No 21 Pearl City Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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21 Pearl City Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 25, 2026
Parking Near Fire Hydrants and HFD Updates
The meeting opened with a reminder about parking restrictions near fire hydrants, confirming that vehicles must remain ten feet away from the hydrant. Board members noted that red paint on curbs helps reinforce this rule. The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) then conveyed that residents may now text 911 by simply entering “911” as the phone number when reporting emergencies. The board thanked HFD for its continued service to Pearl City and moved on to other agenda items.
Honolulu Police Department Attendance and Agenda Addition
Board members next tried to connect with the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) online. When HPD did not respond, the board agreed to monitor for their arrival later in the session. The Chair then requested to add a letter to the deputy director of the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation regarding a local safety issue to that evening’s agenda. With no objections, the board approved the letter’s inclusion, underscoring that community safety is a priority.
Recognition of the Pearl City High School Girls Basketball Team
Council Member Val Aquino Okimoto presented recognition certificates to the Pearl City High School girls basketball team for winning the 2025–2026 OIA Division II Championship and placing second statewide. She praised their accomplishments, sportsmanship, and representation of Pearl City, noting how previous players had also been recognized at Honolulu Hale. The board then presented certificates acknowledging both the players and coaching staff, celebrating their perfect 10–0 league record and thanking them for their dedication and hard work. Individual players and coaches were called forward for photos, and the room applauded the team’s achievements.
Department of Information Technology: HNL311 Demonstration
A representative from the Department of Information Technology showcased the newly revamped HNL311 platform, explaining how residents can submit non-emergency requests such as pothole repairs, homeless encampment concerns, and park maintenance. She demonstrated the system’s ability to attach pictures and pinpoint exact locations, adding that while users may submit requests anonymously, identifying themselves allows departments to follow up directly. A community member asked how best to remain updated on homeless-related requests, prompting a clarification that the platform’s public view displays the progress of issues while preserving personal privacy. The board thanked the department for empowering the community to easily report problems and track solutions.
Public Testimony on Neighborhood Concerns
Mr. Wong, a resident, spoke about a hit-and-run incident totaling his daughter’s car, fireworks being used too close to a care home, and the need for more sidewalks near Pearl City Highlands Elementary School. He also mentioned a hole in the fence between the Manana Community Park and a shopping area, raising safety concerns. The Chair reminded him and others to use HNL311 or appropriate hotlines for specific reports, and indicated that officials devote attention to each matter. Another speaker, Kalea, requested help keeping her Hawaiian language immersion program in Pearl City, noting that her mother’s disability makes distant commutes challenging. The Chair thanked her and asked that she share contact information for further assistance.
Mayor’s Representative and City Administration Reports
A representative from the Mayor’s Office, the Director of Facilities Maintenance, provided updates on city initiatives, including park improvements and the HFD’s 175th anniversary. He urged continued use of the HNL311 app for timely reporting of homeless encampments and road issues. Board members raised questions about responsibility for cleaning a storm drain in Palisades, describing how city departments sometimes pass these tasks among themselves. The representative vowed to investigate the matter and ensure collaboration among agencies.
Council Member Okimoto’s Legislative Highlights
Council Member Val Aquino Okimoto presented her newsletter to the board and local residents, emphasizing upcoming budget work for the City Council. She noted that while lawmakers must guide allocations carefully, her office remains engaged with neighborhood leaders, addressing various infrastructure and public safety needs throughout Pearl City. She also encouraged community members to contact her office for any additional concerns such as graffiti removal, playground repairs, and intersection signal improvements.
Governor’s Representative Report
Governor Josh Green’s liaison, Jeff Hickman, relayed key announcements from the State Capitol. He mentioned the ongoing establishment of the State Fire Marshal’s office, expected to hire additional staff by summer. He also referred to progress on legislative priorities, including lowering the cost of living and strengthening healthcare, while acknowledging that the state is focused on continued support for Maui’s recovery and other statewide needs.
State Legislators’ Updates
Several state legislators or their staff reported on bills and community projects affecting Pearl City. Certain bills on homelessness, agriculture, and environmental management remained under review at the midpoint of the legislative session. Specific highlights included measures addressing feral chickens, stream management from mauka to makai, and modernization of pesticide regulations. Legislators also commented on road and sidewalk safety issues, ongoing traffic projects, and the tight deadlines in the legislative calendar. They reminded residents to submit testimony on capital.hawaii.gov to ensure their voices influence policy decisions.
Department of Defense and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Reports
Representatives from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam shared that free ship tours continue on Saturdays for the public’s education and enjoyment. They indicated that RIMPAC, a recurring multinational military exercise, would return during the summer months and likely be the largest to date. The Navy’s Red Hill Closure Task Force reported on its continuing efforts: cleaning and decommissioning tunnels, degassing specific tanks, and posting online updates about air quality monitoring. They invited the community to download the Navy’s Closer Task Force mobile app for real-time status reports.
Pearl City Library Renovation and Outreach
The Pearl City Library’s branch manager announced that the library would temporarily relocate to a pop-up facility at Pearlridge Shopping Center once building renovations begin. She noted an upcoming closing ceremony, though dates and full arrangements are still under negotiation. The manager also highlighted special programs, such as chair yoga and exercises focusing on mental clarity, all designed to promote resident well-being.
Proposed Resolution on FAA Flight Paths
The board discussed a resolution in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) airspace modernization project. A draft called for modified flight corridors to reduce aircraft noise over neighborhoods, asking that tour helicopters follow coastal routes, while military and emergency service helicopters use specified transit paths or training areas away from residential zones. Board members unanimously supported the resolution, with one abstention by a member connected to federal concerns. They agreed to submit the resolution before the FAA’s March 12 deadline.
Letter to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation on Fence Repair
Members raised concerns about a fence across from a cemetery near Kamehameha Highway that had been cut and damaged, creating safety risks for pedestrians and disabled individuals. The board voted to send a formal letter to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation requesting the immediate repair or replacement of the fence. The Chair and Vice Chair will collaborate on drafting the message to address this public hazard.
Meeting Adjournment
Having covered multiple pressing issues—from sidewalk safety and homeless encampments to honoring student athletes and discussing legislative proposals—the board closed its session. Participants left with a clearer sense of the wide-ranging efforts under way to improve Pearl City’s infrastructure, public services, and overall quality of life. The next regular board meeting was set for March 24, 2026, with the proceedings once again open to all community members and broadcast through local channels.