No 18 Āliamanu Salt Lake Foster Village Airport Neighborhood Board Meeting May 2026
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18 Aliamanu-Salt Lake Neighborhood Board Meeting – May 18, 2026
Opening Ceremony, School Recognition, and America 250 Theme
The meeting for Neighborhood Board No. 18, covering Āliamanu, Salt Lake, Foster Village, and the Airport area, was called to order at 6:31 p.m. The evening began with a formal ceremonial opening that emphasized schools, civic pride, and the board’s yearlong participation in the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The colors were posted by the Moanalua High School JROTC drill team under retired Army Master Sergeant Sokratis Plantilla, with cadets Kenzo Yanai, Henry Cosme, Harry O’Donnell, Yadi Cruz, and Chris Sivangse participating. The national anthem and Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī were performed by Salt Lake Elementary School staff member Arame Domingo. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Salt Lake Elementary’s Team Raritilli, whose First Lego League achievements were highlighted in detail. The team, coached by Chris Lee, Ellie Lynn Haupu, and Troy Okumura, won the Mililani District championship for the second consecutive year, became overall state champions, earned the second finalist award for core values at the state tournament, and advanced to the World Festival in Houston, where they competed against 159 teams from across the United States and abroad, including teams from Mexico, Greece, Brazil, and Japan. The chair also announced that the board would mark America’s 250th throughout the year by honoring the military, first responders, health professionals, schools, educators, and others who have helped shape the country.
Salt Lake Elementary School 55th Anniversary Tribute
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to recognizing Salt Lake Elementary School’s 55th anniversary. The board presented a lengthy tribute describing the school’s opening on February 1, 1968, as part of the developing Salt Lake community and praised its role as a longstanding center of education and neighborhood identity. The presentation described the school as a cornerstone institution that has served generations of families and emphasized its reputation for academic quality, arts, music, physical education, health, and social-emotional learning. The tribute also noted programs supporting student well-being, including free breakfast and lunch, after-school sports, and physical activity during recess and lunch periods. A celebratory school video and music performance centered on the theme of spreading aloha were shown. The board linked the school’s history to its America 250 recognition, framing educators, staff, parents, volunteers, and students as part of the national story being honored during 2026.
Roll Call and Quorum
Following the ceremonial opening, the secretary conducted roll call. Present were Joseph Amura, Clarence Davis III, Douglas Fujikura, James Kavika Gower, Fei Johnson, Nancy Valdez, David Yomes, and Secretary Chandra Kanemaru, establishing a quorum of eight members. This allowed the board to proceed with official actions and presentations.
Honolulu Fire Department Report and Wildfire Preparedness
The Honolulu Fire Department reported April activity for the Āliamanu, Salt Lake, and Foster Village area. The station logged seven nuisance fires, one cooking fire, 11 activated alarms with no fire present, 109 medical emergency calls, and three motor vehicle crashes. The department used its monthly safety message to focus on wildfire prevention as Hawaiʻi enters a period of increased fire risk due to dry conditions, tall grass, and shifting winds. Residents were advised to clear dry brush and vegetation around their homes, avoid parking on dry grass because hot exhaust systems can ignite it, avoid spark-producing activities during hot, dry, windy weather, and monitor fire and weather conditions. The public was directed to fire.honolulu.gov and hawaiiwildfire.org for more information. In response to a question about assistance during the March Kona storms, the firefighter confirmed that the Mokulele station had helped, though he could not provide details because he was filling in from another station.
Honolulu Police Department District 5 Crime Report and Seatbelt Enforcement
The Honolulu Police Department’s District 5 representative presented crime statistics for the Salt Lake and Āliamanu area. Reported incidents for the month included one aggravated assault, five auto thefts, one burglary, zero robberies, three thefts, zero unauthorized entry into motor vehicles, and 575 total calls for service. The oral report also referenced assault categories somewhat inconsistently, but the overall message was that calls for service remained substantial while reported violent and property crimes were relatively limited in number for the month. The department’s public safety announcement focused on the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which began May 11 and runs through May 31, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Officers said the campaign particularly targets adults ages 18 to 34, a group identified as less likely to wear seatbelts. The officer cited a 2004 safety study stating that 97% of people killed in relevant crashes were not wearing seatbelts and a 2017 study estimating that 15,000 lives were saved because seatbelts were worn properly. The department reminded drivers to wear the shoulder belt across the chest and the lap belt across the hips, not tucked improperly under the arm.
Police District 3 Crime Report and Stadium Market Arrest
A second police report, from District 3, covered another portion of the board area. For April, District 3 reported three motor vehicle thefts, zero burglaries, two thefts, zero car break-ins, and 253 total calls for service. The officer noted that two of the three stolen vehicles were Kia Fortes and the third was a moped, which reflects the continued local concern over theft vulnerabilities involving specific car models. He also described a case of interest from May 11 at about 6:00 p.m. at Stadium Market. According to the report, a 36-year-old man was seen by security rummaging through a trash dumpster. After being told to leave, he was later encountered again and allegedly pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the security guard. The guard fled on a golf cart and called 911. Police later located the suspect at a nearby gas station and arrested him for first-degree terroristic threatening. No firearm was recovered, and the suspect reportedly told police the gun was a toy. Bail was set at $15,000.
Warrior of the Month Award for Salt Lake Elementary School
The board’s “Warrior of the Month” recognition, created on August 8, 2024, is intended to honor individuals or groups providing outstanding service to the community. The previously selected April 2026 awardee was absent because of a prior engagement, so that recognition was deferred to July. For May 2026, the board selected Salt Lake Elementary School. In presenting the award, the chair described the school’s 55-year history as a tribute to all who have learned, taught, and worked there and praised its continued mission to provide a safe, nurturing place for children. The remarks referred to the school as having opened “more than five decades ago in 1970,” though earlier in the meeting the anniversary presentation cited the actual opening date as February 1, 1968. The board highlighted the commitment of principals, teachers, staff, and families, and described the school as resilient, innovative, and grounded in aloha.
Remarks from Salt Lake Elementary Principal and Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama
Principal Randall Galeon accepted the recognition and thanked the board for honoring the school’s work. He explained that the palaka shirts worn by school representatives symbolized a woven connection between past and present, acknowledging the people who laid the school’s foundation and the responsibility to carry that legacy forward. He also described the kukui nut symbol on the shirts as representing light, hope, and guidance for future generations of students. Referring to the chair’s koa-patterned shirt, he tied that symbol to the school’s former principal, who had recently been honored with a Warrior Award after 24 years of service. Galeon also noted that the school community was preparing for the next day’s May Day program and had come directly from practice and field setup, underscoring the school’s active role in community traditions. Vice Speaker of the House Linda Ichiyama, who is both an alumna and parent of two Salt Lake Dolphins, offered congratulations and said the school had given much to the community and to her family.
Salt Lake Waterway Cleanup and Genki Ball Events
Secretary Connie Morrow provided an update on the Salt Lake Waterway effort. She apologized for the cancellation of the April event and announced that activities had been rescheduled. A Genki Ball-making session and community cleanup were set for Saturday, May 16, at Howard Shima/Likini Street Park, and the Genki Ball toss would follow on May 30 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the same park. The project aims to support environmental remediation of the waterway through community participation and reflects an ongoing volunteer effort tied to neighborhood beautification and water quality.
Community Sports Recognition
The chair highlighted several major school sports achievements from the area, giving attention to local student accomplishment and school identity. Radford High School’s Lady Rams were recognized for winning the school’s first-ever OIA Division II softball championship by defeating top-seeded and undefeated Nanakuli. Kyra Lee and Carly Cordero were specifically named for helping lead the upset. Moanalua High School’s girls judo team was recognized as the 2026 HHSAA state champion team, led by three-time state judo champion Tegan Escobar. The board also acknowledged Moanalua’s boys volleyball team for winning its state quarterfinal match against Hawaiʻi Baptist Academy and advancing to the semifinals. The chair noted that the team had gone undefeated in the regular season, won the OIA championship, captured its seventh straight league title, and had now won 12 of the last 13 OIA volleyball championships. Lionel Gannon, Jaron McCutcheon, Taylor Chung, and Christian Cruz were named as contributors to that latest victory.
Resident Concern About Proposed Solar Project on Nimitz/Namur Area
Before the formal solar project presentation, a resident raised concern after learning of plans to build a solar farm near his home on Namur Road. He specifically mentioned worries about glare, heat, and access to the environmental impact documentation. The chair noted that the topic was already scheduled later on the agenda and asked the resident to hold comments until that presentation. This exchange showed that the project had already attracted neighborhood attention before formal testimony.
Mayor’s Office Update on Mapunapuna, Storm Recovery, Homelessness, and FEMA Assistance
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s representative, Brian Gallagher, reported on a recent city-led meeting focused on Mapunapuna and credited the board for helping bring together city departments and community members. The meeting addressed crime, homelessness, drainage, and complex jurisdictional issues between city and state agencies. Gallagher said recent storm events had created an opportunity for city and state agencies to work more closely together, especially on drainage and infrastructure concerns. He noted that the Department of Facility Maintenance had been heavily occupied with cleanup work on the North Shore and elsewhere, delaying action on some items identified in the Mapunapuna discussions, but said DFM was now coordinating with the State Department of Transportation on drainage, traffic, homelessness, and business-related issues. He described the challenge of balancing sidewalk access and legal compliance with the needs of local businesses, particularly auto repair shops that may store vehicles in ways that block sidewalks and create ADA problems. The representative also reminded residents affected by disasters that FEMA assistance applications remain open until June 14, 2026, through disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362. He stressed that even uninsured residents or those unsure about eligibility should apply. Additional city updates included a recent cleanup of the Keʻehi Lagoon area by city and state crews, including the removal of homeless encampments, illegal structures, and even two-story makeshift structures in the streamway. The cleanup was tied to efforts to move people into nearby transitional housing. He also mentioned that the Honolulu Zoo had received accreditation and that the city had purchased a four-story building on North Pauahi Street with 42 residential units to expand transitional and affordable housing capacity.
Questions About Homeless Encampments and Dumping Near Nimitz and Kamehameha Highway
Board member Joseph Amura raised concerns about the homeless encampments and dumping near the Nimitz Golf Course area by the former Holiday Inn Airport, now referred to as Airport Inn, and near Kamehameha Highway and Camp Catlin Road. He described a large ditch filled with garbage and said it appeared to be used both by homeless individuals and by others who may be illegally dumping. The chair and the mayor’s representative discussed whether the area was under state or city jurisdiction, with the chair stating it was state property and saying the board would likely send a letter requesting enforcement. The chair added that homeless individuals had returned after earlier removals and were living in ditches, urinating and defecating in a canal area used by people exercising on a nearby path. Gallagher encouraged use of the city’s 311 app to document complaints with photographs so city and state agencies can better track conditions and the movement of individuals in need of services.
City Council Office Report: Parking Lot Update, Public Resources, and Stadium Presentation
Councilmember Radiant Cordero’s office submitted a written report and highlighted several items. The office noted that some events previously postponed because of storms had been rescheduled and referred attendees to the calendar included in the report. A committee meeting on energy, environment, and sustainability listed in the printed report had since been canceled. The council office invited the public to attend the upcoming Hālāwa “Read Aloud” event on May 30 at the Hālawa Aloha Stadium station, with registration required. The office also pointed residents to resources for sewer bill payment assistance, youth registration for junior lifeguard programs, upcoming bus service changes taking effect later in the month, legislative updates, and the city’s annual budget. For Salt Lake specifically, the office reported that improvements at the Salt Lake Municipal Parking Lot had been completed, with additional upgrades still to come. In the meantime, parking stalls without meters would be temporarily free, while stalls with meters would continue to operate according to posted rates. The office also announced that on Wednesday, May 20 at 9:00 a.m., the council’s Infrastructure, Transportation, and Technology Committee would hear a presentation on the new Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. In response to a board question about a city resolution for an audit of the Honolulu towing program, the council representative said she would check with the policy team and report back.
State Senate Update: Income Tax Cuts Preserved
Senator Glenn Wakai’s office emphasized the legislature’s preservation of income tax cuts first promised in 2024. The representative said the Senate had successfully defended the tax reduction package and that an average family of four would save about $20,000 over the next five years. According to the report, income tax relief would remain in place for joint filers earning under $350,000 and single filers earning under $175,000. The office described this as a major accomplishment of the session.
House Update from Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama
Representative Linda Ichiyama circulated a written legislative update and pointed to capital improvement funding for both Salt Lake Elementary School and Moanalua High School, indicating that both campuses would receive needed upgrades. She also highlighted grant-in-aid support for nonprofits in the district. On the reverse side of her report, she summarized bills passed this year to help kūpuna and said she would be happy to provide a more complete briefing at the next board meeting. She reported that approximately 268 bills had passed the legislature and that the governor’s deadline to veto them was July 15.
House Update from Representative Garner Shimizu’s Office and Planned Town Hall
Representative Garner Shimizu’s office thanked residents for testimony, survey responses, and direct outreach during the 2026 legislative session. The office said it was now reviewing constituent feedback to identify the district’s top issues. A District 32 town hall was announced for Tuesday, June 16, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moanalua Middle School cafeteria, with planned focus areas including public safety, infrastructure, water-related issues, traffic, maintenance, and overall quality of life. The office also said it had been trying to obtain recurring maintenance schedules from city departments for parks, roads, sidewalks, and traffic infrastructure, though not all departments were providing that information. Representative Shimizu’s office said it continued to monitor Red Hill, public safety, and transportation concerns and had shared hurricane season preparedness information with community leaders.
Homeless Shelter Bill Did Not Advance
In response to a question from the chair about a homelessness-related measure discussed earlier in the year, Representative Shimizu’s representative said the bill had received some traction on the Senate side but did not get through the Senate Ways and Means Committee. As a result, it died for the 2026 session. The office said the concept remains alive and that Representative Shimizu intends to continue working with stakeholders to tighten the proposal for possible reintroduction next session.
Pualoa Solar Renewable Energy Project on Namur Road
Representatives of Ameresco, operating locally as Pualoa Solar LLC, presented details of a planned renewable energy project on Navy property at the corner of Namur Road and Salt Lake Boulevard. The project would consist of a 6-megawatt solar farm covering roughly 15 acres of panels and 30 megawatts of battery storage in about 10 battery containers. The developers said the project site is currently an industrial storage area used by the Navy. The battery containers would be placed at the far side of the site away from residential areas and roadways, and the team said they had been coordinating with the Navy Fire Department regarding battery placement and safety. Although located on base property, the electricity would be sold to Hawaiian Electric and fed into the islandwide grid for Oʻahu residents rather than serving only the military installation. The presenters said the project supports the state’s goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy and described the effort as a strategic partnership involving Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and the U.S. Navy.
Environmental Review, Construction Schedule, and Mitigation for Pualoa Solar
The project team said the Navy had completed an environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act and that the review included a glare analysis, which found no issue. They explained that the panels would face north toward the base side, which they said would prevent reflective impacts toward nearby Salt Lake residences. Additional site work included archaeological surveys that found nothing significant and hazardous materials testing that identified some asbestos in old buildings that would be remediated before demolition. Dust fencing had already been installed. Construction was expected to begin in June 2026, with completion targeted for the end of November 2027. Mitigation plans included the use of water trucks for dust control, scheduling deliveries outside high-traffic times, routing most deliveries from Salt Lake Boulevard, and requiring all worker parking to remain on site. Noise-producing construction would generally be limited to weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. under a community noise permit. The project website, puoloasolar.com, and a project email address were provided for public comments.
Questions and Concerns About the Solar Project
Residents and board members raised questions about the project’s effects. One concern involved whether heavy equipment would be stored nearby and create repeated noise from travel in and out of the area. The developers responded that equipment would be stored on site in an adjacent laydown area on the base side and would not be shuttled daily through the neighborhood. Another concern involved battery leakage and whether stormwater could carry hazardous material into the environment. The developers said they plan to use Tesla battery systems in sealed containers on concrete pads with spill containment and that any possible release would more likely involve cooling system glycol than battery contents, with containment measures in place. A resident also asked about site security because the area had reportedly been used in the past by people jumping fences to set off illegal fireworks. The developers said they would rely on site fencing and normal base security patrols and did not plan to install a stationary private security trailer.
Board Resolution Supporting Pualoa Solar
After the presentation, the chair introduced a formal board resolution supporting the Pualoa Solar project. The resolution described the board’s advisory role, the project’s location on federal property within the board area, and its expected role in providing cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy. It stated that the facility is expected to open in 2027 and said it would provide backup support to the civilian grid during outages. The resolution also praised the project’s local economic benefits, including construction jobs, apprenticeships, and use of local suppliers, and it highlighted Ameresco’s commitment to contribute $18,000 annually for 25 years to support community projects through the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. The resolution noted the company’s prior support for schools and participation in Salt Lake waterway environmental efforts. After summarizing the concerns raised that evening about heavy equipment, battery leakage, and security, the board opened discussion and then adopted the resolution without objection. Copies were to be sent to federal, state, and city partners, Hawaiian Electric, the Department of the Navy, and the Public Utilities Commission.
Aloha Stadium Operations, Swap Meet Conditions, and Community Outreach
Aloha Stadium representatives provided updates on both current operations and redevelopment. The stadium is entering its summer swap meet season and is seeing increased attendance from both visitors and vendors. Staff reported that Sunday vendors have been arriving as early as 2:30 a.m. and that Sundays are now at capacity, forcing the stadium to turn some vendors away. Officials said they are exploring a revised operating plan to push more vendors toward Saturdays, where capacity remains available, and are also looking at whether other areas of the property can be used. They reported that a recent five-day “donate a dollar” campaign for the Hawaiʻi Foodbank raised more than $2,000. The stadium’s project and stadium websites have been consolidated into a single site at alohastadium.hawaii.gov, and additional construction cameras and updated newsletters are now being used to provide public information. The stadium also hosted a donation drive for schools affected by flooding, and the Aloha Hālawa District Partners and Fisher Hawaiʻi contributed $20,000 to support school needs for both the current and upcoming school years.
Aloha Stadium Education Initiatives, Public Art, Documentary, and Events
The stadium team described several public engagement efforts tied to the redevelopment. Working with the Department of Education, they are developing a curriculum and a new AI mascot called “Al Oha” from Hālawa to teach students from kindergarten through high school about the project. The goal is to help children understand the changes taking place at the site and share that knowledge with their families. Representatives also announced an August 8 parking lot concert promoted by TMR featuring Rebel Souljahz, described as a semi-local reggae act from California. In addition, the stadium is partnering with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts on a large community mural for the black construction walls surrounding the site. The mural will stretch about 3,000 feet and is expected to stay up for two to three years, with participation planned from children, community groups, and organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club. The stadium also announced a 30-minute PBS Hawaiʻi documentary, “A Tribute to Aloha Stadium,” scheduled to air May 27 at 7:30 p.m., looking back at the stadium’s history and forward to its future.
Stadium Demolition Progress and Traffic Management
Representatives from the Aloha Hālawa District Partners said controlled demolition activities, referred to as “tripping,” had begun in April as part of the stadium dismantling process. Another tripping event was scheduled for June 2, with neighborhood board members invited, and an additional one was expected later in June or early July. The demolition phase is expected to continue through the summer and conclude around fall or the end of the year. The team said truck traffic hauling materials is being managed to reduce disruption, with most haul-out activity occurring on non-swap-meet days and limited operations on swap meet days. They also noted a recent visit by Radford High School automotive students, who toured the site, saw demolition activity, and were given old stadium chairs to refurbish as a school project.
Legislative Changes Affecting the Aloha Stadium Project
The stadium’s special projects manager reported that out of roughly 21 bills introduced affecting the stadium, two reached the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 2074 reaffirmed the Stadium Authority’s ability to enter naming rights agreements and confirmed that related revenue could be deposited into the stadium special fund. Senate Bill 2599, described as the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority bill, was especially important because it addressed access to $49.5 million that had been placed in the stadium special fund but was constrained by the fund ceiling. The bill lifts that restriction, allowing fuller use of the money for project development. It also requires closer coordination among the Stadium Authority, the Department of Accounting and General Services, and HCDA. Officials said HCDA’s zoning, land use, and financing authorities could help fund infrastructure and public facilities in support of the larger district. In response to a question about outdoor advertising and illuminated signage, stadium officials said all language related to that issue had been stripped from the relevant legislation this year, so no such authority was granted. They said current discussions are instead focused on inward-facing event signage and wayfinding.
U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Report and Civilian Hiring Fair
The U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi representative announced a public job fair scheduled for May 18 at Hale Ikena on Fort Shafter, running from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The fair would include job offers and provisional hiring on site, with opportunities in business operations such as golf, bowling, food service, and other areas. Child and Youth Services positions were also highlighted, along with benefits including retirement, access to recreation facilities, discounted childcare, training, and commissary and PX privileges. The representative also mentioned ongoing training advisories, mostly affecting Schofield Barracks, East Range, and Wheeler Army Airfield rather than the Salt Lake area. He said prescribed burns at Schofield Barracks, previously delayed, were planned for May 11 through May 15, with updates available on the garrison’s Facebook page and through the community concern line. During public testimony, a resident asked whether future job fairs could be held at the Oʻahu Veterans Center in the neighborhood because of the number of retired military families and their children living nearby. The Army representative agreed to take that suggestion back to the garrison.
Navy and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Updates
The Navy representative gave several updates affecting the community. Beginning in June, the Navy Closure Task Force Red Hill planned to start erosion control work at the Red Hill facility. To stabilize the hillside, crews would need to break apart large loose boulders and prepare the area for longer-term reinforcement, including netting. The Navy warned that this work could produce louder-than-average noise during normal work hours in nearby communities. The next Restoration Advisory Board meeting was scheduled for May 20 at 6:00 p.m. at the Oʻahu Veterans Center in Foster Village, offering residents a venue to discuss environmental issues related to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Kalaeloa. The Navy also said it had recruited about a dozen volunteers to support the waterway cleanup and Genki Ball effort. Looking ahead, the Navy announced the return of the Rim of the Pacific exercise, or RIMPAC, from June 24 through July 31. The exercise will involve 31 nations, about 40 surface ships, five submarines, 140 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel. Although most activity will occur at sea, officials said residents may notice more military personnel in the community on occasional liberty days. In response to a question about jet noise over Salt Lake, the representative explained that some aircraft noise is likely related to tactical landing training, in which jets perform corkscrew-style approaches needed to maintain readiness for operations in hostile environments.
Board of Water Supply Report and Water Conservation Message
The Board of Water Supply reported one water main break in April, occurring on April 13 on an 8-inch pipe at 850 Ala Oawa Street. The agency’s public message focused on water conservation despite recent heavy rains. Officials said recent storms do not offset everyday water use, particularly with summer approaching, and urged residents to continue conserving water by watering plants early in the morning, taking shorter showers, checking toilets for leaks, not letting faucets run unnecessarily, and applying for Board of Water Supply rebates for water-efficient appliances and systems. Additional conservation guidance was available through the agency’s website.
Approval of Minutes, Summer Recess, and Adjournment
The board approved the February 12, 2026 regular meeting minutes without correction. Before closing, the chair announced that the next regular meeting would be held on July 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the same location, and that there would be no June meeting because of the board’s recess. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.