6:00 PMSportsArtsFood
15. Kalihi-Pālama NB Regular Meeting
Kapālama Hale Room 153, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Room 153, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817, United States, Honolulu
KALIHI - PĀLAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 15
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026 AT 6:00 P.M.
KAPĀLAMA HALE, 925 DILLINGHAM BOULEVARD, ROOM 153
HONOLULU, HI 96817
AND VIRTUAL VIA WEBEX
WebEx Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m87b646203f9cad03ba885a37cda93aaf
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2495 468 8292
Password: NB15 (6215 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
Meeting Materials: Find a monthly archive of handouts and referenced materials concerning to Kalihi-Palāma Neighborhood Board No. 15 at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jZWmXmsk6bquFmxc5Ch_JqHL1wlHZrRL
Recordings: Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice
Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to click the “raise hand” icon, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Remarks should not exceed one minute-thirty seconds and one question per speaker, additional questions be posted in the chat or emailed to presenters. Please ensure your microphone is muted unless you are speaking. Please state your first and last name for the record before moving into your comments/question, etc. Written testimony may also be submitted via email using the contact information listed on the Neighborhood Commission Office website.
Purpose: The purpose of neighborhood boards and the neighborhood plan is to increase and assure effective citizen participation in the decisions of government.
Notes: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote, nine (9) of this thirteen (13) member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Adding an item to the agenda, however, is not permitted if 1. The item to be added is of reasonably major importance and 2. Action on the item by the Board will affect a significant number of persons.
Determination of whether a specific matter may be added to an agenda must be done on a case-by-case basis. Please silence all electronic devices.
I. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Evelyn Cullen
A. Roll Call
II. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS: Three (3) minutes each
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department – District 1
C. Honolulu Police Department – District 5
D. Board of Water Supply – Iris Oda
E. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) – Gabby Camacho
III. RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Three (3) Minutes each): Meeting participants may present their community concerns at this time. Note – Due to the State “Sunshine Law,” concerns not listed on the agenda may be presented, but no Board action can be taken. Items brought up may be placed on a future agenda for discussion/action.
IV. PRESENTATIONS (Limited to maximum 10-Minute Presentation)
A. Costco Presentation – Former Sizzler/Burger King Site, Ernie Martin, Atty. representing Costco
B. H1 Widening Project – Honua Consulting, Patrick Watson
V. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS: Three (3) minutes each
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Deputy Director Stephen Courtney, Department of Information Technology (DIT)
B. Councilmember Radiant Cordero
C. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam
VI. COMMUNITY UPDATES
A. U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Military Report – Selina Gentkowski
VII. STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS: Three (3) minutes each
A. Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13)
B. Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14)
C. Senator Glenn Wakai (District 15)
D. Representative Michael “Cov” Ratcliffe (District 28)
E. Representative Shirley Templo (House District 30)
F. Governor Josh Green’s MD Representative – Dreana Kalili, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT)
VIII. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS
A. Congressman Ed Case – Tristan Fujimoto
IX. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Filling of Two (2) At-Large Vacancies
B. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 and Wednesday, April 15, 2026
C. Neighborhood Plan §2-14-106 Three Absences Notice for Board Member – Ken Farm
D. Neighborhood Plan §2-14-106 Three Absences Notice for Board Member – Erich Mitamura
E. Neighborhood Plan §2-14-106 Three Absences Notice for Board Member – Randy Jadulang
F. Resolution Addressing Ongoing Safety and Nuisance Concerns at 901 Gulick Avenue
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 will recess its regular meeting in June 2026. The next Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting is scheduled to be on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Kapālama Hale, Room 153.
B. The Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 recordings can be seen on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 or at www.olelo.org/live at the following times: 1st Monday of each month at 9:00 p.m. and 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 11:00 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, Hawaiʻi 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 https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.
All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, or email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov, or complete the form on https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/board-testimony.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer than three (3) business days remaining before the meeting, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but it may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
KALIHI WAENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY
1240 GULICK AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96819
AND VIRTUAL VIA WEBEX
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLSaBNL4x9U
Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jZWmXmsk6bquFmxc5Ch_JqHL1wlHZrRL
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:12]: Chair Cullen called the Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
A. Roll Call – [0:00:38]: Quorum was not established at the start of the meeting with four members present. Chair Cullen also announced the Rules of Speaking. Note: This 13-member Board requires 7 members to establish a quorum and to take official action. The Board proceeded informally until quorum was confirmed.
Members Present: Evelyn Cullen, Diosa Mae, Lloyd Pohano, Lynn Vasquez, Evangeline Tolete (6:02 p.m.), Patricia Hoopii (6:06 p.m.), and Donald Guerrero (6:13 p.m.).
Members Absent: Ken Farm, Randy Jadulang, Willis Moore, and Erich Mitamura.
Guests: Fire Fighter J. Irvine (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Piros (Honolulu Police Department – District 5); Sergeant Lyle Wakabayashi (Honolulu Police Department – District 1); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Gabrielle Camacho (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation); Deputy Director Stephen Courtney(Mayor's Representative); Councilmember Radiant Cordero; Lynn Robinson (Office of Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Selena Gentkowski (U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi); Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14); Senator Glenn Wakai (District 15); Representative Michael "Cov" Ratcliffe (District 28); Dre Kalili (Governor’s Representative); Haleina Beltran (Office of Senator Rhoads); Office of Representative Templo; Dale Vanderbrink (Ala Moana Neighborhood Board); Jesica Daga and Toru Matthew(Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union); Patrick Watson (Honua Consulting); Dan Larkin (Principal, Kalihi Waena Elementary School); Fata Fatea, Kirsten Liana, Lisa Rene Jaso, Donald Sakamoto (Citizens for a Fair ADA Ride), Dana Yap, P.M. Azinga, Patrick Smith, Thomas Beck, Alan Kumalae, Ronald Higa, An Vo, Dana Yap, Patrick Smith, Cardenas Pintor, Lex Ahu Isa, Thomas Beck, Kekoa Kealoha, T. Nakamatsu (Residents and Community Members); ʻŌlelo Virtual; Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Names were not included if not legible. There were approximately 50 total attendees.
II. FILLING OF ONE (1) AT-LARGE VACANCY – [0:02:40]: This item was postponed to the next meeting due to the lack of quorum.
III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – [0:02:51]: This item was postponed to the next meeting due to the lack of quorum.
IV. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:03:01]
A. Honolulu Fire Department – [0:03:12]: Fire Fighter J. Irvine reported March 2026 statistics: one structure fire, zero wildland or brush fires, two cooking fires, five nuisance fires, 26 activated alarms with no fires, 207 medical emergencies, two motor vehicle collisions with a pedestrian, seven motor vehicle crash collisions, no mountain or ocean rescues, and two hazardous material incidents. He also shared the monthly fire safety tip on evacuation planning, urging residents to create an emergency preparedness plan with at least two escape routes, a meeting place, and a go bag, while staying informed via hnlert.gov and accessing additional resources at honolulu.gov/dem/buildakit.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i_pulxbJQQJjIkhHFjHcLNFXlSqxwFGM/view?usp=drive_link
Member Tolete joined the meeting at 6:02 p.m. – 5 members present.
A. Honolulu Police Department – District 1 – [0:06:06]: Hearing no objections, Chair Cullen moved to the Honolulu Police Department District 5 report, noting the Board could return to District 1, as Sergeant Lyle Wakabayashi was present online but experiencing audio issues.
Member Hoopii joined the meeting at 6:06 p.m. – 6 members present.
Member Guerrero joined the meeting at 6:13 p.m. – 7 members present. The Board established quorum.
B. Honolulu Police Department – District 5 – [0:06:38]: Sergeant Piros reported March 2026 statistics: five aggravated assaults (compared to three in February), 14 auto thefts (compared to 10), 13 burglaries (compared to 12), two robberies (compared to one), two sex assault cases (compared to one), 12 assault cases (compared to six), 25 theft cases (compared to 20), six unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (compared to two), and 2,683 total calls for service (compared to 2,557 in February).
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:08:03]
1. Game Rooms Near Schools and Fine Cap Increase: P.M. Azinga raised concerns about the number of game rooms operating near schools in the district, requesting that the principal be notified when police conduct raids and that those raids be scheduled after school hours. She also noted that the current $150,000 fine cap on landlords who allow game rooms is insufficient, as game rooms can earn $10,000 a day, and requested the fine be raised to $500,000. Sergeant Piros acknowledged the concerns, confirmed the department has been successful in permanently shutting down game rooms in the Kalihi area, and committed to passing the requests to his command.
[0:11:06] Hearing no objections, Chair Cullen took the agenda out of order to hear Item IV-B: Honolulu Police Department District 1.
Honolulu Police Department – District 1 – [0:11:13]: Sergeant Lyle Wakabayashi reported March 2026 statistics: three motor vehicle thefts (compared to one in February), one burglary (compared to zero), two thefts (same as February), zero unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (compared to one), two assaults (compared to one), zero sex assaults, zero graffiti, one drug case (compared to two), 17 motor vehicle collisions (compared to 14), and 300 total calls for service (compared to 304 in February).
[0:12:43] Hearing no objections, Chair Cullen continued with City Monthly Reports hearing Item IV-D: Board of Water Supply.
C. Board of Water Supply – [0:12:53]: Iris Oda reported four main breaks in the Kalihi-Pālama area during March 2026: on Monday, March 2, 2026 near 1814 Democrat Street; on Monday, March 9, 2026 near 1159 Gulick Avenue; on Thursday, March 19, 2026 near 1305 Nakuina Street; and on Friday, March 20, 2026 near 1302 Nakuina Street. She also announced that Sunday, April 12, 2026 to Saturday, April 18, 2026 is Detect-a-Leak Week, encouraging residents to fix household leaks to conserve water and reduce utility bills, with a free outreach event offering toilet leak detection dye tablets on Sunday, April 18, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kahala Mall. She also provided follow-up answers regarding a water main replacement project on Kaili Street and Beckley Street anticipated to begin within six months, facility tour requests available by emailing kpahinui@hbws.org, and a correction that the January main break occurred on January 15, 2026 near 909 Kaʻamahu Place with the cause still undetermined.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gzx7GcNJhbvc6uTbUGlzHtQuRcnq_9aA/view?usp=drive_link
[0:18:33] Chair Cullen announced that quorum was established with 7 members present.
D. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) – [0:18:56]: Gabby Camacho reported that the first guideway column of Segment 3 was completed near Nimitz Highway and Fort Street, standing as the first of 148 columns with an underground shaft exceeding 100 feet deep, while foundation work for the Chinatown Station also began this month. She announced that the second neighborhood design workshop for the Mokauea and Kūwili Stations is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Honolulu Community College Cafeteria, where attendees can review prior feedback, view updated renderings, and submit input. She also noted that the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation monitors weather service announcements and takes precautionary measures during storms, including securing work zones and clearing drainage systems.
V. RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:22:16]
1. Kalihi Valley Athletic Club – Care Week: Faatea Faatea introduced the Kalihi Valley Athletic Club’s "Care Week," a community sporting event running from Monday, May 4, 2026 to Saturday, May 9, 2026, featuring kickball, basketball, volleyball, softball, and pickleball, with opening ceremonies at Kalihi Valley District Park and closing ceremonies at Kalākaua District Park. He shared that the event aims to foster relationships, unite churches, address crime through community building, and provide job opportunities, including a job fair on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Kalākaua District Park.
2. Kalihi Waena Elementary School Updates: Principal Dan Larkin thanked the community for their support and highlighted the successful Farrington Alumni Governor’s Bash, while announcing the first Farrington Complex-wide elementary esports tournament on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Kalākaua Middle School with 66 student participants. He noted that graduation will be held the second Saturday before the end of May and reminded residents that statewide testing runs through the second-to-last week of May, requesting they avoid school campuses between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. during that period. Member Hoopii echoed appreciation for the Governor’s Bash and congratulated Member Diosa and the Farrington groups for their efforts.
3. H1 Gulick Street Overpass Closure Presentation Request: Patrick Watson requested to present at the next meeting on the H1 Ola Lane to Likelike Highway project’s construction impacts near Kalihi Waena Elementary School, including traffic plans, project timeline, and contact information, noting the Gulick Street overpass closure is estimated to begin in late June 2026, subject to change due to recent storm impacts. Chair Cullen agreed to add the item to the next agenda and invited Board members and community members to submit questions in advance.
4. Saturday Events and Traffic Notice: Dana Yap announced several events on Saturday, April 18, 2026 that may impact traffic in the area including the Kapālama Kai community cleanup from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; a memorial service at the Farrington High School auditorium from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for Coach Harry Pacarro; and an event at Bishop Museum. He encouraged community members to be aware of potential traffic.
5. Cardenas Pintor’s Resignation from Neighborhood Board: Cardenas Pintor, formerly a Board member, addressed the Board from the audience to announce his resignation from the Neighborhood Board the prior week. He expressed gratitude for the experience and thanked everyone who supported and elected him.
6. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Rail Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Accessibility Concerns: Lisa Rene Jaso, a legally blind Kalihi resident, raised concerns about the rail system’s non-compliance, noting nine months of unsuccessful attempts to get a response from the City or the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, and emphasized that unsafe sidewalks and rail access points affect both people with disabilities and children walking to nearby schools.
7. Ongoing Nuisance Near Hawaiian Snow: Kirsten Liana appeared for the fourth time to report that the ongoing nuisance near Hawaiian Snow at the corner of Gulick Avenue and Waterhouse Street has worsened, with the area now becoming a known gathering spot with increased loitering, drinking, smoking, and public urination. She noted that on the night of Saturday, April 4, 2026 into the early morning of Sunday, April 5, 2026, two separate fights occurred in the area, one of which resulted in a stabbing. She also raised concerns about inconsistency in dispatch response, with more pushback during daytime calls. She noted she submitted a proposed resolution to Chair Cullen and requested it be reviewed for placement on the next agenda. Chair Cullen acknowledged the concern and committed to allowing City representatives to respond during their reports.
8. Traffic Warning Near Farrington High School: Member Hoopii provided a fair warning to community members that sheriffs are stationed at the entrance to Farrington High School on King Street from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will issue citations to vehicles turning into the school during those hours.
9. Inaccessible Bus Stops: Donald Sakamoto, president of Citizens for a Fair Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Ride and a 26-year paratransit rider, highlighted inaccessible bus stops along the Dillingham Boulevard construction area, and urged the Mayor’s Representative and City Council to take action before someone is injured.
VI. PRESENTATIONS – [0:43:17]
A. Resolution Urging the Establishment of a Vacant Lot Property Tax Surcharge – Dale Vanderbrink (Ala Moana Neighborhood Board) – [0:43:37]: Dale Vanderbrink, Second Vice Chair of the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board, presented a resolution urging a vacant lot property tax surcharge targeting corporations and high-net-worth individuals in urban areas near the rail corridor, noting that vacant and abandoned lots create public safety hazards including homeless encampments, fire risks, and vandalism. He noted that the proposed surcharge would increase over time for lots vacant five or more years, with an initial grace period for owners to develop or find active use, generating new City revenue if development does not occur. Chair Cullen noted the item was for presentation and discussion only, and a motion was made to add it to the next month's agenda.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LsmgN81iFP4pwq3-slAbubW3j2XdLeoI/view?usp=drive_link
B. Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union – [0:53:57]: Jesica Daga of the Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union (HSFCU) Kapahulu branch presented an overview of their services which is member-owned and open to State and City and County of Honolulu employees and their immediate family members across 14 branch locations. She noted that they offer a range of financial products including personal, auto, home, and business loans, with highlights including a 2.5% cash back credit card with no annual fee and a new Always Savings Account offering 5% interest on balances up to $5,000. She also added that new members who open a savings account, checking account, and debit card may receive a $50 promotional bonus. Lastly, she shared that in 2025, Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union employees volunteered 1,584 hours and contributed $379,354 to support local communities.
VII. CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS – [0:57:47]
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative – Deputy Director Stephen Courtney, Department of Information Technology (DIT) – [0:58:04]: Deputy Director Stephen Courtney reported that the City is actively conducting cleanup and recovery efforts following three consecutive severe weather systems, with a recovery website launched at oneoahu.org where residents can report home damage, find assistance, and access health and safety tips, while storm debris may be brought to City transfer stations open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. He highlighted several initiatives from the Mayor’s March 2026 newsletter, including a new Ememrgency Medical Technician (EMT) training academy, the Green Recycling Organic Waste (GROW) food scrap composting pilot program, new affordable kūpuna housing in ʻEwa, a community input process for selecting the next Police Chief, and increased Skyline ridership following the passage of Bill 60. He also addressed an ongoing public nuisance at Gulick Avenue and Waterhouse Street, advising residents to call 911 when criminal activity is observed, and encouraged the use of the HNL 311 app for non-emergency reporting.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:03:26]
1. Ongoing Nuisance Near Hawaiian Snow – Follow-Up: Chair Cullen invited Board members to discuss how to move Kirsten Liana’s concern forward. A motion was made to add her resolution to the next month’s agenda. Member Hoopii noted that Liana had raised the same concern four times and urged the Mayor’s office, City Council, and other officials to take prompt action rather than deferring the matter to future meetings.
2. Abandoned Vehicles: Member Hoopii raised concerns about abandoned vehicles on Kalihi Street, Mokauea Street and Democrat Street that have been parked for months, preventing residents from parking near their homes. Deputy Director Courtney suggested using the HNL 311 app to report the vehicles.
3. HNL 311 App Overview: Member Diosa asked Deputy Director Courtney to explain the HNL 311 app, which he described as a phone application where residents can report non-emergency issues such as broken street lights, illegal dumping, and potholes by taking a photo, tagging the location, and selecting from preset issue categories. He also noted that reports are automatically routed to the appropriate City Department without the user needing to identify which department handles the issue.
B. Councilmember Radiant Cordero – [1:11:00]: Councilmember Cordero addressed abandoned vehicle concerns by expressing support for expanding the large vehicle and boat removal contract in the upcoming budget cycle, and apologized to Kirsten Liana for delays while noting her office has been coordinating with the Department of Planning and Permitting and Honolulu Police Department to address the nuisance at Gulick Avenue and Waterhouse Street. She explained that Department of Planning and Permitting cannot issue a notice of violation since the nuisance is not caused by the Hawaiian Snow business itself, and that her staff will work with Honolulu Police Department to review property setback maps and determine enforcement options, including potentially having the property owner trespass the individuals. She also shared updates on HNL Alerts and HNL 311, submitted a request for tennis court lighting at Kalākaua District Park, noted the Kalihi Ahupuaʻa bike ride has been rescheduled with details available on her social media and website, and provided information on budget amendments being submitted on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cQF-GCplTQoozlmlpxRbYUqkkf-HwVDr/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:18:39]
1. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Rail Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Violations: Lisa Rene Jaso asked why Councilmember Cordero’s office had not followed up on the rail Americans with Disabilities violations since September, noting that a staff member told her the issues were fixed when they were not. Councilmember Cordero acknowledged the concern, noted the office had referred the matter to Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation in November, and committed to following up for a status update.
2. Property Responsibility at Gulick and Waterhouse – Ongoing Nuisance: Kirsten Liana asked for clarification on whether the responsibility for the nuisance gatherings falls on the Hawaiian Snow property owner or the City, based on a prior meeting’s discussion that the area is partially City property. Councilmember Cordero explained she plans to sit down with Honolulu Police Department to review the Department of Planning and Permitting setback map and use that information to determine enforcement options on both the unimproved sidewalk and the private property, and reiterated that the property owner trespassing those individuals is also part of the solution.
C. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [1:23:40]: Lynn Robinson reported that the Department of Design and Construction began parking lot improvements at Beretania Community Park on Monday, April 13, 2026, with construction running 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for approximately one year, during which the lot will be closed, and upon completion will feature 56 public stalls, 15 maintenance stalls, Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliant upgrades, and four new white shower trees; questions about the project may be directed to the Department of Design and Construction at 808-768-8400. She also endorsed the HNL 311 app for reporting non-emergency issues and encouraged District 6 residents to contact Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s office if issues remain unresolved.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:27:07]
1. Game Rooms – Legislative Follow-Up: Patrick Smith asked whether there had been any proposals to increase fines or occupancy repercussions for game rooms. Lynn Robinson confirmed that Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam has collaborated with the Honolulu Police Department Narco-Vice Unit and Department of Planning and Permitting for two years on a multi-pronged enforcement approach, whereby narco-vice gathers evidence and the Department of Planning and Permitting issues notices of violation with significant fines to landlords of illegal game rooms. She also shared that residents may report game rooms anonymously to the Councilmember's office or narco-vice.
VIII. COMMUNITY UPDATES – [1:30:00]
A. U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Military Report – [1:30:30]: Selena Gentkowski of the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Public Affairs Office announced two upcoming public hiring fairs on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 and Monday, May 18, 2026 at Aliamanu Military Reservation, running from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with applicants advised to bring two references, proof of identification, a social security card, and a resume, and benefits including retirement, recreational facilities, discounted childcare, and commissary and Post Exchange privileges. She also noted that prescribed burns at Schofield Barracks ranges were rescheduled to Monday, May 11, 2026 to Friday, May 15, 2026 due to overly wet conditions.
IX. STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS – [1:32:05]
A. Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13) – [1:32:14]: Haleina Beltran reported that Senator Rhoads is focused on health issues, noting confirmed measles cases in Hawaiʻi and urged residents to ensure their Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is up to date, as well as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and flu vaccinations for those 60 and older. She also introduced WastewaterSCAN.org, a website that tests wastewater across zip codes to help residents monitor infectious disease prevalence in their area.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cULyP-n_JASsZnSnIPT4Ps1m_sqU9bJh/view?usp=drive_link
B. Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14) – [1:34:06]: Senator Kim reported key legislative deadlines, noting that the final deadline for bills to move back to their respective houses is Thursday, April 16, 2026, with conference running from Monday, April 20, 2026 through Friday, May 1, 2026. She provided bill updates including Senate Bill 2877, Senate Concurrent Resolutions 197 and 199, and Senate Bill 2657. She also announced a town hall co-hosted with Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Kapalama Elementary School cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Lastly, she noted that A+ registration begins Wednesday, April 22, 2026 and Art at the Capitol will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G8Iyeese2eOBJDPAgJLkt9O5WRKd1sO2/view?usp=drive_link
C. Senator Glenn Wakai (District 15) – [1:39:41]: Senator Wakai reported that the Legislature is in its final stages, highlighting efforts to preserve the 2024 historic tax cuts (Act 46) which would reduce state income tax from $5,000 to $1,400 for individuals earning approximately $90,000, with the Senate proposing to fund continued tax relief by cutting government vacancies unfilled for five or more years rather than pursuing tax increases. He also noted the passage of a bill to significantly reduce vehicle registration fees for Oʻahu residents, who currently pay $300 to $500 compared to under $100 on neighbor islands, and recognized Farrington student Aaliyah Gabriel for her service as an ambassador to Okinawa through the Pacific Asian Affairs Council.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WHftveOYCiMAZ6WjYjFLdGzl1pG2ktYV/view?usp=drive_link
Member Hoopii left the meeting at 6:43 p.m. – 6 members present. The Board lost quorum.
D. Representative Shirley Templo (House District 30) – [1:43:03]: Representative Templo’s representative reported that the Legislature is in the crossover phase finalizing the supplemental budget, with community survey results identifying cost of living and public safety as top concerns, followed by education and affordable housing, and a community literacy labs bill still moving through the Legislature. The representative also announced that Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority Section 8 applications will open on Monday, April 20, 2026, that the Kalihi Safety Task Force will meet on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Parents and Children Together (PACT), and extended congratulations to newly appointed Representative Michael Ratcliffe.
E. Governor Josh Green's MD Representative – Dre Kalili, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) – [1:46:46]: Dre Kalili noted that the administration has been focused on storm preparedness and recovery across the state over the past month. She also announced the 2026 Hawaiʻi Quality of Life Survey, available to all state residents at www.health-study.com, and encouraged all residents to participate.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:47:46]
1. Governor Green's Clean Energy Agenda and Natural Gas Contract: Thomas Beck asked whether Governor Green’s 2030 clean energy agenda remains in effect, citing a reported contract with a Japanese company to supply natural gas to Hawaiian Electric, which he noted appears inconsistent with a 100% carbon-free goal. Dre Kalili stated she would check with the Governor’s office and provide a written response ahead of the next meeting.
Member Guerrero left the meeting at 7:49 p.m. – 5 members present.
F. Newly Appointed Representative Michael "Cov" Ratcliffe (House District 28) – [1:49:09]: Representative Ratcliffe introduced himself as the newly appointed State House Representative for District 28, appointed on Monday, April 13, 2026, thanking Chair Cullen for her questions at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Iwilei Station town hall, congratulating Member Diosa on the Governor’s Bash, and acknowledging Representative Templo for drafting a Tamashiro Marketplace certificate. He also noted a bill establishing that a majority of filled seats shall constitute quorum for Neighborhood Boards when vacancies exist.
X. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS – [1:52:47]
A. Congressman Ed Case – Tristan Fujimoto – [1:52:48]: No representative was present.
XI. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:52:59]
A. Neighborhood Plan §2-14-106 Three Absences Notice for Board Member – Ken Farm – [1:53:08]: Patrick Smith, Neighborhood Commission Chair, explained that under the Neighborhood Plan, the Chair should ask the member in question if they wish to make a reply, and if not present, the Chair may call for a motion to vacate the seat. A motion was made to table the matter to the next month's meeting due to lack of quorum.
B. Neighborhood Plan §2-14-106 Three Absences Notice for Board Member – Erich Mitamura – [1:55:34]: This item was postponed to the next meeting due to the lack of quorum.
C. Re-Establishment of Committees and Committee Chairs – [1:55:54]: This item was postponed to the next meeting due to the lack of quorum.
D. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – [1:56:15]: This item was postponed to the next meeting due to the lack of quorum.
XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [1:56:52]: Chair Cullen announced that the next Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Kalihi Waena Elementary School Library. She also shared that the Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board No. 15 recordings can be seen on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 or at www.olelo.org/live at the following times: 1st Monday of each month at 9:00 p.m. and 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT – [1:57:18]: The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
Submitted by: Melissa Urubio, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Robert Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Finalized by: Evelyn Cullen, Chair
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.
