No 35 Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2026
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35 Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley Neighborhood Board Meeting – October 21, 2026
Opening, Meeting Access, and Decorum
Vice Chair Keith Tamashiro called the meeting to order while Chair Hazama was away on vacation. Scouts BSA Troop 664 presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Tamashiro welcomed public ideas, criticism, and feedback, asking speakers to be recognized by the chair, use the microphone, and limit comments to approximately three minutes; virtual participants were asked to use Zoom’s raised-hand feature. A message from Representative Amy Perruso’s office indicated that the Neighborhood Board 35 online link was misdirecting users and preventing some people from accessing the Zoom meeting, and staff were asked to investigate while the meeting continued. The Board of Water Supply did not have a representative present.
Honolulu Police Department Crime and Safety Report
Lieutenant Romel Baisa of the Wahiawa Police Station reported statistics for HPD Beats 255 and 256 during the preceding 30 days. The area recorded one assault, no burglaries, no robberies, and seven unauthorized-entry-into-motor-vehicle cases. One vehicle-entry case involved an assault inside the vehicle, two occurred during the afternoon, and the remainder happened overnight; police had no leads at the time of the meeting. Baisa also reviewed warning signs of financial scams, including manufactured urgency, threats of arrest or account closure, demands for gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers, guaranteed high investment returns, and unsolicited links alleging fraudulent account activity. Residents were advised to contact financial institutions through verified channels, avoid unfamiliar links, activate multifactor authentication, and consider freezing their credit reports if necessary.
Speeding and Police Staffing
A board member reported being passed by a pickup truck and two other vehicles traveling well above 60 mph on Meheula Parkway, despite the approximately 35 mph speed limit, with all three vehicles proceeding through a red light. The incident occurred in the late morning near Aho Keli‘i Drive and the Catholic Charities senior living area. Lieutenant Baisa said Sergeant Liana Kealoha, who oversees the sector, would pass the information to patrol officers, noting that police had addressed a similar complaint in the area about four weeks earlier. In response to a question about the police chief’s decision to return officers to beat assignments, Baisa confirmed that Wahiawa District 2 would receive officers, although he could not yet release staffing numbers. He said beats were already being filled through overtime and that the additional personnel should reduce the need for overtime coverage.
Army Resilience Facility and Leadership Transition
Lieutenant Colonel Jared Melander delivered his final report as the U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i representative and introduced Dustin McLean, who may serve as an interim representative until Colonel Klein becomes available. Following a question from the previous meeting, Melander explained that the Schofield generating facility is a Hawaiian Electric-Army partnership intended to improve installation resilience. It can also assist in restarting a substation outside the installation near Wahiawa during a broader power-restoration process. Because the procedure is technically complex, the garrison recommended arranging a board tour of the facility through Selena Jankowski so members could better understand its potential role in restoring off-base infrastructure.
Army Training, Traffic, Aviation, and Employment
The Army advised that Ranger and jungle-tactics training, including weekday small-arms live fire, would continue in East Range through October 23, with aviation training scheduled through October 30 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Schofield Barracks would conduct artillery, mortar, and demolition training from October 22 through October 30, including day and night live fire from early morning into late evening. The 25th Infantry Division’s annual Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center exercise was scheduled for November 7–16, with increased military vehicle movements throughout October as units and equipment prepared. Residents could also expect additional daytime and nighttime helicopter and large cargo-aircraft activity, including C-130 and C-17 flights, around Kahuku Training Area, Kawaihapai Airfield, Barbers Point, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Wheeler Army Airfield, and Schofield Barracks. A public job fair was also announced for the 17th, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Aliamanu Military Reservation gym, with provisional hiring and possible job offers available that day; prospective applicants could review opportunities through the Hawai‘i MWR employment website. Community concerns or requests to join the Army notification list may be directed to 808-787-1528.
Albizia Risks to Neighborhoods and Watersheds
Melanie Spielman, outreach specialist for the Ko‘olau Mountains Watershed Partnership, presented an overview of albizia, or Falcataria falcata, and the risks it poses to homes, roads, utilities, forests, and water resources. The partnership works across the Ko‘olau range to protect and restore watershed lands and help communities become effective environmental stewards. Spielman explained that Hawai‘i has an unusually high number of unique native species and that healthy native forests are integral to the islands’ water supply. Albizia, native to Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands, was brought to Hawai‘i in 1917 for reforestation but became one of the state’s most damaging invasive trees. It is considered the fastest-growing tree in the world, capable of growing approximately 20 feet per year and exceeding 100 feet in height.
Albizia Growth, Storm Damage, Fire, and Erosion
Because albizia grows so quickly, it develops weak wood and a narrow root structure, making it prone to sudden limb failure and toppling during high winds and hurricanes. Spielman cited Hurricane Iselle’s 2014 impact on Hawai‘i Island, where fallen albizia damaged homes, blocked roads, and brought down power lines, leaving some locations without restored water or electricity for more than three weeks. Albizia also fixes nitrogen in soils that naturally support low-nitrogen native forests, creating better conditions for invasive grasses associated with wildfire and invasive trees such as strawberry guava that can worsen erosion. The resulting effects include higher risks of flooding, fire, erosion, infrastructure damage, and interruption of access and utilities. Albizia reaches reproductive maturity in only three to four years, when it may already stand 60 to 80 feet tall, and its lightweight seed pods can travel for miles on the wind. Maps displayed during the presentation showed extensive infestations around Mililani and nearby parks, with many mature trees actively producing seed and posing potential branch or tree-fall hazards.
Early Albizia Removal and Hazard Assessment
Spielman urged landowners to identify and remove albizia while the trees are young. Seedlings and very young trees can often be pulled by hand, but the cost and complexity of removal increase sharply after the first one or two years. By approximately five years of age, a tree near a home, road, utility, or other valued structure generally requires a certified arborist. The partnership’s seven-person field team can treat large trees in remote mountain areas, but those methods are not appropriate when falling material could hit roads, trails, buildings, or utility lines. A tree should be considered hazardous if something needing protection lies within a radius equal to one and a half times the tree’s height. Simply cutting down an albizia does not kill it because it will resprout below the cut. One possible approach is to have an arborist remove the hazardous upper portions and then properly treat the remaining trunk.
Albizia Treatment Methods and Community Action
For smaller nonhazardous trees, the partnership uses ring barking, which involves cutting and removing a continuous ring of bark down to ground level, including bark on exposed roots. Any bark left behind may allow the tree to resprout. For larger nonhazardous trees, crews may use incision-point application, making spaced cuts around the trunk and applying approximately three or four drops of Milestone herbicide to each incision. This highly targeted treatment generally kills the tree in about a month and avoids the eight to 12 hours that stripping all bark from a large tree might require. Spielman emphasized that neither treatment should be used on a tree that could fall onto people or infrastructure. The partnership offered to establish “RAD” community efforts in Mililani, provide identification and treatment workshops, document local action, and help communities build a record that may support future public funding for hazardous-tree removal. Recent storms may have opened sunlight to dormant albizia seeds, potentially producing hundreds of seedlings where one mature tree fell, making follow-up control essential.
Albizia Jurisdiction, Contractors, and Funding
In response to questions, Spielman said the Mililani Town Association had been contacted and had removed one or two hazardous trees identified by community members. Residents should always verify ownership before treating a tree because some trees are on city, county, military, or private property. The partnership lists certified and insured arborists it has worked with, but removal of wood, seed-bearing material, or seedlings is generally governed by the agreement between the landowner and contractor rather than a rule Spielman could identify. Albizia wood may also be retained for reuse if arrangements are made in advance. The partnership works with the military through the Army Natural Resources Program of O‘ahu, although access to military or leased lands requires permission and must accommodate operational and training schedules. Spielman added that the organization is entirely “soft funded,” relying on grants and donations, so its work depends on funding being available for each area or project.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
Firefighter I Dan Nagaji of the Mililani Mauka Fire Station reported September activity consisting of one structure fire, five activated alarms where no fire was found, 28 medical calls, and one motor-vehicle collision. With the holiday season approaching, he advised residents to use electrical decorations, appliances, and devices certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and to follow manufacturers’ instructions. People cooking indoors or outdoors should remain present, alert, and prepared and keep combustible materials away from heat or flame. Pedestrians and drivers were also urged to remain vigilant, particularly between dusk and dawn.
Request for Longer Route 52 Bus Service
Resident Ray Sinsakugawa asked the city to extend Route 52 service later than its current final departure time of approximately 8:20 p.m. He described the route as connecting Ala Moana Center and Honolulu with Wahiawa, Haleiwa, and points beyond and requested additional evening service. Representatives from the mayor’s office and Councilmember Val Okimoto’s office acknowledged the concern and indicated that it could be referred to the relevant city agencies for follow-up.
Governor’s Office: Disaster Impacts and Recovery Costs
Governor Josh Green’s representative, Melanie, summarized the October 2026 newsletter and described extensive impacts from the year’s natural disasters. Nearly 1,290 homes were affected and 74 were destroyed. The Kona Low damaged 463 homes and 54 public schools, while reopening Kula Hospital required a $65 million state commitment. The Hawai‘i Island earthquake affected 313 homes, Hurricane Lala damaged 267 homes with major effects in Ka‘ū, and Hurricane Low damaged 247 homes across Kaua‘i and Maui counties. The Department of Human Services distributed $20.3 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits following the storms. The state also identified nearly $319 million in resilience and mitigation projects, including improvements to the State Emergency Operations Center and the hardening of coastal infrastructure.
Governor’s Office: Eggs, Coastal Resilience, Awards, and Invasive Species
A national antitrust settlement involving major egg producers will provide Hawai‘i communities with 1.08 million eggs as part of a broader settlement distributing 53 million eggs and $3.3 million to participating states. The Department of Transportation also launched a hybrid reef project in Kalaeloa using 16 engineered reef structures and living coral to protect coastal highways from erosion and sea-level rise, with support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Governor’s Green Fee Program. State honors were presented to Employee of the Year Jessica Chambers, a Department of Health registered nurse; Manager of the Year Dr. Darren Lerner of a University of Hawai‘i research institute; and a team from DBEDT, HHFDC, and the Finance Branch. Act 250 provided $26.6 million and 44 new positions to strengthen statewide invasive-species response, while a public dashboard will track infestations, pesticide use, and avian-influenza testing. Residents were reminded to vote by November 3 and that ballots had already been mailed.
Congressman Ed Case’s Office
Nestor Garcia, communications director for Congressman Ed Case, highlighted the congressman’s third-quarter report. Case and Guam Congressman Jim Moylan introduced legislation addressing invasive species that may spread following storms, with a focus on affected national wildlife refuges. Case’s office is also monitoring studies intended to improve coastline resilience against storms, waves, and climate change, including the shoreline from Kaimana Beach through Waikiki. The office completed its annual application period for congressional nominations to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Marine service academies, receiving approximately 29 applications. The congressman planned to interview candidates and announce nominations in roughly a month, while Hawai‘i’s other congressional offices were conducting their own nomination processes.
Skyline Ridership and Potential Expansion
The mayor’s representative, Carrie Castle, reported that Skyline received a National Innovation Award from the American Public Transportation Association for its use of technology to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transit. Skyline is the nation’s first fully automated driverless rail system. Following the opening of the second segment, daily ridership increased to approximately 14,143 passengers, compared with about 3,000 to 4,000 when only the first segment was operating. A board member noted that Kamehameha Schools Kapālama is using Skyline to help transport students amid school-bus driver shortages, with buses collecting students at the Kalihi station. Castle said the third segment is planned to reach the Civic Center through Chinatown and downtown. City Council approval of Bill 60 allows HART to study future extensions beyond the Civic Center toward Ala Moana and farther west, although additional funding would be required and no final station plan has been established.
City Food-Waste and Holiday Programs
The city’s GROW food-waste program became islandwide on October 1. O‘ahu households generate an estimated 60,000 tons of food waste annually, and residents are being asked to place eligible food scraps in green carts so the material can be converted into compost rather than sent to landfills. The city hopes to provide participation and effectiveness data after the program has operated for a longer period. Honolulu City Lights will hold its 42nd annual tree-lighting ceremony at Honolulu Hale on Saturday, December 5, with displays continuing for approximately one month. Illuminated displays previously placed at Thomas Square will return to the Honolulu Hale grounds. The Kapolei Hale tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, with displays continuing through January 3. Results from the Department of Parks and Recreation survey on park quality were expected to be posted on the department’s website by the end of October.
Council District 8 Legislation and Storm Cleanup
Councilmember Val Okimoto’s representative, Pua, reviewed several city measures. Bill 16-2026, CD2 would strengthen dog regulations by increasing criminal fines and establishing civil penalties intended to hold dog owners responsible for their animals’ actions; the measure was developed with the Department of Customer Services, the Hawaiian Humane Society, and Representative Cory Chun. Bill 30 would amend public-park rules to permit small agricultural plots or māla on park property. Bill 31-2026, CD2 would authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to establish a program supporting improved stewardship of cultural sites within city parks. The office also reported that the Department of Facility Maintenance was behind on sidewalk work because crews had been occupied removing debris from repeated tropical storms. Residents were asked to report downed trees, remaining debris, damaged sidewalks, and root-related pavement uplift to the council office.
Council District 2 Community Recognition and Follow-Up
Kelly Anaya, representing Councilmember Matt Weyer, reported that the councilmember attended the 10th annual Leilehua Alumni and Community Association Bash and presented certificates to 2026 Hall of Fame inductees Thomas Lenchanko, a longtime steward of Kūkaniloko; H.E. Jumawan, a two-time national boxing champion and longtime coach and mentor; and Dr. Bradley Sacco, a family and sports medicine physician. Weyer also joined other councilmembers in recognizing Castle & Cooke’s 175th anniversary and its role in building neighborhoods and investing in communities. Anaya said the office was still waiting for a city department response regarding signage posted on city property and would continue following up.
Senate District 17 Updates
Charles Miller, representing Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, reported that Mililani Mauka Elementary School faculty and staff toured the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center and learned about the Food and Product Innovation Network. The visit highlighted entrepreneurship, agriculture, and career pathways extending from elementary school through postsecondary opportunities. Miller also noted that a softball field had been named in honor of former Senator Michelle Kidani, recognizing her public service and involvement in softball.
House District 38 Events, Voting Guidance, and Survey
Representative Lauren Matsumoto highlighted Mililani’s homecoming parade, class-float and lip-sync competitions, the homecoming game, a fall pops concert, and the dedication of the Michelle Kidani softball field, which she described as one of the state’s leading facilities. Matsumoto also participated in a Hawai‘i Youth and Student Network town hall during Children and Youth Day at the Capitol. Her newsletter introduced an “Answers in Action” section addressing constituent questions, including the GROW program and how to handle a ballot mailed to someone who has moved. Residents receiving another person’s unopened ballot should not complete or submit it; they should mark it “return to sender” or “not at this address,” return it by mail, and encourage the voter to update registration information. Upcoming activities included the Mililani Trunk or Treat at the YMCA on October 23, the Mililani ‘Uka Elementary Trunk or Treat on October 24, Teen Maker Monday at Mililani Public Library on October 26, and Citizens Patrol at Inspire Church Mililani on October 30 from 5 to 6 p.m. District 38’s post-election legislative survey will remain open through December 31, although early responses were encouraged because constituent input shapes the office’s legislation.
House District 46 Public Safety and Listening Session
Representative Amy Perruso reported that the House Public Safety Committee held an informational briefing on the “Breaking Cycles” report and heard from the department director about plans for a new O‘ahu Community Correctional Center. She said systemic corrections and public-safety issues, including matters previously raised concerning Waiawa, were likely to receive legislative attention during the coming session. A community listening session with Councilmember Weyer that had been canceled due to weather was rescheduled for November 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ka‘ala Elementary School. The session is intended to identify community priorities, following a productive Waiawa listening session held on October 11.
House District 37 Survey, Youth Advocacy, and Community Cleanup
Tulsi, representing Representative Trish La Chica, announced that the District 37 pre-legislative survey was available online and would be mailed after the November 3 election-related communications blackout. The office credited prior surveys with generating four constituent-based bills and three constituent-based resolutions. Representative La Chica received the 2026 Hawai‘i Children’s Action Network Advocate of the Year Award for her work on behalf of keiki and families and also participated in a Constitution Day panel at the University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu and the Mililani High School homecoming parade. The office joined HPD and the Mililani Town Association in repainting the Mililani Rainbow Tunnel to remove graffiti and plans to work with the Mililani High School Leo Club on a mural intended to encourage community pride and deter future tagging. Similar cleanup requests have been received from Waipi‘o. The office also recognized October as Filipino American History Month, noting that state and city buildings were illuminated in blue, yellow, white, and red to honor the Philippine flag and Filipino contributions to Hawai‘i. Although the district office remained under renovation, staff continued to assist residents by telephone, email, mail, and community events.
State DOT Crosswalks and Roadway Conditions
State Department of Transportation representative Casey Abe followed up on pedestrian crossings at the H-2 on-ramps from Mililani Mauka along Meheula Parkway. Pedestrian crossing signs had been installed at the northbound entrance, but the traffic branch did not currently plan to add speed humps or rectangular rapid-flashing beacons at either the northbound or southbound crossing. Abe observed deteriorating pavement and worn crosswalk markings and planned to consult the pavement engineer about resurfacing; if resurfacing is not imminent, he will ask the district office to renew the markings. His field inspection also identified graffiti, vegetation overgrowth, potholes, and an overhead sign needing replacement. A board member argued that the southbound H-2 on-ramp should at least receive a pedestrian-activated flashing beacon because vehicles frequently accelerate and merge through the crossing, especially during dark morning hours. Abe said the board could formally discuss and adopt a resolution requesting that DOT reconsider or reevaluate additional safety treatments.
Approval of September Minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes of its September 15 meeting. No changes, corrections, clarifications, or objections were offered, and the minutes were approved.
School and Education Updates
Education liaison Anna Hudson reported several school activities. Mililani ‘Ike Elementary planned a career celebration from November 15–20 and invited community members to share their professional experiences through school counselors Steve Nakaguma and Chance Nakazato. The school was also participating in Operation Holiday Joy with the Armed Services YMCA and accepting Thanksgiving-related donations for military families through November 3. Mililani Mauka Elementary and other schools were participating in a cross-country meet at Mililani Middle School on October 21 from 9 to 11 a.m., and drivers were advised to use caution around the campus. Parent-teacher conferences were scheduled from October 28 through November 6, with early dismissal at 12:30 p.m. Wheeler Middle School held its first band concert on October 3 and was partnering with Leilehua High School’s JROTC, Spartan Robotics, and computer science programs. Wheeler also offers after-school activities including chess and cheerleading and planned a food and craft festival on November 6, with food vendors who have base access invited to participate. Leilehua High School announced its fourth annual Kūkaniloko Birthing Stones community service cleanup with the JROTC program, inviting the broader community to help preserve the culturally significant site. Residents were directed to school websites and social-media accounts for details.
Committee Reports and Next Meeting
The Military and Civil Defense, Parks and Recreation, Planning, Permitting and Zoning, Transportation, and Recognition and Service Awards committees had no substantive reports. The Board thanked Neighborhood Commission staff member Camellia for meeting logistics and Jordan for video production. The next regular meeting was announced for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the same location. Chair Hazama was expected to remain away, with Vice Chair Tamashiro again likely to preside. The meeting was then adjourned.