No 20 ʻAiea Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting April 2026
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20 Aiea Neighborhood Board Meeting – April 15, 2026
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Wood called the meeting to order shortly after 7:00 p.m. Board members introduced themselves, and it was announced that with 11 members present, quorum was established. Several board members were absent. The chair noted that the next meeting would be held on May 12, 2026, at the Aiea Public Library. A community member in attendance confirmed audio and video connections for online participation.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Lieutenant Iwasaki from District 3, Pearl City, presented crime statistics comparing February 2026 to March 2026. Motor vehicle thefts increased from 3 to 4, burglaries rose from 3 to 6, thefts went from 16 to 23, and car break-ins rose from 6 to 9. Calls for service in this immediate Aiea area were 1,219 (February) compared to 1,215 (March). District-wide calls totaled 4,738 in February and 4,996 in March. HPD advised the public to remain alert and aware of their surroundings to reduce potential crimes. HPD reported ongoing collaboration with Halawa housing management to identify trespassers and unauthorized property users, ensuring evictions where necessary. The officer also noted a decline in robbery-related incidents after recent suspect arrests. Community members thanked HPD for addressing abandoned vehicles involved in long-term street parking, and for heightened traffic enforcement near businesses in Halawa. Concerns persisted about late-night street racing on H-1 during weekends; HPD acknowledged they have undercover efforts and traffic division support to mitigate these events. Residents also requested more speed enforcement on Kahale Street and Komomai, and HPD promised to redeploy speed trailers and officers with radar units.
Mayor's Office Update
A representative from the Mayor’s Office, speaking from the Department of Design and Construction, described ongoing storm recovery efforts following several consecutive Kona low weather events that caused island-wide flooding. The city has launched an online recovery resource at oneoahu.org, offering guidance on reporting home damage, accessing available services, and following health tips. Cleanup operations continue, focusing on debris removal on the North Shore and other impacted areas. The city also postponed previously scheduled Mayor’s Town Hall meetings to devote full attention to recovery work. Residents were encouraged to read the latest Mayor’s Newsletter, which includes information on new affordable housing in Aiea, the GROW recycling program, town hall updates, and other city initiatives. Members of the board asked about crosswalk safety near Pearl Ridge and Moanalua Road, prompting the Mayor’s Office to seek a Department of Transportation Services assessment. Another question arose about providing direct financial support to people with damaged farms and homes, to which the Mayor’s Office explained that the city continues partnering with state and federal agencies to evaluate assistance programs.
Councilmember Reports
Councilmember Cordero noted that severe weather damage remains a major focus for city government. She highlighted an upcoming Earth Day cleanup and Earth Day celebration events, including one stretching from Aiea Bay to Waipahu. Councilmember Cordero submitted several budget amendments related to traffic mitigation and safety. She also shared details of a new resolution requesting more bus shelters along routes with wait times exceeding 30 minutes, which was recently adopted. Councilmember Okimoto’s staff provided legislative updates, including a proposal (Bill 34) to align local flood hazard regulations with updated FEMA requirements, hazard pay for certain city worker groups, and emphasizing the importance of ongoing soil testing at parks impacted by heavy rains. Community members questioned one proposed resolution to grant Teamsters’ employees COVID hazard pay, asking why private-sector workers who also fulfilled essential duties were excluded. The staff promised to gather formal answers and return with details.
Federal and State Official Reports
Senator Elefante summarized key developments ending the legislative session on May 8. He noted the state budget is nearing final drafts and includes $225,000 allocations for Aiea High School fencing and related improvements. He acknowledged ongoing Red Hill oversight responsibilities and provided updates on coordinated agencies working to protect the aquifer. The senator also promoted the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public buildings, citing the importance of rapid-response equipment for cardiac arrests. Representative Ichiama’s office shared a mid-session update and directed the public to a Quality of Life Survey. Representative Shimizu’s office highlighted local Red Hill resolutions urging consistent, in-person Navy attendance at community meetings and indicated future Genki Ball community cleanups were postponed. Community members posed questions about the best channels for requesting building or sidewalk updates. No reports came from the Governor’s Office or Congresswoman Ed Case’s office at this meeting.
Community Reports
The Department of Health’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division revisited issues surrounding the Catholic Charities residential facility in Aiea. Their representative reiterated that incidents of youth leaving the premises involve policies where staff maintain “line of sight,” sometimes via cameras. Community members continued expressing concerns about children perceived as unsupervised, traumatic backgrounds, and potential safety risks, asking for more transparent documentation and for on-site staff to be more visibly present outdoors. The Aiea Community Association reminded the public of its monthly meeting schedule and invited involvement in local improvement projects. Representatives from the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation reported on ongoing slope repairs near the Aiea Cemetery off-ramp, slated for completion by around April 25, noting traffic lane adjustments for safety. The Pearl Ridge Center manager announced several school-led performances and upcoming events such as a Pinewood Derby and Blood Bank drives. The Stadium Authority provided updates on dismantling work at Aloha Stadium, including removal of spirals and turf and ongoing discussions about future renovations. Community members asked about the disclosure of stadium-related contracts, and the Department of Accounting and General Services explained that remaining documents are withheld until all negotiations are completed. The warden for Oahu Community Correctional Center clarified that newly released inmates from the future Halawa site would be transported directly to Kalihi if they lack personal rides, reducing potential loitering near Aiea District Park.
Catholic Charities Youth Facility Discussion
A substantial portion of the meeting centered on community concerns about the facility housing minors with possible histories of “sexually deviant behavior,” although the state reiterated that the terms refer to trauma-based behaviors rather than criminal activity requiring locked detention. Residents reported incidents of youths seen wandering the neighborhood, sometimes without an easily visible staff member. The Department of Health explained the policy allows supervision through camera “line of sight” and that further trust-building is crucial. Nonetheless, neighbors requested more direct adult presence to resolve safety anxieties, with some calling for better data collection to hold the contracted provider accountable for youth supervision.
Neighborhood Commission Presentation
Neighborhood Commission Vice Chair Larry Veray commended the board’s robust discussions and emphasized the importance of good communication, respect for legislative representatives, and unity among neighborhood boards sharing similar problems. He mentioned ongoing reviews of the Neighborhood Plan, clarifying that the commission is looking to process complaints more promptly and mediate disputes before they escalate. He encouraged the board to maintain collaborative relationships with adjacent boards in Pearl City and Waipahu and reminded everyone of the critical role of emergency preparedness through programs like the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
Proposed Resolutions and Board Actions
The board considered a resolution addressing low-flying helicopters and aircraft noise over residential and commercial areas. Much of the discussion focused on prior incidents with tour helicopters hovering at low altitudes and the potential safety hazards if an accident occurs over crowded neighborhoods. After debate, the resolution passed by roll-call vote with majority support, reflecting board members’ desire for more responsible aircraft flight paths and stricter adherence to higher altitudes. The board then approved a resolution supporting the potential purchase or preservation of the Maʻona land parcel behind the Aiea Post Office. Advocates from the Aiea Community Association described their vision to restore it as traditional loʻi (taro patches), manage runoff, and use it for cultural and educational enrichment. The proposal included a request for the city to collaborate with local partners on stormwater management, groundwater recharge, and revitalization efforts. Members voted to adopt this resolution, adding that such measures could restore a lost resource and protect against unwanted development. Lastly, discussion arose over a proposed resolution to oppose a partnership between Hawaiʻi Pacific Health (HPH) and HMSA due to limited public details on cost containment or physician compensation. The board felt it lacked enough data to take an official stance and tabled the matter for future review.
Adjournment
With time constraints and several motions approved, the board deferred final approval of written summaries until the next session. Chair Wood reminded the public that the next Aiea Neighborhood Board meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Aiea Public Library. The meeting concluded shortly after 10:00 p.m.