No 18 Āliamanu-Salt Lake-Foster Village Neighborhood Board Meeting January 2026
Listen to this article:
January 2026 Aliamanu-Salt Lake-Foster Village Airport Neighborhood Board No. 18 Meeting
Opening Ceremonies and Honor Guards
The meeting began at 6:30 p.m. with an introduction of the Honor Guard unit, consisting of Specialist Demiron Orr, Sergeant Jordan Shepard, Private First Class Jay Mesa, Sergeant Estella Holcomb, and NCO in charge Sergeant Michael Reinhart. The Honor Guards presented the national colors before Sergeant Anna Rodriguez sang the national anthem. Attendees were asked to stand in respect for the arrival and posting out of the colors. Colonel Jim Sullivan, an adult leader for Scouting Troop 24, was then invited to the podium to introduce the Scouts who would recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Scout Troop 24 and the Pledge of Allegiance
Colonel Sullivan introduced each Scout as they shared details about their grade levels and schools, representing a Scouting America troop out of Schofield Barracks. The Scouts recited the Pledge of Allegiance before remaining with the Honor Guards to post out. Audience members expressed thanks to the Scouts for attending the meeting and assisting in the opening ceremonies. This collaboration with the Scouting community highlighted youth involvement and service in civic proceedings.
Yearlong Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary
Chairman Yilms noted that 2026 marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted. To honor and celebrate this milestone, Neighborhood Board 18 will pay tribute monthly to different groups, including the United States military, first responders, doctors, nurses, and other community members who have contributed to the nation’s growth. To initiate this commemorative series of tributes, the meeting featured special acknowledgments for Army personnel and a historical reflection on the Army’s foundational role in shaping American liberty from its earliest battles to its modern strength.
Honolulu Police Department Reports: District 3 and District 5
Lieutenant Novelli shared District 3’s statistics for November and December 2025. November saw one motor vehicle theft, one burglary, and zero thefts or break-ins. In December, there were no reported incidents in those categories. Calls for service decreased slightly from 277 in November to 272 in December. Fireworks-related complaints in the Aliamanu area declined significantly to eight calls, compared to 39 in the same timeframe in 2024, and District 3 overall dropped from 393 calls to 160. No injuries or damage resulted from fireworks in this area. District 5 representatives Sergeant Canberra and Lieutenant Yamashita reported December statistics that included two auto thefts, two burglaries, two sex assaults, three simple assaults, nine thefts, and two unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, with a total of 510 calls for service. The District 5 team saw nine fireworks calls in the same period. They provided details on the two sex assault cases, noting that investigations and outreach to complainants were ongoing.
Fireworks Concerns and Enforcement Updates
Multiple board members and residents voiced their experiences with fireworks on New Year’s Eve, mentioning aerial fireworks, increased noise in typically quieter areas, and confusion regarding enforcement. Residents reported that 911 lines were busy or unanswered, and a state hotline had a full voicemail box, preventing some from lodging complaints. The chair suggested establishing a telethon-like system staffed by volunteers to relieve 911 call volume and proposed assigning additional state and city officers to a fireworks detail on New Year’s Eve. Residents urged stronger coordination between the community and law enforcement agencies to reduce illegal aerial fireworks and ensure that accidents like the previous year’s Aliamanu explosion do not recur.
Warrior of the Month Award
The board recognized its Warrior of the Month for January 2026, Executive Assistant Zoidel Magawai from the Neighborhood Commission Office. The board praised Zoidel’s consistent dedication to arriving early, preparing meeting minutes, coordinating venue logistics, and working collaboratively with all members. In honor of his efforts, the board presented him with an award certificate and expressed appreciation for his dependable behind-the-scenes contributions.
Community Concerns: Flooding, Infrastructure, and Public Safety
A community member named Tim raised concerns about flooding near his property adjacent to two large water tanks, noting that heavy rains cause nearby drains to overflow, inundating his home. Navy representative Chuck Anthony indicated that Naval Facilities staff would look into drainage improvements and rerouting possibilities. The meeting continued with discussion of roads and potholes along intersections in Salt Lake, including wear-and-tear from heavy traffic and standing water. Some residents mentioned property tax challenges, particularly for older homeowners or those without certain tax-exempt retirement income, prompting questions about how property tax exemptions are applied. The board encouraged individuals to seek available city exemptions and remain informed about eligibility deadlines.
Aloha Stadium Redevelopment
Representatives from the Department of Accounting and General Services provided an update on the ongoing demolition work at Aloha Stadium. Perimeter fences, dust fencing, and site surveys have begun, with office relocations scheduled to complete by early February. Large cranes for dismantling will arrive around mid-February to align with major demolition steps. Demolition activities and debris removal might continue for roughly ten months. Both the city and its development partners are working to share construction updates and address any disruptions or traffic issues for the surrounding community. The anticipated opening of the new stadium remains targeted for March 2029. Additional details were provided regarding the relocation of flea market vendors, wind-related safety efforts, and plans for mitigating potential hazards during the redevelopment phase.
Military Reports: U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Updates
As part of the neighborhood’s continued partnership with the Army, Lieutenant Colonel provided notices of upcoming training at Schofield Barracks and East Range, including aviation exercises, artillery drills, and demolitions. He noted that a prescribed burn would occur in April 2026 at Schofield Barracks to reduce wildfire risks by removing vegetative ground fuels. The Army also announced that “The Wall That Heals,” a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, would be open to the public at the University of Hawaii–West Oahu campus from January 14–19. Navy Public Affairs Officer Chuck Anthony informed attendees of upcoming Restoration Advisory Board meetings and introduced Rear Admiral Lester Ortiz, the new second-in-command for the Red Hill Closure Task Force. He also outlined the Century Aloha fighter aircraft exercise scheduled from January 14–28, which may result in increased jet activity around Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Board of Water Supply and City Agency Reports
A Board of Water Supply representative addressed a main break question along Ala Halima Street, confirming it occurred on the makai side and explaining that pinpointing the exact cause can be difficult, as many factors, including pipe age, ground shifting, and water pressure surges, can contribute to breaks. December saw a single main break on Koapaka Street. The board also announced expanded Water Sensible Rebates that now offer higher credits for water-saving appliances and fixtures to help households conserve resources.
Mayor’s Office and City Council Updates
Brian Gallagher, Deputy Director at the Department of Planning and Permitting, provided the Mayor’s Office report, highlighting a new HNL311 app for reporting community issues and clarifying that speed mitigation and road projects on Salt Lake Boulevard are linked to ongoing widening efforts. City Councilmember Radiant Cordero updated the board on property tax exemptions, confirmed measures to repaint road signage and crosswalks, and reminded residents to follow up on real property assessment appeals or exemptions. She also addressed earlier concerns about EMS unit staffing by noting that new scheduling and facility expansions will enable greater coverage in Kalihi and Salt Lake. Councilmember Cordero invited the community to a “Read to Me” event scheduled at the Halawa Station, encouraging more outreach and literacy programs.
Governor’s Office and Legislative News
A representative from Governor Green’s office noted that questions regarding fireworks regulation enforcement, stray animals under the viaduct, and a dashboard camera reporting program would be routed to the appropriate state departments. House Representatives Linda Ichiyama and Garner Shimizu shared information about the legislative website’s search upgrades, the upcoming session start date on January 20, 2026, and an e-waste recycling event at Aliamanu Elementary School. They also discussed local traffic concerns, plans to mitigate illegal turns on Salt Lake Boulevard, and the continuing need to clear overgrown vegetation on state-owned properties near neighborhoods.
Mapunapuna Flooding and Upcoming Presentation
Chair Yilms reiterated his request for a thorough city presentation in February on the frequent flooding in Mapunapuna, emphasizing how standing water damages businesses, vehicles, and infrastructure. Dr. Kealoha Fox, Chief Resilience Officer for the City and County of Honolulu, outlined her office’s efforts to study drainage patterns, pursue available federal grants, and coordinate among various agencies and property owners. She noted that the city’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency is working with the Department of Facilities Maintenance to address issues with valves that sometimes allow water to backflow onto city streets, while planning for long-term solutions that account for land subsidence and sea-level changes. She confirmed a more detailed discussion would take place during the board’s February meeting, with relevant community members, businesses, and stakeholders encouraged to attend.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
Before adjourning, the board confirmed that its next meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the same venue. Board members encouraged the public to stay engaged on issues such as fireworks enforcement, local flooding, property tax exemptions, and stadium redevelopment. Videos of this meeting are available on local cable Channel 49 and online for those wishing to review or share proceedings. The meeting concluded with thanks to all participants, especially the Scouts and military personnel, for their service and active role in the neighborhood’s wellbeing.