No 21 Pearl City Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting September 2025
Pearl City Neighborhood Board Meeting
Call to Order and Introduction of Cub Scouts
The meeting opened with acknowledgments of attendees’ busy schedules and an emphasis on maintaining a two-hour limit. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cub Scout Pack 75, who provided updates on recent activities, including community service work painting over graffiti at Pacheco Park, picking up trash, and touring the local police station. The Cub Scouts announced plans for an outdoor-focused month of camping, leave-no-trace education, and survival skills.
Meeting Policies and Roll Call
The board chair explained time constraints, protocol for virtual attendees wishing to speak, and set presentations at five minutes to ensure prompt adjournment. Roll call confirmed board member attendance, noted absences, and acknowledged that the board may take action on items in alignment with state sunshine laws.
Certificates of Recognition
The board presented a certificate to a police officer known for outstanding service, followed by recognition of a board member who served over 10 years, highlighting his consistent input on community issues and engagement with the Lions Club and Pearl City Library. The Pearl City Little League received recognition for volunteering extensively with park cleanup and field maintenance, contributing more than 1,200 annual hours of community service.
Honolulu Fire Department Update
Fire officials encouraged calling HPD when seeing illegal open burns and homeless encampments in areas of concern. They reported recent brush fires, nuisance fires, and motor vehicle collisions. They stressed careful use of lithium-ion batteries, recommending devices labeled with safety certifications, proper charging practices on hard surfaces, and safe recycling rather than disposal in trash bins.
Honolulu Police Department Update
Officers shared crime data comparing recent months, noting fluctuations in car thefts, burglaries, theft, and car break-ins. Calls for service remained in the mid-1,500 range. The “Take 30” initiative encourages each officer to spend 30 minutes per shift addressing unsafe driving to reduce fatalities, with ongoing enforcement against speeding and distracted driving. Additional checks were planned for neighborhoods with speeding and homeless encampment concerns.
Public Testimony on Community Health
A representative from the Red Hill Registry reminded residents impacted by fuel contamination to enroll in the health registry. By documenting exposure, the public can help gather data on both acute and long-term health concerns.
Waipahu Trunk Sewer System Presentation
Project representatives explained the planned replacement of aging sewer infrastructure. They detailed a 12,000-foot pipeline aimed at accommodating flows projected through 2050. The pipe will measure around 69 inches in diameter and be placed between 35 and 55 feet underground via micro-tunneling. They presented timelines from 2028 through 2032, with potential construction impacts for traffic, noise, and some trail closures. Officials intend to work with Pearl City and Waipahu communities, schools, and businesses to mitigate disruptions, especially around major thoroughfares and recreational areas such as Ted Makalena Golf Course.
Walk, Bike, Drive Program
A representative of the Hawaii Bicycling League introduced the Walk, Bike, Drive campaign to promote road safety through courtesy and awareness between drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. They offered reminders on how cyclists signal turns and stops and noted that e-bikes and scooters are outside the bicycle lane regulations when not human-powered. They underscored the vulnerability of riders and pedestrians in collisions.
Board Business and Emergency Preparedness Resolutions
The board deferred resolution votes on new committee appointments but approved sending a letter urging the National Park Service to recognize local shipyard workers who responded heroically during the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. The board also formed a permitted interaction group to tackle emergency preparedness, focusing primarily on hurricanes, wildfires, and other disaster scenarios. This initiative will involve discussions with multiple neighborhood boards and city agencies to coordinate action plans and community readiness efforts.
Youth and Community Initiatives
A Pearl City High School architectural design class reported on its progress toward designing a potential dog park at Neal Blaisdell Park. The students are researching best practices for big and small dog areas, bleacher placements, and how to accommodate local needs. A more detailed visual presentation is expected at a future meeting.
City and County Updates
Department of Facility Maintenance leadership explained recent graffiti abatement efforts and summarized findings on speed data along key streets. They noted plans to communicate with other agencies on potential road realignment, sidewalk additions, and speed control measures. The city councilmember outlined local legislation to adjust homeowner’s tax exemptions, respond to traffic signal concerns, and recognize the newly named Ken Sueinaga Pearl City District Park Pool. The city’s Department of Transportation Services will appear in the next meeting to address further concerns about intersection safety and traffic flow.
State Legislative Reports
State Senators and Representatives announced town halls, including one on scam prevention for seniors, and described joint efforts to address rising vehicle speeds and noise levels. They also reiterated the importance of readiness for natural disasters. Some legislators highlighted progress on budget allocations, such as funds going toward a local cemetery’s revitalization, and mentioned community feedback on sidewalks and route expansions.
Community Institutions and Services
Leeward Community College discussed its accreditation site visits and continuing events, including an upcoming Discovery Fair. University officials noted potential changes to administration roles but will maintain local partnerships to ensure educational opportunities remain accessible. The Pearl City Library planned a film screening focusing on the 442nd veterans, scheduled senior health programs like Tai Chi, and explored possible relocation options during future renovations. The Board of Water Supply tracked several water main breaks in Pearl City and explored progress on proposed desalination facilities to address drought and water demand needs.
Military Installation Matters
Representatives from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam shared updates on removing mooring platforms from the USS Arizona and offered tours of Navy vessels, while the Red Hill Task Force announced upcoming webinars for community engagement concerning water safety and system status.
Adjournment
The board scheduled its next hybrid meeting for the fourth Tuesday of the following month. Members expressed their appreciation for lively community engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing traffic hazards, infrastructure developments, safety needs, and quality-of-life improvements. The meeting officially adjourned after confirmation of the next session’s date and broadcast information.