WAIPAHŪ NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 22
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 7:00 P.M.
FILIPINO COMMUNITY CENTER
94-428 MOKUOLA STREET, WAIPAHŪ, HI 96797
Meeting Materials: Find monthly archive of handouts and referenced materials concerning to Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UO-g9cUa6y72reLs3sjAcsgNALCUBxnA
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 three (3) minutes, and those giving reports are urged to keep their reports under three (3) minutes. Please silence all electronic devices.
Public Announcements, Reports & Presentations to the Board: Please provide all materials before the meeting for posting online sent to the NCO office. Presentations may utilize PowerPoint, should be succinct, and mindful of time. If presenting in person, please arrange for a projector and screen as needed, and provide handouts for the board and the community.
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. A two-thirds (2/3) vote (13) of this 19-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Items may not be added if they are of major importance and will affect a significant number of people.
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Connie Herolaga
II. INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS
III. BOARD VACANCIES: Residents interested in filling a vacant board seat must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Zhoydell Magaoay (zhoydell.magaoay@honolulu.gov) to verify residency in advance. Candidates may speak for up to three minutes prior to board voting.
A. At-Large – Four (4) seats.
IV. FIRST RESPONDER REPORTS-Limit to three (3) minutes each.
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
C. Military Report: US Army – 599th Transportation Brigade
V. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS-Limited to three (3) minutes each.
VI. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Request to Recess in June 2024
B. Approval of Minutes: Thursday, February 22, 2024 & Thursday, March 28, 2024
C. 3-Absence Letter: Members Ferreira, Wilson, Johnasen
D. Chair’s Report
VII. PRESENTATIONS
A. None
VIII. ELECTED OFFICIALS – Limit to three (3) minutes each
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative: Roger Babcock, Director, Department of
Environmental Services (ENV).
B. Councilmember District 2 – Councilmember Matt Weyer mweyer@honolulu.gov
C. Councilmember District 8 – Councilmember Val Okimoto valokimoto@honolulu.gov
D. Councilmember District 9 — Councilmember Augie Tulba atulba@honolulu.gov
E. Governor Josh Green’s Representative
F. Senate District 18 — Senator Michelle Kidani senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov
G. Senate District 19 — Senator Henry Aquino senaquino@capitol.hawaii.gov
H. Representative District 35 – Rep. Cory Chun repchun@capitol.hawaii.gov
I. Representative District 36 – Rep. Rachele Lamosao replamosao@capitol.hawaii.gov
J. Representative District 37 – Rep. Trish La Chica replachica@capitol.hawaii.gov
K. Representative District 39 – Rep. Elijah Pierick reppierick@capitol.hawaii.gov
L. US Representative Ed Case
M. US Representative Jill Tokuda
IX. REPORTS-Limit to three (3) minutes each.
A. Board of Water Supply
B. Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, Citizens Advisory Committee (OMPO-CAC): Daniel de Gracia II
C. Reports of Board Members Attendance at other Meetings
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Meeting: The next Regular meeting of the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 is on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the Filipino Community Center.
B. Broadcast: Rebroadcast of Waipahū Neighborhood Board No. 22 meetings are scheduled on ʻŌlelo channel 49 for Every Second Saturday at 9:00 p.m. and Every Fourth Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
XI. 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; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or call Neighborhood Assistant Zhoydell Magaoay at (808) 768-4224 or e-mail zhoydell.magaoay@honolulu.gov. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco.
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, Hawaii 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. 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, FEBRUARY 22, 2024
7:00 P.M.
Filipino Community Center
CALL TO ORDER – Chair Connie Herolaga called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was not established with 9 members present. Note: This 19-member Board requires 10 members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.
Board Members Present – Connie Herolaga, Richard Oshiro, Maureen Andrade, Annette Yamaguchi, Jayton Chang, Maurice Morita (arrived at 7:05 p.m.), Terry Tumbaga, Nathan Chang, Darryl Macha, and Chad Domingo.
Board Members Absent – Jesse Johnasen, Dave Beers, Jordana Ferreira, Danny de Gracia, and Kevin Wilson.
Guests – Firefighter Nate Utu (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD); Sergeant Matthew Fong (Honolulu Police Department – HPD); Captain Hickey, Alison Martinez (Military Services-599th Army Transportation Brigade); Keoni Mattos (Board of Water Supply – BWS); Jay Egusa, Kent Yang (Department of Transportation Services – DTS); Councilmember Matt Weyer, Kelly Anaya (Councilmember Matt Weyer’s Office); Councilmember Val Okimoto, Jocelyn Roberts (Councilmember Val Okimoto’s Office); Councilmember Augie Tulba, Aaron Ho (Councilmember Augie Tulba’s Office); Representative Cory Chun; Representative Rachele Lamosao, Jared Ellis (Representative Trish La Chica’s Office); Telesia Pasese (Congresswoman Jill Tokuda’s Office); Joy Yoshida, Dalen Calistro, Shiloh Bayudan, Phoebe Tamayo, Erin Kumasaka, Beatrice Del Rosario, Carlo Golez, Tyren Villoria (Waipahū High School Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders (CTL) (Residents and Guests); Zhoydell Magaoay (Neighborhood Commission Office – NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 30 total participants.
RULES OF SPEAKING – Chair Herolaga read the rules of speaking.
BOARD VACANCIES – There were no volunteers.
FIRST RESPONDERS’ REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Firefighter Utu reported the February 2024 statistics. Firefighter Utu responded to a question raised at the previous meeting regarding texting 911. Firefighter Utu noted texting 911 should only be done when you are unable to make a voice call, such as being in a location with sporadic cellular voice service. Firefighter Utu also noted that the individual must provide the location and type of emergency. Firefighter Utu further noted to not use abbreviations, use plain English texts and the 911 Central Dispatch will then respond with text question pertaining to the situation.
February 2024 Statistics: There was one (1) structure fire, three (3) wildland/brush fires, 15 nuisance fires, one (1) cooking fire, five (5) activated alarms (no fire), 225 medical emergencies, two (2) motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, 10 motor vehicle crashes/collisions, and one (1) hazardous materials incident. Firefighter Utu provided the smoke alarm safety tips. A copy of the report can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/129GU1RB5CbVzj98mnw9qCKE-6oPbbSNb/view?usp=drive_link. Should you have any questions, please e-mail the HFD’s Community Relations Office at HFDNHB@honolulu.gov.
Member Morita arrived at 7:05 p.m. There were 10 members present. Quorum was established.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Sergeant Fong reported the following statistics.
February 2024 Statistics: There were nine (9) motor vehicle thefts, six (6) burglaries, 46 thefts, and 15 unauthorized entries to motor vehicle (UEMV). Sergeant Fong provided safety tip of the month which is to always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and report all suspicious activity by calling 911. A copy of the report can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kj7a5r9aAsTG24d26es-okNnH3OpO7kJ/view?usp=drive_link. For more detailed breakdown of statistics, visit www.honolulupd.org. Sergeant Fong provided responses to concerns raised at the previous meeting. Sergeant Fong reported 51 fireworks related calls service between December 31, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. to January 1, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. Sergeant Fong noted that there was no arrest made, nor any citations issued, no injury care for (ICF) or any type of sick calls regarding any type of fireworks issues. Sergeant Fong also note that the 51 calls for service were related to the Waipahū area which encompasses from the downside by Don Quijote and all the way up to the northside, which is Waipiʻo.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Fireworks – Village Park: Andrade noted that fireworks have been going off constantly every night since Tuesday, March 26, 2024 between Palai Street and Kaʻaka Street on the east side closer to the perimeter. Andrade requested for police presence in the area. Sergeant Fong responded that he can guarantee that the officers are out there. Sergeant Fong encouraged the public that want to report fireworks to call 911 and to meet with the officer to take down the report for HPD to do enforcement. Sergeant Fong noted that a lot of people do not take that initiative and often say someone else will call, so the only thing HPD can do is to enforce what they see. Andrade noted visibility from HPD no matter what time of the night will help. Sergeant Fong responded that he will get officers to patrol the area.
2. Fireworks – Special Operation: Oshiro asked and Sergeant Fong responded that HPD did have a specialized operation that included both uniformed officers and undercover officers (plain clothes officers). Sergeant Fong noted that there were a lot of officers scattered within the District 3 – Pearl City, ʻAiea, and Waipahū. Sergeant Fong also noted that the special operation focused on large gatherings and disturbances and not a lot of the fireworks even if HPD see the illegal fireworks.
3. HPD Assignment: Domingo inquired about the number of officers assigned to Waipahū. Sergeant Fong responded that in any given time, there is approximately four (4) officers to five (5) officers, including a supervisor and the minimum officer status for the area of Pearl City, ʻAiea and Waipahū encompasses 13 officers. Domingo inquired about the location of officers when there is nothing going on. Sergeant Fong responded that a lot of the officers strategically place themselves with their communities and remain vigilant, not necessarily in their routine area because the officers know that crime is an opportune time. Sergeant Fong noted that officers understand that there are areas of notoriety for crimes, so officers will stationary themselves, either taking a break, doing reports, however as a supervisor, Sergeant Fong tries to encourage the officers to stay within the community and not just stay hiding, but to be more vigil. Sergeant Fong also noted that officers are in the Filipino Community Center area with their blue lights on around 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Domingo asked and Sergeant Fong responded that there are four (4) officers and there are six (6) beats that is actually allocated to the Pearl City area.
US Army 599th Transportation: Captain Hickey announced the U. S. Army Garrison Hawaii (USAG) is having a hiring fair in mid-April 2024 and it is open to the public. Advanced applications can go to: www.himwr.com. Captain Hickey also announced the USAG publish a monthly training advisory and the remaining trainings for this month includes East Range with ranger and jungle tactics, small arms blank fire during the day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Captain Hickey noted that the training is going to occur all the way through Sunday, March 31, 2024. Captain Hickey announced that the Army will be conducting prescribed burns from Friday, April 5, 2024 through Saturday, April 20, 2024 on Schofield Barracks training range complex. Captain Hickey noted that prescribe burning is one of the most effective tools in managing the spreading of wildfires and enhances the protection of endangered plants and animals by reducing vegetative ground fuels. Captain Hickey also noted the Army has received approval from the Hawaii State Department of Health (HDOH) Clean Air Branches and coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure all State and Army requirements are met. Captain Hickey further noted that multiple personnel and assets from the Army are going to be supporting the prescribed burn. To report any concerns to contact the new Concern Line at 808-787-1528 or usag.hawaii.comrel@army.mil.
RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS
1. Park Closure: Chair Herolaga noted that over the recent months, the Board has received numerous complaints from residents in the surrounding area regarding disruptive noise disturbances stemming from activities occurring within the Waipahū Uka Park during late evening hours. Chair Herolaga also noted that the community is requesting the park closure from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Andrade asked Councilmember Tulba if his office has received any complaints. Andrade requested help from Councilmembers Tulba and Weyer.
2. Landfill: Oshiro noted that he received several concerns regarding the possible site of a landfill at the Waipiʻo Soccer Field. Oshiro inquired if the other Board members received calls from residents expressing their opposition of a landfill on the soccer field area. Councilmember Weyer noted the memo that Oshiro referenced is in relation to the information briefing that the Councilmember is going to do on the landfill Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Chair Herolaga noted that the military told her the field is a blast zone. Tumbaga noted a few residents have asked her to share their concerns and opposition of the Waipiʻo Soccer Field as a landfill because the City spent so much millions of dollars, near the school and the possible spillage in the Pearl Harbor area.
3. Concerning Emails: Jayton Chang raised his concerns to Neighborhood Assistant Magaoay regarding the Board receiving several emails from a Michael Anderson requesting that the Board investigate his neighbor. Chang noted the individual has made several accusations of criminal activities of his neighbor such as murder and sexual abuse of a minor. Chang also noted the board member informed Sergeant Fong of this situation after the HPD monthly report.
PRESENTATION
TheBus Service Modifications: Jay Egusa of the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) provided the upcoming modifications to the bus service. Egusa noted that starting on Sunday, June 2, 2024, DTS will be making some modifications to Route 43 (Waipahū-Honolulu-Alapai) that travels between Waipahū and Alapai Transit Center. Egusa also noted that the segment between Waiawa Road and Alapai Transit Center and Leolua Street will be discontinued. Egusa further noted that the route will instead be going to go down to Hoaeae West Loch Rail Station, where it is going to lay over and terminate on the west side of the route. Egusa reported that the new Route 43 (Waipahū-Waiʻawa) will operate Weekdays/Saturdays/Holidays from 4:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. (next day) and Sundays from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. (next day). Egusa noted that the service will also increase its service frequencies to 20 minutes on Weekdays and 30 minutes on Weekends/Holidays. Egusa also noted that Route 432 (East-West Waipahū) Circulator route will be discontinued and replaced by the new Route 43 since it is similar route. Egusa further noted that DTS is doing this because DTS looking for ways to use their resources in the best way possible, looking for redundancies in their transit network and found that this route was one of the redundancies. Egusa noted that DTS will be sending out a notice via mail, to all of the Waipahū residents informing them of these changes. The notice can be found at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pkt3oaAL1eoYPG2Gp-Zua8OYQIl3NCiJ/view?usp=drive_link.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. Route Changes: Chair Herolaga asked and Egusa responded DTS will be discontinuing service of Route 432 because Route 43 is pretty much the same route. Chair Herolaga asked and Egusa responded that Route 43 does not go on the freeway and that Route E is the express bus for Waipahū. Egusa noted that Route E is a limited stop route that travels through Waipahū, serves the Waipahū Public Transit Center and then goes on the freeway. Chair Herolaga raised concerns that the Route E will not serve the bus stop at the corner of Hiapo Street and Mahoe Street which is loaded every morning with workers trying to get in to town and high school students to go to school. Egusa responded that Route E is not changing and as for the high school students, Route 43 will drop them off in front of Waipahū High School. Chair Herolaga asked and Egusa responded that Route E does go into residential areas but will not stop every single bus stop along its route.
Chair Herolaga called for a recess at 7:32 p.m.
Chair Herolaga called the meeting back to order at 7:36 p.m.
Illegal Dumping: Waipahū High School Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders (CTL) students Tyren Viloria, Erin Kumasaka, Beatrice Del Rosario, and Carlo Golez presented their team project on illegal dumping. Golez provided a brief introduction of the CTL program. Kumasaka noted that after doing some research throughout the Waipahū community, the group found a news article that states illegal dumping has been a problem in Waipahū for many years and illegal dumping is a problem because it pollutes the air, water, and soil. Kumasaka also noted the group identified dumping sites such as the West Loch bike path between Waipahū and Pearl City, Waipahū drainage ditch, Kapakahi Stream at Farrington Highway, Waipahū Depot Road, and at the end of Leokane Street. Viloria noted that his generation do not really know what it feels like to really value what his grandparents and parents experienced. Del Rosario noted that the group identified two (2) solutions to tackle the problem which are scheduling a group clean up on one of the sites with organizations in their school and in the community and with the help of Representative Lamosao drafted a resolution that acknowledges the problem of illegal dumping how the group can solve it, and who they can partner up with.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Dumping Sites: Tumbaga inquired about the process that the group took to determine the sites for their project because there are other sites that have a lot of illegal dumping specifically on Waipahū Street. Del Rosario responded that those sites in their projects are the sites that really stood out to them and those sites repeatedly will come up in their research.
2. Clean Up: Tumbaga asked about how will the group get other organizations to get involved in the cleanup. Golez responded that one of their main points of coming to this Board meeting is to gain a new sense of understanding and new ways to look at things. Golez noted the group is looking towards more ways to tackle that as well as get provided more on insights to when, where to tackle these specific sites, and what nonprofits are interested, similar to what Waipahū Intermediate School did, in which the School recently signed the right of entry and they passed a right of entry with a nonprofit to clear the jungle behind their school. Golez also noted that several clubs and organizations within Waipahū High School wanting to clear out the area around the bike path along the School’s W-building, but they cannot really tackle that because of there is so any jurisdictions on how to do this, so the group is looking for other opportunities outside of the school as an alternative.
3. Volunteer Opportunities: Macha encouraged the group to stay connected with the area City Councilmembers, State Representatives and State Senators to pick up on some volunteer opportunities for the students. Andrade expressed her enthusiasm to the group and for the group to not stop encouraging other classmates to continue what they are doing.
Bringing awareness towards the increasing amount of illegal parked cars in Waipahū: Waipahū High School CTL students Dalen Calistro, Shiloh Bayudan, and Phoebe Tamayo presented their project on illegal parking in Waipahū. Calistro noted that on one of the community surveys, seven percent of the people surveyed want to see an improvement in issues concerning illegal parking and 45% of people living in Waipahū want to see an improvement in parking space. Tamayo noted that the group chose this topic because the group wanted to promote general safety on the roads, especially with high school students. Tamayo shared photos of areas with high number of illegal parking. Bayudan noted that the problem of illegal parking has been addressed many times in the past and that there are lots of thoughts that goes into processing the solutions and implementing them into in communities. Bayudan noted the possible solutions are building a parking structure which will need funding and planning, a parking permit system similar to the Kalihi Valley parking permit system, and increase the size of signs previously placed and change the times of when it is okay to park. Tamayo provided a brief description of the Kalihi Valley residential parking zone (RPZ) program and noted that the parking policy yielded positive results from residents, however the policy had some issues, for example, the one-hour parking limit was not enough and the monitoring of the areas 24-7 was difficult to enforce.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Education: Morita applauded the group for tackling a very complex problem. Morita noted that it will take more education about the parking situation. Morita suggested looking into the restricted parking zones that the City Council passed because it is one way to keep other people from parking in front of your home.
2. Acknowledgement: Yamaguchi noted that it is heartwarming to see a group of individuals who are going to be the next generation of caring people for the beautiful community that they all love.
3. Unimproved Sidewalks: Jayton Chang noted that there are a lot of unimproved sidewalks where people can drive over the asphalt and park on the grass. Chang suggested to include pushing the State and City to improve the sidewalks and bulb-outs in Waipahū as possible solutions to their project.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – There was no representative present. The Mayor’s Representative report can be found at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IQly3S2pIzYffGdbKl61xXudBnv17nuq/view?usp=drive_link. For more information visit https://www.oneoahu.org.
Councilmember Matt Weyer – Councilmember Weyer provided his report, which can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AF2ro6AcwWfw-DOblSIawpj3p0KElwlU/view?usp=drive_link. Councilmember Weyer encouraged the public to provide input on the budget process. Councilmember Weyer noted that he is currently working on additional amendments to propose in the Budget Committee. Councilmember Weyer provided legislative updates specifically on Resolution 23-162 which would amend the City Charter to establish a Climate Resiliency Fund, which was passed out of the City Council and approved by the Mayor and Resolution 23-239 which passed out of the City Council and would establish the minimum qualifications for the Director of Emergency Management in the City Charter. Councilmember Weyer provided the memo that his office sent out to the Managing Director and Environmental Services Director in preparation for the information briefing scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, 2024. The memo can be found at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Udk5z0lMUhFW6m1YDadTlys6AfV07CAp/view?usp=drive_link. Councilmember Weyer reported that the City did a cleanup at the park and ride area in Village Park and work orders are out for the issues relating to the street light on Anonui Street and the slide that was removed and the picnic tables at Hoʻaeʻae Park.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Landfill: Chair Herolaga noted that Waipahū had a landfill in the past. Councilmember Weyer confirmed there was a landfill in the past. Councilmember Weyer noted that the Mayor did say that the Waipiʻo Peninsula not the final option and that the Mayor is looking at private lands and evaluating all the different options.
2. Petition: Andrade asked the students from Waipahū High School if they wanted a landfill behind their school and encouraged them to do a petition. A student from Waipahū High School responded that there is a petition that is circulating in their school opposing the landfill at Waipiʻo Soccer Field.
3. Possible Landfill Sites: Oshiro asked how did the administration decide on the proposed site and how many other sites that might be feasible. Councilmember Weyer responded that the Landfill Advisory Commission (LAC) initially excluded Waipiʻo Soccer Complex because it’s part of the tsunami inundation zone, so the Committee looked at six (6) sites, all within the no pass zone. Councilmember Weyer noted since then, the Administration has been looking at other locations and in addition to the Soccer Complex, the Administration is looking at private land. Oshiro requested the location of the private lands that the Administration is looking at as possible sites.
4. Other Solutions: Morita suggested to look at other cities that have the same problem such as San Francisco and Seattle on how they have handled their problem such as making their residents responsible for theri own trash because nobody wants a landfill in their backyard. Councilmember Weyer responded that he agrees with Morita and Councilmember Weyer’s main goal is to ensure that the voices of the community are represented as the Administration comes up with the various locations and ideas.
5. Inundation Zones: Jayton Chang requested that the inundation zones be reviewed and updated.
6. Transparency: Chang expressed his frustration with the lack of transparency from the Administration regarding the entire process in determining the landfill sites.
Councilmember Val Okimoto – Councilmember Okimoto provided her report, which can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ui9pyXAP6D047nFrYpe75o5ALUkueFLx/view?usp=drive_link. Councilmember Okimoto reported that she had added amendments to the budgets to include several Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) in District 8 which will be considered at the next Budget hearing on Monday, April 1, 2024. Councilmember Okimoto noted that the final budget is expected to be completed in early June 2024. Councilmember Okimoto also noted that she wanted to prioritize specific projects to better serve and protect the communities which includes new Pearl City Police Station, law enforcement program, park repairs and maintenance, and ambulance unit facility in Waipiʻo Gentry. Councilmember Okimoto announced that the HFD has solicited and execute a contract for the departmentʻs first twin engin helicopter. Councilmember Okimoto reported that there is a supply shortage of parts for the trash pick up trucks which members of the community in District 8 are not getting their rash picked up.
Councilmember Augie Tulba – Councilmember Tulba noted that the goal of the Win Back Waipahū, Walk the Block is to come together with the community to improve safety. Councilmember Tulba also noted the program is an opportunity to engage with the homeless community, building a relationship so they can get the help they need and at the same time getting the small businesses, nonprofits, schools, and churches involved to winning back the Waipahū community. Councilmember further noted one of the suggestion that came out of the Friday, February 9, 2024 walk the block was a mural in the back of Seafood City and possibly putting lights. Councilmember Tulba announced that the next walk the block will be sometime in April 2024. Councilmember Tulba provided responses to concerns raised at the previous meeting which includes junkyard growing, stripped vehicles and homeless people at the entrance of Cane Haul Road, homeless situation at Leoku Street, two major cleanups, and Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered Persons (HONU)’s total intake numbers.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Homeless Encampment: Andrade suggested working with Avalon which owns the property behind Seafood City and with Dr. Babcock to clean up the trash that is going into the stream. Andrade noted homeless individuals are blocking the sidewalk on Leoku Street. Councilmember Tulba noted that Sergeant Paiwa suggested putting street lights on the sidewalk to prevent camping on the sidewalks and help the neighbors across the street report criminal activities when there are lights on the street.
Members Yamaguchi and Andrade left the meeting at 8:34 p.m. There were eight (8) members present. Quorum was lost.
2. Landfill: Oshiro acknowledged Councilmember Tulba for his work with all of the cleanups. Oshiro commented on the possibility of trash coming to Waipahū. Councilmember Tulba reiterated the comment about the need to do a better job of educating the public. Councilmember Tulba noted as the community get better at recycling and technology get better, then less will be going in the land.
Governor Josh Green’s Representative – No representative present.
Senator Michelle Kidani – No representative present. Report was submitted and can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WuHPjWwjuxRH5YfDY76SctiWdDhWi2-B/view?usp=drive_link.
Senator Henry Aquino – No representative present. Report was submitted and can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dnro1eCkSb58wvp3pFKgUjnG3kRRi2MK/view?usp=drive_link.
Representative Cory Chun – Representative Chun provided his report, which can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dv8HQvhuQeRkRRoo2bcp58SRe5MA6z_r/view?usp=drive_link. Representative Chun highlighted House Bill (HB) 2220 relating to issues with noise and gambling, House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 52 and HCR 41, requesting a public service announcement about illegal fireworks, and the additional $200,000 to the Department of Law Enforcement for their illegal fireworks task force. Representative Chun announced that the Legislature will be honoring the Waipahū High School Football team for winning the Division 1 State Championship last year.
Representative Rachele Lamosao – Representative Lamosao provided her report, which can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BTVmFE6Qst-3tQVU5iXkOS7eIadoXuwf/view?usp=drive_link. Representative Lamosao highlighted what was passed out in the budget, which was an increase for the community-based services or care homes that have been waiting 15 years for an increase in their Medicaid reimbursement. Representative Lamosao noted that HB1800 allocated $15 Million for that purpose. Representative Lamosao encouraged the Waipahū High School CTL students to continue advocating for the issues that they have presented. The Representative recognized the Waipahū High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) students for representing Hawaii at a national level and three (3) of those groups for winning first place in different categories.
Representative Trish La Chica – Jared Ellis provided the report, which can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_KqczMhvShhapWyTnwE-5-1W7wawTWuk/view?usp=drive_link. Ellis highlighted the legislative survey in the report and encouraged the public to fill that out and get it back to their office online.
Representative Elijah Pierick – No representative present and no report were submitted.
U.S. Representative Ed Case – No representative present and no report were submitted.
U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda – Telesia Pasese provided the report, which can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TjatKMbD-xxep2XLf6l6bxE7mRgaDGOr/view?usp=drive_link. Pasese noted that the Congresswoman voted to pass two (2) appropriation bills that have avoided a government shutdown. Pasese also noted that in the appropriations bills included 15 of community projects funding which the Congresswoman secured $134 Million for Hawaii and in Congressional District 2. Pasese announced the Congressional Art Competition, which it is open to all high school students who live in or go to school in the Congressional District 2; deadline is Friday, April 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at their office. The winning art piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and there will be ceremonies in Hawaii and in Washington, D.C.
REPORTS
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Keoni Mattos provided the report, which can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oheQ-R_fT4FXQ86VjtKtWQr8bY7HMq0x/view?usp=drive_link. Mattos reported four (4) water main breaks on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 45 Leolua Street, on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 94-989 Kahuailani Street, and two (2) on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 94-342 Haaa Street and at 94-526 Honowai Street. Mattos announced that the BWS is partnered with Hardware Hawaii for Detect the Leak Week to remind the residents to check for leaks in their toilets and other things to help to conserve water.
Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, Citizens Advisory Committee (OMPO-CAC): No report.
Reports of Board Member Attendance at Other Meetings – No reports.
Hui O Ho’ohonua (HOH808) – No representative present.
BOARD BUSINESS
Approval of Minutes – Thursday, February 22, 2024: Deferred to the next meeting.
Chair’s Report: No report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Waipahū Neighborhood Board No. 22 is on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in-person at the Fil-Com Center.
Rebroadcast: Rebroadcast of Waipahū Neighborhood Board No. 22 meetings are scheduled on ʻŌlelo channel 49 for Every Second Saturday at 9:00 p.m. and Every Fourth Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Herolaga adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m.
Submitted by: Zhoydell Magaoay, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations Assistant
Finalized by: Chair Connie Herolaga and Secretary Richard Oshiro
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.