No 35 Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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35 Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 21, 2026
Meeting Opening and Logistics
Chair Hazama called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the January 21, 2026 regular meeting of the Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley Neighborhood Board No. 35. The evening opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Scout BSA Troop 664 and their Color Guard. Attendees were reminded to be recognized before speaking, either in person or via WebEx, and to keep comments concise, ideally under three minutes. Meeting procedures were briefly stated, including the requirement to speak into the microphone for clear audio capture and to remain muted online unless recognized by the Chair. It was noted that Vice Chair Shear was absent, and later in the meeting it became clear that no quorum was met to approve minutes.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
Firefighter Recruit Jake Massey from Mililani Mauka Station 41, Third Watch, presented statistics covering December 2025. The station responded to no major structure, brush, or cooking fires, but had nine alarm activations with no actual fire. They handled 30 medical emergencies and three motor vehicle collisions, while reporting zero pedestrian collisions, mountain rescues, ocean rescues, and hazardous material incidents. HFD’s monthly safety tip emphasized electrical safety in the home, stressing the importance of plugging in only one heat-producing appliance per outlet, checking that cords do not run across doorways or under carpets, and remembering that extension cords are for temporary use only. Attendees asked how fireworks activity was during the New Year; HFD reported it was notably quieter than past celebrations, with no major problems encountered.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Lieutenant Rommel Baisa from Wahiawa Police Station discussed statistics for the Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley area over the preceding 30 days. There was one assault, zero burglaries, zero robberies, and three car break-ins, with a total of 426 calls for service. HPD’s safety tip for the month focused on pedestrian visibility—encouraging residents to make eye contact with drivers, use the “shaka,” and ensure they are seen before entering crosswalks. Residents asked about a recent effort in removing a homeless encampment near the emergency access road, noting HPD’s role and support in coordinating removal with the city’s cleaning crew. The discussion highlighted the importance of consistently monitoring and maintaining certain pathways and identifying missing locks on gates after cleanup operations.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report
BWS representative Stephen Nordstrom stated that there were no main breaks in January. He announced that BWS and the city’s Department of Environmental Services had doubled many of their water conservation rebates, including clothes washer rebates at $150, toilet rebates at $200, and up to $400 for smart water monitors, alongside expanded commercial rebates. He provided flyers and directed attendees to bwsrebates.com for more information. One board member asked about a recent, rapidly addressed water main issue in Launani Valley; BWS crews responded efficiently one Sunday in late December, completing the repair and patching the roadway in just a few hours. The board expressed continued appreciation for BWS’s swift emergency response and coordination.
Military Representative Report
Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Lander offered a monthly training schedule for Schofield Barracks and surrounding areas. Through late January, small arms and blank-fire ranger and jungle tactics training would occur on East Range on weekdays from 6 AM to 6 PM, with aviation rappel master training on January 22, and artillery, mortar, and demolitions live fire running until January 28 at various hours. A job fair was set for February 9 at Hale Manu training room, offering same-day provisional hiring, especially for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) and Child & Youth Services (CYS) positions. The Army also planned a prescribed burn on post from April 13 to 19 to control vegetative fuel load, protect endangered species, and reduce wildfire risk, coordinated with the Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s Clean Air Branch. The community was reminded to call 808-787-1528 for the Army’s community concern line with any further questions.
City Project GRO (Green Recycling Organic Waste)
Henry Gabriel, from the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) Recycling Branch, introduced “Project GRO,” short for Green Recycling of Organics, launching on April 1, 2026. The city intends to divert food waste from going to H-Power by collecting it alongside green waste in the existing green composting carts. The initial pilot will span six areas, including Mililani Mauka and Mililani Town, for about six months before expanding island-wide. Accepted items include fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, bones, and other food scraps; unacceptable items include paper products, packaging, fats/oils stored in jars, and compostable serviceware. Residents pilot-testing the program will receive small kitchen containers for daily food scraps and reusable bags to freeze scraps until collection day. Gabriel explained that layering food scraps with green waste will help contain odor and reduce pests, and no bags of any kind should be disposed in the green bin. The contracted facility for composting is Hawaiian Earth Recycling in Wahiawa, which uses an in-vessel system to handle meats and other high-nitrogen organic waste. The city will conduct targeted inspections and educational workshops to ensure correct usage, minimize contamination, and gather data for potential full roll-out.
Kaukonohoa Ranch Gondola Project Discussion
A board member provided an update on the January 12, 2026 Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) hearing regarding a proposed gondola project on agricultural land owned by Kaukonohoa Ranch (alternately known as Kamananui Agribusiness Activities). Various community members and the U.S. Army spoke in opposition to granting a conditional use permit, citing concerns about cattle wandering onto Army land and broader land-use conflicts. The hearing indicated that no final decision was made yet, with stated ongoing reviews and intense community scrutiny.
Residents’ Concerns: Launani Valley Stream and Emergency Access Road
A longstanding issue of dumping and the ownership of the stream area in Launani Valley continued to resurface. The Governor’s and Mayor’s representatives reported conflicting or unclear property lines between Castle & Cooke and private owners. Despite evidence of numerous Albizia trees cut near the stream, city inspectors did not find uprooting or trash during a December site visit. Board member inquiries again raised the need to clarify TMKs, to ensure responsible parties remove debris and fallen timber. Regarding the Mililani Mauka emergency access road, residents renewed calls to better mark and restripe the entrance to deter cars from parking directly in front of gates. HPD recommended installing signs and clearly designating the lot for no parking if vehicles pose an obstruction. The City Department of Transportation Services and State Department of Transportation are coordinating a meeting to finalize permanent solutions.
Department of Education (DOE) and City Memorandum of Understanding for School Parking Lot Access
Members voiced frustration that the DOE and City Department of Parks and Recreation still have not finalized an MOU for using a school parking lot as overflow for Mililani Mauka District Park events. Although all parties have at times indicated progress, changes in lock specifications and other legal details have pushed this MOU into a two-year delay. Multiple elected officials noted attempts to expedite approval from the Attorney General’s office and city attorneys. The board reaffirmed that this unresolved situation strains residents and visitors who must resort to limited street parking along congested areas. The hope is that the MOU will be finalized by month’s end, or else community members may try alternative interventions to encourage action.
Elected Official Reports
Governor’s Office
Melanie Martin, Governor’s Representative, focused on ongoing priorities of housing, healthcare, homelessness, and climate initiatives. She also clarified that the Launani Valley stream bed is private property belonging to Castle & Cooke, but remains open to follow-ups about ownership details and documentation. The Governor’s January newsletter highlighted energy-related loans from the Green Infrastructure Authority, a child wellness incentive program rewarding Medicaid recipients who obtain well-child checkups, and continuing attention to departmental budgetary constraints.
Congresswoman Jill Tokuda and Congressman Ed Case Offices
(1) Nestor Garcia, representing Congressman Ed Case, explained the final four federal appropriations bills needed to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year, emphasizing that Congress hopes to avoid a government shutdown by month’s end. He encouraged residents to attend the upcoming talk-story event at Mililani High School on January 27, 2026. He also highlighted the congressman’s focus on cost-of-living issues, veterans’ services, and educational programs like the annual service academy nominations. (2) No separate report was delivered for Congresswoman Tokuda, but officials remain attentive to federal-level developments affecting Hawaiʻi.
Mayor’s Office
Carrie Okinaga presented the Mayor’s January 2026 newsletter and touted the new 311 system, which improves efficiency by allowing users to upload, track, and receive updates on service requests directly. She provided further updates on the still-pending emergency access road signage, urging residents to report illegally parked cars to HPD. Parks and Recreation, after city legal review, has conveyed its final remarks on the DOE MOU for parking and is awaiting the Attorney General’s final sign-off. Okinaga confirmed that HONOLULU ENV holiday schedules (including New Year’s Day) can impact trash collection, and she will request more transparent notice of schedule changes after concerns about New Year’s Eve pick-up confusion in Mililani Mauka.
Council District 8 – Councilmember Val Okimoto
Kua reported on recent council legislation passed in December 2025: Bills that require more timely reporting on appropriations, regulate public disclosure of HPD information, and deregulate aspects of the taxi industry to align with rideshare operations. Budget-related items on the docket include proposals for fair structures for TheBus and rail, developer fees for multi-family rental housing projects, and the creation of an online “open checkbook” system for greater financial transparency. Councilmember Okimoto remains focused on the city’s budget oversight and welcomes community input on spending priorities.
Council District 2 – Councilmember Matt Weyer
Kelly Anaya shared updates on the temporary closure of Waipio Soccer Complex until June 2026 for necessary field maintenance. Councilmember Weyer also attended the Taste of Town Wahiawa event, praising local entrepreneurs and small businesses that help build Central Oʻahu’s economy. There was continued encouragement to remain vigilant on the proposed gondola project by Kaukonohoa Ranch, as it will affect communities from Mililani to Wahiawā. DPP responded to concerns about daytime-only public hearings, noting that they provide WebEx options for remote participation and aim to expand outreach tools.
State Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (District 17)
Charles Miller explained that opening day for the Legislature is January 22, 2026, with Senator Dela Cruz’s stated priorities around regional economic development, agriculture and biosecurity, and workforce development. A constituent concern was raised about malfunctioning emergency sirens in Launani Valley; one siren in Mililani Tech Park is operational, while the one along Mailehua Parkway remains out of service, though a replacement is planned.
State Representative Lauren Matsumoto (District 38)
Rep. Matsumoto introduced her staff for the 2026 session and discussed her upcoming bill package. She reported results from her annual survey, confirming cost of living, particularly food and rent or mortgage, as top issues. Additional concerns include crime and safety as well as government reform. Matsumoto highlighted the significance of lowering or removing the GET on certain essentials. She recapped the Mililani Holiday Parade and potential legislative moves to address the longstanding overflow parking MOU with the DOE. Her office also alerted DOT to a dumping incident near the Mililani Mauka emergency road, which DOT pledged to clear.
State Representative Amy Perruso (District 46)
Rep. Perruso introduced staff members Yvonne, Zaz, and others assisting her at the Capitol. Now on the House Finance Committee, Perruso noted many state departments are underfunded and understaffed, and she will focus on fiscal avenues to strengthen agencies. She mentioned ongoing corruption investigations, specifically “the $35,000 bandit” situation, and stated that the Attorney General is now cooperating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to pursue possible charges. She sees this as a positive development for government accountability.
State Representative Trish La Chica (District 37)
Rep. La Chica, joined by her staff, outlined her 2026 legislative priorities, including education (where she serves as Vice Chair on the House Education Committee), cost of living, and public safety measures such as improving crosswalk safety. She noted an upcoming pilot bill proposing to open DOE facilities on weekends to increase community access. Her office remains a resource for addressing illegal dumping around Kipapa Gulch and encourages residents to report acts of vandalism or abandoned debris promptly.
State Department of Transportation (DOT) Update
Casey Abe from State DOT Highways responded to community concerns about pedestrian safety along the H2 northbound and southbound on-ramps in Mililani Mauka. DOT committed to adding or relocating pedestrian crossing signs to improve driver awareness, with two new signs planned for the northbound on-ramp and repositioning a sign on the southbound side. Residents noted that despite these measures, many drivers continue rolling through crosswalks even when warning lights are flashing, underscoring the need for additional driver caution and potential enforcement.
Closing and Adjournment
Due to the absence of quorum, the board could not approve minutes or vote on formal items. Some committee updates were deferred, and members were instructed to submit reports directly to the Chair. Chair Hazama announced that the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM in-person and via WebEx. The meeting adjourned with a reminder for community members to stay engaged on key issues, especially the delayed DOE parking-lot MOU, developments with Project GRO, and proposed legislative solutions aimed at alleviating the region’s cost of living and infrastructure concerns.