No 07 Mānoa Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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7 Manoa Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 5, 2026
Meeting Opening and Roll Call
The meeting convened at 6:30 PM with an announcement that roll would be called to establish attendance. Several board members responded in person and online, and it was noted that three board seats remained vacant. After calls for the missing members, it was determined that the board met quorum, and the acting chair explained that two agenda items would be swapped, with board business now preceding community updates.
Quorum Status and Agenda Reordering
The acting chair remarked that vacant seats continued to pose quorum difficulties. Despite these challenges, attending members confirmed a quorum for the evening. The chair then announced a switch in the agenda order, allowing certain board business items to be addressed before the community update reports.
Honolulu Fire Department Monthly Report
A firefighter from the Honolulu Fire Department presented the month’s statistics, noting zero structure fires but one nuisance fire and four activated alarms without an actual fire. The department responded to 57 medical calls and one mountain rescue, with no reported motor vehicle collisions, ocean rescues, or hazmat incidents. The firefighter offered a safety reminder to call 911 rather than driving to a fire station, and advised that 911 service would dispatch the closest available unit or allow text message requests for help when cell reception is poor for voice calls.
Community Inquiries to HFD
A community member requested more information on aerial and helicopter operations in the valley, particularly regarding wildfire concerns and the use of Manoa Valley District Park for emergency landings or staging. Another resident asked for details on the recent mountain rescue she had observed above the cemetery. The department representative did not have specifics on the case but agreed to follow up at a future meeting if more information became available.
Honolulu Police Department Absence
The Honolulu Police Department representative was not present at the scheduled time. The board noted this absence and moved forward with the remainder of the agenda without receiving HPD’s monthly crime statistics or updates.
Board of Water Supply Monthly Report
A representative from the Board of Water Supply attended remotely and mentioned the lack of main break reports for January but promised to update the board on both January and February breaks at the next meeting. The BWS completed its construction project at Kekela Drive and Mohala Way, pending closeout documentation. Future work along Pensacola Street was noted, and community members were advised to avoid that area during active construction. The BWS also announced its 2026 poster and poetry contest for students and a conservation-themed trivia challenge on social media.
Mayor’s Representative Update
The mayor’s representative introduced the upgraded HNL 311 system, an online and mobile app tool enabling residents to report community concerns such as street maintenance or park repairs immediately rather than waiting for board meetings. He addressed recurring questions about the five-way Manoa intersection, stating that the Department of Transportation Services would study signage changes. Updates were also provided regarding repairs to tennis courts and the gymnasium at Manoa Valley District Park, with estimated completion dates set for summer 2026. The Manoa community pool refurbishment was also projected to finish around the same time.
Council Member Report
A staff member reported on various initiatives, including legislation focused on emergency management, law enforcement pilot programs, and a possible firearms buyback effort. The board was alerted to a bill that would clarify quorum rules for the neighborhood board if a seat is vacant. The office was also compiling Manoa Stream project concerns from residents, aiming to secure capital improvement funding to prevent flood risks, referencing past flooding damage in the valley.
State Legislative Updates
The neighborhood’s House representative summarized recent legislative session highlights, including personal priorities and proposed bills. He described a bill addressing board quorum rules as companion legislation to one in the Senate, and he recalled being stuck in an elevator on opening day. One resident raised a question about an animal-cruelty-related bill from the previous year, which he pledged to look up. Another resident involved in condo issues offered to gather community input on bills affecting condominium associations.
University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Report
A university spokesman offered updates on campus policies, including efforts to remind students and employees about not blocking neighborhood driveways and sidewalks with mopeds or cars. He shared that there was no new information on the University Lab School or Campus Town proposals but reiterated that planning discussions would continue, and any final ideas still required approvals from stakeholders and the Board of Regents. A community member emphasized concerns about potential development on green spaces near the College of Education.
Governor’s Representative Update
The Governor’s Office highlighted main points from the State of the State Address, emphasizing housing production, health care, and cost-of-living issues. A new Hale Kama‘aina Mortgage Program was promoted for local first-time buyers, with potentially lower interest rates and down payment support. Residents were reminded that public pre-kindergarten applications for the next school year would open in early March.
Board Business and Resolutions
The board declared vacant seats still open to Sub-District 4 with no new candidates stepping forward. Minutes from the January 7, 2026 meeting were unanimously approved. Members then considered two proposals from the Proactive Solutions Committee. The first resolution supported Senate Bill 2397, which would change state law so that vacant board seats do not count against quorum, making it easier for neighborhood boards to conduct business. That resolution passed with clear support.
Proposal for Roundabout at Five Corners Intersection
A second proposal urged the city to consider installing a roundabout at the busy five-corner intersection of Manoa Road, Oahu Avenue, and Lowry Avenue. The committee presented two conceptual designs created by city engineers, indicating that partial property acquisition might be needed. Several board members and residents voiced concerns about potential disruptions, the existing courtesy-based traffic flow, pedestrian safety, EMS response times, and risk of tree loss. After discussion and public testimony, the board voted on the resolution, which ultimately did not pass.
Community Updates and Next Meeting
The board briefly revisited ongoing concerns about the Manoa Banyan Court proposal, Aria Lane’s appeal hearing scheduled for March 19, updates on Ala Wai flood mitigation discussions, and longstanding questions surrounding the University Lab School property. Requests for enhanced police monitoring of speeding, especially near the Chinese Cemetery, were made. Residents also noted potential carnival traffic on Punahou Street. The next Manoa Neighborhood Board meeting was announced for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Noelani Elementary School Cafetorium.
Adjournment
With discussions concluded and the time expiring, the acting chair thanked attendees for their participation. The meeting was adjourned shortly after 8:30 PM, and board members encouraged the community to stay informed through meeting broadcasts on public television and online.