No 23 ʻEwa Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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23 Ewa Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 13, 2026
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Statistics and Updates
The Honolulu Fire Department reported 176 medical calls for the month and announced a transition in how incidents are documented, moving from the National Fire Incident Reporting System to the Modern National Emergency Response Information System. This change may temporarily affect the clarity of statistics in certain emergency categories. The department is working to fix issues in how incidents, such as motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, are coded and classified. HFD reminded the public to always dial 911 in emergencies rather than driving to a station, since firefighters may be out on calls or training. The public can also text 911 if in a situation with poor phone reception or limited voice communications.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Crime Statistics
HPD’s District 8 provided January 2026 crime statistics, noting 27 motor vehicle thefts in the district, of which 16 occurred in Ewa, and 12 burglaries in the district, with one in Ewa. There were 113 reported thefts, including 22 in Ewa and Ewa Beach, as well as 24 vehicle break-ins, six of which happened in Ewa. Police also issued 83 speeding citations, 653 for moving violations, and 310 parking citations, for a total of 1,214 citations. District 8 received 8,450 calls for service overall; Ewa accounted for 2,446 of those. The HPD sergeant thanked the community for ongoing efforts to report e-bike infractions, noting that legislation is under consideration to define illegal e-bike usage more precisely.
E-Bike Legislation and Safety Education
Community members inquired about House Bill 2179, which would require the Department of Education (DOE) to hire someone to teach e-bike safety. HPD officers expressed that proposed age limits might render e-bikes illegal for many students under 15. Questions arose regarding which state department should oversee these educational programs. The pending bill’s hearing date of February 17, 2026 was highlighted, with HPD indicating new regulations on speed, registration, and possibly driver’s education for e-bikes could help both riders and pedestrians.
Weed and Seed Program and Traffic Safety Events
An acting sergeant from HPD also spoke on the Weed and Seed program, which focuses on crime prevention and community engagement. Two upcoming sign-waving events in front of the Boys & Girls Club and Ilima Middle School, scheduled for February 20 and 23, respectively, were announced. The sign-waving is intended to promote traffic safety, remind drivers to slow down, and discourage cell phone usage behind the wheel. HPD stressed that e-bike education will also be part of the broader safety discussions at these events.
Board Administration, Planning, and Meeting Minutes
Board members revisited an unresolved procedure regarding an email repository proposal that was initially voted on but found to be disallowed under official guidelines. The board discussed clarifying its meeting minutes to reflect the sequence of discussions and any motion retractions, particularly on items relating to board communications and Sunshine Law compliance. After inquiries about official roles, responsibilities, and authority, the board decided to schedule a formal discussion at the next meeting to clearly define each member’s jurisdiction, how Sunshine Laws are enforced, and the proper methods for emailing or directing other members outside of regular meetings.
Neighborhood Commission and Boundary Plan Update
A Neighborhood Commissioner explained ongoing efforts to modernize the commission’s complaint and boundary review processes. The commissioner urged board members to participate in monthly neighborhood plan committee meetings, offering that public feedback is vital for shaping the Neighborhood Plan’s revisions on issues such as complaint handling and subdistrict structures. Boards are encouraged to re-examine their boundaries, especially given population growth in Ewa. Members noted that any adjustments must be agreed upon with adjacent boards and respectfully submitted as joint resolutions by the April 27, 2026 deadline, though extensions may be possible.
Hawaii Airspace Modernization Project
A board member presented on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) plan to invest in modernizing the airspace around Hawaii, including new approaches and procedures for Honolulu International Airport. The presenter stated that many flight paths currently pass over the Ewa Plain, contributing to significant noise, stress, and reduced quality of life for communities under primary arrival routes. Suggestions included shifting more arrivals to other runways and keeping fighter jet approaches offshore. The board heard concerns about the Pulao Range Training Facility’s proximity to these flight paths. The presenter announced a draft resolution requesting the FAA place noise abatement and public health at the forefront of the redesign. While members voiced support, the resolution was deferred for a formal vote at the next meeting due to Sunshine Law requirements and agenda posting rules.
USTA Tennis Facility Proposal near Holomua Elementary
A representative from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) described plans for a tennis and education center on approximately seven acres of land adjacent to Holomua Elementary. Phase One would include a parking lot, small clubhouse, eight tennis courts, and a grass area for multiple sports or community gatherings, with a potential Phase Two adding more courts and expanding the clubhouse. The intent is to provide a public-friendly facility with free access for general play. Discussions touched on traffic, entry points, timing of construction, and opportunities for local youth, considering that tennis participation has grown sharply in recent years.
Coral Creek Golf Course Telecommunication Tower
A Verizon Wireless agent described a planned 60-foot “stealth monopine” tower to improve cellular coverage in parts of Ewa, West Loch, and surrounding areas. The tower would resemble a pine tree and be placed near existing poles along the sixth hole of Coral Creek Golf Course. Community members raised questions about possible electromagnetic emissions and aesthetic concerns. The representative explained that federal regulations govern emissions thresholds and that the conditional use permit process imposes guidelines for blending into the landscape. A clearer presentation with diagrams was requested for a future meeting.
Residents and Community Concerns
Local principals voiced objections to proposed legislation (Senate Bill 2605 and House Bill 1786) that would open all school facilities to the public on weekends without permits. They described potential security, liability, and resource complications, such as damage to bathrooms or fields left unmonitored. Additional community speakers shared updates and voiced concerns about Red Hill water contamination surveys, transparency and meeting changes involving the Navy, and ongoing dissatisfaction about noise from military base training operations. Residents also asked for improved lighting on roadways, pothole repairs, and the possibility of more crosswalks to promote pedestrian safety.
Government Agency and Elected Officials’ Reports
Representatives from the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps online platforms provided updates on training exercises, monthly community ship tours, and volunteer service initiatives. The Army noted that certain night training events would continue and reminded residents to expect some audible activity. Elected officials and their staff shared legislative highlights such as funding for public schools, e-bike regulations, Red Hill oversight, anti-fentanyl measures, rent stabilization proposals, and the possibility of a constitutional convention. Multiple legislators addressed the need to clarify boundaries within Ewa and Kapolei, as well as reiterating that community members can testify on key educational, infrastructure, and safety bills under consideration. The meeting concluded with reminders about the next scheduled board meeting on March 12, 2026, and a note to consult digital and televised rebroadcasts for those who missed it in person.