No 25 Mililani-Waipi'o-Melemanu Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting September 2026
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25 Mililani-Waipio Neighborhood Board Meeting – September 24, 2026
Honolulu Fire Department Incidents and Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Captain Keith Marrero of the Mililani Fire Station reported that August 2026 had no structure fires, although firefighters responded to 12 activated alarms that were not fires, 66 medical emergencies, two motor-vehicle collisions, and one hazardous-materials incident. With the Honolulu Fire Department seeing more fires involving lithium-ion batteries, residents were advised to use only manufacturer-provided or approved cords and chargers; charge devices on hard, flat surfaces rather than beds, couches, or other soft surfaces; unplug fully charged devices; and, when possible, charge e-bikes, scooters, power tools, and other large battery-powered items outdoors without blocking exits. A device should no longer be used if it becomes extremely hot, swells, leaks, smells unusual, emits smoke, or makes popping or hissing noises. Airline passengers should keep charging devices visible, avoid charging e-cigarettes or vapes aboard an aircraft, and notify a flight attendant of problems. In response to questions, Marrero said there had been no local reports of lithium-battery vehicle fires and recommended storing portable power stations such as EcoFlow units in a cool, dry place rather than a humid outdoor shed; indoor storage is not considered inherently unsafe. The department invited families to its “Charge into Fire Safety” Fire Prevention Week Family Day at the Honolulu Zoo on October 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Honolulu Police Department Statistics and Online Reporting
Lieutenant Scott Vieira, the Wahiawa Police Station night-watch commander covering the North Shore, Wahiawa, and Mililani from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., reported five assaults, no robberies, six burglaries, one unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, 46 motor-vehicle collisions, and 896 total calls for service during the reporting period. He reminded residents that certain nonemergency incidents can be reported through the online-reporting tab at honolulupd.org. The system asks several screening questions and directs users to call 911 if the matter requires an officer, involves evidence, or otherwise cannot be handled online. Vieira acknowledged that nonemergency callers to 911 may experience lengthy holds but emphasized that online reporting is an alternative for appropriate cases, including recurring traffic or parking concerns. Asked about motorists turning left on red, he advised residents not to honk or confront drivers, particularly given the risk of escalating a road dispute. Recurring behavior at a particular intersection can be reported online, while an immediate danger should be reported through 911.
Unsheltered Resident and Crisis Response
Board members discussed an unsheltered man frequently seen walking and sleeping around Lanikuhana Avenue, Meheula Parkway, Kuahelani Avenue, Holanialii Street, Safeway, nearby bus stops, and as far as Kamehameha Highway. Although ordinarily described as gentle, he had recently entered the roadway, yelled at passing vehicles, and displayed behavior that residents found increasingly agitated and disturbing. Lieutenant Vieira said entering the roadway creates an immediate danger to the individual and motorists and should be reported to 911. Police may also respond to a person experiencing a behavioral-health crisis and offer transport to facilities such as Castle or Queen’s for evaluation, although the person may be released quickly and generally cannot be forced to accept services. He stressed that homelessness is not itself a crime and that HPD primarily addresses violations of law and immediate safety threats while offering available mental-health assistance. A representative of Kealoha West Oʻahu said its outreach workers canvass Mililani and Wahiawa every Tuesday and can assess unsheltered residents, contact the city’s CORE crisis-response team, or seek a higher level of mental-health intervention when warranted. The organization provided the contact number 808-745-7880, and the board arranged to circulate the outreach information to members. Residents were advised to use both outreach services for longer-term engagement and 911 when there is an immediate roadway or safety crisis.
Army Training and Community Noise
A U.S. Army representative provided the late-September training advisory for Schofield Barracks. Artillery, mortar, demolition, and other live-fire training was scheduled throughout the day and night, including late evenings and early mornings, from September 24 through September 30. Aviation training and rappel master school activities were scheduled during roughly 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. over the same period. Residents were warned that overcast conditions and Kona winds can make training noise seem louder than usual. Concerns may be submitted to the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi Community Concern Line at 808-766-7778 or by email to usag.hawaii.comrel@army.mil, with responses generally provided during regular weekday business hours. A board member noted that the Army still owed a response from earlier meetings concerning stronger partnerships and invitations to post commander activities; the representative said Garrison had not yet provided that response but would be reminded.
Low-Flying Military Aircraft
The chair asked about a very late, low-altitude flight over Mililani, initially identified as occurring Monday but later corrected to Saturday night or early Sunday morning. The aircraft was believed to be an HH-60 flying from Mokuleʻia toward Tripler at approximately 1,000 to 1,200 feet above ground level. The Army representative had no immediate details but agreed to investigate and provide a written response, while also noting that weather can make aircraft seem lower or louder. Nestor Garcia, representing Congressman Ed Case, said the congressional office accepts complaints concerning low-flying military and civilian helicopters and can forward them to the appropriate agency. Garcia also noted that a previous complaint sent to former Garrison Commander Colonel Sullivan remained unresolved after her departure and requested contact information for the new commander or an appropriate representative so the matter could be pursued.
Complaint Involving a Military Seller
A former board member raised a private dispute involving an allegedly defective automotive jack purchased through Facebook from a person believed to be a service member living on Schofield Barracks. The resident said the seller had promised a refund but then closed the online account, and that repeated calls and emails to military contacts had not received a response. The Army representative explained that U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi, rather than the 25th Infantry Division’s operational command, generally handles community complaints of this type. Although the representative had no prior knowledge of the matter, she agreed to contact the personnel managing the Community Concern Line and ask that they respond. The chair directed the parties to exchange documentation and contact information after the meeting rather than continue discussing personal details publicly.
Board of Water Supply
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply reported no water-main breaks in the Mililani-Waipio community during the preceding month. Residents were invited to the “Imagine a Day Without Water” event planned for Saturday at the Ark of Safety in Waiʻanae, subject to weather. More than 30 city and state agencies and nonprofit organizations were expected to participate and provide information about the consequences of losing reliable water service. In response to a question from Red Hill Registry Community Engagement Director Tara Sutton, the representative said event organizers would notify participants by email if weather required cancellation, while expressing cautious optimism that the event would proceed.
School Facilities Authority
Sherry Nakamura of the School Facilities Authority said the agency had no new report for the board. No board member or member of the public raised a question.
At-Large Board Vacancy
The board again attempted to fill one vacant at-large seat. Three candidates were nominated: former neighborhood-board member Les, who cited nearly 25 years of board experience and work on illegal fireworks, homelessness, crime, and emergency preparedness; Michael Dow, a Kipapa Gulch resident who discussed his experience pursuing water-pollution concerns and participating in highway-widening discussions; and Tara Sutton, a Mililani resident since January with academic training in communicology, anthropology, ethnic studies, geography, and environmental studies and professional experience coordinating among communities, researchers, government agencies, and military organizations through the Red Hill Registry. Les said he believed he had been encouraged to run to delay the appointment process, apologized to the board, and later withdrew after the first ballot. That ballot produced nine votes for Sutton, eight for Dow, one for Les, and three abstentions, but no candidate reached the 12 votes required for board action. A second ballot resulted in a 9-9 tie between Sutton and Dow, with three abstentions. Because neither received 12 votes, the vacancy remained open and was deferred to the October agenda.
Board Officer Election
The board also attempted to elect a chair. Marilyn Lee and Trevor Nagamine were nominated, while no other candidates came forward. The final roll-call tally was 10 votes for Trevor, nine for Marilyn, and two abstentions. Since neither candidate obtained the required 12 votes, the chair election was deferred to October. The board did not proceed with elections for vice chair or treasurer because no chair had been elected.
Trees, Sidewalk Damage, and ADA Accessibility
Mililani resident and licensed general contractor Kurt Kiriyu raised extensive concerns about trees planted between sidewalks and roadways and within roadway medians. He argued that shallow and spreading roots are lifting sidewalks and pavement, while storm-damaged or fallen trees can block pedestrian routes, damage vehicles and houses, and create ongoing public maintenance costs. He stated that about 26% of Mililani residents are age 65 or older and said blocked or uneven sidewalks particularly affect seniors and people who use wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility devices. Kiriyu said temporary cones alone do not provide an accessible detour because a person may reach the obstruction without enough space to turn around, and he warned that failure to provide compliant alternate routes could expose responsible agencies to Americans with Disabilities Act litigation. He advocated removing many trees along sidewalks and some median trees, particularly along Lanikuhana Avenue, where he said roots repeatedly damage asphalt, but other participants questioned whether removal was too severe and suggested improved maintenance or replacement with better-suited trees. Kiriyu said he had photographs and a list of affected locations and agreed to provide his contact information so the board and elected officials could help route the concerns to the appropriate agencies.
Tree Ownership and Maintenance Jurisdiction
Discussion revealed that responsibility varies according to the tree’s location and the underlying property. Board members noted that some trees belong to the city, some to the state, some to the Mililani Town Association, and some to adjacent homeowners, while a city tree may affect an MTA-owned retaining wall that homeowners are nevertheless required to maintain under association covenants. Senator Danielle Bass later reported clarification from MTA: trees in the central medians and along major city thoroughfares such as Lanikuhana, Meheula, Kipapa, and Anania are generally city responsibilities, although MTA maintains the grass; trees between a sidewalk and a city roadway are also generally city-maintained; and areas between the sidewalk and a residential retaining wall fall under MTA. Trees along Kamehameha Highway and on state properties or easements, including public-school and library campuses, are state responsibilities. City representative Jocelyn Doan agreed to help determine jurisdiction once specific locations are submitted and noted that the Department of Facility Maintenance has a substantial storm-repair backlog. Kiriyu emphasized that he raised potential litigation not because he wanted to sue, but to alert officials to the consequences of leaving inaccessible sidewalks unaddressed. He also asked the city to explain its procedures for maintaining ADA access and providing detours while sidewalks are closed for repair; Doan agreed to seek an answer.
Storm-Damaged Sidewalks and Tree Hazards
Residents reported that many sidewalks were already being repaired after the recent storms but identified additional hazards. One board member described a location on Kualani Drive between Lanikuhana and Meheula Parkway where a leaning tree had raised the sidewalk by an estimated four inches near another active repair site. She planned to submit photographs through the city’s reporting system and suggested that both locations be repaired while crews were already nearby. The city representative said she would watch for the submission. Board members also referred to remaining fallen trees, roots affecting driving lanes near Safeway, debris or seed pods near Michael Nakamura Park, and uncertainty about which agency should handle each site.
August Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the August 26 board meeting had been posted with the agenda. Chat transcripts for the July and August meetings were also uploaded to the board’s Google Drive. With no corrections or objections, the board approved the August minutes.
Committee and Chair Reports
The chair announced that Mililani High School’s H Building would not be available for the October meeting, requiring relocation to either the cafeteria or library. The Community Maintenance and Walk Audit Committee reported an illegible sign at the corner of Makaʻikaʻi and Keaoʻopua had been submitted to the city and said it would follow up on graffiti and a side-buffer placement issue. Transportation and Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization matters had no report. The Military Affairs and Emergency Management Committee urged residents to remain prepared for another potential hurricane. The Houselessness and Human Services Committee referred members to the earlier discussion with HPD and outreach providers, while Parks and Recreation and several other committees had no additional report.
Mililani Schools and Community Education
The Education Committee reported a busy month across the Mililani school complex. Mililani High School held homecoming activities, including a parade and a football game in which Mililani defeated Kahuku by a large margin. The September 18 Mililani Complex professional collaboration day included remarks from Central District Superintendent Mr. Mu and a presentation by a Castle & Cooke representative on Mililani’s development history. Mililani Uka Elementary held its first welcome-back dance with support from the Mililani High School Culinary Department and hosted a Royal Hawaiian Band performance. Its fourth grade planned a public haunted house on October 24, with proceeds supporting the traditional fourth-grade Big Island trip. Kipapa Elementary, led by Principal Jeffrey Horstman, reported enrollment of 430 students for the 2026-27 school year, 20 below projections, reflecting enrollment declines occurring across Mililani and statewide. The school is offering grade-specific parent workshops, kupuna read-aloud events, an outdoor movie night, volunteer training, quarterly parent coffee hours, and after-school reading and mathematics support on Tuesdays and Thursdays in partnership with XL Church and the Mililani Leo Club. Its November 9 parent meeting will address bicycle safety, math and reading data, and report-card updates, and the school planned to participate in the Fabulous Frolic at the district park on October 9.
Congressman Ed Case
Nestor Garcia shared Congressman Ed Case’s third-quarter report and announced that applications for congressional nominations to the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy were due at the Honolulu office by 4:30 p.m. on October 9. He noted that no Mililani middle- or high-school students had submitted applications the previous year. Congress had not completed the federal fiscal year 2027 budget before the October 1 start of the fiscal year, so the government was expected to operate under a continuing resolution at fiscal year 2026 spending levels through December 11 while attempting to avoid a shutdown. Garcia also discussed the Water Resources Development Act and Congressman Case’s support for continued resilience studies at Honolulu Harbor, where more than 90% of Hawaiʻi’s imported goods arrive before many are distributed to the neighbor islands. A buoy at the harbor entrance had been damaged during Hurricane Lowell and quickly repaired, illustrating the vulnerability of shipping access. A board member again urged reform of the Jones Act, arguing that its shipping restrictions increase Hawaiʻi’s costs and unfairly favor mainland ports. Garcia said Case continues to work with representatives from Alaska, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and other noncontinental jurisdictions on reform and agreed to check the status of a Hawaiʻi company’s constitutional lawsuit challenging the law.
Governor Josh Green and Battery Disposal
Tony Schwartz, representing Governor Josh Green, answered earlier questions about lithium-ion battery disposal. The Department of Health advised that waste generators and handlers are responsible for proper disposal. Honolulu accepts standalone rechargeable and single-use lithium, lithium-ion, nickel-metal-hydride, and nickel-cadmium batteries at city convenience centers and transfer stations; terminals should be taped and batteries placed in clear plastic bags. The city’s contractor removes these batteries approximately monthly. Devices with embedded batteries that are not designed to be removed can be scheduled for household hazardous-waste drop-off, with residents asked to estimate the device’s total weight. Under Hawaiʻi’s electronic-device recycling law, manufacturers must operate programs for computers, printers, fax machines, video and music equipment, routers, modems, and other household electronics. City transfer stations, convenience centers, commercial recyclers, cellular retailers, and service providers may also accept electronic waste. Lithium-ion batteries handled as universal waste must generally reach a destination facility, typically an out-of-state recycler, within one year of acceptance. DOH said off-island shipping remains challenging but options currently exist for all battery types; it does not maintain a written transportation plan because it does not directly regulate shipping activity.
Election-Related Questions to the Governor
A board member confirmed that ballots were expected to be mailed on schedule following a state Supreme Court decision. Another member asked why the Supreme Court had not responded within what he described as the expected election-case timeline to several lawsuits filed before and after the 2026 primary, citing cases concerning the constitutionality of the primary ballot and treatment of nonpartisan candidates. He also stated that 67% of voters did not participate in the primary. Schwartz asked for the issue to be summarized and agreed to convey the question concerning the cases’ status and timing.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi and City Storm Response
Jocelyn Doan, representing Mayor Rick Blangiardi, shared newsletter information about Tropical Storm Lala’s effects, the city’s response to fallen trees and debris, and disaster-preparedness guidance. She said city and state counties had been participating in regular morning and, when needed, afternoon coordination calls as additional storms approached. The Central Oʻahu Regional Park debris-site area reopened on September 3. Regarding the Kūkulua/Kōkua Command Center, Doan said no comprehensive public website yet listed the services available there, but a city data officer was working to publish those resources; in the meantime, she provided the city’s opening and blessing press release. She also agreed to investigate ADA procedures during sidewalk repairs and follow up on specific reports of storm-damaged trees and lifted sidewalks.
Council Member Val Okimoto
A representative of Council Member Val Okimoto said the next full City Council meeting was scheduled for October 7. Bill 16, developed with the Department of Customer Services, Hawaiian Humane Society, and Representative Cory Chun, would strengthen existing dog ordinances by increasing criminal penalties and creating civil fines for irresponsible owners. Following Tropical Storm Lala, Okimoto’s office documented conditions, created a district storm-damage file, submitted it to the Department of Facility Maintenance, and was working on debris clearance. From September 2 through September 14, HPD monitored Mililani Neighborhood Park and Kipapa Park after complaints concerning unsheltered people. Officers knew the individuals, who had declined assistance. On September 10, one person was arrested after locking animals in a restroom, and the animals were transferred to the Hawaiian Humane Society. Police planned to continue monitoring and take enforcement action when warranted. The office agreed to determine whether the city has a dedicated disaster fund beyond its general rainy-day reserve and to ask the Department of Transportation Services whether any future Skyline rail stations will include publicly accessible ADA-compliant restrooms.
Council Member Matt Weyer and Storm Assistance
Kelly Anaya, representing Council Member Matt Weyer, urged residents to report storm damage promptly so city agencies and nonprofit partners can assess impacts and determine whether Honolulu may qualify for federal assistance. A damage report is not an application for aid and does not replace an insurance claim. Information is available at oneoahu.org. The Department of Planning and Permitting allows certain emergency repairs to begin before a building permit is obtained, but an application must be filed on the next working day and the exception applies only to qualifying emergency work. Owners whose land or structures were storm-damaged may apply for a remission of real-property taxes by June 30, 2027; applicants should preserve photographs, estimates, invoices, and other documentation. The relief applies to land and structures, not furniture, vehicles, or equipment. Anaya also agreed to investigate a question about whether the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation can condemn property without advance notice to the owner.
Senator Danielle Bass
Senator Danielle Bass reported that her office used its emergency-management experience to assess damage and help clear debris following Hurricanes or tropical systems Lala and Lowell. The office heard from more than 100 constituents in Mililani, Waipio Gentry, Waikele, Kunia, and Village Park and coordinated with city emergency operations personnel, the Department of Facility Maintenance, the Department of Transportation Services, and City Council offices. Bass highlighted federal support secured with Congressman Case and Congresswoman Jill Tokuda for Mililani High School’s Manufacturing and Engineering Education Reimagined for All, or MIRA, lab, described as the first such high-school lab in the nation. Mililani was selected partly because it is a leading feeder school for the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. She also reported that the Central Oʻahu Regional Park temporary storm-debris site had been tested, repeatedly scraped and cleared, reseeded, and fully restored. Mililani Uka teacher Bao Nguyen was named the Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Teacher of the Year for work involving technology, infrastructure, computer education, and performing arts. Bass also participated in Governor George Ariyoshi’s memorial observances and the Mililani homecoming parade.
Senator Donovan Dela Cruz
Fabian Carlo, representing Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, reported that the city’s proposed pedestrian-safety project addressing the raised sidewalk near Kipapa Elementary School was currently ranked as priority number 10. No further updates were provided.
Representative Lauren Matsumoto
Representative Lauren Matsumoto highlighted the Hawaiʻi Children and Youth Summit scheduled for October 6 during the public-school fall break. Students were encouraged to register through the summit’s website or QR code, and Matsumoto planned to participate in the opening panel and answer questions about issues selected by young people. Her report also noted participation in Mililani’s complex-area activities, the MIRA lab opening, and the homecoming parade.
Representative Trish La Chica
Representative Trish La Chica shared her September newsletter and a pre-legislative survey seeking early public input on priorities for the next session. She reported participating in the Mothers Against Drunk Driving annual walk at Kakaʻako Waterfront to raise awareness about impaired driving and traffic safety. She clarified that Mililani High School’s MIRA lab is the first in a public high school but the second MIRA facility on Oʻahu, following one at Leeward Community College. Mililani Uka’s haunted-house fundraiser for the fourth-grade Big Island trip was planned for October 23 and 24, while the YMCA would hold a trunk-or-treat event that weekend. Her office was also convening Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation leaders concerning a proposal to move some inmates to Waiʻanae/Waiawa Correctional Facility as a result of a lawsuit settlement, pressing the department to provide consistent information and an adequate plan. A District 37 cleanup at the Rainbow Tunnel was scheduled for that Saturday in partnership with HPD District 2, the Mililani Leos, Transforming Communities with Aloha, and MTA, which donated paint; volunteer registration had already exceeded capacity. La Chica also agreed to follow up directly on the sidewalk and tree concerns.
Representative Amy Perruso and Housing Stabilization Aid
Representative Amy Perruso described the Hawaiʻi Relief Program, administered through the Department of Human Services and Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, which assists income-qualified families facing storm-related or other crises and is intended to prevent homelessness. Eligible households may receive up to $6,000 for housing deposits or payments, up to $3,000 per utility for utility deposits, up to $2,000 per month in utility payments for as many as four months, up to $5,000 for an automobile down payment, and up to $500 per month in automobile payments for as many as four months. These payments are grants rather than loans but are subject to income and other eligibility requirements. Residents can apply through Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi at 808-521-4357. Perruso and Council Member Weyer were also planning a community listening session from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wahiawā Elementary for residents of House District 46, including Waipio Acres, to identify community priorities and develop solutions, accompanied by a district survey.
Next Meeting and Broadcast Schedule
The next regular meeting was confirmed for Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Mililani High School. A printed document incorrectly listed October 23; October 28 is the correct fourth-Wednesday date. Because H Building will be unavailable, the meeting will be held in either the school library or cafeteria, with the final location to be stated on the posted agenda. Board meetings are videotaped and broadcast on ʻŌlelo Focus 49 every second Thursday at 9 a.m. and on ʻŌlelo Views 54 every first and third Thursday at 9 a.m. The meeting adjourned after completion of the agenda.