There were 50 total participants.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS – [0:09:58]:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:10:19]: Captain Kahiapo provided the following:
December 2024 Statistics: There was one (1) wildland/brush fire, one (1) nuisance fire, six (6) activated alarms (no fire), 55 medical emergencies, three (3) motor vehicle crashes/collisions, and one (1) hazardous materials incidents. Captain Kahiapo provided appliance and electrical safety tips. A copy of the report can be found at: HFD January 2025 Report. Should you have questions, email the HFD’s public Affairs & Media Liaison at HFDDNHB@honolulu.gov.
HPD District 3 – [0:12:02]: Lieutenant Hong reported the following:
December 2024 Statistics: There was one (1) burglary, four (4) thefts, one (1) unauthorized entry to motor vehicles (UEMV), and 275 calls for service. Lieutenant Hong provided safety tips on securing your vehicle. Lieutenant Hong noted that HPD is partnering with the Department of Law Enforcement on Saturday, January 11, 2025, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for anyone to bring unused fireworks to the Aloha Stadium to be turned in. Lieutenant Hong provided HPD’s legislative stance on fireworks. A copy of the report can be found at: HPD District 3 January 2025 Report.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:14:09]. A question was raised regarding fireworks enforcement. Chair Yomes announced that the February meeting will focus on the Āliamanu tragedy and any fireworks-related questions and concerns.
HPD District 5 – [0:16:15]: Lieutenant Yamashita stated that the investigation of the Āliamanu fireworks incident will take some time to provide further details of the incident. Lieutenant Yamashita reported the following:
December 2024 Statistics: There were three (3) motor vehicle thefts, two (2) burglaries, three (3) sex assaults, two (2) robberies, nine (9) general thefts, and 550 calls for service. Lieutenant Yamashita provided a more detailed information on the robbery cases, which involved a juvenile suspect partially brandishing a knife and demanded the property of the complainant in the Ala Ilima area. The suspect was arrested. Lieutenant Yamashita noted that the suspect is the same suspect in a robbery case that he reported in the November Board meeting. Lieutenant Yamashita provided a more detailed information on one of the sex assaults cases involving a stranger danger incident by Moanalua High School. The suspect was arrested. A copy of the report can be found at: HPD District 5 January 2025 Report.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:19:20]. Concerns were raised regarding homeless people hanging around bus stops.
NB #18 COMMUNITY WARRIOR(S) OF THE MONTH – [0:20:50]: Chair Yomes noted that the Warrior of the Month segment is to honor those people who have made or are making a difference in the Neighborhood Board No. 18 community. This month’s honoree was the U.S. Army Garrison – Hawaiʻi. Chair Yomes introduced Colonel Rachel Sullivan. Secretary Kanemaru introduced the Community Warrior(s) of the Month honoree for their community partnership and environmental cooperative efforts to protect and preserve the ʻāina and wai to collectively contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment for the Salt Lake community.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & CONCERNS – [0:29:09]:
Salt Lake Waterway Clean-Up – [0:29:20]: Secretary Kanemaru announced that the Salt Lake Waterway Clean-up will be Saturday, March 8, 2025. Secretary Kanemaru noted that the clean-up will be at the Howard Shima Liniki Street Mini Park, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Secretary Kanemaru will notify all volunteers via email.
Neighborhood Board Elections – [0:30:20]: Chair Yomes announced that the filing deadline to submit applications for the Board Election is on February 21, 2025 and voting online runs from April 25, 2025 to May 16, 2025.
Hokulea 50th year Celebration – [0:31:10]: Vice Chair Hind announced that the Hōkūleʻa celebration will be on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Kualoa Regional & Beach Park, where it was first launched.
CITY ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS – [0:31:54]
City Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:31:57]: Deputy Gallagher was not present at the meeting. The Mayor’s Newsletter can be found at: Mayor Blangiardi January 2025 Newsletter. ENV Director Roger Babcock provided a brief overviewof the proposed sewer fee increase. Director Babcock requested to be added to the next monthʻs agenda for a full presentation. More information can be found at: ENV Proposed Sewer Rate Increase Flyer.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:38:25]. A question was raised regarding how to calculate monthly sewer charges.
Councilmember Radiant Cordero – [0:40:50]: Councilmember Cordero provided her report, which can be found at: Councilmember Cordero January 2025 Report. Councilmember Cordero highlighted the calendar of events, Committee assignments, updates on community concerns, and community garden park rules. Councilmember Cordero announced that an in-person and virtual public hearing regarding the community garden rules is scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Foster Botanical Garden’s Conservatory Classroom and via zoom. Councilmember Cordero announced that registration for classes at the different district parks is set to begin in January 2025, for the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation 2025 Spring Program.
STATE ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS – [0:45:27]
State Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [0:45:50]: Diamond Badajos announced that the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) will be hosting a fireworks amnesty event on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Aloha Stadium, Gate 4. If you have any questions, contact 808-517-2182. The Governor’s Newsletter can be found at: Governor Green January 2025 Newsletter.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:46:42]. Chair Yomes asked to let the Governor know that the February 13, 2025 Neighborhood Board Meeting will be discussing fireworks and requested a representative from the DLE to attend the meeting.
State Senator Glenn Wakai [0:47:33]: Ashley Niibu provided the report, which can be found in Senator Wakai January 2025 Report. Niibu announced that the Legislature’s opening day will be on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Festivities start at 10:00 a.m. Ashley invited the Board and the public to visit Senator Wakai in Room 407 from 11:00 a.m. Niibu noted that Senator Wakai will no longer be the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, however the Senator will now be the Chair of the Energy Committee. The new Chair of the Public Safety Committee is Senator Brandon Elefante.
State House Representative Linda Ichiyama – [0:49:25]: Shanda Delos Reyes provided the report, which can be found in Representative Ichiyama January 2025 Report. Delos Reyes announced that Battery Bill’s will be hosting a collection and fundraiser for Āliamanu Elementary School, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Delos Reyes highlighted events for the month of January 2025 at Salt Lake – Moanalua Public Library. Delos Reyes announced that Representative Ichiyama is now the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives. Delos Reyes noted that Representative Ichiyama will be on the Consumer Protections & Commerce, Water & Land, Public Safety, and Legislative Management Committees.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:51:06]. A question was raised regarding what the Women’s Legislative Caucus (WLC) do.
State House Representative Garner Shimizu – [0:52:03]: Representative Shimizu provided his report, which can be found in Representative Shimizu January 2025 Report. Representative Shimizu read his press release on the Āliamanu firework tragedy. Representative Shimizu invited his constituents to visit him in Room 305 on opening day of the Legislature. Representative Shimizu noted that he is a member of the Public Safety, Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, Water & Land Committees. Representative Shimizu stated that he was appointed Vice Speaker on the House Special Committee on Red Hill. The Representative noted that he is a member of several Caucuses.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:56:27]. Questions were raised regarding the fireworks safety and education.
FEDERAL ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS – [0:58:59]
Senator Brian Schatz: No representative was present, and no report was submitted.
Congressman Ed Case: No representative was present, and no report was submitted.
PRESENTATIONS – [0:59:14]
Kaiser Moanalua Hospital Parking Project – [0:59:37]: Jonathan Ching of Kaiser Permanente Moanalua provided an overview of the parking lot project. Ching noted that the project is part of the Moanalua Medical Center Infrastructure Master Plan. Ching stated that the City granted a Temporary Use Approval permit for temporary parking and construction staging to further the hospital’s infrastructure projects. An amendment to the existing Plan Review Use approval will be submitted to the City to better serve patients and mitigate parking impacts on the surrounding community, which the amendment seeks to expand the temporary parking and staging area and make it permanent. Ching noted that they are leasing a portion of the land from the golf course. A copy of the presentation can be found at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Construction Parking Lot Presentation.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:02:46]. Concerns were raised regarding parking lot collisions.
TNT Constructors – Triton Marine Water Tank Project – [1:06:27]: Joel Nelson provided updates on the water tank replacement project inside the Aliamanu Military Reservation. Nelson noted that the work was mobilized in August 2024, the existing tank removed, prepped the soil foundation, and had installed formwork and rebar for the tank floor/foundations. Nelson stated that flyers were distributed to neighboring residents regarding the early morning work in the area. Nelson acknowledged the residents for their understanding and patience. Nelson provided the remaining project scope of work and timeline and anticipate project completion in September 2025. Nelson also provided an overview of an upcoming project – Halawa Waterline Replacement Project. Nelson is anticipating mobilization and setup to being in February 2025 and project completion of the Halawa Waterline Replacement in November 2026. A copy of the presentation can be found at Water Tank Replacement Project & Hālawa Waterline Replacement Project Presentation.
COMMUNITY UPDATES – [1:16:44]
Aloha Stadium – [1:16:57]: Chris Sadayasu introduced Jeff Ramsey, David Harris, and Richard Riegels. Sadayasu announced the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) in-person community leaders meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Aloha Stadium Hospitality Room. Sadayasu also announced the NASED in-person community meeting on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., at the Aloha Stadium Hospitality Room, which is open to the general public. Sadayasu stated that the Aloha Stadium is hosting the fireworks amnesty program. Sadayasu announced other events that are happening at the Stadium such as Swap Meet and concerts.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:20:18].
Schools: No representative present.
U.S. Army Garrison – [1:22:57]: Lieutenant Colonel Pratt announced that the next hiring fair will be on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the Helemano Military Reservation Training Room from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information on the hiring fair, visit www.himwr.com. Lieutenant Colonel Pratt stated that the Army Corps of Engineers will present a brief that gives an update on their status on their efforts with the Radford High School situation at the next meeting. Lieutenant Colonel Pratt noted that the draft remedial investigation report, which includes the preliminary sampling results and health risk assessment data was submitted to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH). Colonel Sullivan expressed her gratitude to the Āliamanu/Salt Lake/Foster Village/Airport community for allowing the soldiers to be part of the community. The training advisory for Army ranges on Oʻahu can be found at: Army January 2025 Training Advisory.
Naval Facilities (NAVFAC) – [1:29:46]: Chuck Anthony stated that the Federal Fire and Medical personnel assigned at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hawaii also responded on the night of the Āliamanu fireworks incident and assisted in transporting the six (6) burned patients to Arizona. Anthony noted that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) of the Hawaiʻi – California Training and Testing is now available for public review comment through Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Anthony announced an in-person meeting and open house on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Keʻehi Lagoon. Anthony also announced that Pearl Harbor will be hosting the Hōkūleʻa on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Rainbow Bay Marina, starting around 9:00 a.m.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:33:14].
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [1:36:33]: Jimmy Santos provided the report, which can be found BWS January 2025 Report. Santos noted that there was one (1) main break on 4336 Halupa Street on December 8, 2024. Santos provided information about the BWS’s Water Wisdom Program and how to conduct your own water audit. For more information, go to www.boardofwatersupply.com/waterwisdom.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of November 14, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes – [1:38:01]: Member Gauer noted that he arrived at the meeting at 7:43 p.m. and did not sign the attendance sheet. Member Gauer requested to note his presence on the Minutes. Hearing no further corrections, the Board adopted the Minutes as amended.
ANNOUNCEMENT: The next Āliamanu/Salt Lake/Foster Village/Airport Neighborhood Board No. 18 regular meeting will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the National Guard Association, 891 Valkenburgh Street.
Videotaped Board meetings are aired on Olelo Channel 49 on the fourth Saturday of the month at 9:00 p.m. and the second and fourth Fridays at 7:00 a.m.
BOARD COMMUNITY TEAM – ASSIGNMENTS / REPORTS – [1:39:52]:
Legislation / Rail (Sky Line / The Bus): Committee Chair Omura announced that the Sky Line will not be in operation for the weekends of January 18-19, 2025 and January 25-26, 2025 in preparation for Segment 2 operations.
Military: Committee Chair Hind noted that the Committee will bring forward and requested community comments and recommendations regarding the Army leases.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Yomes adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Submitted by: Zhoydell Magaoay, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy
Final Review by: Chair Yomes and Secretary Kanemaru
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.