No 25 Mililani-Waipi'o Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting March 2026
Listen to this article:
25 Mililani-Waipio Neighborhood Board Meeting – March 27, 2026
Call to Order and Opening
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in a hybrid format, with members attending both in person at Mililani High School H Building and online. Attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and it was announced that the meeting was being recorded for Olelo and YouTube. The Chair reminded participants to raise their hands when wishing to speak to maintain order and respect. Because the State of Hawaii remained under an emergency proclamation, the board agreed to add a special presentation on the Kona Low Emergency Response and Recovery later in the agenda.
Roll Call and Hybrid Meeting Format
Neighborhood Assistant Rachel conducted roll call. Nineteen members were present, meeting the quorum requirement. Several absent members were noted. The hybrid meeting allowed both physical and virtual attendance by board members and the public. With quorum established, the board moved to monthly reports from city agencies and other representatives.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Lieutenant Romel Baisa presented HPD’s monthly statistics for the Waipio-Mililani area from February 23 through March 23, stating zero assaults, two burglaries, zero robberies, and 11 car break-ins. Officers responded to 761 calls for service, a decrease from prior months. HPD announced a Coffee with a Cop event on April 17 at the Mililani Town Center Starbucks, inviting the community to discuss concerns. Board members asked about any clusters of vehicle break-ins, updates on traffic and parking issues near schools, and the possibility of a red-light camera at Meheula Parkway and Kuahelani Avenue. HPD assured that traffic enforcement and public safety concerns would be relayed to officers for further patrols.
U.S. Army 25th Combat Aviation Brigade
Captain Katie Kolb summarized upcoming activities, including a U.S. Army Garrison job fair on April 21 at Aliamanu Military Reservation Gym, open to the public with on-the-spot hiring opportunities. March training advisories mainly covered small arms, blank fire, and continued East Range aviation drills. Longer-range plans included artillery and demolition training from March 28 to April 4, with day and night live fire exercises. Prescribed burns for wildfire management were scheduled for April 13–19 at Schofield Barracks, subject to weather conditions. The Army’s community concern line (808-787-1528) was shared for reporting noise or flight issues. The military also provided updates on response to potential homeless encampments near installation boundaries and clarified that out-of-state license plates on post are subject to citations if not registered locally.
Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Public Affairs Officer Kathleen Pahinui reported that the North Shore boil-water notice, originally tied to severe flooding and system disruptions, had been lifted. No main breaks were noted in Mililani-Waipio. The Board of Water Supply would hold “Detect-a-Leak Week” from April 11 to April 18, visiting community locations to share information on detecting and repairing leaks. Residents were reminded to access their water quality reports online and to contact the Board of Water Supply for any further concerns or printed copies if needed.
Community Concerns and Housekeeping
No specific public concerns were brought forward during this segment, though the board reiterated its hybrid meeting guidelines and encouraged mutual respect. The board explained that Hawaii School Facilities Authority could not attend this meeting and would present at a future date. Members also expressed gratitude to the many volunteers involved in post-flood cleanup across the island.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
The February 25, 2026 meeting minutes had been distributed earlier, and the Board Secretary stated no corrections were proposed. The board approved the minutes as written and moved forward with the scheduled presentations.
HECO Presentation on Renewable Energy Zones
Representatives from Hawaiian Electric, including Ken Aramaki, Kanani Imai, and Colton Chang, outlined goals toward Hawaii’s 2045 mandate of 100% clean energy. They introduced Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), which cluster solar, wind, or other renewable projects to enhance efficiency and avoid piecemeal infrastructure. Four potential zones had been prioritized, including areas near Mililani. They discussed improved grid infrastructure, how energy storage offsets variability, and how co-locating projects within a zone can reduce cost and environmental impact. Questions arose on reliability, battery types, potential introduction of liquefied natural gas, and the possibility of advanced technologies. HECO noted that local and federal mandates drive these transitions and that community input is crucial. A public meeting about the REZ concept was announced for April 6 at Leeward Community College.
State of Hawaii Kona Low Emergency Response and Recovery
Governor’s Representative Tony Schwartz presented on the state’s response to the recent Kona Low storms. FEMA was conducting joint damage assessments, and the governor requested a federal major disaster declaration. Estimated damages exceeded $1 billion statewide. Cleanup, including city disposal sites and National Guard support, was underway. The boil-water notice on the North Shore was lifted, but four water buffalo stations remained on standby. Numerous donation hubs were operational, and community volunteers were asked to differentiate debris into piles for sorting (appliances, rocks and mud, green waste, general trash). The state advocated monetary donations to reliable nonprofits. Schools in the hardest-hit North Shore areas had reopened or were set to reopen, while monitoring health concerns related to floodwater and debris continued.
Committee Reports and Announcements
Committee chairs reported no major updates except for continued tracking of local maintenance requests and expansions of dog-friendly parks. A brief education report mentioned roof leaks at Mililani Middle School, upcoming STEAM Night, as well as crosswalk and traffic issues when parents park close to schools. The community was reminded of a large-scale donation drive for North Shore storm relief planned on April 3 at Mililani High School, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, seeking both supplies and volunteers.
Elected Officials’ Updates
Representatives from the governor’s office and city council discussed the city’s $5.09 billion proposed budget and reiterated how to submit concerns via HNL 311. City officials explained that Central Oahu Regional Park was serving as a temporary debris storage area, with contracted work underway to sort refuse, remove appliances, and restore the grounds to their original condition. Various legislative representatives updated the board on measures crossing from the Senate to the House and vice versa, including topics of education, privacy protections, and bail reform. Legislators recognized local teachers, principals, and community volunteers for their service. The North Shore’s dam issues and prior flooding communication were addressed as part of an ongoing conversation about land management and emergency alerts.
Closing Announcements and Adjournment
The Chair reiterated the upcoming donation drive date, thanked the public for cooperation in the Kona Low response, and confirmed the next regular meeting on April 22, 2026, to be held in the same hybrid format. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:50 p.m. Olelo Channels 49 and 54 will broadcast the recording, and a YouTube video link will be posted for residents unable to attend.