No 15 Kalihi Pālama Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting August 2026
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15 Kalihi-Palama Neighborhood Board Meeting – August 20, 2026
Call to Order and Quorum
The regular meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. with six members initially present: Chair Cullen, DeOsa, Farn, Guerrero, Jathelarn, and Raspwet. Ho‘opili, Mitamura, and Moore were not present at roll call, leaving the board without a quorum. The chair explained that reports and public comments could proceed, but the board could not fill vacancies, elect officers, approve resolutions, or take other official action until a quorum was established. Additional members arrived later, allowing the board to conduct formal business.
District 1 Police Statistics
Honolulu Police Department Sergeant Hosaka reported July 2026 crime statistics for District 1 Beat 150, covering the Waianae Apartments, Vigil Square, portions of College Walk, and Pālama Park. The beat recorded 11 motor-vehicle thefts, one burglary, one theft, one unauthorized-entry or vehicle break-in case, two assaults, one sex-assault-category case, no graffiti cases, six drug cases, and 13 motor-vehicle collisions. HPD handled 305 calls for service in the beat during the month. No board or community questions were raised, and the public was directed to HPD’s website for published statistics.
District 5 Policing Concerns
No District 5 HPD representative was available during the monthly-report portion of the meeting. Residents nevertheless raised several District 5 concerns later in the meeting, including adults smoking marijuana and allegedly using drugs near the one-way parking structure between Kalihi Kai and Kalākaua Gym. Lisa Hasso said children and families encounter this activity while traveling to and from school and asked District 5 to renew community-policing involvement, especially youth-oriented engagement that residents remembered from earlier years. She also reported groups of young people entering housing areas, sitting in stairwells, smoking, and drinking, while some elderly residents are reluctant to call police. Councilmember Radiant Cordero’s office was asked to help reconnect District 5 with the affected community.
Board of Water Supply and July Main Breaks
Board of Water Supply representative Iris Oda reported six water-main breaks during July. They occurred July 3 near 601–619 Booney Street, July 11 near 915 Emeluth Lane, July 18 at 1350 College Walk, July 22 near 1148 Richard Lane, July 25 near 1723 Beckley Street, and July 28 near 1108 Gulick Avenue. In response to a question about some nearby areas retaining water while others lost service during the recent storm-related power outage, Oda explained that O‘ahu’s water system is interconnected but individual reservoirs serve particular areas. Water must often be pumped into reservoirs before flowing downhill to homes, so prolonged power loss can affect neighborhoods differently depending on reservoir levels, pumping arrangements, and whether customers receive water more directly from pumps.
Imagine a Day Without Water Event
The Board of Water Supply announced a free family event, “Imagine a Day Without Water,” scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arc of Safety at Wai‘anae Mall, 86-120 Farrington Highway. Organized with State Representative Chris Muraoka’s office and more than 25 government, nonprofit, and community organizations, the event will include educational displays, interactive exhibits, games, prizes, a rain-barrel workshop, and food and refreshments for purchase. The event will emphasize the “One Water” concept, under which drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and other water resources are treated as interconnected parts of one system.
Honolulu Rail Update
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation provided only a brief report and said current project and construction contact information would be placed in the online chat. No questions were asked during the formal HART report. Rail accessibility, Dillingham Boulevard construction, station-area planning, and HART’s responsiveness to people with disabilities were discussed extensively later in the meeting.
Fire Department Activity and Emergency Alerts
Kalihi Fire Station firefighter Carlton Tanabe reported that the Honolulu Fire Department responded during July to two wildland or brush fires, nine nuisance fires such as rubbish fires outside structures or vehicles, 17 alarm activations where no fire was found, 219 medical emergencies, seven motor-vehicle crashes, and four hazardous-material incidents. The month’s safety message focused on emergency notifications. Residents were encouraged to register at HNLAlert.gov and to monitor official government social-media accounts. Depending on the emergency, authorities may use the Emergency Alert System, wireless emergency alerts, outdoor warning sirens, or multiple systems simultaneously.
Tropical Storm Lala Recovery and Preparedness
Several officials discussed recovery from Tropical Storm Lala and preparations for additional storms. Residents were urged to use caution on damaged or wet roads and call 911 for emergencies. Hawaiian Electric’s trouble line, 1-855-304-1212, was provided for downed lines and remaining power outages. Residents with city-owned trees down or damaged were encouraged to contact the Department of Urban Forestry or council staff for assistance, although removal timelines could not be guaranteed because crews were handling many storm-related requests. Officials also shared information about homeowners, hurricane, flood, and utility claims, while cautioning that Hawaiian Electric generally pays spoilage claims only when it determines the outage was its responsibility.
Food and Connectivity Assistance After the Storm
Senator Glenn Wakai’s office reported that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients who lost food during an outage lasting four hours or longer may apply for replacement benefits by submitting a written statement with their identifying information and the estimated value of the lost food. Information is available through the Department of Human Services. Starlink was also said to be offering storm-related assistance: existing customers could receive account credits, while qualifying new customers purchasing equipment could receive free service through September 17. Officials emphasized these resources as households recover while facing the possibility of further severe weather.
Gulick Avenue Full Closure and H-1 Work
Honua Consulting public information manager Patrick Watson announced that Wai‘anae Dredging Construction Company and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation will fully close Gulick Avenue in both directions between Beckley Street and Pahukui Street. The closure will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, beginning in the third quarter of 2026 and continuing through the fourth quarter of 2027 so crews can safely construct an overpass above the H-1 Freeway. The Beckley Street–Gulick Avenue intersection, already closed, is expected to reopen in the fourth quarter of 2026. Residential and business driveway access will be maintained, but delays may occur when heavy equipment and materials cross the work zone. Personnel will assist motorists and pedestrians, and intermittent lane restrictions will continue as construction progresses.
Bus Changes During Gulick Construction
The Gulick Avenue closure may affect bus routes and stops, including the temporary closure of several stops previously discussed at a May informational meeting. Residents were directed to TheBus website or 808-848-5555 for service information and HEA.TheBus.org for real-time arrivals. Project questions can be submitted through the H-1 widening hotline at 808-900-3314, by email through the project, or at H1Widening.com. The announcement intensified existing community concern that closing the overpass will redirect substantial traffic into narrow residential streets and school areas.
Residential Traffic, Speeding, and Emergency Access
Residents described severe congestion and speeding on Leilani, Fernandez, Mohilani, and nearby streets, particularly when traffic backs up at School Street and Likelike Highway. They warned that the Gulick overpass closure could push even more drivers into these neighborhoods, where there are schools, a park, missing sidewalks and drainage, limited sight distance, and heavy curbside parking. One resident described being honked and cursed at while entering or leaving a driveway and said drivers treat local streets as shortcuts rather than residential areas. Parked vans and vehicles can block views at intersections, while narrow travel lanes may prevent fire trucks, ambulances, and refuse vehicles from reaching homes. Residents said earlier requests for speed humps had been rejected because of roadway design constraints and asked officials to reconsider traffic-calming and enforcement measures.
School Street and Likelike Highway Intersection
The board asked for reconsideration of the “No Turn on Red” restriction at School Street and Kalihi Street/Likelike Highway, arguing that it contributes to backups and neighborhood cut-through traffic. Senator Donna Mercado Kim clarified that the intersection falls under the State Department of Transportation because Likelike is a state highway. She said the area has been assessed twice following concerns from Kalihi Valley and ‘Ālewa neighborhood boards, with engineers previously recommending that the restriction remain. State highways representative Galen Wong, who lives in the area, acknowledged that signal timing appears unequal, with the Diamond Head-bound School Street movement receiving less time than the ‘ewa-bound side. He agreed to consult traffic engineers about possible timing changes, including separating straight and left-turn phases, and to return with information at the next meeting. Officials recommended placing both state DOT and city Department of Transportation Services representatives on a future agenda so overlapping state and city issues can be addressed together.
School Start-Time Proposal
A board member proposed shifting school start times across the Farrington complex to approximately 8:30 a.m., similar to schedules used in Moanalua and another school complex, to stagger peak traffic and reduce student exposure to speeding vehicles during construction. Representative Shirley Templo’s office reported that changing a school bell schedule requires a formal Department of Education process involving school stakeholders and relevant unions, making a change during the current school year unlikely. Superintendent Rochelle Mahoe was expected to pass the concern to Farrington High School Principal Laurie Lacksack. The board member clarified that the request should cover the entire Farrington complex rather than Farrington High School alone, both to address traffic consistently and because later starts may support student learning.
Missing Gulick Avenue Sidewalks
The mayor’s office responded to earlier concerns about the lack of sidewalks on Gulick Avenue between North King and North School Streets. Residents had cited three children struck near Kalihi Waena Elementary School and two elderly women who fell in the area. The corridor is identified as a Tier 1 missing-walkway priority in the 2022 O‘ahu Pedestrian Plan and has been selected for the first phase of the city’s Safe Streets for All Walkways program. The Department of Transportation Services is managing design through 2028, with construction bidding expected in 2029. Funding is planned as 80 percent federal and 20 percent local. Project materials, including the concept and prior neighborhood-board presentation, are available on the city’s Complete Streets Kalihi webpage.
Ongoing Nuisance at 901 Gulick Avenue
Kirsten Liana returned to discuss recurring gatherings around 901 Gulick Avenue and the Hawaiian Snow property. Earlier complaints included loitering, drinking, smoking, littering, public urination, and related disturbances. She thanked HPD and Councilmember Cordero’s office for consistent attention and acknowledged that new lighting and tree trimming by Hawaiian Snow had made the area significantly quieter. However, over the previous two weeks, gatherings and earlier behaviors had begun returning near a tree by the property. Liana asked for a preventive strategy involving property owners, managers, cameras, security, or other measures rather than requiring residents to repeatedly call HPD after incidents begin.
Property Coordination at 901 Gulick Avenue
Councilmember Cordero’s office said residents should continue calling HPD whenever activity is occurring, reflecting HPD’s current guidance. Hawaiian Snow has said the conduct does not take place on its property, limiting what the business can be compelled to do. The council office sent a letter to the management of 2020 Waterhouse but received no response. Discussion also referenced workers or tenants connected to Ham Produce and Seafood and housing along Gulick, Waterhouse, and Bannister. The office agreed to continue examining possible coordination among neighboring building owners. After quorum was established, the board formally approved its resolution addressing the continuing safety and nuisance concerns at 901 Gulick Avenue.
Disability Access and HART Accountability
Lisa Hasso reported mixed impressions following a meeting with HART. She said a senior HART representative acknowledged that the agency had been out of compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for a long period and that some improvements were underway, but she felt further work and greater empathy for disabled travelers were needed. Donald Sakamoto, president of Citizens for Fair Americans with Disabilities Act, said he had raised concerns through the O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizens Advisory Committee and at a June 26 HART meeting. Issues included a lack of ramps around portions of the third Skyline segment, a Dillingham bus stop without a curb cut behind it, and insufficiently accessible construction routes. HART later said it does not maintain a separate ADA walkway plan or ADA guidelines report for the Dillingham project, but follows the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which it described as ADA-compliant.
Mayor’s Disability Committee
Hasso asked why the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities no longer exists and requested its restoration. Sakamoto explained that the committee existed under Mayor Jeremy Harris, was revived under Mayor Peter Carlisle in 2012, and was not restored during the two terms of Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Advocates have also asked the current administration to reestablish it, but were reportedly told that the city already has too many committees. Speakers questioned why the city supports commissions or committees for older adults and youth without maintaining a comparable formal voice for residents with disabilities. Mayor’s representative Stephen Courtney agreed to raise the issue with the managing director.
Paratransit and Electric Vehicles
Sakamoto questioned why the city is purchasing electric buses but not electric paratransit vehicles, despite state emissions requirements. He said officials had cited the absence of charging equipment, lack of funding, and battery-disposal concerns. He also criticized rear-lift Handi-Vans as narrow and difficult or dangerous for wheelchair users and blind passengers, particularly where curb cuts are absent. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam was invited to ride paratransit with Sakamoto to experience the conditions directly, and his office agreed to coordinate a date. Sakamoto also asked the council to hold a new public update hearing on TheBus, Handi-Van, and Skyline operations, noting that the last comparable meeting occurred in August 2023.
Airport and Skyline Wayfinding
Disability advocates raised concerns about navigation between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, buses, parking areas, and the future Skyline connection. Senator Wakai’s office said the Airports Division has installed overhead signs, ground markings, and other wayfinding information, while HART and city transportation agencies are responsible for rail-specific signs. Sakamoto said blind travelers and tourists still struggle to find routes, and that people waiting at terminals sometimes block Wiki Wiki Shuttle access. Hasso added that constantly changing pedestrian paths on Dillingham have demonstrated the need for clear signs and staff assistance, particularly for people who are blind or have low vision. Wakai’s office requested specific locations and improvements so the concerns can be forwarded to the responsible agencies.
Accessible Crossings and Ho‘opono Staffing
Sakamoto asked Senator Karl Rhoads to investigate staffing at Ho‘opono Services for the Blind on Bachelor Street, saying that five of seven positions had been vacant for an extended period. As a 2011 Ho‘opono graduate, he described the importance of its Braille, mobility, carpentry, and independent-living instruction. He also requested audible pedestrian signals at Liliha and School Streets near McDonald’s and the library. Freeway noise and wind make it difficult for blind pedestrians to determine traffic movement when crossing either street. Senator Rhoads agreed to seek information.
Kūwili Connect Station-Area Planning
Jacob Okabe of DTL introduced Kūwili Connect, a city-sponsored planning effort focused on roughly 20 acres surrounding the future Kūwili Skyline station in Iwilei. The project will examine how housing, businesses, transportation, pedestrian connections, and infrastructure can form a more walkable and functional station-area neighborhood rather than considering each property separately. DTL is leading project management and community engagement, BDP is providing master planning and urban design, SSFM is handling transportation and mobility planning, and Nippon is supporting engineering and infrastructure work. A full presentation with maps and slides was delayed but is expected at a future meeting, ideally in September or by October.
Kūwili Community Engagement and Accessibility
The Kūwili team is conducting one-on-one meetings with neighborhood-board members, legislators, residents, and other stakeholders before larger public sessions. Board members emphasized pedestrian safety, ADA access, senior housing, and the needs of families moving through an area that will experience substantial development. A resident warned that the community has repeatedly been asked for input only to see it disregarded. Okabe said the team would document community comments, return regularly, and incorporate feasible recommendations. He noted his own Kalihi connections, including prior service on the board and family residence near Farrington High School.
Mayor Wright Homes Renaming and Redevelopment
Form Partners announced a contest to rename and rebrand the improved Mayor Wright Homes community, including the first new construction phase expected to begin near the end of 2026. Name submissions will be accepted from August 26 through September 16 at MayorWrightHomes.com. Several finalists will be presented to the community for a vote. A talk-story event was scheduled on-site for August 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. Board members asked the project team to involve current and former residents as well as nearby schools, because redevelopment and possible population changes may affect enrollment and staffing. One educator had already shared the contest with students, and the developer agreed to explore coordination with the Department of Education. Advocates also requested accessible curb cuts for residents using wheelchairs and rear-lift paratransit vehicles.
Kalihi Christmas Parade
Patsy Lingua of the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board announced plans for the 77th Kalihi Christmas Parade, continuing a tradition that began in 1948. The November 27 parade is expected to begin at Kalihi Union Church, proceed along Farrington Highway, turn at Waiakamilo or Houghtailing, continue to School Street, and finish at Kamehameha Shopping Center. A related event will take place at Kapālama Elementary School. Organizers are working on logistics, sponsorships, and participation, with a planning meeting identified for November 24. Because the Kalihi Business Association is dissolving, this will be the final parade under its name; the Farrington alumni Parents Alumni Community Foundation is taking responsibility for continuing the tradition.
We Are Kalihi: Youth Matter
The Kalihi Connection Coalition will hold “We Are Kalihi: Youth Matter” on Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at King David Kalākaua Middle School. The free community event will focus on youth and include cultural crafts, snacks, fresh produce, entertainment, mental-health and community-health resources, and other family activities. Speakers said the event responds to the disruptions and pressures affecting young people and gives local organizations an opportunity to connect families with services.
Grassroots Neighborhood Improvement Coalition
Former House District 30 candidate Kiko Akealoha expressed interest in forming a grassroots coalition to address practical neighborhood needs such as sidewalk safety, grass cutting, and conditions affecting kūpuna. Drawing on concerns heard during the campaign, Akealoha said the effort would begin by meeting residents and trusted neighborhood contacts to identify issues that can be addressed collaboratively at the community level.
Mayor’s Office Updates
Mayor’s representative Stephen Courtney reported that Hawai‘i began producing redesigned driver’s licenses and state identification cards in July, marking the first major redesign since 2009 and adding updated security technology and Hawai‘i-themed imagery. The city also completed a $2.7 million purchase of 519 Ka‘aahi Street on June 30 to support long-term transit-oriented development in the Iwilei-Kapālama district. David Lazar, a 33-year San Francisco Police Department veteran, was sworn in as Honolulu’s 13th police chief and pledged to make Honolulu the safest city in the country through community-centered policing. The city also marked the nation’s 250th anniversary with a parade and reading of the Declaration of Independence at Honolulu Hale.
School-Zone Speed Limits
Under Ordinance 25-32, the city is lowering school-zone speed limits on city roads bordering schools from 25 mph when children are present to 20 mph from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on school days. Farrington High School will be among the first locations in the district to receive the revised limits. Officials reminded drivers that school was back in session and to watch for children, kūpuna, and other pedestrians in crosswalks.
Youth Climate Action Grants
The Mayor’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency and the Honolulu Youth Commission opened applications for the Youth Climate Action Fund. Young people may apply for grants of up to $4,999 to design and implement climate-related projects. The application period runs from July 27 through September 7, with additional information available through Resilient O‘ahu.
City Vacancies and Budgeting
In response to questions about full departmental budgets despite vacancies in parks, police, and public-service positions, the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services reported that the fiscal year 2027 budget reallocated $31.5 million in salary funding from vacant positions to support operations elsewhere in the city. The administration said collective-bargaining increases, inflation, fuel, energy, and material costs continue to raise expenses, but the current budget maintains core services without expanding the overall size or cost of government.
Councilmember Cordero’s District Updates
Councilmember Radiant Cordero’s office reported that one-way signs were confirmed at every cross street along Pu‘uhale Road following a constituent concern. The office also provided information on the next phase of transit-oriented redevelopment at the former Delight Bakery site, summer programs, real-property-tax savings, and recognition of Hālau Hi‘iakaikamakalehua for its success at the 63rd Merrie Monarch Festival. Transportation updates included the Dillingham Boulevard Complete Streets design, a Sand Island access-road truck weigh station, electric-vehicle facilities, and proposed legislation concerning electric bicycles and scooters. The Kapālama Driver Licensing Center is adjusting operations on Tuesdays and Thursdays because of high renewal demand, and the redesigned card is available online only for eligible duplicate-license requests.
Property Acquisition and Eminent Domain
The board asked Councilmember Cordero’s office to explain differing property-acquisition approaches near the former Delight Bakery site and O‘ahu Community Correctional Center. A family-owned business that had operated for more than 20 years reportedly lost its parcel through eminent domain, while the city was reported to have paid approximately $6 million for the nearby Blood Bank of Hawai‘i property. The office agreed to research the circumstances and report back at a future meeting.
Police Community Engagement
Chair Cullen reported attending a meeting where neighborhood boards provided input on Police Chief David Lazar’s strategic plan. The chair requested regular three-month reviews so the department and boards can assess progress and adjust priorities. She also sought stronger District 1 community policing in local schools, noting that District 5 has been more active in school and youth engagement. Follow-up was pending with District 1 personnel after discussions with HPD’s community-policing leadership.
Towing Company Complaints
Representative Mike Lee reported on a legislative informational briefing concerning predatory towing practices. According to the Office of Consumer Protection statistics presented at the hearing, VIP Towing had the highest number of complaints by a substantial margin. The company formerly operated on Sand Island but moved to Kapahulu without adequately updating public information, causing vehicle owners to travel to the old location while trying to retrieve towed cars. Legislators are examining cash-only practices, ATM requirements, added fees, and possible failures to properly apply general-excise-tax exemptions. Lee thanked the board for helping identify the company’s new location.
Police Drones as First Responders
Representative Lee also noted that HPD’s Drone as First Responder program will operate in Districts 1 and 5, both of which cover portions of the board area. The program is intended to provide rapid aerial information to police responding to incidents, although no detailed operational or privacy discussion occurred during this meeting.
Expanded Free School Meals
Representative Lee announced that the Legislature raised the income threshold for free school breakfast and lunch. A family of four earning less than approximately $113,000 annually may now qualify, compared with the previous cutoff of about $65,000. Residents were encouraged to share the expanded eligibility information so more local families can apply.
Food Distribution and Delivery Barriers
Representative Templo’s office continues to support food distributions at Kuhio Park Terrace/Kahumanu Homes and Grace and Favor Church at 702 Pu‘uhale Road. Participation at the housing distribution remains lower than expected, and organizers are seeking additional eligible residents. Hasso explained that many elderly or disabled residents may need assistance carrying food back to their units. She proposed using residents who must complete monthly community-service hours to deliver food, but said privacy rules prevent housing staff from simply releasing a list of people needing assistance. The office was asked to help design a lawful registration and delivery system. A separate food distribution is held on the last Saturday of each month at Kalihi Kai Elementary School and is open to the broader community.
Kalihi Hiring Fairs and Military Activity
U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i announced public hiring fairs at Helemano Military Reservation on August 24 in the training room and September 15 in the gym, both running from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Applicants should bring identification, a Social Security card, a résumé, an application, and two references. Child and Youth Services positions may include retirement benefits, access to recreational facilities, reduced child-care costs, training, and commissary and exchange privileges. Military training was occurring primarily at Schofield Barracks and East Range, with annual training planned from October into November. Residents may see increased military vehicle and aircraft activity as the exercises approach.
Wounded Warrior Canoe Regatta
The Nā Koa Wounded Warrior Canoe Regatta, postponed from August 15 because of conditions, was rescheduled for Saturday, August 22, at Fort DeRussy Beach Park. The event was scheduled from 7:40 a.m. to 4 p.m. and was intended for veterans and Gold Star families.
Public Health Updates
Senator Karl Rhoads reported that COVID-19 activity had returned to a high level after briefly falling to medium. He also discussed a newer mRNA influenza vaccine that studies indicate may be about 27 percent more effective because it can be matched more rapidly to circulating flu strains, although supply remains limited and it is being targeted particularly toward people in their 50s and 60s. Rhoads additionally described early research using personalized mRNA technology to help the immune system identify pancreatic cancer cells. He emphasized that the cancer application remains at an early stage but could become significant for a disease that is often detected too late.
Elections and Voter Participation
Residents were reminded that general-election ballots were expected to reach mailboxes no later than October 16. Senator Donna Mercado Kim noted Kalihi’s historically low voter participation and urged stronger turnout in the general election. She also congratulated candidates who had participated in the recent election.
Affordable Senior Housing
Senator Kim announced that the School Street affordable senior housing development is expected to hold its dedication in mid-October and begin accepting applications online. Applicants must be at least 62 years old and generally have annual income between $30,000 and $60,000 to qualify.
Vineyard and Pālama Equipment Staging
Senator Kim followed up on construction equipment stored beneath the overpass near Vineyard Boulevard and Pālama Street. The equipment belongs to a private contractor performing work under a city contract and is expected to remain staged there through the end of 2027. The contractor is resurfacing an area extending from Miller Street to Kapi‘olani Boulevard.
Proposed Costco Gas Station on Dillingham
Hasso asked Governor Josh Green’s office for the governor’s position on a proposed Costco gas station on Dillingham Boulevard. She cited existing traffic congestion, proximity to a school, and the governor’s support for clean-energy policies. Kathleen Lee, the governor’s newly assigned representative to the board, agreed to forward the question to the administration.
Neighborhood Board Vacancies and Oaths
Once quorum was achieved, the board returned to filling three at-large vacancies. Prospective members’ eligibility was checked, and new appointees recited the oath to support federal, state, and city laws, the City Charter, and the Neighborhood Plan while impartially carrying out their duties. The Neighborhood Commission later explained that it is reluctant to impose appointees without a clear indication that a board wants assistance. Boards may also seek to reduce their total seats to an odd number such as nine or 11, but boundary and election requirements create a long implementation period.
Election of Board Officers
The board elected officers for the term running through June 30, 2027. Colin Cullen was reelected chair, while emphasizing that this would be the final term in that role because leadership responsibilities should be shared. Lynn Vasquez was elected vice chair, Bohano was elected secretary, and Kiko Kealoha was elected treasurer. The votes were conducted by roll call.
Meeting Schedule and Records
The board voted to retain its recent recess schedule, with no regular meetings in December and June. It also approved the regular meeting minutes for March 18 and April 15, 2026, along with memoranda for the record for May 20 and July 15, 2026, with no amendments identified.
Member Attendance and Vacated Seats
The board reviewed absence notices under Neighborhood Plan Section 2-14-106. No motion was made to remove Randy Jathelarn, who had attended the current and previous meetings. The board did vote to vacate the seats held by Ken Farn and Eric Mitamura after each accumulated five absences. Members said Farn could seek to return in the future if able to participate consistently.
Brothers Cazimero Recognition
The board approved separate certificates recognizing the Brothers Cazimero for their Kalihi roots and contributions to Hawaiian music, culture, and the broader community. Members noted that the brothers grew up in Kalihi and became influential figures both locally and throughout Hawai‘i.
Iwilei Boundary Change Proposal
The board considered moving portions of Iwilei from the Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board district into the Downtown-Chinatown district. Residents at 888 Iwilei Road and 215 North King Street reportedly already attend Downtown-Chinatown meetings because their daily concerns and identity align more closely with that area. The future Kūwili station, extensive transit-oriented development, and planned housing were cited as further reasons to reconsider the boundary. The Neighborhood Commission advised that both boards would need to support compatible changes or that the commission could initiate the process. Defining the line may require following major streets toward Costco and the waterfront while determining whether areas such as Nimitz Highway, the docks, and Nico’s remain within Kalihi-Pālama.
Sand Island Boundary Concerns
Board members said Sand Island should remain connected to Kalihi-Pālama even if portions of Iwilei move to Downtown-Chinatown. The discussion showed uncertainty about the exact existing boundary and how far the proposed transfer would extend. The board therefore approved only the general concept of adjusting the Iwilei boundary, with detailed mapping and coordination with the Downtown-Chinatown board to occur later.
Wastewater Capacity Request
A board member requested a future presentation from the agency responsible for wastewater and sanitation at Sand Island. The request arose from concern about how existing treatment infrastructure will accommodate the large amount of planned housing and redevelopment in Iwilei and surrounding districts. The chair said an invitation had already been sent.
Next Meeting and Broadcast Information
The next regular meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Room 153. Recordings are available on ‘Ōlelo Channel 49 and through ‘Ōlelo’s website, with broadcasts scheduled for the first Monday of each month at 9 p.m. and the second and fourth Thursdays at 11 a.m.