No 36 Nānākuli-Māʻili Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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36 Nanakuli-Maili Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 19, 2026
Call to Order and Opening Pule
Chair Malia Augustin called the meeting to order promptly at 7:00 p.m. In-person attendance was at the Nanakuli Public Library, while others joined online via WebEx. She explained that the Neighborhood Board Meeting is a monthly open forum for government representatives, elected officials, and community members, and reminded everyone of the guidelines for speaking, including time limits and respectful conduct. An opening prayer (pule) was offered by Board Member Howells, which began the meeting for the year since the Board had been in recess in January.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
HPD’s Community Policing Team reported monthly statistics for District 8 (which includes Nanakuli), covering January 2026. Notable data included 27 motor vehicle thefts (3 in Nanakuli), 12 burglaries (4 in Nanakuli), 113 thefts (18 in Nanakuli), 24 vehicle break-ins (4 in Nanakuli), and a total of 313 citations issued. Officers highlighted the Hawaii Crime Dashboard (crimestats.hawaii.gov) as a resource for analyzing statewide crime data. Board members asked about how HPD uses select stats to identify trends, conduct targeted operations, and share data with Neighborhood Security Watch programs. Fireworks citations around New Year’s were also briefly discussed. HPD was asked to investigate a recent fight in a local parking lot and to clarify fines for illegal fireworks.
Honolulu Ocean Safety Department Report
Ocean Safety personnel shared their January 2026 statistics, including 23 calls to 911 and various ocean-related emergencies such as rescues, missing persons, and assist calls for stranded boaters. The team reported CPR incidents, missing-person searches, boat assistance, and support to HPD when needed. Multiple monk seal sightings were confirmed, and shark sightings at Electric Beach were monitored. Water main breaks at Depot’s Beach Park were also noted. Board members expressed appreciation for the thorough data and asked about specific incidents in Ko Olina lagoons.
City Official Updates
Councilmember Andrea Tupola’s Office
A representative reported on the Department of Transportation Services’ (DTS) project list and ongoing speed-limit changes to 20 mph in school zones. The office requested support from the board for Resolution 26-7, proposing a task force to reduce and eventually end Honolulu’s reliance on landfills. The Councilmember’s R3 (Reconnect, Redirect, Rehouse) outreach was described, including the number of participants housed and the difficulties encountered, particularly with lack of shelter space and challenges connecting individuals to services. Community members raised concerns over the timing of beach cleanups (sweeps), resources for mental health treatment, and available shelter and housing solutions.
Board of Water Supply (BWS)
BWS staff reported one main break on Kulaaupuni Street in Nanakuli. They provided details on how many homes were impacted, water outage durations, and availability of water wagons during repairs. Board members inquired about cause, future repairs, and water usage data. BWS also reminded the public about their annual poster and poetry contest.
Mayor’s Representative and Other City Offices
The Mayor’s representative is expected to attend the next meeting in March. A communication from the Mayor’s Office regarding consistent presence at Board meetings was noted.
State Official Updates
State Legislature: Resolution 26-7 on Ending Landfills
Board members read a draft letter supporting the establishment of a task force to examine landfill reliance, citing significant annual waste generation and West O‘ahu’s longstanding concerns with Waimanalo Gulch. The Board unanimously approved sending a letter of support, adding a request for one Neighborhood Board representative on any task force.
Homelessness and Housing Committee Updates
Community members voiced ongoing concerns about sweeps, transitional shelters, and the lack of enough available housing or treatment beds. Several proposals to create Kauhale-style solutions, kupuna housing, and improved coordination among city, state, and nonprofit efforts were shared.
Presentation on Nanakuli Butler Building Education Programs
Representatives from Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center detailed ongoing and upcoming EMT, nursing, and medical assistant programs run from the Butler Building in Nanakuli. They aim to “grow their own” by training local residents within the district. Community members inquired about age limits, admissions, and how to strengthen partnerships with local outreach programs.
Resident and Community Concerns
Multiple citizens raised issues:
• Homelessness in Nanakuli/Ma‘ili, sweeps, and the shortage of shelter beds.
• A proposal to build a kupuna Kauhale on a vacant parcel.
• The need for more transparency and accountability within Nanakuli High & Intermediate School governance (SCC), citing poor academic performance and limited responses from administration.
• A free spay/neuter clinic for animals at Kawaihona.
• Concerns about potential geothermal drilling on Hawaiian Home Lands.
• Calls for a civil defense approach to storms and emergencies.
Military Reports
US Army
Army officials announced upcoming training with increased noise near Schofield Barracks from February 23–27, a future 10K run at Kolekole Pass, and planned prescribed burns from April 13–19 to mitigate wildfires. Board members inquired about noticeable troop movements in the area.
US Navy
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam shared updates on an awarded grant to MA‘O Organic Farms for wildfire/flood mitigation, a planned full-scale emergency route exercise at Kolekole Pass on March 3, and ongoing efforts to investigate road maintenance responsibilities. A request was made for updates on deteriorating roads near the Naval Magazine.
Governor’s Office
Governor’s representative relayed an update regarding the Waianae Boat Harbor and Pu‘uhonua o Waianae transition, which remains on schedule for full move-out by April 2026. The Governor’s Office is also reviewing concerns over illegal fireworks, legislative campaign donation questions, and the possibility of reestablishing broader civil defense notifications during storms.
State Senator Samantha DeCourt
Senator DeCourt discussed:
• Education reform, with emphasis on reorganization of complex area superintendents and calls for improved public school outcomes in Nanakuli.
• Efforts to transfer property on St. John’s Road to DOE for an alternative learning program (Papahana o Kaiona).
• Support for ending use of DHHL lands for non-housing projects.
• Addressing the $100,000 monthly water bill at Waianae Boat Harbor.
• Continuing to monitor SCC effectiveness at local schools and seeking better accountability.
State Representative Darius Kila
Representative Kila provided a transportation update on the Campbell Industrial and Kalaeloa interchange projects, expected to ease traffic congestion in the region by 2030. He also noted continuing legislative deadlines, efforts to track bills affecting the district, and ways to coordinate with city and state agencies on road repairs and improvements.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)
OHA representatives introduced their six-bill legislative package, covering topics like commercial aquarium collection bans, historic preservation, island burial councils, and a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting live-fire military training on public trust lands. Four of these bills are still advancing through the legislature.
Board Business
The Board approved December 2025 meeting minutes and reviewed a list of events and subcommittee activities from December. A pesticide use and awareness resolution was introduced and adopted, calling for stricter reporting, expanded buffer zones, and more proactive monitoring of harmful pesticides across the state. The Board also presented legislative priorities identified in January’s special meeting, spanning transportation, housing, education, land management, and other concerns relevant to Nanakuli-Ma‘ili.
Announcements and Next Meeting
• Nanakuli High & Intermediate “Valley Community Fest” on March 6, showcasing resources, career opportunities, and community partnerships.
• The 8th Annual Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalani‘ana‘ole Legacy Festival is set for March 21 at Kalani‘ana‘ole Beach Park, with activities celebrating Hawaiian culture, kupuna appreciation, local vendors, and a fireworks finale.
• The next regular Nanakuli-Maili Neighborhood Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in person at the Nanakuli Public Library and virtually.
The meeting adjourned with Chair Augustin thanking board members, government representatives, and the public for their participation and urging all to get home safely.