No 16 Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting August 2026
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16 Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board Meeting – August 13, 2026
Meeting Opening and Agenda Revision
The Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board No. 16 convened at approximately 6:44 p.m. with quorum present. Although the meeting title identifies August 13, the chair announced the date as Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The board unanimously revised the agenda so that the scheduled presentation would follow reports from state and federal elected officials and precede board business. Speakers were asked to identify themselves, address comments through the chair, keep public comments under two minutes and reports under three minutes, and remain muted when not speaking. The chair reminded participants that the board could act only on properly noticed agenda items under Hawaiʻi’s Sunshine Law, that written testimony could be submitted through the Neighborhood Commission Office, and that meeting materials and recordings are available through the board’s Google Drive and the NCO YouTube channel.
Fire and Police Reports
Neither the Honolulu Fire Department nor the Honolulu Police Department appeared online or in person when called. Their monthly reports were therefore tabled, leaving the board without current department updates on fires, emergency responses, crime, traffic enforcement, or other public-safety activity in Kalihi Valley.
Water Main Breaks and Water Awareness Event
Board of Water Supply representative Iris Oda reported three water-main breaks during July: July 2 near 3069 Nihi Street, July 22 near 1916 Ulani Place, and July 29 near 1682 Ulani Street as stated in the report. She also announced the free, family-oriented “Imagine a Day Without Water 2026” event, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arc of Safety Waiʻanae Mall, 86-120 Farrington Highway. Organized with Representative Chris Muraoka’s office and more than 25 government, nonprofit, and community organizations, the event will include interactive exhibits, educational displays, games, prizes, a rain-barrel workshop, and food for purchase. It will promote the “One Water” concept, which treats all water as an interconnected resource requiring coordinated management. A resident asked about an additional Saturday morning water outage in August; Oda explained that her report covered July and said the August incident would normally appear in the following month’s report, though she could seek information sooner if requested.
At-Large Board Vacancy and Appointment of Chris Wong
The board considered candidates for one at-large vacancy. James Sung nominated Momi Akana, and another nomination was made for Chris Wong. Akana, a Kalihi Valley resident for approximately 35 years and a former board member, described her leadership of Keiki O Ka ʻĀina Family Learning Centers and its work with Kalihi Elementary, Kalihi Waena, Dole, Kalākaua, Kalihi Uka, and other schools and community organizations. She discussed family services, free preschools, preschool tuition assistance, farming and environmental programs, the Laulima Giving Program, toy and donation drives, services in every state correctional facility, mentoring for children with incarcerated parents, parenting education, family engagement, and cultural programming. Wong, who was born and raised in Kalihi Valley and previously chaired the board for about ten years, cited earlier board efforts involving Complete Streets, a residential parking zone initiative, street repaving, and renovation of the district park complex. He said he wanted to restore focus on tangible neighborhood needs, strengthen collaboration among board members, nonprofits, and elected officials, and provide experience with Robert’s Rules of Order. After confusion over voting procedure, absent members, and whether all members had heard the introductions, the board restarted the roll-call vote. Wong received five votes, while two members abstained and one member was absent; the board indicated that administrative steps related to his service would be completed afterward.
Major Excavation at Manaiki Place
Resident Stanley Ige of 1808 Manaiki Place reported extensive excavation at the end of his road, across from his home and against the mountainside. He said two excavators had been operating for several months and estimated that 40 to 50 truckloads of material had been removed, creating a hole that may exceed 20 feet in depth in some areas near an adjoining property. Ige questioned whether the work could reasonably be associated with an ordinary three-bedroom residence and wondered whether rock was being removed or mined. Momi Akana recalled a previous Kalihi Street incident in which excavation of a hillside, followed by heavy rain, sent thick mud across the roadway and required numerous excavators and dump trucks for cleanup. She urged an immediate inspection, particularly with severe weather approaching, and noted the need for erosion and sediment controls. Mayor’s representative Clark Bright requested the street information so the concern could be forwarded for investigation.
Tropical Storm Preparedness
City and state representatives repeatedly warned residents about a potential tropical storm expected during the coming weekend. Clark Bright encouraged residents to prepare early and enroll in HNL Alert for emergency notifications. Governor Josh Green’s representative, Jill Radke, shared links to a new storm-surge map, a City and County tool providing real-time evacuation information and nearby shelter locations, and guidance for strengthening homes against hurricanes. Representative Ikaika Hussey said his office was contacting kūpuna and other elders to confirm that they had emergency supplies and was coordinating possible donations of water, food, and other necessities from local stores. He provided his cell number, 808-221-2843, for residents needing assistance. The board was told the anticipated weather could begin late Saturday night or around 2 a.m. Sunday and continue into Sunday evening, although conditions remained subject to updated forecasts.
School and Athletic Decisions During the Storm
A board member asked when the governor or Department of Education would decide whether to close schools or cancel Friday and Saturday high-school football games, including contests involving mainland teams. Radke said officials would review the National Weather Service forecast at an 8 a.m. briefing the following morning and that the earliest announcement would likely come after the briefing, at approximately 9 a.m. She agreed to send any updated schedule or decision to the board chair for distribution.
Mayor’s Office and Community Events
Clark Bright announced the “We Are Kalihi: Youth Matter” celebration for Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kalākaua Middle School. The free family event was described as including cultural crafts, snacks, fresh produce, community health resources, and entertainment. Board members asked that Mayor Rick Blangiardi be reminded of his invitations both to this event and to the Kalihi Christmas parade; the parade organizers had received acknowledgment that the event was on the city’s calendar but were still waiting to learn whether the mayor could march. Bright also said the Department of Transportation Services would examine lowering speed limits in school zones. The mayor’s newsletter was shared through the meeting chat.
Outstanding City Maintenance Concerns
Bright reported that several concerns carried over from earlier meetings—including a tree issue, conditions along Kamanaiiki Stream, and vegetation overgrowth—remained under review, with the Department of Facility Maintenance requesting additional time to respond. Chris Wong asked the city to investigate a streetlight that has remained out near Kuikele Street and Kuikele Place following utility relocation work. He said the dark intersection creates a safety concern for turning vehicles and that related permit work appeared to have been repeatedly postponed. The city representative agreed to follow up.
Numana Road Bridge Rehabilitation
The city will begin rehabilitating the Numana Road Bridge in Kalihi on August 17. Work is expected to last approximately seven months and generally occur Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The project and associated closure or work-zone conditions may affect local travel for much of the following year. During committee reports, the board again reminded residents of the August 17 start and noted the bridge’s history, including a reference to its construction by the Chang family.
Kalihi Valley District Park Pool Showers
Chris Wong asked the Department of Parks and Recreation to address deteriorated and inadequate shower facilities at the Kalihi Valley District Park pool. He said pool users had been relying on a single outdoor shower throughout the summer, while the lower shower area had graffiti, rotting food, and signs that someone might be staying there. He requested an update and remediation, noting that the pool itself had previously been improved but the supporting shower facilities had not received comparable attention.
Monster Homes, Crowding, Parking, and Section 8 Conditions
A board member raised continuing concerns about large residential developments or “monster homes” in Kalihi Valley. While acknowledging the need for housing, he said residences with many rooms can bring more occupants and vehicles than neighborhood streets can accommodate, leading to blocked or congested streets, stress among long-term residents, and growing conflict over parking. He also asked city officials to investigate possible overcrowding and said some Section 8 units may contain more occupants than can live there safely or healthfully. The issue was connected to broader concerns about whether existing infrastructure, street capacity, zoning enforcement, and occupancy standards are keeping pace with intensified residential use.
Homeless Encampments Near Bridges
The board asked the governor’s office for help addressing a persistent homeless situation near a bridge in the Piliwai and Nalanieha area. The member raising the issue said nearby residents had reached the limit of what they could tolerate and had seen no meaningful response despite the encampment’s continued presence. Radke recorded the location and agreed to determine what state assistance or coordination might be available.
Voter Turnout and Primary Election
Senator Donna Mercado Kim thanked residents who participated in the recent primary election but reported that statewide turnout was only 33.1%, one of Hawaiʻi’s lowest participation rates. She described the election as spirited and encouraged substantially greater participation in the general election. She also congratulated Chris Wong and recalled working with him and the board on earlier Kalihi projects.
Kalihi Valley Homes Recreation Center Funding
Senator Kim reported that Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority’s anticipated biennial-budget request for the Kalihi Valley Homes recreation center would include approximately $1.1 million to $2 million for design and another $7 million to $8 million for construction. These amounts remain proposed requests: the governor must decide whether to include them in the executive budget before the Legislature considers appropriations. The planned investment would support development or reconstruction of a major recreational asset serving public-housing residents.
Kūhiō Park Terrace Gym Improvements
For Kūhiō Park Terrace, public-housing officials are expected to seek approximately $1.3 million for gym design. Kim said the design would cover the entire facility and include elements such as roll-up doors and fire alarms. HUD inspections were also underway at both KPT and Kalihi Valley Homes, placing additional attention on building conditions and compliance within the two housing communities.
Community Gardens in Public Housing
A community garden at KPT is not currently considered feasible because the property is undergoing redevelopment and lacks sufficient available space. At Kalihi Valley Homes, officials are continuing to search for an acceptable garden location, but any site must be formally designated and accessible under Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Kim said those physical and regulatory constraints have made establishing a garden more complicated than simply identifying unused land.
School Street Affordable Senior Housing
The School Street affordable senior-housing project is expected to be completed and dedicated in mid-October, when online applications are also anticipated to open. According to Senator Kim, applicants must be at least 62 years old and have income between approximately $30,000 and $60,000 to qualify. The project will add age-restricted housing options for moderate- and lower-income seniors in the Kalihi area.
Aging Schools and Classroom Infrastructure
Senator Kim discussed recent newspaper coverage of deteriorating school facilities, classroom disruptions, and limitations on air conditioning caused by aging electrical and building infrastructure. She said these were issues she had already raised during legislative committee hearings and would continue pursuing in the next session. The discussion reflected ongoing concerns that basic repairs and utility upgrades must accompany efforts to cool classrooms and maintain usable educational facilities.
Kalihi Community Support Guide and 211
Kim distributed a community support guide developed after a Farrington High School meeting about available resources for Kalihi children and families. The booklet includes food-distribution locations, dates, times, and phone numbers; nonprofit and youth programs; basic human services; recycling and donation resources; healthcare and military facilities; parks, housing, and public-service contacts; state agency numbers; information about feral chickens; utility-line safety guidance; and neighborhood board meeting dates. The chair added that program information changes over time and encouraged residents to call Aloha United Way 211 for current, vetted health and human-service referrals. The booklet itself notes that dates and times are subject to change.
Safe Place Access in Schools
James Sung reported that, despite earlier work to establish Safe Place services in schools, a person who had initially agreed to the arrangement later reversed that decision. Referring to a recent child-abuse case in Waiʻanae, he asked whether legislation or a Department of Education policy might be necessary to ensure that Safe Place or an equivalent protective program is available at all schools. Senator Kim asked him to provide the responsible person’s name privately and agreed to follow up.
TSA Lost Identification Complaint
A board member reported that TSA personnel allegedly lost his driver’s license in Kona on July 5 and that repeated attempts to obtain assistance had not resolved the issue. Senator Kim explained that TSA is a federal agency and recommended contacting the Hawaiʻi offices of U.S. Representative Ed Case or U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, whose constituent-service staff can help residents navigate federal-agency problems.
Proposed Special Session and Contractor Donations
Representative Ikaika Hussey reported that members of the Legislature’s Good Government Caucus had signed a letter asking Governor Green and House and Senate leaders to convene a special session. The requested legislation would close what caucus members call the “pay-to-play contractor loophole,” which allows government contractors to contribute to political campaigns. Hussey connected the proposal to issues implicated in recent indictments of five prominent state leaders and said the caucus hoped the special session would be considered promptly.
Faded Road Markings and Street Reporting
The board again raised poor visibility of centerlines on the curved roadway behind Kam Shopping Center toward Kamehameha Schools and upper Kalihi Valley, identified during discussion as likely Makuahine Street near its connection to Kalihi Street. A member said the markings can be difficult to see in rain and asked why repeated complaints had not produced action before a crash occurred. Hussey agreed to refer the issue to Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam. James Sung advised residents to photograph faded striping, potholes, sidewalk defects, illegal dumping, and similar city-related conditions and submit them through Honolulu’s 311 reporting application, which routes complaints to the responsible city department.
Sidewalk Needs in Kalihi Valley
A board member reiterated earlier requests for sidewalk improvements in Kalihi Valley and expressed frustration over the absence of visible progress. He asked whether studies or surveys were underway and warned that action should not wait until a pedestrian is injured. Jurisdiction was described as depending on the location, requiring coordination among city, state, and private-property interests.
Kamanaiiki Stream Erosion and Retaining Walls
The board pressed Representative Hussey for immediate action on erosion, failing walls, drainage structures, and other damage along Kamanaiiki Stream following earlier Kona low storms. Members feared that another major storm could cause additional wall failures, flooding, or property damage. Hussey said the time available before the approaching storm was too short to correct longstanding infrastructure failures, but noted that the Legislature had convened a stream and watershed maintenance working group and passed legislation, identified during the meeting as HB 2218, to create opportunities for community co-management. He described overlapping and conflicting jurisdiction among public agencies as a major obstacle. Board members responded that residents needed specific near-term action rather than further study. Hussey asked residents to contact him with precise locations so his office could identify the agency responsible for each wall, ditch, bridge, or stream asset.
Upper Kalihi Bridge Integrity and Storm Monitoring
The board renewed a request for an inspection of an old bridge near the upper end of Kalihi Street, referred to in the discussion as being near Pōʻuhō or Polo Waʻa ʻĀina. Members said they had raised questions about its structural integrity before but had not received a report. Chris Wong proposed that board members send elected officials a list of known high-risk locations, including retaining walls and areas along Likelike Highway, so the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation and city response crews already positioning resources for the storm could monitor those locations and respond more rapidly to life-safety problems.
Pre-Filing Eviction Mediation Under Act 278
The Mediation Center of the Pacific presented information on Act 278, a statewide pre-filing eviction mediation program that began February 5, 2026. Before filing an eviction for unpaid residential rent, a landlord must provide the tenant with a ten-day notice explaining the intended eviction and the right to request mediation. The tenant then has only ten days to contact the Mediation Center and request the service; once requested, the landlord must participate. Mediation is free and is usually conducted by Zoom, but the center’s Young Street office offers free parking, equipment, a private room, and staff assistance, and in-person mediation can be arranged. Interpreters and support persons are also available. The mediators previously handled cases under Act 57 after the COVID-19 eviction moratorium and assisted following the Maui wildfires.
Eviction Mediation Outcomes
From February 5 through July 21, 524 mediations had been conducted statewide, including more than 400 on Oʻahu. Approximately 80% resulted in the tenant remaining in the rental unit, and 86% of agreements included repayment plans. Landlords provided an average of slightly more than four months for repayment, with average arrears of approximately $4,631. The presenter said mediation allows tenants to explain why they fell behind, helps landlords evaluate whether repayment is realistic, and can produce either a sustainable agreement that preserves the tenancy or sufficient time for the tenant to find another home. A major challenge is that tenants may panic or fail to act within the ten-day deadline, while some small “mom-and-pop” landlords also remain unfamiliar with the required procedure.
Outreach, Language Access, and Rental Assistance
The Mediation Center has program flyers in 12 languages and offered to provide electronic or printed copies to schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, Keiki O Ka ʻĀina, Kōkua Kalihi Valley, Parents and Children Together, and other community organizations. The center works with Aloha United Way 211 when a payment plan alone is insufficient, because 211 may identify rental assistance and other benefits that make an agreement possible. The center had already made contact with Kōkua Kalihi Valley and participated in a community presentation attended by its representatives. Staffing limitations prevented the center from committing to a booth at the September 12 We Are Kalihi event.
Possible Mediation Protections for Farmers
A member asked whether Act 278 protects farmers who lease agricultural land and face eviction or unpaid lease obligations. The presenter clarified that the mandatory program applies only to residential rentals involving unpaid rent. Farmers may still request the Mediation Center’s general dispute-resolution services, but their landowner is not legally required to participate. She suggested that advocates begin working with legislators before the 2027 session if they want a comparable statutory mediation process for agricultural tenants and offered to assist with the discussion.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
The board addressed the delayed January 14, 2026 minutes, which had apparently not been adopted at the February meeting. Some members questioned whether the minutes had been redistributed and whether they would need to search older emails. The board ultimately adopted the January minutes, with at least one member abstaining because the meeting preceded that member’s service. The July 8, 2026 minutes were then adopted with minor amendments, including spelling and other nonsubstantive corrections; one member abstained.
Meeting Location
The agenda included a possible vote to change the board’s physical meeting location, with Farrington High School or a church having been mentioned previously as alternatives. Members indicated they were satisfied with the current Kalihi Valley District Park location, and no motion to relocate the meetings was made.
Exceptional Monkeypod Tree Nomination
The board considered supporting the nomination and pruning application for a large monkeypod tree near Kalihi Street and Kilauea Street under Honolulu’s Exceptional Tree Program. The tree extends over the roadway and adjoining property, and a resident had raised concerns about its size and impact. A relative of the property owner was preparing the application following a city presentation to the board about identifying exceptional trees on Oʻahu. A motion and second were made to support the application. Chris Wong recommended strengthening the board’s position by adopting a formal resolution rather than offering only general support. Due to repeated and incomplete portions of the transcript, the final disposition of the motion or proposed resolution was not clearly recorded.
Kalihi Valley Stream Cleanup
The board discussed holding a stream cleanup behind Kalihi Valley District Park on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Members explained that previous cleanups were coordinated with the government agency responsible for the relevant stream segment. The agency generally arranged safety support, including police or community-policing assistance where homeless encampments were present, and provided items such as gloves, safety vests, water, and snacks. The board would request and participate in the cleanup rather than assume direct responsibility for the site. With no objections or abstentions voiced, the board approved the October 3 cleanup date.
We Are Kalihi Volunteer Participation
The board considered volunteering at the September 12 “We Are Kalihi: Youth Matter” event at Kalākaua Middle School. Volunteer duties could include setup, cleanup, litter and waste support, and other general event assistance. Members were encouraged to attend in their capacity as neighborhood board members and to coordinate with the volunteer booth. The board also discussed operating an information table with possible Neighborhood Commission Office assistance, although the preserved transcript does not clearly record the final votes on all event-related motions.
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Report
The board reported that a previously identified problem at the “S-curve” had finally been filled or repaired, approximately three months after the concern was submitted. Members also repeated the Numana Road Bridge construction schedule and warned residents to plan for the seven-month project. A brief report additionally mentioned the day’s solar eclipse, visible from Spain, a planetary alignment, and a meteor shower, although another member asked that committee reports remain confined to agenda-related transportation matters because of the limited meeting time.
Education and Youth Report
With schools back in session, the board asked community organizations seeking student volunteers to be patient while teachers focus on beginning-of-year curriculum and classroom responsibilities. More student volunteer participation may become practical in September or October. Members also noted that high-school football season had begun and encouraged the community to support Kalihi’s student-athletes and expand youth programs. The discussion reinforced the September We Are Kalihi theme that “Youth Matter” and called for sustained neighborhood attention to young people and their future opportunities.
Scam and Phishing Warning
The chair warned residents and board members about fraudulent emails that used her name and board member Alan Kumalai’s name and falsely claimed they were unavailable or “out of office.” She emphasized that the board does not have a conventional office and advised people to watch for urgent requests, demands for personal information, suspicious links, generic greetings, spelling or grammar errors, and offers that seem too good to be true. One member said he received the fraudulent message but contacted the chair separately before responding, illustrating the recommended practice of independently verifying unusual communications.
Our Lady of the Mount Hall Fundraiser
A board member announced a fundraiser to repair the Our Lady of the Mount parish hall after wind and storm damage. The hall is used by parishioners, community groups, and public or district celebrations. A fundraising dance was scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m., with tickets priced at $70. Proceeds will support restoration of the hall, and a flyer was to be circulated after the meeting.
Next Meeting and Broadcast Schedule
The chair initially announced an October date but corrected the next regular meeting to Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Kalihi Valley District Park. Neighborhood board meetings are broadcast on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 on the fourth Saturday of each month at 6 p.m. and on the first and third Sundays at 9 a.m. The meeting adjourned after the correction and final announcements.