No 06 Pālolo Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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6 Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 13, 2026
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
Captain Chris Miller from the Palolo Fire Station presented incident statistics for January 2026, which included one activated alarm, zero fires, 31 medical calls, and one motor vehicle crash. He noted that medical calls typically account for 80 to 85 percent of their responses in Palolo. He also shared a safety reminder urging residents to call 911 instead of driving to a fire station during emergencies, since firefighters may be unavailable at the station due to inspections, training, or other calls. Captain Miller explained that 911 dispatchers can send the closest available company and that text-to-911 options exist for situations where voice communication is difficult, such as while hiking.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
A lieutenant from HPD provided statistics for the previous month: 11 motor vehicle thefts, 6 burglaries, 13 thefts, 1 unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, and 5,804 total calls for service. The lieutenant offered flash flood preparedness tips, emphasizing avoiding flooded areas to prevent vehicle damage and personal harm, as well as reminding residents about water and medication storage for emergencies. Residents were encouraged to stay informed with HNL Info advisories. Several attendees raised local safety concerns, including a resident near Palolo District Park who described late-night partying and requested more regular police patrols to deter illegal or disruptive activities. Another attendee asked about HPD’s role in any coordination with federal immigration agencies, and the lieutenant stated there was no specific policy or arrangement at the patrol level for such activities. A question was also posed about borrowing a speed-monitoring device, but the lieutenant explained that proper certification and court testimony readiness make distributing such equipment to civilians unfeasible.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report
A representative, Dominic Diaz, announced one main break on Ahi Street in January 2026. He reported that waterline installation on Waumau Homestead Road was completed and was pending final chlorination. A significant Palolo Water System Improvements Phase 3 project is scheduled to affect the back half of the valley, spanning Palolo Avenue from near the district park, looping around 10th Avenue to Makanui Place, and including various interior streets. Residents can contact the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041 for inquiries regarding construction or safety issues. An update on the Board of Water Supply’s 2026 Conservation Calendar competition was shared, with K-6 students invited to submit posters and students in grades 7-12 invited to submit poetry. The deadline was noted as February 27. Diaz also answered questions about the vulnerability of water pumps and generators during storms, explaining BWS measures to secure back-up power generation at critical sites.
Approval of Minutes and Neighborhood Board Vacancies
Members approved the minutes of the December 10, 2025 meeting without objections. The board then announced vacancies for one at-large seat, one vacancy in sub-district one, and two vacancies in sub-district two. Residents interested in joining were urged to provide proof of residency and identification. Community members were encouraged to contact board staff for help identifying their district.
Resolution on Bus Route 200
A resolution concerning safety and routing concerns surrounding the new Bus Route 200 was addressed. The presenters, who had brought the matter before neighboring boards in Diamond Head and Kaimuki, explained they were seeking the Palolo board’s support for a route adjustment that would restore service through the center of Kaimuki, connecting residential areas to schools, medical facilities, and the town center. They noted the recent replacement of an older route with Route 200 cut off many important community stops, resulting in low ridership and difficulties accessing essential services. After some discussion, the Palolo board voted without objection to support the resolution and urged city transportation authorities to re-evaluate and modify Route 200.
Proposed Resolution on Cell Towers
A lengthy discussion followed regarding a proposed resolution on cell tower placement and the potential health effects of expanding 5G networks in Palolo. A community member introduced a draft modeled after a Big Island resolution and updated with references to more recent legislative initiatives. The proposal sought closer Department of Health oversight to monitor radiofrequency levels near homes and schools. Some board members asked for more time to review the resolution and raised concerns about limiting cell coverage in the back of the valley. The board deferred a vote and agreed to revisit the resolution at the March meeting so members and residents could study the issue and ask the proponent further questions.
Oahu Resilience Hub Learning Community
A coordinator, Sage Murakami, presented on the Oahu Resilience Hub Learning Community (HLC), a program dedicated to supporting “resilience hubs” across Oahu. He described a resilience hub as a trusted gathering site or group that helps neighbors in everyday community-building activities and can also activate in times of disaster. The HLC convenes monthly gatherings, coordinates training, and provides support, including student volunteers, to build preparedness networks. Murakami shared that the community is identifying hubs island-wide and periodically holds a summit, with plans for a major gathering in June 2026. He invited residents to register their organizations or households as part of the hub network and offered office hours for those seeking more information or assistance.
Koki Frog Infestation Concerns
A large portion of the meeting centered on koki frog infestations in Palolo, where the frogs have reportedly spread from an orchid farm near the back of the valley, moving into residential areas along streams and ridges. The Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) and the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) provided updates on eradication efforts. They explained that 400-gallon citric acid sprays have been performed monthly in targeted areas, but the work is labor-intensive and difficult given Palolo’s steep terrain. Volunteers from Waimanalo’s koki eradication efforts described hand-capturing frogs, building trails, and coordinating sprayer equipment to contain growing populations. Suggestions included more community-led captures, increased state funding, and stricter protocols for nurseries importing plants, since such shipments have historically spread the frogs island-wide. Questions arose about quarantining newly arrived plants, using drone sprayers, and increasing agency funding. Residents were encouraged to sign release forms allowing OISC workers onto their properties and to join organized frog-catching teams. The discussion ended with expressions of gratitude toward volunteers, calls for more legislative support, and plans for continued updates at future meetings.
Government and Legislative Updates
City Council District 5 staff reported on work orders to address albizia trees near Narcissus Street, explaining that the Division of Urban Forestry was scheduled to reduce those trees by the end of February 2026 but ran into delays due to weather. The governor’s representative was not present for updates, and no report was given from the mayor’s office. Representative Jackson Sayama mentioned upcoming legislation on invasive species, including bills specifically addressing koki frogs and feral chickens, and urged the community to testify online. He invited Palolo residents to a sign-waving event on February 19 to raise awareness of speeding along Waialae Avenue. Residents offered positive remarks about the importance of legislative support and direct involvement from state officials in local koki frog eradication efforts.
Closing and Next Meeting
The board concluded with final announcements, including a reminder of the next regular meeting planned for Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Palolo Elementary School and online via WebEx. Various broadcast details on ‘Olelo Channel 49 were shared for those wishing to watch meeting replays. The meeting adjourned shortly after discussions about upcoming community events and concerns, with residents and officials agreeing to continue collaborating on neighborhood issues such as public safety, invasive species, and city infrastructure.