No 20 ʻAiea Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
Listen to this article:
20 Aiea Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 14, 2026
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
Firefighter representatives reported December 2025 incident statistics that included five structure fires, three nuisance fires, 11 activated alarms, 158 medical emergencies, two motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians, six additional motor vehicle collisions, and one mountain rescue. They outlined an electrical safety tip advising residents to inspect home electrical cords, refrain from using power strips for major appliances, and arrange for a licensed electrician to install additional outlets when necessary. They stated that more detailed response data can be found online and briefly took questions, though none were posed by attendees.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
A lieutenant from District 3 Pearl City compared crime statistics from November to December 2025, noting an increase in motor vehicle thefts from seven to eight and in car break-ins from three to six, while burglaries and thefts remained steady at four and 26, respectively. Calls for service rose from 1,232 to 1,388. The department highlighted a safety tip urging residents to stay alert and plan for emergencies. They also followed up on several past concerns, including homeless individuals around the Aloha Stadium property, where outreach efforts continue, and the reintroduction of a speed trailer that had been awaiting repairs. They reported significant arrests of juveniles involved in a gold chain robbery series and addressed specific inquiries about a 7-Eleven robbery from March 2025. Officers discussed a question about businesses posting signs related to concealed firearm carry and indicated they would provide clarifications once more information is gathered. They took note of ongoing parking issues near a field across from the library and assured attendees they would enforce parking regulations in that area.
Filling of One Vacant At-Large Seat
The board announced there was one vacant at-large seat. No one present volunteered to fill this role, so the matter was deferred.
Board of Water Supply
A representative reported four water main breaks in the neighborhood: Lalawai Drive, Mikolemi Street, Hulu New Loop, and Ho‘opono Place. Residents were encouraged to take advantage of recent rebate expansions for energy-efficient laundry machines, toilets, and water monitors. The report addressed two earlier inquiries, one regarding potential power purchase agreements for a future desalination plant and another regarding a vehicle parked where water was seen leaking. It was clarified that the leak appeared to come from dust control hoses. The Board of Water Supply also provided an update on a well project in Newtown that remains on hold pending permit approvals. Residents were encouraged to refer suspected water waste issues to the board’s contact lines and main breaks to its 24-hour hotline.
Councilmember Val Okimoto’s Office
The councilmember shared legislative updates, focusing on bills aiming to improve transparency in government operations. She emphasized Bill 46 on public media access and the recent passage of Bill 42 deregulating the taxi industry to create a more level playing field for rideshare services. She also reported on discussions regarding extended processing times for Kupuna scam cases, encouraging community members to report scams to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Office of Consumer Protection. She reminded attendees that the council meets year-round (with the exception of limited recess in December) and welcomed constituents’ testimony and feedback on upcoming measures.
Councilmember Radiant Cordero’s Office
The councilmember highlighted discussions on the city’s Budget Committee and updates to various bills. She noted the need to address recent water main breaks impacting scheduled roadway repaving and reported that a rectangular rapid flashing beacon near Alva Scott Elementary School remains on schedule for installation upon receipt of materials. She explained upcoming rechannelization efforts for Ulune Street aimed at reducing speeding. She also outlined personal legislative priorities such as infrastructure, traffic safety, and affordability, including a proposed measure to reintroduce knowledge testing upon driver’s license renewals. She invited the public to attend her reading event in Halawa with Read to Me International and shared that property owners should be attentive to real property assessments recently mailed.
Hawaii State Department of Health – Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division
An administrator joined the meeting virtually to address continued concerns about a residential facility for sexually reactive youth in the Royal Summit area. She clarified efforts to compile responses to community inquiries and explained the distinction between a house plan detailing internal protocols and a broader safety plan. Community members voiced questions about staffing credentials, onsite supervision, and responsibilities mandated by the facility’s contract with the state. The department representative committed to reaching out to Catholic Charities regarding staff structure and to ensure the contract’s requirements, including a designated community safety plan, are clarified. She noted that she would return monthly to provide updates.
Aiea Community Association (ACA)
An ACA officer announced that the 2026 Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 12. Meeting dates were adjusted to January 27 and February 24 due to library scheduling conflicts with federal holidays. She discussed the broad vision for the open space across from the Aiea Library, including potential community amenities such as tree plantings, walkable areas, and a possible new community center. The ACA hopes to address shade and beautification needs while maintaining spaces for youth activities, and they encouraged greater input from local residents.
Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT)
A representative provided an update on repaving and maintenance efforts along the Moanalua Freeway and reported on asphalt patching near overpasses and transitions from asphalt to concrete. He addressed the removal of trash and patching of potholes along Moanalua Road and outlined possible intersection improvements at Ulune Street and Halawa Valley Road for large tractor-trailer turns, indicating that any major redesign would require a capital improvement request through the legislature. He announced that he would no longer be the board’s regular HDOT liaison and introduced a colleague, who is a resident of the area, as the point of contact moving forward.
Pearlridge Center
A representative reminded the community about the weekend farmers' market, noting reduced vendor participation and encouraging continued support for local growers. Upcoming events included a Portuguese Genealogy Research Day and a 74th Cherry Blossom Festival happening in late January and mid-February, respectively, plus a Lunar New Year celebration at the end of February. Residents were referred to pearlridgeonline.com for schedules and event details.
Stadium Authority / New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District
Officials described demolition work on the site of the old stadium, confirming that site fencing is being installed around the perimeter and that the stadium’s offices will move to the lower Halawa lot. They explained that crane deliveries for demolition were deferred to February in order to reduce storage costs and ensure active work can proceed upon arrival. It was reiterated that the target date for the new facility’s opening is March 2029 and that the community will receive ongoing announcements regarding traffic, noise, and other construction impacts.
U.S. Navy
Representatives from Navy Region Hawaii and Navy Closure Task Force Red Hill provided updates on tank degassing, pipeline cleaning, and leadership changes with the arrival of a new deputy commander. They highlighted community outreach opportunities, including ship tours, boat rides, and the upcoming Rim of the Pacific exercise in the summer. They also addressed questions about the timeline for reactivating the Halawa shaft, explaining they await further negotiations and approvals before the drinking water supply at that location can resume service.
Governor Green’s Office
A liaison from the governor’s office mentioned priorities for the upcoming legislative session, which include efforts to address affordable housing, homelessness, health care, and climate change. She directed attendees to the governor’s website for newsletters and additional updates.
Senator Brandon Elefante
Senator Elefante introduced his legislative staff, noting changes to his committee assignments. He now chairs the Committee on Labor and Technology, serves on Ways and Means, sits on the Housing Committee, and is vice chair of the Transportation Committee. He spoke about continuing efforts to control illegal fireworks, pointing out that he and other elected officials passed laws aimed at curbing the issue, which seemed to reduce noise and risk during the latest holiday season. He encouraged residents to submit public testimony on upcoming measures and explained that constituents may contact his office at any time with concerns.
Representative Linda Ichiyama
A staff member delivered a community update, confirming that the Legislature’s website has an updated search feature allowing users to locate bills and legislative materials more easily. The public was encouraged to participate in an upcoming e-waste recycling event at Aliamanu Elementary School. The representative welcomed communications from residents wanting more specific legislative information.
Representative Gregg Takayama Shimizu
Representative Shimizu thanked the community for a successful holiday parade and fair. He noted that worn library signs in the district are being replaced and shared a donation of slippers to local elementary schools. He described a constituent concern about the absence of sidewalks on an uphill section of Mikale near Kauhale Street and explained that new sidewalks are not scheduled for that area. He underscored potential solutions the community could propose in collaboration with city councilmembers and stressed the importance of raising that conversation if local demand grows.
Proposed Ke Ola O Aiea Ohana Park
The board considered a resolution expressing support for a proposed park across from the Aiea Public Library. Advocates discussed the intention to plant trees for shade, create walking areas, and preserve portions of the open space for recreational use. The resolution drew debates about leaving enough open field for possible youth sports while achieving a greener, more visitor-friendly area. A resolution of support was passed with eight members in favor, one against, and one abstention. Future refinements may address suggested open-space adjustments.
Department of Agriculture – Restricted Use Pesticides
A manager of the state’s pesticide branch described the categories of pesticides, focusing on restricted use and the reporting requirements applicators must follow each year. She explained how the public can view annual data on restricted use pesticides reported by county and showed a map that displays buffer zones around schools in which these products may not be applied. She indicated that her branch addresses regulatory and enforcement issues while reminding residents that certain label requirements or environmental designations can impose stricter limitations on pesticide use.
Board Committees and Next Meeting
Board members clarified committee structures to include executive leadership, government affairs, public safety, utilities, and other sections. The Housing, Homelessness, and Parks Committee gained volunteers to continue working on neighborhood initiatives and follow up on issues such as open green spaces. The next full board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10.