No 07 Mānoa Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting March 2026
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7 Manoa Neighborhood Board Meeting – March 5, 2026
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Charity Panggajit called the meeting to order at approximately 6:03 PM on March 4, 2026. Anson took a roll call to confirm quorum, reading off members’ names. Nine board members were initially present, with others joining online or arriving later. One board member experienced computer issues but was confirmed present online. The board established quorum and proceeded to the meeting agenda.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Monthly Report
Captain Chris Edwards from the Manoa Fire Station presented response statistics for February. These included four activated alarms with no fire, one cooking fire, and 43 medical emergency call-outs. He also shared a reminder that many past incident reports are available at fire.honolulu.gov. The department’s safety tip highlighted the importance of smoke alarms, explaining where to install them, how to test them monthly, and the recommendation to replace them every 10 years.
Questions arose regarding the practice of dispatching full fire trucks to medical emergencies. Captain Edwards explained that 911 calls are triaged by EMS dispatch, which sometimes prompts co-response from HFD units for serious or potentially serious calls. Budget concerns were raised about sending large fire vehicles to routine medical calls. Captain Edwards noted that all recent HFD recruits receive EMT training and that the cost-benefit analysis of such responses is set at levels above his role. The board requested that HFD leadership consider more efficient deployment options for medical calls, recognizing tight budgets.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Monthly Report
Lieutenant Amir delivered HPD crime and call-for-service numbers for the prior month:
• 12 motor vehicle thefts
• 1 burglary
• 4 thefts
• 0 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles
• 5,229 total calls for service
He shared a safety tip about Hawaii’s “move over” law, reminding motorists to switch lanes or slow down for any emergency vehicle, tow truck, or freeway service patrol parked on the shoulder—ensuring safety for road workers and responders. No questions were posed to HPD beyond clarification of the move over law.
Board of Water Supply (BWS)
Dominic Diaz from BWS noted two main breaks in February (one at Falk Hollow Place and another at Beaumont Woods Place). BWS is observing World Water Day on March 22, 2026, to highlight water crises worldwide, including the 2.2 billion people lacking access to safe potable water. The BWS website and social media will feature related information. No additional questions were raised.
City Administration Reports
Mayor’s Representative – Deputy Director Gavin Thornton
Deputy Director Thornton followed up on five items from the previous meeting, including:
• Pedestrian signal retiming at Beritania and McCauley: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will investigate and adjust, as necessary.
• Parking issues and vehicles on walkways at Ala Ulawe: DTS did not observe the problem during inspection but confirmed it with residents. HPD will be asked to monitor for violations, and residents are encouraged to report such issues to 911.
• Speeding on East Manoa Road between Kahaloa Drive and Pakanu Street: HPD found no violations during a targeted enforcement period and encourages calling 911 if speeding is witnessed.
• Manoa Banyan Court grading concerns near a pavilion: The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) inspected and found minor grading that did not exceed permit levels, thus no violation.
• A voting registration concern during driver’s license renewal: The Department of Customer Services could not identify a specific cause but reminded its clerks to check the front and back of forms for completeness.
Thornton also encouraged residents to use the HNL 311 app or hnl311.com to report issues directly to the relevant City departments, noting that registered users receive status updates on their submissions.
City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (Heath)
A staff representative (Heath) joined later in the meeting and noted that Councilmember Nishimoto’s office is involved in various cleanups and community events, including a tax clinic and Easter egg hunt. Board members thanked the Councilmember for securing funding to help repair the Manoa Pool.
Residents raised concerns about fallen trees on private P2 preservation property that block streams. Heath confirmed his office would research and coordinate with the property owner or appropriate agencies to address potential flood hazards.
State Administration Reports
Senator Carol Fukunaga (via staff representative)
A newsletter highlighted recent storm damage around Honolulu, prompting legislative interest in stream maintenance and emergency preparedness. The office is supporting Senate Bill 2363, which would allow counties to close access to hazardous areas, and Senate Bill 2109, relating to emergency communication improvements. Stream overgrowth, flood risk, and collaborative efforts with city and community partners were emphasized.
Representative Andrew Takuiya-Garrett
Representative Garrett briefed the board on the state legislative session nearing the halfway point, with hundreds of bills crossing over from House to Senate and vice versa. He explained pending financial concerns, including potential federal funding decreases. The board asked about House Bill and Senate Bill measures dealing with neighborhood board operations and bridging the legislative process for 201H affordable housing projects. He confirmed the measure (SB 2397) that the board supported is advancing to its next phase in the House.
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
No UH representative provided a new update at this meeting, and discussion of the UH Ewa property was deferred. The board previously adopted a position supporting the long-term presence of the University Laboratory School on that land.
Governor’s Representative – Lise Ghoshi
The Governor’s office reminded families of the Hale Kamaina Mortgage Program for first-time homebuyers who have not owned property in the last three years, and the continued statewide expansion of public pre-kindergarten programs. A board member reiterated concerns about homeless encampments on state land around Diamond Head, expressing worry over fire hazards and debris. Ghoshi agreed to relay these concerns and follow up at the next meeting.
Community Updates
Manoa Banyan Court
No direct updates were provided, with the project currently in a holding pattern.
‘Āria Lane
A contested case hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2026, by DPP’s Zoning Board of Appeals. It is a preliminary scheduling meeting to set dates and filing deadlines, not a final ruling on the merits.
Ala Wai Flood Mitigation
No new developments were reported regarding flood mitigation plans.
Manoa Pool
The pool remains closed for repairs, though it is scheduled to reopen by the end of March 2026. Improvements include starting blocks, slip-resistant flooring, and other repairs funded with assistance from the councilmember’s office and a local donor.
UH Ewa Property Feasibility Study
The board reaffirmed its position that the University Laboratory School should continue to have a place on the property. Specific proposals from the university or developers have not yet been publicly shared.
Pahoa Ridge
A community member reported that the original developer (High Ridge Costa) for the planned affordable housing project has stepped away, leaving the project’s start date uncertain. Representative Garrett shared that low-income housing tax credits are highly competitive, and without them, developers often reassess or abandon projects. Community concerns primarily involve height, density, traffic, and a lack of definitive traffic analysis. The board will continue monitoring for new developments.
Board Business
Filling Vacancies
Lisa Carter was sworn in to fill one of three vacancies for Sub-District 4, bringing additional representation to the board.
Resolution on Prioritizing Public Right-of-Way
Board Member Moylan introduced a resolution encouraging the City and County of Honolulu to prioritize mobility (vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians) over stationary uses (street parking, landscaping) in congested areas. After discussion of possible drawbacks, such as parking shortages, vague language, and potential conflicts with neighborhood character, the board voted. The resolution did not pass (three in favor, seven opposed, three abstentions).
Approval of Minutes
The board approved the February 4, 2026 meeting minutes with minor wording corrections.
Proactive Solutions Committee Update
Member Moylan noted that proposals on sidewalks, parking near UH, and the possibility of undergrounding utilities remain in development. The next committee meeting would occur two weeks later, publicly noticed, and open to all interested parties.
Community Concerns
A resident described a large fallen tree in a privately owned preservation zone (P2) blocking a local stream. This caused flooding concerns and difficulty removing debris. The owner responded late and reportedly was reluctant to pay for removal. Councilmember Nishimoto’s office received the complaint and will follow up.
Other concerns included homeless encampments on Diamond Head and the ongoing challenges of stream maintenance on either private or city-requested land. Board members reiterated the importance of calling or emailing city or state agencies, reporting issues on HNL 311, or seeking legal recourse if necessary.
Announcements and Next Meeting
• The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 6:30 PM (Noelani Elementary School Cafeteria, with online participation available).
• Agenda items are due well in advance due to mandatory posting deadlines.
• Manoa Neighborhood Board meetings air on Līlo Channel 49 on the fourth Saturday of every month at 3:00 PM and are also accessible on YouTube.
The meeting adjourned shortly after the final announcements, with attendees thanking the chair and one another for their participation.