No 21 Pearl City Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting May 2026
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21 Pearl City Neighborhood Board Meeting – May 27, 2026
Meeting Opening, Attendance, and Agenda Changes
The Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 convened at Momilani Community Center at 7:00 p.m., with Chair Larry Varey presiding and Vice Chair Charmaine Duran participating virtually. The meeting began with procedural reminders for in-person and virtual testimony, including the three-minute limit for public remarks, the five-minute limit for presentations, and notice that the board may act on any listed agenda item under Sunshine Law requirements. Cub Scout Pack 75, led by Scott Ozawa, conducted the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Varey also recognized scouts and youth groups for Memorial Day cemetery service, noting their participation in placing lei on veterans’ graves. Roll call established a quorum with nine board members present. Early in the meeting, the chair moved the wildfire mitigation presentation up on the agenda to place it under community concerns, reflecting the board’s interest in fire prevention before the summer dry season.
Honolulu Fire Department Report and Wildfire Readiness
Honolulu Fire Department representative John Paulo reported April 2026 response activity for the Pearl City area, including one nuisance call, two structure fires, zero wildland or brush fires, one cooking fire, and 12 activated alarms with no fire. Emergency responses included 117 medical calls, two motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians, three motor vehicle crashes, one mountain rescue, zero ocean rescues, and one hazardous materials call. The department’s monthly safety message focused on wildfire prevention, noting that leeward Oʻahu is entering a period of elevated wildfire risk because of dry conditions, tall grasses, and shifting winds. Residents were urged to clear dry brush and vegetation around their homes, avoid parking on dry grass because hot exhaust can ignite it, and avoid activities that produce sparks during hot, dry, windy weather. The fire department directed the public to fire.honolulu.gov and hawaiiwildfire.org for preparedness guidance. Board discussion underscored concern that unmanaged overgrowth across Pearl City could become a hazard as summer conditions worsen.
Honolulu Police Department Report, Crime Trends, and Problem Areas
Lieutenant Keone Hong of the Honolulu Police Department reviewed April crime statistics and compared them with March. Motor vehicle thefts rose from eight in March to 14 in April, burglaries increased from zero to two, thefts increased from 22 to 27, and unauthorized entry into motor vehicles fell from seven to five. Calls for service also rose slightly, from 1,420 in March to 1,453 in April. HPD provided an update on the speed trailer, which as of May 22 had been placed near Pearl City District Park on Ho‘omai Street and would typically remain in place for about two weeks. Lieutenant Hong also updated the board on recurring issues at Pearl City Gateway, reporting that private security had become more proactive about moving along loitering groups and calling HPD when individuals refused to leave. He added that brighter parking lot lighting could help reduce congregation in darker sections of the property, especially because activity appears to cluster in poorly lit pockets.
Cemetery Security, Trespassing, and Business Plaza Crime Concerns
Chair Varey raised a series of public safety issues involving Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery and nearby Pearl City Business Plaza. He described a recent report from a resident who found that one crypt had been broken into, exposing a coffin, and warned that prior cemetery vandalism has included theft of jewelry from remains. He said a military veteran had immediately purchased plywood and resealed the damaged crypt. The chair asked HPD to pay closer attention to the cemetery after 7:00 p.m., when no one should be inside, because of recurring trespassing, drinking, drug activity, and suspected repeat theft by an individual previously trespassed and jailed. He also reported having personally recovered 11 stolen bronze markers and alleged that more than 100 bronze plates had been stolen from headstones and urn niches over time. Expanding on the area’s broader crime pattern, he cited a prior police review showing 153 reports associated with Pearl City Business Plaza since January and said he intended to push property owners to better manage conditions there. HPD agreed to continue monitoring the area.
Resident Testimony on a Faded Crosswalk Near Pearl City Highlands Elementary
A young resident, Piper Weber, testified about a pedestrian safety hazard at the intersection of Ho‘omaimai Street and Waimano Home Road near Pearl City Highlands Elementary School. She explained that although she no longer attends the school, she had recently walked the route with her brother and observed that the painted crosswalk was effectively gone and no longer visible except for faint traces near the curb. She emphasized that many children in the neighborhood still walk to the elementary school, the nearby district park, and Highlands Intermediate, making the crossing an active route for students and families. Chair Varey praised her for raising the issue publicly and asked her to submit her concerns in writing so the board could formally endorse the request and forward it to the Department of Transportation Services. The exchange highlighted the board’s ongoing attention to faded crosswalks and school-route safety.
Wildfire Mitigation by Oʻahu Grazers
The board received a presentation from Raya Olson of Oʻahu Grazers on using prescribed grazing as a low-technology wildfire mitigation and vegetation management strategy. Through a narrated video and follow-up discussion, Olson explained that prescribed grazing uses sheep and goats in a planned, site-specific way to reduce invasive grasses and fuel loads, especially on steep, rocky, or otherwise hard-to-maintain terrain. She described invasive grasses such as guinea grass and buffelgrass as major contributors to wildfire spread across Hawaiʻi because they grow quickly, dry out, and create dense fuel. Grazing, she said, can interrupt fuel continuity, reduce noise and emissions associated with mechanical clearing, and make areas more accessible for follow-up work. She detailed the operational needs for these projects, including portable electric fencing, water access, daily animal monitoring, possible use of livestock guardian dogs, and realistic expectations that grazed areas will look rough-cleared rather than manicured. She also explained the limitations of grazing, noting that some woody species may need additional treatment and that mature seed stalks may remain after animals feed. Olson said the best candidates for grazing are overgrown, difficult-to-access sites needing recurring maintenance, and she recommended that communities work through the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization and Firewise certification to pursue funding. Board members discussed possible use of grazing in Pearl City and Pacific Palisades, including around Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery and other overgrown sites, and the board signaled interest in identifying priority areas and pursuing Firewise-related planning.
Mayor’s Representative Report: Food Systems, Storm Recovery, and Traffic Issues
Gene Albano, Director and Chief Engineer of the Department of Facility Maintenance and the Mayor’s representative, delivered a broad city update. He announced that the city’s draft Oʻahu Food Systems Plan had been released for public comment through June 30, 2026, describing it as the first city action plan focused on food production, distribution, access, and disposal over the next five years, with more than 70 proposed actions tied to community health, the economy, and the environment. He also summarized the city’s continuing response to recent severe weather and Kona low events, saying cleanup and recovery operations remained active islandwide, especially on the North Shore, with debris hauling resources, dump trucks, heavy equipment, and dumpsters deployed. He directed residents to oneoahu.org for reporting home damage, getting health and safety information, and finding assistance, and noted that city transfer stations and convenience centers remain open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with H-Power taking commercial municipal solid waste and Waimānalo Gulch taking residential construction debris such as dirt, rock, and concrete. He added that the mayor’s previously planned town hall meetings had been postponed indefinitely so departments could focus on storm response and preparation for additional weather threats.
Albano also followed up on prior Pearl City board concerns. On signage or a possible four-way stop at the roundabout near Manager’s Drive Road, he reported that DTS had previously found an all-way stop unwarranted but would reassess signage and issue a work order if needed. He said a full roundabout with concrete islands is currently being designed for that location. On the removed crosswalk near Manana Park, DTS reiterated that a prior warrant study did not find enough pedestrian volume at Wahinani Street to justify a marked crossing there, and that the crossing had been consolidated with one at Nanakai Street. Under a traffic engineering devices project, the Nanakai crossing is set to be relocated to the signalized intersection at Moanalua Road, and a paved path will be installed along the east side of Waimano Home Road between Nanakai Street and Moanalua Road. DTS also stated that pedestrians may legally cross at Wahinani Street and that another marked crossing exists at ‘Ōmālu Street before the Pearl City police station.
Flooding, Trees, and Stream Maintenance Concerns
Board members used the city report to press for action on flooding and overgrowth concerns. Member Inouye described seeing water in the stream near Children’s House and Word of Life Community Church rise to what appeared to be at least four feet during the second recent Kona low, along with a recurring waterfall effect that suggested possible blockage or altered drainage. Albano responded that more intense flow during the second storm was likely due to saturated ground producing more runoff, but agreed a report should be made before another severe event. Vice Chair Duran followed up on an earlier issue involving Akepa Street near Palisades Elementary School, saying overgrown culverts and trees remain hazardous and that part of a tree fell on Friday. She asked for the city to clarify the maintenance timeline because the area is heavily overgrown and children still walk nearby. Albano said parks maintenance would need to clear the area first, after which Facility Maintenance could remove vegetation, and he committed to following up with the Parks Department. The vice chair also renewed a request for a sidewalk in the Manana neighborhood and asked that written responses be shared so the board could track the issues.
Traffic Signals, Crossings, and Safety Infrastructure
Board members also raised multiple transportation safety concerns with city and council representatives. Member Awong asked whether the city was taking a more proactive posture for both wildfire and flood seasons and separately pointed to the skyline pedestrian crossing on Kamehameha Highway, saying pedestrians are not always using the crossing button and that larger or clearer signage may be needed. Chair Varey added that a blind resident had reported the audible tone at the crossing was not functioning. Member Inouye thanked city crews for restriping the roadway near Akepa Street, saying the new striping improved visibility on a dangerous turn. Councilmember Val Okimoto’s office, through staff member Aaron, reported that Bill 8 to strengthen ordinances related to animal-related disturbances had advanced toward final passage and that Bill 34 updating flood hazard construction standards had been considered to keep Honolulu eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program and Community Rating System. Aaron also announced that DTS would install a “No Parking Here to Corner” sign on the mauka side of Kumoana Street approaching Kawaeloka Street to improve traffic flow and that the office was still awaiting a response from DTS regarding traffic signal timing concerns raised by board members. Member Weber specifically asked for a scientifically grounded response about whether changes can be made to a favored problematic signalized intersection on Waimano Home Road.
Cemetery Cleanup and City Assistance Request
During the council report, Chair Varey asked for Councilmember Okimoto’s help in getting the Department of Environmental Services to remove approximately 120 to 130 trash bags collected during a May 9 cleanup at Sunset Memorial Cemetery. He explained that the bags were already lined up on site and ready for pickup. Aaron agreed to follow up the next day. This request tied into ongoing volunteer-led restoration efforts at the cemetery and reflected the board’s reliance on city support to remove waste after community workdays.
State Department of Transportation Highways Update
State DOT Highways representative Casey Abe provided updates on road conditions, graffiti removal, homelessness, and planned resurfacing projects. He said graffiti identified earlier had been painted over, though new tagging has since appeared and would need further maintenance. During a field inspection, he observed that homeless encampment activity had returned beneath the H-1 viaduct where security fencing had been damaged. He also noted overgrowth blocking a pedestrian warning sign and a utility box missing its cover, both of which were to be addressed with maintenance crews. On pavement conditions, Abe said Kamehameha Highway from Acacia Road to Farrington Highway is scheduled for resurfacing in 2029, while the segment from Kaʻahumanu Boulevard to the Farrington Highway interchange is tentatively scheduled for fall 2027 resurfacing. He also discussed the poor pavement on H-2 northbound before the Kaʻahumanu Boulevard off-ramp, especially in the second lane from the median. He said asphalt had been used experimentally over settled concrete slabs, but the treatment failed, pothole patching had been requested, and a new project is being developed to replace the asphalt with concrete. He promised a future report on that effort.
Abe also addressed the flooding concern near Waiāwa Stream, saying he had not yet received a response from district maintenance and would report back later. He then updated the board on a chronic after-hours gathering issue at the state’s commercial driver licensing base yard near 1st Street and Lehua Avenue, a site adjacent to neighborhood residences and the H-1 viaduct. Following complaints that people were gathering there at night to drink and play loud music because the yard lacked a gate, the state increased private security patrols starting the prior Saturday night from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and plans to install a new 100-foot rolling gate in July. The department is also reviewing electrical plans to determine whether more lighting can be added. Abe announced that because of an office reassignment, July would be his last month representing Highways before this board, and he was warmly thanked by several members for his responsiveness and follow-through over the last few years.
Additional State Roadway Hazard Reports
Board members used the DOT update to note additional roadway issues. Vice Chair Duran pointed out a recurring deep pothole or possible sinkhole on westbound Kamehameha Highway near the right turn onto Waimano Home Road, saying it repeatedly reappears even after patching and is substantial enough that a tire could fit into it when open. Abe said he would inspect it and hand the issue to his replacement. Chair Varey also reported a dangerous roadway condition he had seen that evening on the westbound H-1 on-ramp from Moanalua Road, where a large plate had been pushed upright and a significant hole had opened, likely after a truck ran off the road. He urged prompt inspection because of the hazard to motorists.
Senator Brandon Elefante’s Legislative and Capital Improvement Report
Senator Brandon Elefante summarized the close of the 2026 legislative session and highlighted several enacted and pending measures. He recognized Pearl City’s state delegation as well represented across key committees and noted that five of his bills passed, including Senate Bill 2140 relating to county labor standards, which had been signed that day. He also pointed to Senate Bill 3157 on transportation, which would allow no more than two additional red-light or speed camera locations in each senatorial district annually. He invited the board to continue submitting priority locations to the Department of Transportation. On capital improvement projects, Elefante highlighted major funding for the Department of Health campus at the top of Waimano Home Road, including $1 million for health and safety code-related construction, $3.7 million for building renovations, and $1.6 million for Hale Ola roof replacement. He also said the legislature approved $8 million for continued Red Hill-related studies and monitoring in coordination with the University of Hawaiʻi and the Navy.
In response to Board Member Awong’s question about whether the failure of one wildfire funding bill would affect the State Fire Marshal, Elefante said the Office of the State Fire Marshal remains active and that a separate bill had passed to provide positions and reclassify some posts, though hiring remains a challenge. He noted that he and Senator Lamasola had previously secured funding for firebreak setbacks and wildfire mitigation and said wildfire and flooding remain top priorities for the Pearl City delegation. He also responded to Board Member Inouye’s comments about a former monitoring well near St. Elizabeth Church in ʻAiea, acknowledging that he had previously pushed for that well and that the delegation could again ask the federal government to reopen it because of concerns about plume movement in the area. Chair Varey thanked him and the delegation for support in securing state grant funding for Sunset Memorial Cemetery restoration, noting that Governor Green had released $150,000 for the next phase and that solar power improvements are also planned there.
Senator Laura Acasio Lamasola’s Priorities: Streams, Shoreline, Chickens, and Taxes
Senator Laura Acasio Lamasola highlighted several legislative accomplishments tied directly to community concerns. She praised the Pearl City High School Interact Club for its civic work and said legislators had presented the club with a certificate on its third anniversary. On infrastructure, she emphasized that the legislature approved $800,000 for shoreline and stream mitigation work, which she described as seed money for broader coordination among agencies and hoped could eventually be matched by federal funds. She said the funding is intended to address flood-prone areas across Senate District 19, including West Loch, Middle Loch, East Loch, and places such as Waiāwa. Responding to discussion about Palisades and other stream corridors, she said legislators are already considering land management strategies similar to those in Heʻeia, where restored systems help slow and retain water before it surges downstream.
Lamasola also discussed a long-running quality-of-life complaint in Pearl City: feral chickens. She said the legislature approved $50,000 for the City and County of Honolulu to facilitate the receipt and humane disposal of feral chickens, addressing a problem residents and Representative Chun had repeatedly raised. She further highlighted Act 24, the tax relief measure signed the previous week, explaining that it preserves earlier tax cuts and expands them for additional brackets. Using an example of a Pearl City household earning $118,000 annually, she said such a household could save $1,239 per year by 2031 and accumulate about $7,326 in additional take-home income from 2027 through 2031. In response to board questions, she stressed that legislators are trying to be proactive, not reactive, about both flooding and wildfire risk and are looking at broader watershed and landscape management rather than only downstream damage.
Representative Corey Chun’s Legislative Report and Waiāwa Stream Update
Representative Corey Chun used his report to connect legislation directly to ideas raised by the neighborhood board. He credited Chair Varey for inspiring the feral chicken measure, saying the issue had originated in conversation with the chair and became the only bill addressing that problem to pass the legislature. Chun also highlighted House Bill 2498, a pilot emergency preparedness measure developed with Senator Lamasola after the Lahaina wildfire experience. The bill focuses on hardening care homes and foster homes so vulnerable residents, particularly kūpuna and medically fragile people, can shelter in place during emergencies rather than face difficult evacuation logistics involving medication, equipment, transport, and relocation. He described this as a practical resilience strategy as hurricane season approaches. Chun also highlighted House Bill 1969 relating to colorectal cancer, a measure he had first worked on as an advocate in 2012. He said the bill aims to help uninsured and underinsured residents access screening and treatment, especially as younger people are increasingly being diagnosed earlier than expected.
On Waiāwa Stream flooding, Chun said the first recent Kona low had exposed jurisdictional challenges because multiple public and private owners control portions of the corridor. He noted that the Department of Transportation had tried to help clear debris where it could because equipment was available, even though not all affected property was under state control. He said one major complication in removing the pedestrian bridge is that a gas line runs along the same alignment, making removal more difficult than it appears. In the short term, the Department of Land and Natural Resources had issued and awarded a contract to clear the area in front of the bridge, and work was expected to begin soon. In the long term, Chun said the entire watershed must be evaluated from the mountain to the stream mouth rather than focusing only on downstream obstructions. Responding to board comments, he agreed that all options should be explored, including broader interagency coordination, because action after flooding is not enough.
Representative Trish La Chica’s Office Report
A staff representative from Representative Trish La Chica’s office reported that the office had successfully advanced two major bills and four resolutions during the legislative session. Among the measures highlighted was Senate Bill 3001, developed with Senator Keohokalole, which establishes protections for minors in relation to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The office also highlighted House Bill 1785, tied to Representative La Chica’s role as vice chair of the House Education Committee, which addresses bus contracting in an effort to improve student transportation procurement and reliability. The office further noted that $18.6 million had been secured for Kamehameha Highway repaving between Mililani and Pearl City, including the stretch from Kaʻahumanu Boulevard to Waiʻōhau Street, though the work remains several years away. A special acknowledgment was given to Vice Chair Duran for connecting the office with testimony supporting a resolution on K-12 Hawaiian language immersion education in Kapolei, which was successfully adopted.
Board Discussion of Firewise Planning and Potential Grazing Sites
Following the Oʻahu Grazers presentation and the legislators’ reports, the board turned to practical next steps. Members discussed the need for Pearl City to become a Firewise community and begin identifying priority areas suitable for prescribed grazing or other fuel reduction projects. Vice Chair Duran said she had recently met with Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization staff and was exploring certification work for Pacific Palisades, especially because of the amount of state land surrounding residential areas. Board members also identified broad overgrowth problems in Pearl City, including very tall grass in some sections and possible sites where sheep and goats could be used. Olson advised that grazing costs are highly site-specific because fencing, dog risks, terrain, water access, and theft or animal safety issues all affect operations. The board agreed that the immediate next step is to begin a prioritized list of potential locations and coordinate with wildfire management partners.
Deferred Cemetery Update and Solar Credit Letter
Chair Varey stated that a planned formal update on Sunset Memorial Cemetery would be deferred until the July meeting because restoration work is still underway. He also said he had intended to pursue a letter to Senator Glenn Wakai concerning legislative removal of Hawaiʻi solar tax credits for businesses, nonprofits, schools, and communities, but would defer that item because discussions are still taking place with the governor. Even without detailed action at this meeting, both issues remained active board interests because of their effect on cemetery restoration and broader nonprofit and community project planning.
Speed Humps on Ho‘omaimai Street and School Area Traffic Calming
The board reviewed a draft letter prepared by Member Heidi concerning the placement of speed humps on Ho‘omaimai Street. Chair Varey said the board had recently received a letter from Director Roger Morton indicating that speed humps would be installed at two locations there as part of traffic calming efforts. The board supported the overall intent but questioned whether the selected placement was optimal. Heidi explained that the proposed installations would be between Ho‘olehua and Ho‘olaulea near Pearl City District Park and Highlands Intermediate, while two mid-block crosswalks at Ho‘olana and Ho‘olehua are heavily used by children walking from upper Pearl City to Highlands Elementary, the park, and the intermediate school. Because there is no crosswalk on the makai side of Ho‘omaimai, those crossings are especially important. The board decided to defer sending the letter so members could first hold a Zoom meeting with city transportation staff and stakeholders, including Melissa Uehara Akasaki, to negotiate whether one speed hump should instead be aligned with one of the school-serving crosswalks. Chair Varey noted concern that poor placement would repeat mistakes seen elsewhere, including widely criticized installations on Maui.
Red Hill Oversight and Restoration Advisory Board Work
Member Inouye provided a brief update from the Restoration Advisory Board associated with Red Hill, saying the board is working closely with the Board of Water Supply, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Health. He described the current advisory structure as robust, with roughly 12 board members helping keep agencies accountable. During the military update later in the meeting, Michelle Thiemeier from Navy Closure Task Force Red Hill said de-gassing of Tank 11 is continuing and that once complete, the tank will move into the cleaning phase of decommissioning. She also specifically stated there has been no evidence of plume migration from the Red Hill facility and directed attendees to publicly available groundwater monitoring data on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Safe Waters website. Earlier in the meeting, some concern had been raised by a board member about offsite groundwater monitoring locations, especially near St. Elizabeth Church, and legislators indicated they would continue asking questions about well monitoring and long-term water testing.
Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning and Bus-Rail Connections
Member Weber briefly updated the board on Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization citizen advisory discussions, emphasizing the scale of long-term transportation funding now being planned. He said he intends to raise the issue of efficient bus connections to the Pearl City Highlands skyline station because such connections will strongly affect commuting patterns from Central Oʻahu. He also mentioned a project at Pearlridge involving some form of bus facility and said he plans to look further into it. The discussion reflected ongoing concern that rail investments will only be fully useful if neighborhood feeder systems and transfer conditions work effectively.
Navy Region Hawaiʻi Report, Volunteer Support, and RIMPAC
Chris Tanahara of Navy Region Hawaiʻi provided a military community update centered on the upcoming Rim of the Pacific exercise. RIMPAC 2026 will run from June 24 through July 31 and include 31 nations, about 40 surface ships, five submarines, 140 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel. Tanahara said the Navy is looking for community service opportunities for visiting sailors during that period and invited Pearl City to submit projects. She also promoted the Navy’s community legacy tour of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona on June 5, with the tour departing from the Pacific Fleet boathouse at 4:00 p.m., and noted that monthly Saturday ship tours had resumed, including a possible USS Daniel Inouye visit. Tanahara also reported that on May 18 a crew of about 10 sailors cleaned bulky trash illegally dumped on Navy property along Lehua Avenue near the nursery, removing large carpet pieces, a mattress, furniture, and other debris. Chair Varey thanked her for arranging military volunteers for the Sunset Memorial Cemetery cleanup, where 10 Navy sailors and 10 Air Force personnel had assisted. He also raised the possibility of military participation in future flood mitigation and stream cleanup efforts, especially if coordinated with city support for dumpsters and logistics.
Pearl City Public Library Update
Pearl City Public Library representative Arlene reported that the library will be closed on June 11 for Kamehameha Day and that the branch renovation schedule remains uncertain because the temporary lease arrangement with Pearlridge has not yet been finalized by the Attorney General. She said closure dates cannot be announced until the lease is approved. She also promoted the statewide summer reading program, running from June 1 through July 31, and encouraged participation from children through adults. Among the incentives she highlighted was a grand prize of round-trip tickets on Alaska Airlines, with additional prizes including bento boxes and reusable straws. Registration and details are available through the public library website.
Board of Water Supply Report and Water Conservation Rebates
Board of Water Supply representative Arlan reported three April water main breaks affecting Pearl City: a 12-inch break on April 2 at Waimano Home Road and Ho‘omalu Street, an 8-inch break on April 20 at 2368 Anini Place, and a 12-inch break on April 21 at 1080 Kuala Street. He also announced an expanded Water Sensible Rebate Program for WaterSense-labeled toilets using 1.28 gallons per flush or less. Residents can now receive rebates of up to $200 per toilet, doubled with support from the Department of Environmental Services for purchases made on or after January 1, 2026. He said qualifying toilets can reduce water use by 20 to 60 percent and save up to 13,000 gallons per year. Additional information is available at boardofwatersupply.com/rebates.
Pearl City Community Association and Local Events
Pearl City Community Association President Tony announced a craft fair at Pearl City Shopping Center scheduled for June 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. He also noted that the association is seeking new members. Though brief, the announcement pointed to the role of community events and organizations in maintaining neighborhood engagement and supporting small vendors and local gathering spaces.
Red Hill Registry Outreach and Health Monitoring
Tara Sutton of the Red Hill Registry addressed the board to encourage enrollment and participation in new outreach efforts related to the 2021 fuel spill. She described the registry as a community co-designed effort to track long-term health outcomes for people potentially exposed to fuel-contaminated water, support future research and clinical guidance, and connect individuals to needed resources. Sutton said the registry develops both public educational materials and continuing education materials for healthcare providers so clinicians better understand Red Hill exposure and recommended care. She also announced the launch of a second round of community surveys and focus groups, aimed at collecting feedback on enrollment questionnaires, educational accessibility, and support services. Residents can participate through a 15-minute online survey or a two-hour focus group. Sutton stressed the need for broad participation, including from people who experienced no obvious health effects, so the registry can build a full and accurate data set. She also noted that registry resource directories are available nationwide for families who have since moved away from Hawaiʻi.
Approval of Minutes and Meeting Administration
The board reviewed the minutes of the April 28, 2026 meeting. With no corrections offered, the minutes were accepted as written. This routine item was handled quickly so the meeting could continue through its unusually large number of reports, presentations, and agency updates.
Upcoming Emergency Preparedness Meeting and Summer Recess
In closing announcements, Chair Varey said he intends to ask legislators to help facilitate a special emergency disaster preparedness meeting in July, timed to align with the start of the more active hurricane period in late summer. He said Pearl City needs better planning to help residents fortify homes and prepare for emergencies, noting that schools and public shelters cannot accommodate everyone if a major event occurs. He then announced that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board will be in recess for June. The next regular meeting will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Momilani Community Center and virtually via Webex. He also reminded attendees that board meetings are broadcast on ʻŌlelo Focus 49 on the second Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and the third Friday at 1:00 p.m. Before adjournment, he noted that the board is completing a term and will revisit officer positions in July, inviting members interested in leadership roles such as chair, vice chair, secretary, or treasurer to come forward. The meeting then adjourned after running approximately two hours and ten minutes.