No 35 Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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35 Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 18, 2026
Opening and Quorum
Chair Hazama called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone, and asked Scout VSA Troop 664 to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the presentation of the colors, the Chair confirmed that a quorum was present and reminded attendees of protocols for offering testimony, including time limits and muting microphones for online participants. Vice Chair Tom reiterated the importance of recognition by the Chair before speaking and stated that the board was eager for community input.
Honolulu Fire Department Monthly Report
A lieutenant from the Mililani Mauka Fire Station shared January 2026 statistics: one cooking fire, seven activated alarms with no fire, and 36 medical calls. The department recently transitioned from the NFIRS to the NARIS reporting system, which classifies incidents differently and may alter the categorization of future data. The lieutenant reminded attendees to call 911 rather than drive to a station in an emergency, as the crew may be out on call. They also noted that HFD can receive text messages via 911 if cell reception for voice calls is weak (for instance, when hiking), and they stood ready to field questions about these updates.
Honolulu Police and Emergency Access Road Update
Although no formal police report was presented, board members followed up on a prior concern about the emergency access road in Mililani Mauka. They confirmed that new signage was installed and that homeless encampment debris was removed. The lock on the access road was also replaced. Members stated that vehicles blocking the area can be cited or towed because the road is classified as a driveway.
Board of Water Supply and Military Reports
A Board of Water Supply representative was absent. A United States Army Garrison Hawaii representative, Lieutenant Colonel Melander, reported on artillery, mortar, demolition, and aviation training through late February. The Colonel also mentioned a job fair at Mililani High School on March 17 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, open to the public with same-day hiring possible. Additionally, an upcoming fun run at Kolekole Pass is planned for February 28, requiring valid Department of Defense ID or visitor passes. A prescribed burn for Schofield Barracks training areas was noted for mid-April.
Middle School Parking Lot Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Chair Hazama stated that no firm updates on the parking lot MOU between the Department of Education (DOE) and the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) were available yet. Both agencies are still refining the MOU language, which has been under legal review. Residents or organizations needing to use the school parking lot in the interim can submit a Use of School Facilities form, although potential fees may apply if the school so decides.
Resident and Community Concerns
A resident described problems with unpermitted business signage mounted on wire frames throughout Mililani, which high winds had dislodged and scattered. The City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) confirmed these signs are illegal, and the resident called for clearer protocols enabling commercial associations and homeowners to remove them without fear of repercussions. Another community member, representing a nonprofit serving unsheltered populations in Mililani, reported 102 contacts with individuals in January, of which 52 declined services. They plan to attend a scheduled sweep in the Patsy Mink Park area to offer relocation support and other resources.
School Facilities Authority Teacher Housing Project
A School Facilities Authority representative reported that the draft environmental assessment (EA) for a planned teacher housing project was published in the January 23rd Environmental Notice. Hard copies are available at Mililani and state libraries, with comments due by February 23rd. Results from this phase will shape the final EA, and the representative is open to additional questions.
Governor’s Office Report
The Governor’s representative noted that the MOU for the middle school parking is moving slowly through legal channels. The representative also highlighted key points from the Governor’s State of the State address, including maintaining significant tax breaks, advancing workforce housing, expanding affordable housing units, and new initiatives delivering 25 kauhale for unsheltered individuals in 2026. The Hale Kamā‘āina mortgage program was emphasized as a state-supported loan and down-payment assistance option for first-time homebuyers.
Mayor’s Office Report
A Budget and Fiscal Services official shared that the new HNL 311 system launched in December is designed for residents to submit and track issues directly with departments. It can expedite resolution compared to funneling all requests through the neighborhood board. Regarding the middle school parking lot MOU, DPR is reviewing updates forwarded by DOE legal teams, and the city hopes to finalize agreement details by April. The city repositioned a disused bicycle shelter from Mililani Mauka Park & Ride to the Middle Street intermodal center. There was also an explanation of trash pickup disruptions on the eve of New Year’s, advising residents to keep bins at the curb if pickup is missed because refuse trucks will collect on the next available service day.
Council District 8 Report
A representative of Councilmember Okimoto’s office stated that the Mayor’s charter-driven deadline for submitting the budget is March 2. Budget hearings with different city departments will follow, and the Council aims to avoid property tax increases during this cycle. A long-pending road-resurfacing project in Mililani Mauka had its bids close shortly after the meeting date.
Council District 2 Report
Councilmember Weyer’s representative shared details about the city’s GROW pilot program meeting on February 23rd at Mililani High School regarding green organic waste across O‘ahu. They mentioned the newly minted ‘Āina Kitchen Network facility in Whitmore, envisaged to bolster local farming and school meal programs starting in 2027. Bill 54, which increased bus fares, passed Council. Bill 4, proposing strengthened incentives for affordable rental housing construction, moved forward to the zoning and planning committee. The office also confirmed that the proposed gondola project remains under review by DPP, which extended its review timeline.
Senate District 17 Report
Senator Dela Cruz’s office highlighted two bills: SB2802, funding a new bachelor’s degree program in Education and Agriculture Science at Leeward Community College, and SB3281, criminalizing illegal electronic gambling devices. The senator’s office also mentioned attendance at the Mililani Uka Elementary Character Counts Fair and recapped a groundbreaking for the first ‘Āina Kitchen in Whitmore.
House District 46 Report
Representative Perruso described the House’s impending second lateral deadline, which determines which bills move to a final committee. The representative encouraged the public to sign up for her newsletter to follow legislation closely as the Finance Committee hearings ramp up.
House District 37 Report
Representative La Chica’s office clarified that trucks and machinery recently seen in a gulch area off the H-2 highway are affiliated with a Board of Water Supply project. They stressed contacting the Board of Water Supply with queries. They confirmed excitement about the ‘Āina Kitchen Network groundbreaking and noted two ‘shared use facilities’ bills allowing weekend access to DOE campuses for activities such as sports. They invited testimony for both the House and Senate versions.
House District 38 Report
Representative Matsumoto introduced her February newsletter detailing her bills. She discussed the revival of the state-sponsored Hula Mae program, now relaunched as the Hale Kamā‘āina mortgage program for first-time homebuyers. She invited constituents to a Capitol Tour on March 19 during the spring recess and announced a Town Hall for March 12 at Mililani Mauka Elementary to discuss bills in mid-session.
Board Actions, Committee Reports, and Next Meeting
The board approved the minutes of November 16, 2025 (recorded as 2026 in some references) and January 20, 2026 without objection. Individual committees reported on educational updates at Mililani Middle School—such as field trips, sports meets, and choral festivals—and recognized the continuous improvement efforts of local campuses. The board is in recess for March, and the next formal meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2026 at Mililani Mauka Elementary School and via WebEx. The meeting adjourned after the final announcements.