PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
Momilani Community Center, 715 Hoʻomoana St,
Pearl City, HI 96782
AND VIA WEBEX
This meeting location is open to public participation.
Other available options including WebEx and phone-in instructions are as follows:
WEBEX Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mbdb01f17b499a89cdb59bf83086d38ec
Meeting Number/Access Code: 2498 533 4017
Password: NB21 (6221 from phones and video systems)
Join By Phone: 1-408-418-9388
PCNB Documents posted on Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V5AlaHjrMVo42KclDDH1qS-pc2oJVF9l
MEETING POLICY – Adopted July 25, 2023
Rules of Speaking:
Virtual: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to open the list of participants and click the “raise hand” icon by their name. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. Remarks should not exceed 3 minutes. (Please cancel the “raise hand” icon after speaking. Presentations must be kept under 10 minutes. The “chat” box can also be used to ask simple questions. Board Members are required to keep their video active during the board meeting.
Recordings of Board Meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
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. Board actions such as draft resolutions and outgoing letters will be posted for the public on Google Drive.
Board Agenda Items: The Board is requesting that all written reports presented at the board meeting be soft copy emailed to the Board Chair and Website Manager: lveray@hawaii.rr.com and info@pearlcitynb.com. 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 Blvd, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Larry Veray with Vice Chair Charmaine Doran
A. Pledge of Allegiance – Cub Scout Pack 75 – Cubmaster Scott Ogasawara
B. Time Limit Policy and Procedures
C. All participants are to sign in for in-person and virtual identify yourself to NCO Assistant on WEBEX
D. Roll Call (All board members must have their video turned on)
II. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
A. Honolulu Fire Department – Report on fire and emergency incidents to statistics for past month, fire safety tips while open to questions from board members and public related to recent emergencies in Pearl City.
B. Honolulu Police Department – Report on crime incidents and statistics for District 3 Pearl City area past month, crime prevention and public safety tips while open to questions from board members and public related to recent emergencies or incidents in Pearl City
III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY – Limited to 3 minutes each (Resident/Community Concerns) to include confidential and public safety concerns from residents who wanted to remain anonymous requesting board member to present their issue at the board meeting
IV. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Board Action – Recognition of Community Volunteers and Board Members
B. Report on City Budget Priorities for Pearl City
V. GOVERNMENT MONTHLY REPORTS
A. MILITARY BASE UPDATE: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam – Ms. Kris Tanahara, Mr. David Hodge, and recognition of Mr. Victor Flint on the occasion of this retirement.
B. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
1. Governor Josh Green’s Office – Mr. Jeff Hickman, Public Affairs
2. Hawaii Department of Transportation – Mr. Casey Abe, HDOT State Highways Division
C. STATE LEGISLATURE
1. Senator Glenn Wakai (D15)
2. Senator Brandon Elefante (D16)
3. Senator Henry Aquino (D19)
4. Representative Gregg Takayama (D34)
5. Representative Cory Chun (D35)
6. Representative Trish La Chica (D37)
D. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS
1. Congressman Ed Case – Mr. Nestor Garcia, Director of Communications
E. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU
1. Office of the Mayor – Mr. Gene Abano, Director Facility Maintenance
2. Councilmember Val Okimoto
F. OTHER AGENCIES
1. Leeward Community College – Chancellor Carlos Penaloza
2. Pearl City Library – Ms. Vicky Bowie, Branch Manager
3. Board of Water Supply – Mr. Arlen Ledward, Civil Engineer
G. ASSOCIATIONS
1. Pearl City Community Events – Mr. Tony Velasco
VI. BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
1. Regular Board Meeting Minutes Approval – February 25, 2025 minutes
VII. CHAIR & BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
(1) PCNB Hosted Joint Red Cross and CERT zoom meeting Wednesday, March 26, 2025 6:30 PM
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81738664921?pwd=tHyX8w8DYo1jMWBLmTRTbpxNvUOVVc.1
Meeting ID: 81738664921, Passcode: 039940
(2) City and County of Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Foodbank are Partnering to Fight Against Hunger: Neighborhood Assistant Anson Wu will be collecting donated canned goods at the next Neighborhood Board meeting on Thursday, April 22, 2025.
(3) The Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 next board meeting will be both Hybrid Virtual and In-Person facilitated on WEBEX virtually and facilitated at Momilani Community Center 715 Hoomoana St, Pearl City, HI 96782 on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 meetings are broadcasted on Focus Channel 49 and air 2nd Saturday at 6:00 PM and 1st and 3rd Friday at 1:00 PM.
VIII. 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, Suite 160, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711. 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 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 WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
MOMILANI COMMUNITY CENTER, 715 HOOMOANA ST, PEARL CITY, HI, 96782
ONLINE VIA WEBEX
Video Recording of Meeting Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXf0pHLEI-w
Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V5AlaHjrMVo42KclDDH1qS-pc2oJVF9l
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:02]: Vice Chair Doran called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the meeting due to Chair experiencing illness
Pledge of Allegiance – [0:00:20]: The Cub Scout Pack 75 administered the Pledge of Allegiance.
Vice Chair Doran reviewed the time limit policy and procedures before conducting a roll call. Quorum WAS established with ten (10) members present. Note: This 11-member board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.
Board Members Present: Kekuni Agard, Rodney Awong, Guy Inouye, Daniel Smith, Nathan Takeuchi, Larry Veray, Brendon Lee, Heide Weber, Antonio Velasco, and Charmaine Doran.
Board Members Absent: Lawrence Miyazono Jr.
Guests: Lieutenant Glenn Iwasaki (Honolulu Police Department); Firefighter Chistopher Servantes (Honolulu Fire Department); Mary Finley Wand and Craig Niiya (Red Cross); Jeff Hickman (Governor Josh Green); Casey Abe (Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation); Senator Brandon Elefante, Aaron W. and Pua Smith (Councilmember Val Okimoto); Representative Gregg Takayama; Representative Cory Chun; Representative Trish La Chica; David Duna Hodge, Victor Flint, and Kris Tanahara (U.S. Navy); Chancellor Carlos Penaloza (Leeward Community College); Vicky Bowie (Pearl City Library); Arlen Ledward (Board of Water Supply); Shawn Schmidt, Dias Machado, Ken and Janice Bulahan, Collettee Chang Hasegawa, Craig Niya, Tom Plong, Miki, Faith Quintua, Nathan Takeuchi, Keith, and Donald Sakamoto (Resident); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 47 total participants.
II. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS – [0:01:42]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:01:43]: No representative present at this time was revisited at a later time.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:02:00]: Lieutenant Glenn Iwasaki provided the monthly statistics for January 2025, February 2025 safety tip regarding Be Mindful of your Surroundings, and responses to concerns.
• January 2025 Statistics: There were 6 motor vehicle thefts, 7 burglaries, 26 thefts, 4 Unauthorized Entry into Motor Vehicles (UEMV), and 1,535 calls for service.
• For more information, visit: www.honolulupd.org
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:04:44]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:25:08]: Firefighter Chistopher Servantes provided responses to questions asked in the previous meeting, the monthly statistics for January 2025, and the February 2025 fire safety tips regarding Power Outages Preparedness
• January 2025 Statistics: There were 2 structure fires, 1 wildland/brush fire, 6 nuisance fires, 4 activated alarms without fire, 134 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with pedestrian, 8 motor vehicle crash/collisions, 2 mountain rescues, and 2 hazardous material incidents.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEINTXrusaSRXd6xN1JODb6OhsCvs_1g/view?usp=drive_link
• For more information, visit: https://fire.honolulu.gov/
[0:27:49] – Member Velasco presented a plaque from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No.21 in recognition of Firefighter Jeffrey Fiala. The plaque will be mounted in the Waiau Fire Station.
III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY – [0:28:56]
Resident requests – [0:29:10]: Resident Tom Plong questions why their request to add signs or speed bumps for their district is not being heard.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:30:34]
Resolution Testimony – [0:31:26]: Resident Dias Machado provided testimony to support tonight’s resolution supporting Hawaiian Immersion Education.
Left Arrow – [0:34:57]: Resident Ken Bulahan questions why isn’t there a left arrow sign from Palisades to Pearl City Highschool on Waimano Home Road and Komo Mai.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:36:04]
IV. PRESENTATION – [0:37:56]
Red Cross Update for Pearl City – [0:37:58]: Mary Finley Wand and Craig Niiya provided a presentation on updates on the Red cross. Their presentation highlighted the following: the Red Cross’s mission statement, the types of services the organization provides in the Pacific Islands Region, the Red Cross’s available high-demand roles, and information on how to volunteer with the American Red Cross.
• Presentation:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1udvEylcjp8l7l560_g-mKxQNIc-2QKw7/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=110816970952488543387&rtpof=true&sd=true
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:43:41]
V. BOARD BUSINESS – [0:46:50]
Resolution Supporting Hawaiian Immersion Education – [0:46:57]: Vice Chair Doran read the resolution supporting Hawaiian Immersion Education.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1khMznb6xl1Lu9NtSn80zC3af3O_lrML_/view?usp=drive_link
[0:48:07] – Doran MOVED and Smith SECONDED to adopt the Resolution Supporting Hawaiian Immersion Education. Discussion followed. The Board conducted a roll call vote, the motion WAS adopted; 10-0-0 (Aye: Agard, Awong, Doran, Inouye, Lee, Weber, Smith, Takeuchi, Velasco, and Veray; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:49:29]
2025 City Budget Priorities for Pearl City – [0:50:15]: Director Albano have no updates.
[0:52:18] – Hearing no objections, Vice Chair Doran deferred the 2025 City Budget Priorities for Pearl City to the next agenda.
Pearl City Traffic Improvement Requests (Palisades/Waimano Home Rd/ Kamehameha Hwy) – [0:52:23]: Vice Chair Doran wanted updates on resolutions adopted by the Board regarding traffic safety and provided updates from the Department of Facility Maintenance regarding school signage on the Mauka Side of Palisades Elementary. Director Albano will request a representative to come to the next Pearl City Neighborhood Board meeting.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:55:12]
VI. GOVERNMENT MONTHLY REPORTS & LEGISLATIVE UPDATES – [1:03:58]
A. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – [0:51:30]
Governor Josh Green’s Office – [1:04:20]: Jeff Hickman provided the report and highlighted the following: Governor Green signed operation Hire Hawaii to help federal workers get a state job and responses to questions asked in the previous meeting.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pRvbXxHNlybTTBkOPRQHB3NOOvxvXH0b/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:07:54]
Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (DOT) – [1:15:48]: Casey Abe presented his report and highlighted the following: updates on overgrowth along the Pearl City on/off ramp; new graffiti; update on homeless encampment along Kuliana road; damaged fence on Kuliana Road; replacement of utility covers along Kamehameha Highway.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:19:47]
[0:52:18] – Hearing no objections, Vice Chair Doran moved up Councilmember Val Okimoto up to the agenda.
Councilmember Val Okimoto – [1:28:03]: Aaron W. provided the report and highlighted the following: a successful Town Hall; the City Council had its first meeting on January 29, 2025; a public hearing on Mayor Blangiardi’s appointments and reappointments to the city department’s; information on bills and resolutions Councilmember Okimoto introduced; and updates from the Department of Transpiration Services (DTS) regarding Pearl City traffic improvement request.
• Newsletter:
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:32:34]
B. STATE LEGISLATURE – [1:36:56]
Senator Glenn Wakai (D15) – [1:36:56]: No representative present.
Senator Brandon Elefante (D16) – [1:37:06]: Senator Brandon Elefante provided his report and highlighted the following: Elfante introduced some legislation related to speeding enforcement; confirmation of the new Director of Law Enforcement; in collaboration with Representative Takayama, Representative Chun, Senator Kino, and Senator Wakai were able to thank Governor Green release of 1.38 million dollars to renovate a medical classroom at Pearl City Highschool; and is working with Takayama to appropriate 1 million dollars emergency ingress and egresses into Pacific Palisades.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I0AI9O8IAI9fSQ5QVU2_spdJky5EQlU4/view?usp=drive_link
Senator Henry Aquino (D19) – [1:40:52]: Nathaniel Isei stood on the report, report not received.
Representative Gregg Takayama (D34) – [1:41:28]: Representative provided a response to member Agard concerns regarding an overpass; and the importance of the attorney general.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:45:11]
Representative Cory Chun (D35) – [1:48:17]: Representative Cory Chun provided his report and highlighted the following: a response to questions regarding cuts to federal funding, updates on the installation of delineators on Lehua Avenue and Fort Street; and are currently trying to find a solution to holding contractors accountable for construction defects.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17A43-tenAbAzIKHdGvN8EStW6XI82sjZ/view?usp=drive_link
Representative Trish La Chica (D37) – [1:51:39]: Representative Trish La Chica provided her report and highlighted the following: updates on House Bills HB8662 expanding school bus options, HB861 school bus contracts, HB1231 red light cameras in school zones, HB439 creating a pathway for J1 teachers to obtain the international teacher license; Representative La Chica has been involved in advocating for schools meal and on Saturday, March 15, 2025, will be speaking on free school meals for keiki forum.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xGluQwtEc2mherlHCvzSTQHzJ3qCCAsq/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:57:20]
[2:00:52] – Video feed was cut for the in-person meeting.
[2:02:29] – Video feed was restored for the in-person meeting.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed (Continued) – [2:02:29]
VII. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS – [2:03:33]
Congressman Ed Case – [2:03:33]: No representative present.
VIII. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU – [2:03:49]
Office of the Mayor – [2:03:49]: Director & Chief Engineer Gene Albano provided the report and highlighted the following: memorial service in Kakaʻako to honor Jeff Fiala; Mayor Blangiardi and members of the mayor’s cabinet are sworn into office; a new 90-unit Bill 7 affordable housing development breaks ground in Makiki; repairs begin on the seawall and walkway at Queen’s Surf in Waikīkī near the Barefoot Beach Café; the city unveils a new ʻōpala truck for Leeward Oʻahu parks and beach parks.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1umPJE2tbFg_I7Ds27UmI2ojXolmUnMLK/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed (Continued) – [2:05:42]
IX. OTHER AGENCIES – [2:12:36]
Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam – [2:12:36]: David Duna Hodge, Kris Tanahara, and Victor Flint provided the report and highlighted the following: Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill (NCTF-RH) held a webinar on Tank Cleaning; Pressure washing of Tanks 7 and 8; the next open house is March 12 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ke`ehi Lagoon Los Banos
Room; resuming monthly ship tours; community white boat tours; Restoration Advisory Boards (RAB) the next meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2025, at the Oahu Veteran Center, and updates on drydock 5.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P3nb9Hpo49Ces85tceLIB6cz0yMdTdIj/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:16:58]
Member Lee left the meeting at (9:17 p.m.); 9 members present.
Leeward Community College – [2:20:09]: Chancellor Carlos Penaloza provided his report and highlighted the following: all community colleges on Oahu are going through the regional accreditation process starting in March 2025; recently hosted University of Hawaii’s new president Wendy Hensel at Leeward Community College; response to comments from Representative Takayama regarding Federal Executive orders; opening of the newest Art Gallery exhibit Hōʻikeākea at Leeward Community College; Kupukupu theater show on Saturday, March 15, 2025, to Sunday, March 16, 2025; new pilot for tuition; and job opening for students at Leeward Community College.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:25:08]
Pearl City Library – [2:29:27]: Vicky Bowie provided the report and highlighted the following: the library will be closed on Wednesday, March 26, 2025; beginner Tai Chi classes on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.; and Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the AARP program Hawaii Disrupt Aging: Adventures in Retirement.
Board of Water Supply (BWS), Civil Engineer – [2:30:29]: Arlen Ledward provided the report and highlighted the following: one main break on January 2025 and the general water announcement regarding the Water Waste Hotline.
X. ASSOCIATION UPDATES – [2:31:42]
Pearl City High School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) – [2:31:43]: No updates
XI. BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS – [2:22:27]
Regular Board Meeting Minutes Approval – Tuesday, January 28, 2025 minutes – [2:31:52]: [2:31:56] – Hearing no objections the minutes WAS ADOPTED as written; 9-0-0 (Aye: Agard, Awong, Doran, Inouye, Weber, Smith, Takeuchi, Velasco, and Veray; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:32:00].
XII. CHAIR & BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:32:19]
Announcement – [2:32:26]: Member Awong announced the passing of former Representative Noble Yamamini.
Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No.21 is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at the Momilani Community Center at 715 Hoomoana Street and online via WebEx. The Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 meetings are broadcasted on Focus Channel 49 and air 2nd Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and 1st and 3rd Friday at 1:00 p.m.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT [2:33:33]: Chair Veray adjourned the meeting at 9:27 p.m.
Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by:
Finalized by: Tony Velasco, Secretary
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.