No 35 Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Mililani Mauka Launani Neighborhood Board 35 Regular Board Meeting
Opening Ceremony and Attendance
The meeting convened on Tuesday, October 21st, with Chair Hazama calling the session to order. Scout BSA Troop 664 conducted the Presentation of Colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chair and Vice Chair welcomed both in-person and virtual attendees, reiterated guidelines for speaker recognition, and requested that remarks be kept to three minutes so that multiple viewpoints could be heard.
Meeting Decorum
Vice Chair Sherwin reminded all attendees of the process for sharing comments in an orderly fashion. Those wishing to speak were asked to raise their hand—either in person or via the virtual platform—and wait for recognition. This system ensures the meeting proceeds with minimal interruptions. Participants were also encouraged to keep their feedback relevant and concise, reflecting the board’s commitment to efficiency and inclusivity.
Honolulu Police Department Report
A representative from the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) presented local crime statistics for the period between September 18th and October 18th, 2025. During that window, there were two assaults, one robbery, one burglary, four unauthorized control of propelled vehicles (UMVs), 16 motor vehicle collisions, and a total of 450 calls for service. Highlighting Halloween safety, HPD asked parents and community members to be vigilant, encouraging children under 12 to have adult supervision, use reflective clothing, stay on sidewalks, and carefully examine candy. Drivers were reminded to slow down and be watchful for trick-or-treaters, especially in Mililani, where significant pedestrian activity is expected.
HPD also introduced its new Acting Major, who spoke briefly about his background and longtime residence in the area. The police presentation emphasized community collaboration to keep neighborhoods safe.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
Though the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) representatives had initially stepped out for a call, representatives later returned to present fire statistics for September. They reported minimal brush and cooking fires, as well as multiple medical and crash responses. HFD urged caution with seasonal holidays approaching, reminding families to purchase fire-resistant decorations, avoid leaving candles unattended, and turn off holiday lights when away from home or asleep. These measures help reduce the risk of home fires during the busy holiday season.
Board of Water Supply Update
A Board of Water Supply (BWS) spokesperson reported one recent main break in the Mililani Mauka area—a broken 8-inch main on La Paiki Street. He reiterated the need for residents to conserve water by 20% due to lower-than-average rainfall and high demand. Suggestions such as turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving, irrigating lawns early to minimize evaporation, and installing hose nozzles can collectively help maintain long-term water supplies. BWS maintained its commitment to ensuring reliable service while emphasizing community responsibility.
Military Representative Briefing
A Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii discussed training activities in East Range, ongoing work with Ranger and Jungle Tactics, live-fire schedules, and aviation exercises involving helicopters and fixed-wing cargo planes. The Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) exercise set for November 7th through 16th, 2025, is expected to generate increased military vehicle traffic in northern and central O‘ahu before, during, and immediately after the training. Community members were reminded that the annual Wahiawa Lions Veterans Day Parade would take place on November 11th, 2025, with a 10 a.m. start time. A local job fair at Helemano Training Room on October 27th was also announced, featuring same-day provisional hiring.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DOE and City Parks
The board noted that there had been progress on the MOU to allow use of Mililani Middle School’s parking lot for city park access. An email from a representative’s office indicated the agreement was currently being finalized with the City and County Department of Parks and Recreation. Though the DOE portion was presumed nearly complete, final confirmation from city officials was pending. A city representative later confirmed that the MOU had been expedited through legal reviews and was close to completion, pending signature before returning to DOE.
Kamananui Project Update and Resolution
The board revisited what was described as a revised conditional use permit (CUP) application for the Kamananui Project, run by Kaukanoa Ranch LLC on the slopes of the Wai‘anae Mountains in Waialua. Members had previously adopted a resolution opposing the project’s scale and perceived lack of genuine agricultural use. Noting that the newly submitted permit contained relatively minor changes, the board passed a renewed motion (with a single abstention) to again request the Department of Planning and Permitting deny the revisions. Members also agreed to invite the developer to a future board meeting to directly address local concerns and to clarify any modifications to the project plan.
Community Concerns and Announcements
A community member from the Mililani Lions Club invited residents to their annual parade on December 6th, themed as a holiday ohana event, which will likely bring temporary traffic disruptions. Organizers plan to place banners, digital signs, and no-parking notices to alert the public. They hope to collect non-perishable food donations along the parade route to support local families.
Another resident raised concerns about Launani Valley slope maintenance. Recent tree removal efforts left behind large stumps, downed limbs, and debris dangerously close to Waikakalaua Stream. The resulting lack of root systems could erode the embankment, potentially impacting neighboring landowners and threatening stream health. Neither city nor state agencies have so far claimed jurisdiction, and the board promised to forward the issue to relevant offices, including the Governor’s staff, for clearer oversight and action.
Reports from Elected Officials
• Governor’s Office: Melanie Martin shared information about public awareness campaigns for scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs. Residents were urged to remain vigilant if threatened with alleged debts by phone scammers posing as law enforcement. The Governor’s newsletter included Hawaii’s participation in the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition and recognized that electric vehicles may see future federal legislation restoring high-occupancy lane exemptions. The newsletter also highlighted a state job fair taking place at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.
• Mayor’s Office: Deputy Director Castle from Budget and Fiscal Services reported on the new segment of the Skyline rail expansion, which saw 61,000 riders in its first four days. She reminded residents that free overnight parking was not the intended design for Skyline’s facilities, but the city planned to gather feedback on commuter needs. Castle also spoke about planned repairs to tree-root-damaged pavement along Meheula Parkway, with a target completion date of June 30, 2026.
• City Council District 2 (Councilmember Wyer): A staff representative highlighted new resolutions and bills requiring applicants for certain land use permits—such as minor SMAs and CUPs—to present to neighborhood boards. The aim is to increase transparency in development proposals. Additionally, Councilmember Wyer recognized the Domestic Violence Action Center for its essential work in the community.
• State Legislators:
– Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (District 17) reported his office’s updates, including the availability of additional funds appropriated for nonprofits.
– Representative Lauren Matsumoto (District 38) summarized an active month of student outreach, school visits, and community events. She celebrated Mililani Middle School teacher Christopher Justo for achieving a district-wide Teacher of the Year award. She also previewed upcoming jump rope demonstrations and a continuing legislative survey to gather pre-session input.
– Representative Amy Perruso (District 46) spoke about looming fiscal pressures and possible efforts to have multimillionaires and billionaires contribute a fair share toward balancing the state budget. She emphasized ongoing commitments to environmental legislation, preservation of agricultural lands, and her continuing focus on civic education.
– Representative Trish La Chica (District 37) sent a staff member, who described site visits at Kuōnoilani Elementary School and involvement in the “Nourishing Hawai‘i’s Future” food security initiative. Regional kitchens planned for the future in Mililani could help improve farm-to-school meal programs. A culminating Filipino American History Month event was announced, featuring music and cultural celebrations.
Department of Transportation (HDOT) Updates
A HDOT representative detailed ongoing efforts to address graffiti and maintenance along H-2 Freeway. While some graffiti-laden walls belong to private entities or the city, the state has been repainting and removing graffiti where it has jurisdiction. Maintenance crews also repaired damaged concrete walls on the viaduct near the Launani Valley off-ramp and noted new cleanups on the Leilehua Golf Course overpass.
The long-requested speed humps on the H-2 on- and off-ramps had been installed to slow traffic near crosswalks in pedestrian-heavy areas. The state continues to add new rapid-flashing beacons to enhance pedestrian visibility, with some installations expected to conclude by late October. Additionally, official red-light and speed enforcement cameras at intersections are set to begin issuing citations on November 1st, targeting drivers exceeding the speed limit by over 11 mph and those running red lights.
Committee Reports
• Education: The board heard an update from Mililani Middle School detailing the school’s busy schedule of field trips, holiday events, and parent engagements. The school’s Parent Teacher Student Organization continues to fund after-school clubs and programs known as “high interest programs,” offering activities at no cost to participating students.
• Transportation, Parks, Military Civil Defense, and other committees had no formal reports this month, but chairs remain available for issues requiring further exploration.
• Recognition Committee: No new honorees were proposed at this meeting.
Closing and Next Meeting
The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting without corrections. Members and guests shared final announcements regarding upcoming parades, safety reminders for trick-or-treating, and the next meeting date. The board set its next Regular Meeting for Tuesday, November 18th, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Mililani Mauka Elementary School and via Webex. Chair Hazama adjourned the meeting, thanking all participants for their attendance and input.