No 15 Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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15 Kalihi-Palama Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 2, 2026
Call to Order, Roll Call, and Meeting Guidelines
The meeting was called to order on January 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Following a roll call that confirmed seven members present, the chair reminded everyone of meeting rules, including time limits for speakers and the requirement to direct all comments through the chair. Attendees were instructed to keep microphones muted unless recognized by the chair and to identify themselves by first and last name before offering questions or commentary. Written testimony could be sent by email to the Neighborhood Commission Office. These procedural reminders aimed to keep deliberations organized and respectful.
Election of Officers
There were nominations for chair and vice chair, but no candidate achieved the required number of votes to secure either position. The board decided to table further elections for both the chair and vice chair positions, as well as the treasurer position, until their next meeting. This left the board without formally elected officers and postponed decisions on leadership roles.
Honolulu Police Department – District 1 and District 5 Updates
District 1 presented crime statistics covering December 2025. Motor vehicle thefts decreased from three to one compared to the previous month, burglaries increased from zero to two, and other categories such as thefts and unauthorized entries into motor vehicles were also noted. District 1 officers emphasized that park closure violations were being enforced near parks bordered by Liliha Street, resulting in five criminal citations out of 34 inspections, plus numerous traffic citations. They also reminded residents about an upcoming Explore Asia Fest on February 28, 2026, at 810 North Vineyard Boulevard and recommended reflective clothing to enhance pedestrian safety.
District 5 similarly addressed December statistics, noting aggravated assaults numbered nine, auto thefts ten, robberies zero, and other categories such as burglaries and UEMV cases. They reported a slight increase in total calls for service from November, totaling 3,068 for December. District 5 encouraged people to remain vigilant on pedestrian safety, especially during darker hours. They announced a Coffee with a Cop event scheduled for March 6, 2026, at the Liliha McDonald’s.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
Although the board moved quickly through city reports, the Honolulu Fire Department update was generally acknowledged. Their statement was brief, and no specific call statistics were recorded during the meeting. The report stood as part of the regular monthly city department updates focusing on community safety and preparedness.
Board of Water Supply Announcements
A Board of Water Supply representative shared updates for December and January. Customers were encouraged to remain alert to potential utility scams, including fake payment methods or suspicious calls outside business hours. The board also reminded residents that the BWS will not send disconnection notices by text and that all BWS employees carry identification. Conservation efforts and rebates were highlighted, with the Water Sensible Rebate Program doubling some rewards such as $150 for efficient clothes washers and $200 for WaterSense-labeled toilets. Main breaks were reported on Kylie Street and Salt Lake Boulevard in November, and one on Dillingham Boulevard in December. The BWS stressed the need for consistent, ongoing water monitoring and offered detailed responses to questions from previous meetings regarding chemical contamination levels and actions to preserve water sources.
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) Update
HART announced a second neighborhood design workshop for the planned Nuhelewai (HCC Kapālama) Station, set for February 4, 2026, at the Honolulu Community College cafeteria. It would showcase updated renderings, materials, and color selections. The workshop aimed to gather real-time feedback from community members, particularly regarding how the station will integrate into local surroundings. HART also responded to questions about station footings and construction costs, promising to provide detailed follow-up on issues tied to deep foundation work and project budgets.
Mayor’s Representative and City Administration Reports
The mayor’s representative drew attention to the updated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance rate maps taking effect on June 10, 2026, urging property owners to check if new designations would require them to obtain flood insurance. The administration’s continued property demolition work at the former Delight Bakery site on Dillingham Boulevard was mentioned, meant to foster future affordable housing development near rail. The representative suggested using Honolulu 311 for reporting non-emergency concerns, while HNL.info was identified as a one-stop site for city updates.
City Councilmembers’ Updates
Councilmembers participated remotely, highlighting key local concerns such as traffic safety enhancements, trash and stream cleanups, and coordinated community gatherings. One councilmember mentioned receiving requests from residents about unpermitted after-hours businesses and pledged to follow up with city agencies on noise, parking, and other nuisance-related infractions. Another councilmember’s office offered updates on real property tax appeals and recognized recent safety improvements on certain neighborhood streets, including the installation of a new stop sign. Several councilmembers encouraged board members and the public to attend upcoming community forums addressing crime data, redevelopment questions, and resident services.
Presentation: Mayor Wright Homes and Ka‘ahumanu Homes Redevelopment
Representatives of a development team presented plans to revitalize Mayor Wright Homes and Ka‘ahumanu Homes. They explained the goal of replacing outdated public housing stock with mixed-use, higher-density apartment towers that incorporate replacement public housing units and ensure a broad mix of affordability levels. For Mayor Wright Homes, they cited an entitlement of 2,448 future homes, with the first phases targeting over 300 units each. They projected a possible start of construction in late 2026 or 2027 for Ka‘ahumanu Homes, contingent on funding approvals. Some board members and residents voiced concerns about preserving Kalihi’s neighborhood character, citing worry that high-rise construction would repeat trends similar to major urban redevelopment seen in other areas. The development team emphasized that most new residential units would serve families earning lower incomes, providing an opportunity for current residents in good standing to return to renovated properties. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the strong emotions involved and the ongoing need to encompass as many viewpoints as possible.
Community and Residents’ Concerns
A resident raised issues concerning noise, public drinking, and loitering at a private business on the corner of Gulick and Waterhouse Street, which was potentially operating beyond its zoning limits. She requested permanent solutions such as installing barriers to deter after-hours gatherings and asked for a coordinated effort by HPD, city officials, and the business owner to enforce regulations. A councilmember immediately offered to meet with the property owner to address related zoning and enforcement obstacles.
State Elected Officials’ Briefings
Legislative staffers for various state representatives and senators shared news on the opening of the 2026 session. They mentioned an ongoing focus on the state budget, the potential consideration of recreational marijuana and gambling bills, and the launch of public surveys on Red Hill contamination concerns. Elected officials also announced new or expanded programs at Honolulu Community College, including planned licensed practical nursing courses, and directed community members to submit online testimony on key legislation during the session. Questions arose about possible regulation of artificial intelligence technologies, and staffers pledged to convey these concerns to their offices.
U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Military Liaison
The Army liaison briefed the board on a February 9 hiring fair at Helemano Military Reservation. The liaison also noted that prescribed burning is scheduled for April 13–19, 2026, at Schofield Barracks to reduce wildfire risk by clearing excess brush. The Army indicated it had coordinated with state and federal agencies to ensure compliance with environmental and health guidelines. Community members were asked to remain aware of any temporary smoke conditions during the burn period.
Closing Remarks and Meeting Adjournment
The board reminded residents about community resources and food assistance offered by the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and other service organizations. Members also mentioned that the next Neighborhood Board meeting is planned for February 18, 2026, at Kalihi Waena Elementary School Library, with coverage continuing on ‘Ōlelo Channel 49 and online streaming services. The meeting adjourned after these final announcements, leaving certain business items and organizational officer elections pending for the following month.