WAHIAWĀ – WHITMORE VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 26
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2024, at 7:00 P.M.
WAHIAWĀ DISTRICT PARK – HALE KOA BUILDING
1129 KILANI AVENUE WAHIAWA, HI 96786
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mc5d6bf155748f11b9efcb9edd7495030
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2484 014 0769
Password: NB26 (6226 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: United States Toll +1-408-418-9388
Phone: Chair will ask if there are any participants on the phone, state your name and position on issue/concern.
Video: Raise your hand, Chair will recognize you and ask to state your name and position on the issue/concern.
Meeting Materials: Find an archive of handouts and referenced materials for Neighborhood Board No. 26 at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Yd5HUNwQV4zDLyFMyvEkED-_DA0Xxgd7
Sign-In: Attendees are encouraged to sign the NCO Sign-In Sheet. Virtual attendees: identify themselves and the organization they represent.
Rules of Speaking: 1. Anyone wishing to speak shall do so at the microphone, by identifying themselves and addressing their comments to the Chair, and are encouraged to keep to the two (2) minutes rule. 2. Those giving reports shall also do so at the microphone and are urged to keep their reports to three (3) minutes. Presentations are allowed ten (10) minutes. 3. Please silence all electronic devices.
NOTE: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS92), specific issues not noted on this Agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the Agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of six (6) of this nine (9) 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.
OPENING CEREMONIES AT 6:58 P.M.: Aloha and Pledge of Allegiance
I. CALL TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.: Chair Pro Tem Jeanne Ishikawa
II. FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
III. MONTHLY REPORTS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Federal/Military
1. Congressmember Jill Tokuda Nicole Grey
2. United States Army Adam Pike
3. United States Navy Victor Flint, Daniel Hayes, James Newman
B. Government Agencies
1. Board of Water Supply (BWS) Nicole Rodman
2. State Dept of Transportation Fawn Yamada, Henry Kennedy
IV. RESIDENT’S CONCERNS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Please state your name and organization. Limited to two (2) minutes each.)
V. PRESENTATIONS: Rules of Decorum: All participants at this meeting shall extend the spirit of aloha to one another. There shall be no displays of disrespect to one another. Public comments can be made, within the stated time limits and without interruption, unless the comments are offensive and/or out of order, and are “not conducive to civil discourse.”
1. Presentation: Leilehua High School Centennial Parade
1. Jenny Yamamoto, LHS Centennial Organization
2. Carolyn Hayashi, President, Wahiawa Lions Club
2. Presentation: Da Burger Wing Hub, LLC – Liquor License Application
Location: 93 N. Kamehameha Highway Suite 102 Wahiawā. 96786
1. Kaitlin Nakano, Administrator
Application for Service of Liquor/Alcoholic Beverages
VI. ELECTED OFFICIALS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi Denise Iseri-Matsubara
B. Councilmember Matt Weyer Kelly Anaya
C. Governor Josh Green Rosemarie Bernardo
D. Senator Donovan Dela Cruz David Cho
E. Representative Amy Perruso
VII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes
1. Regular Meeting of Monday, July 15, 2024
B. Chair’s Report and Board Actions
1. Call for Disclosure by Board Members (meetings, events, etc.)
2. Correspondence and Distribution.
3. Board Actions – Discussion and vote, if necessary, on any of the Agenda Items listed, as well as on any of the following, if necessary:
a. State Legislature and County/City Council Matters
Board Members’ review and report on any Legislative, City Council, Development Projects, or any other proposals that could impact our Wahiawā/Whitmore communities. If necessary, provide testimony or letters in support or opposition of such proposed legislation/Bills.
b. Wahiawā General Hospital
If necessary, to provide testimony or letters of support on various legislation or other avenues of financial assistance to Wahiawa General Hospital for its operations, salaries, equipment, repairs and renovations, and/or other forms of assistance.
C. Committee Reports
1. Education: Silvia Koch, Committee Chair
2. Military: Jeanne Ishikawa, Committee Chair
3. Transportation/OMPO: Joe Francher, Committee Chair
4. Water: Jeanne Ishikawa, Committee Chair
5. Hawaiian Affairs: Dean Harvest, Committee Chair
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A. Board Meetings: The next Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board will be on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wahiawā District Park’s Hale Koa Meeting Room. Please check the Neighborhood Commission Office website for updates.
B. Special Notice: The 25th Infantry Division will execute the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-01 annual training exercise, in coordination with the JPMRC, and the 196th IN BDE, from October 7 – 16, 2024.
• The initial forecast is for about 1,000 multinational participants expected from Malaysia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, UK, Japan, Singapore, Maldives, Australia, and Canada, which is an increase from last year.
• Please expect increase in military convoy and vehicle traffic: Thursday, September 26, 2024 – Thursday, October 3, 2024.
• Additionally, an increase in aircraft noise and combat simulations during training operations: 7-16 of October 2024
• There will be an increase in helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, and unmanned aircraft systems, specifically around Wheeler Army Airfield and Dillingham Military Reservation during training operations: 7-16 of October 2024.
• We would like to thank the community in advance for your understanding and patience.
September 2024 Military Training Schedule
As a reminder, to report concerns related to noise or training, contact the NEW U.S. Army Hawaii’s Noise Concern Line at (808) 787-1528 or usarmy.hawaii.comrel@army.mil. Concerns are responded to during regular business hours, Monday- Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
C. Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Notification:
A pole will be installed at 1655 Walea Street in the coming weeks.
Any questions or concerns, please call HECO at 1-855-304-1212
D. The City’s People’s Open Market: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Wahiawā District Park. (Note; People’s Open Market is temporarily being held in the parking lot on Kilani Avenue, by the swimming pool.)
E. Information Contacts:
• City Streets Pothole Hotline: #808.768.7777
• State Streets Pothole Hotline: #808.536.7852
• HART Maintained Roads Pothole Hotline: #808.566.2299
• City’s Refuse Inspector Office #808.768-5220.
• Schofield Noise Complaints: #808.656.3487(email: usaghi.comrel@gmail.com) or the 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office at (808) 655-4756 or email usaghi.comrel@gmail.com.
F. Message From NB26 To Our Community:
As summer comes to an end, and the “winter” season begins, let’s remember to share our aloha spirit with others in our communities of Wahiawa and Whitmore Village. Me ke aloha!
IX. ADJOURNMENT
‘Olelo: WWV NB26 meetings are videotaped for re-broadcast on ‘Olelo on the following dates: 1st Tuesday on Focus 49 at 9:00 p.m. and 1st and 3rd Saturdays on View 54 at 6:00 a.m.
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 Kapalama 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.
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, HI 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 WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
MONDAY, JULY 15, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.
WAHIAWĀ DISTRICT PARK HALE KOA ROOM – 1129 KILANI AVENUE, WAHIAWA, HI 96786
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX
Video Recording of Meeting Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0XxqHl9rsE
Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Yd5HUNwQV4zDLyFMyvEkED-_DA0Xxgd7
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:25]
Chair Ishikawa called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Neighborhood Assistant Rachel Cristobal conducted a roll call [0:00:47]. Quorum WAS established with seven (7) members present [0:01:24]. Note: This nine (9) member Board requires five (5) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.
Board Members Present: Jeanne Ishikawa, TJ Cuaresma, Michele Umaki, Jyun Yamamoto, Matthew Kirk, Dean Harvest, Joe Francher, and Silvia Manley-Koch (joined at 7:10 p.m.).
Board Members Absent: Erin Mendelson.
Guests: Honolulu Police Department; Adam Pike (U.S. Army); James Newman (United States Navy); Bryan Cheplic (Navy Closure Task Force); Deputy Director Kevin Auger (Mayor Blangiardi); Kelly Anaya (Councilmember Weyer); Malachi Burrows (Senator Dela Cruz); Robin Kalohelani (Queen’s Medical Center); Fawn Yamada, Andy Hirano (State Department of Transportation); Evelyn, Lei Learmont, and Marcy Healey (Residents and Guests); Rachel Cristobal (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 34 total participants.
II. FIRST RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:01:30]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:01:33]: No representative present.
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KjJAMqLqHN2ejRaUgV2l_atA8_915CxF/view?usp=drive_link
Request for Moment of Silence for Fallen FireFighters – [0:01:44]: Member Harvest made a request for the Board to take a moment of silence for the fallen firefighters. Pro Tem Chair Ishikawa informed the Board that there has been a request to have a motion to have a moment of silence for the fallen firefighters in the mainland, which has recently happened [0:2:20]. Member Umaki SECONDED the motion [0:02:40] and a voice vote was conducted by Pro Tem Chair Ishikawa [0:02:41]. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-0-0 (Aye: Ishikawa, Cuaresma, Umaki, Yamamoto, Harvest, Kirk, and Francher; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [0:02:45]. Member Harvest provided a few words and the Board did a moment of silence.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:03:55]: The Lieutenant provided the monthly statistics from Monday, July 1 to Monday, July 15, 2024. The safety tip for the month was a reminder to the community that school will be starting soon, so families should educate their children to not talk to strangers. He also informed the community that there are indivuals on the streets selling fake or stolen jewelry.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:05:09]
Member Manley-Koch joined at 7:10 p.m.; 8 members present.
III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND CONFIRMATION OF BOARD DETAILS – [0:08:38]
Confirmation of Board Details – [0:08:38]: Pro Tem Chair Ishikawa asked the Board if there is a motion to retain the following details for the rest of the term:
● Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Format of the Board Meetings
● Recess Schedule: April, August, and December
● Rules of Participation, Time Limits for Speakers and Presenters
● Videotaping of Board Meetings via `Olelo Broadcast Program
MOVED by Member Francher and SECONDED by Member Harvest to keep the listed items to remain the same for the rest of the term [0:09:22]. Hearing no discussion; A voice vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Ishikawa, Cuaresma, Umaki, Yamamoto, Kirk, Harvest, Manley-Koch, and Francher; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [0:09:38].
Election of Officers – [0:10:12]: Pro Tem Chair Ishikawa asked the Board if anyone would like to make a motion to keep the current officers to remain in their positions for the remainder of the term. MOVED by Member Francher and SECONDED by Member Harvest to keep the current officers for the rest of the term [0:10:26]. Hearing no discussions; a voice vote was conducted and the motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Ishikawa, Cuaresma, Umaki, Yamamoto, Kirk, Harvest, Manley-Koch, and Francher; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [0:10:37]
Moving Presentations Up – [0:10:47]: Pro Tem Chair Ishikawa asked the Board if they are okay to cover presentations now due to Robin from Queen’s Medical Center being able to attend the meeting for a few minutes. Hearing no objections, presentations were moved up.
VI. PRESENTATIONS – [0:11:06]
Update on Queen’s Medical Center Wahiawa – [0:11:06]: Robin Kalohelani reported that since the opening on Thursday, May 30, 2024 the emergency department has seen significant activity. In the first two days, 63 patients were treated, and as of now, a total of 2,280 patients have been served. Approximately 7% of these patients require admission to Queens facilities in either the west campus or Manamana, while the rest were directed to Kapiʻolani, Pali Momi, or Kaiser as needed. The department has been receiving an average of 13 to 15 ambulances daily, indicating strong community support. Overall, operations have been smooth, with initial challenges addressed promptly to ensure ongoing success.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:12:50]
IV. MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:23:52]
Congressmember Jill Tokuda – [0:23:56]: Nicole Gray announced that Representative Tokuda recently introduced the Lahaina National Heritage Act, which aims to designate Lahaina as a national heritage area in collaboration with local partners. Representative Tokuda also proposed the Native Arts and Culture Promotion Act to expand grant access for Native Hawaiian organizations involved in cultural and artistic endeavors, addressing previous barriers. In addition, Representative Tokuda visited Koʻolauloa Health Center and Queenʻs Medical Center in Wahiawā, organized talk story sessions with healthcare providers and stakeholders to address rural community needs.
● Community Project Funding Disclosures: https://tokuda.house.gov/community-project-funding-disclosures
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:26:27]
United States Army – [0:28:01]: Adam Pike announced that the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii is hosting a job fair on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at Radford High School, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It’s open to the public with job offers and provisional hiring available onsite. There was an update on army training activities at Schofield Barracks, which included artillery and mortar training from Wednesday, July 31, 2024 to Friday, August 2, 2024 day and night exercises. Adam informed that the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for army training land retention is open for public review until Wednesday, August 7, 2024, allowing comments via the Oʻahu EIS project website.
● July Training Advisory: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xYu3PHCqUyDsHc40h30o4GjtS1FZvKXQ/view?usp=drive_link
● Oʻahu EIS Project Website: https://home.army.mil/hawaii/OahuEIS/project-home
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:30:36]
United States Navy – [0:38:59]: James Newman shared that Bryan Cheplic from the Navy Closure Task Force will be presenting. Bryan introduced himself and provided details on the items below.
● Navy Closure Task Force – Red Hill: https://www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil/
● Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF) Closure Plan: https://cnrh.cnic.navy.mil/Operations-and-Management/Red-Hill/DEPARTMENT-OF-THE-NAVY-CLOSURE-PLAN-RED-HILL-BULK-FUEL-STORAGE-FACILITY/
● Public Open House: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the Moanalua Community Center from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
● Weekly Moʻolelo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16XqJWd_5ukP2veuPrR9mUdtbvmmB8lm8/view?usp=drive_link
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:46:54]: No representative present.
State Department of Transportation (HDOT) – [0:47:15]: Fawn Yamada announced that Andy Hirano, an Engineer, has also joined the meeting to provide updates on the Pedestrian Bridge Project. Andy updated that there was contamination on the agribusiness property that requires soil sampling starting Monday, July 29, 2024 for grubbing and site work, with sampling continuing into early August and results expected by month-end. Kiewit, the design build contractor, needs these results for developing drawings of the pedestrian bridge and walkway access points. Proposed lighting standards along the walkway have been suggested but await updated drawings. Safety concerns about security at the bridge due to homeless and drug dealers were addressed, with no plans for a security station; issues should be reported to public affairs or the police. The next public meeting for the project, focusing on design details, is anticipated in September, pending Kiewit’s scheduling.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:51:34]
V. RESIDENT CONCERNS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:05:32] – Hearing none.
VII. ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:06:04]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [1:06:19]: Kevin Auger reported that there was a follow-up on extending 24-hour service for bus route 52 (Honolulu-Mililani-Haleiwa). The Department of Transportation Services responded that currently, there are no plans to implement 24-hour service due to ridership patterns. The bus currently operates from 4:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m., with peak ridership between 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Eastbound ridership decreases after 7:30 p.m., and westbound after 9:30 p.m. DTS is open to evaluating additional trips if more details on ridership and stop locations are provided. Additionally, there were observations on the conditions of Mango Street and Avocado properties, with plans to share findings with the Mayor’s office.
● Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IMw-MRQ4hVummYRqLavayAbaklzXzpWd/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:10:07]
Councilmember Matt Weyer – [1:20:00]: This item was discussed later in the meeting.
Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:20:00]: No representative present.
Senator Donovan Dela Cruz – [1:20:18]: Malachi Burrows reported that Senator Dela Cruz has several legislative updates. Governor’s vetoes included cuts to House Bill 2619, reducing biosecurity funding, yet leaving about $10 million for invasive species responses. Governor Green released $18 million on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 for Leilehua High School’s admin building, previously held in his office. The senator also attended the National Forum on Education Policy in Washington DC, discussing workforce development and supporting emerging industries like agriculture. Lastly, efforts are underway to address issues at the Mingo Street property, leased to Achieve Zero, with plans to reclaim the state land despite financial complications.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:25:31]
Councilmember Matt Weyer – [1:29:00]: Kelly Anaya reported that the City Council has passed Resolution 24143, which establishes a Gameroom Task Force with five members: one each from the Honolulu Police Department, the Department of Planning and Permitting, and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, plus two council-appointed members. Budget updates include funding for pedestrian improvements on California Avenue, upgrades to the skate park at District Park, and various wastewater treatment plant enhancements, including storm drain plans and facility improvements.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:31:13]
Representative Amy Perruso – [1:33:01]: No representative present.
VIII. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:33:17]
Approval of Minutes Regular Meeting of Monday, June 17, 2024 – [1:33:19]: MOVED by Member Francher and SECONDED by Member Umaki to approve the Monday, June 17, 2024 regular meeting minutes [1:33:25]. There was no discussion. The motion was ADOPTED 8-0-0 (Aye: Ishikawa, Cuaresma, Francher, Umaki, Yamamoto, Harvest, Kirk, and Manley-Koch; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [1:34:18].
Chairʻs Report and Board Actions – [1:34:19]
● Call for Disclosure by Board Members (meetings, events, etc.) – [1:34:28]: A few members announced which meetings/events that they had attended.
● Interest on Joining the Stormwater and Wastewater Taskforce Group – [1:36:50]: Chair Ishikawa announced that the Department of Facility Maintenance are looking for Board Members that are interested in joining the Stormwater and Wastewater Taskforce Group. Members Cuaresma, Umaki, and Francher showed interest [1:37:48].
Committee Reports – [1:39:20]:
Education: Silvia Koch, Committee Chair – No report.
Military: Jeanne Ishikawa, Committee Chair – A brief announcement regarding the army will be helping with the 75th anniversary of the swimming pool.
Transportation/OMPO: Joe Francher, Committee Chair – No report.
Water: Jeanne Ishikawa, Committee Chair – No report.
Hawaiian Affairs: Dean Harvest, Committee Chair – No report.
IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:40:01]
Board Meetings: The Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board will be on recess for the month of August 2024. We will resume meetings on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wahiawā District Park’s Hale Koa Meeting Room. Please check the Neighborhood Commission Office website for updates.
75th Anniversary of the Wahiawā War Memorial Swimming Pool: August 31, 2024. 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Wahiawā Lions Club is hosting the 75th Anniversary of the Wahiawā War Memorial Swimming Pool at the Wahiawā District Park, the first public swimming pool built in the City & County of Honolulu. The pool was built in memory of those brave, young soldiers from Wahiawā who served in the 442nd and 100th Battalions, who lost their lives in the battle of World War II. This event is open to the public: Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Royal Hawaiian Band will be performing at this event.
Here are the names of the 21 Wahiawā fallen soldiers listed on the plaque at the Wahiawa War Memorial Swimming Pool 1949:
ENDO, MASAHARU KUBOYAMA, MITSUHARU
FUKUNAGA, CHESTER LIM, DANIEL
HAN, ROBERT McELDOWNEY, ROBERT
HAYAKAWA, HARRY SIMPSON, WELDON
HIRATANI, HIMEO SUWA, RICHARD N.
IKEHARA, KIKUICHIRO SWAIN, WESLEY B.
IRWIN, WILLIAM SWEET, ROBERT
IWAHIRO, KUMAO TAGAMI, YOSHIO
JOHNSON, ROBERT TANJI, MITSUO
KODA, KIICHI YAMASHITA, KAZUO
YAMAUCHI, JERRY
The City’s People’s Open Market: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Wahiawā District Park. (Note; People’s Open Market is temporarily being held in the parking lot on Kilani Avenue, by the swimming pool.)
Information Contacts:
A. City Streets Pothole Hotline: #768.7777
B. State Streets Pothole Hotline: #536.7852
C. HART Maintained Roads Pothole Hotline: #566.2299
D. City’s Refuse Inspector Office #768-5220.
E. Schofield Noise Complaints: #656.3487 (email: usaghi.comrel@gmail.com) or the 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office at (808) 655-4756 or email usaghi.comrel@gmail.com.
Message From NB26 To Our Community: Chair Ishikawa informed that for the month August 2024, the Neighborhood Board will be recessed.
X. ADJOURNMENT – [1:44:56]
The meeting adjourned at 8:52 P.M.
Submitted by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, 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.