No 20 ʻAiea Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Aiea Neighborhood Board Meeting
Board Member Roll Call and Quorum
The meeting began with a roll call of board members, confirming resignations, absences, and newly filled vacancies. A total of 11 members were confirmed present, establishing the quorum necessary to proceed. The chair noted that member Joe Banks had resigned and that absent members had provided notifications. This initial step ensured that official business could be conducted.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
A representative from the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) presented the October 2025 neighborhood board report. He reviewed incident statistics for the Aiea geographical area, emphasizing that there were zero structure fires, three brush fires, six nuisance fires, zero cooking fires, and seven false alarms over the previous month. He then detailed emergency response operations, reporting 105 medical calls, two motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians, 12 vehicle crashes, and no mountain or ocean rescues. The firefighter provided an overview of how damage estimates are calculated and invited the community to reference HFD’s Fire Response Search tool for further details. The department reiterated that suspicious or illegal burns related to homeless encampments should be reported both to HFD for extinguishment and to HPD for possible enforcement. Advice was also offered on securing assistance for homeless individuals via the City’s CORE program. The HFD’s monthly safety tip focused on reducing fire risks during the holiday season—such as choosing flame-resistant decorations and turning off lights before bed—to ensure public awareness of preventive measures.
Honolulu Police Department Report
An officer from the Pearl City Police Station offered crime statistics for the Aiea-Halawa-Waipahu area. For September, there were 12 motor vehicle thefts, four burglaries, 30 thefts, and seven car break-ins (UEMVs). Compared to August, the burglary count had decreased, while theft and UEMV totals had risen. The officer noted ongoing efforts to address the rise in traffic fatalities across the island, urging motorists to drive more cautiously. He also mentioned that the department would coordinate special duty officers for an upcoming concert at Aloha Stadium to manage traffic and security. The officer answered questions about previous robbery incidents at a 7-Eleven store, explaining that arrests and vehicle recoveries had taken place. The community also learned about 311 applications for non-urgent parking violations, ways to handle repeated illegal sidewalk parking, and options to submit data requests for further information. Additionally, the department fielded questions from concerned residents regarding noise complaints, homeless encampments, and the potential to place speed trailers in neighborhoods prone to speeding.
Board of Water Supply Update
A representative from the Board of Water Supply (BWS) confirmed three water main breaks in the Aiea area during the previous month. These included an eight-inch main break on Hapakik Street, a 12-inch main break on Nahele Street, and a smaller four-inch main break at Aiea Heights Drive. The BWS urged the community to continue the 20% voluntary water usage reduction and offered water-saving suggestions such as turning off the tap while brushing teeth and using nozzles when watering lawns. The representative also answered a follow-up query regarding a major water system improvement project in Aiea Heights, noting that completion is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Mayor’s Office Announcements
A representative from the Mayor’s Office highlighted a city newsletter covering the expansion of the Skyline rail service to new stations at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Honolulu Airport. He addressed earlier questions about parking terms and permitting at Waimalu Neighborhood Park, clarifying that organizations wishing to use Department of Education lots should coordinate with local schools. He also reported on sidewalk closure concerns along Moanalua Road linked to permitted trenching work and noted that ongoing city departments are investigating unaddressed issues, such as speeding and traffic enforcement along Salt Lake Boulevard and illegal parking near Kekailea and Kalaloa Streets. The representative assured community members that inquiries regarding property taxes, the future stormwater utility fee, and upcoming city projects would be relayed to the relevant departments.
City Councilmember Highlights
City Councilmembers Cordero and Okimoto provided updates on legislation, road repair, ongoing community issues, and infrastructure improvements. They discussed a pilot program allowing library vending machines at rail stations, an update on stream maintenance bills, measures to ease property tax burdens for certain property classes, and capital improvement projects for Aliipoi Drive and surrounding streets. They emphasized the city’s plan to address illegally parked vehicles, new bus shelters, and additional resources available for community members. Reports of meetings abroad, such as sister-city events in Okinawa, showcased outreach and cultural exchange initiatives while maintaining a focus on local infrastructure and resident services.
Governor’s Office and State Departments
A representative for the Governor’s Office shared public health advisories, including a confirmed rat lungworm disease case on Kauai and concerns over avian flu after a suspected case in a duck at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. Residents were urged to wash produce to prevent rat lungworm infection and to report multiple dead birds to the Department of Agriculture. The representative also highlighted newly opened affordable rental projects in Halawa and at the historic Aiea sugar mill site. Separately, a spokesperson from the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) reported on graffiti cleanups, new striping along busy roads near Aiea, and the installation of more durable flexible delineator posts on the Aiea off-ramp. The department committed to further drainage maintenance and investigating additional traffic concerns.
Stadium Authority Developments
Representatives announced that the demolition of the existing Aloha Stadium and preparations for a new stadium would start as soon as the end of the year. Site surveys, utility work, and hazardous material abatement were set to begin almost immediately following the signing of agreements. Plans for the Aloha to Aloha Stadium farewell concert and festival were also discussed, featuring music and a potential fireworks show. The stadium swap meet was relocated to the upper Halawa lot, with the stadium emphasizing updated parking logistics, extended hours, and new entry points. The Authority explained that the future stadium design may combine seat styles, with final decisions dependent on evolving project budgets.
Proposed Relocation of Oahu Community Correctional Center
The Director and Warden of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation discussed current plans for relocating Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) to Halawa. They clarified that the previously proposed Community Transition Center (CTC) would now remain in Kalihi at the existing Laumaka Work Furlough site, citing proximity to public transportation and jobs. The Halawa facility will still house a spectrum of pretrial detainees, including those charged with serious felonies. Board members expressed their concerns regarding classification, public safety, and the construction timeline, prompting invitations to tour existing facilities to better understand the layout and the rehabilitative programs offered.
Community Reports and Neighborhood Concerns
Community associations, such as the Aiea Community Association, highlighted upcoming events, including a holiday parade and local volunteer projects. Area shopping centers reported on new commercial tenants and upcoming events to enhance the family-friendly environment. Residents raised questions about park restrooms being locked overnight to deter vandalism and drug use, especially at Waimalu Neighborhood Park. The board also heard renewed calls to address homeless camps in places that appear underused or prone to illegal dumping. Neighborhood concerns included illegal sidewalk parking, speeding, and public safety near school drop-off points.
Board Actions and Resolutions
The board approved meeting minutes, confirmed the next meeting date change due to Veterans Day, and discussed old and new resolutions. One key resolution focused on coordinating a joint neighborhood board forum regarding hurricane and disaster preparedness in consultation with other neighborhoods. Another considered potential dog-friendly recommendations in local parks, leading to extensive debate over fencing, sports field usage, and leash requirements. The board ultimately supported examining Halawa District Park for a fenced, off-leash area while maintaining existing rules at other parks. Members also voted to request official speed safety studies in certain neighborhoods to facilitate future traffic-calming measures.
Meeting Adjournment
With a range of topics covered—from public safety and infrastructure to special events and proposed governmental actions—the board concluded its meeting. Members reaffirmed longstanding community priorities, advanced collaborative efforts with various city and state agencies, and encouraged continued resident input on issues likely to shape Aiea’s future character, safety, and quality of life.