No 26 Wahiawa Whitmore Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board Meeting
Opening and Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, promptly followed by a short pause before formal proceedings began. Attendees were welcomed, and the board verified readiness with seating and other logistical matters. The chair then officially called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, inviting the first responders to present their monthly reports.
Fire Department Report
A captain from the Wahiawā Fire Station announced statistics for the past month, noting one structure fire, three wildland fires, eight nuisance fires, three fire alarms with no actual fires, 84 medical calls, five vehicle collisions, and two incidents involving hazardous materials. The captain provided seasonal fire safety tips, emphasizing the need to use approved electrical decorations, inspect lights for damage, avoid overloading power strips, and never leave candles unattended. He urged residents to store matches and lighters away from children, underscoring the importance of preventive measures to reduce holiday fire hazards.
Police Department Report
A representative of the Wahiawā Police Station presented crime and safety data, which included 12 assaults (seven misdemeanors and five felonies), one robbery, three burglaries, two vehicle break-ins, and 66 motor vehicle collisions. There were 1,261 total calls for service in the reporting period. Residents were reminded of the significance of securing homes with alarms and deadbolts, locking windows, and keeping a record of property serial numbers. A discussion followed about youth speeding on scooters and e-bikes, prompting calls for parents to be more vigilant and for residents to dial 911 to report reckless activities. Police officials outlined staffing challenges due to vacancies but assured continued patrols and enforcement. Concern over homelessness also surfaced, with police explaining constraints related to civil liberties and their reliance on outreach services for long-term solutions.
US Army Report
A lieutenant from the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi updated the board on upcoming military training. She explained that small arms, blank fire, aviation, artillery, mortar, and demolition exercises would occur for the remainder of the month. There would be increased movement and noise from troops, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft near Schofield Barracks, Dillingham Airfield, Kahuku Training Area, and East Range. The Army provided a new community concern phone line (808-787-1528) for residents to report training-related complaints. Questions arose about ongoing joint training with foreign military units, and the Army representative committed to gathering details on the participating nations.
Public Concerns and Neighborhood Issues
Community members and board representatives exchanged remarks on traffic and safety in residential areas. Residents of Rose Street and other locations expressed frustration with speeding cars, racing scooters, and disrespectful behavior, especially when school lets out. Police officials encouraged residents to report violations swiftly via 911 and to provide details or photos if possible. Another prominent issue involved homelessness encampments, with several speakers sharing challenges from encroachment and unsanitary conditions. The discussion referenced Avocado Street as a long-standing nuisance site. The board noted progress in coordinating with state and city agencies to clear one of the properties, though long-term solutions remain complex and dependent on multiple owners, legal processes, and social services. The meeting highlighted an instance of successful collaboration when a property owner and city agencies combined efforts to remove rubbish and reduce crime in one localized area.
Banner Enforcement and Other Announcements
The board noted concerns about roadside banners placed near off-ramps and on fences facing the roadway. The state Department of Transportation pledged to remove signs that obscure views or violate highway regulations, underscoring that any unauthorized signage on state right-of-ways is prohibited. The board also shared local service announcements for flu shots at a nearby pharmacy, the availability of immunizations for the upcoming season, and the city’s Charter Commission schedule. Residents were encouraged to participate in shaping future amendments to the city charter, with a key deadline for proposed amendments set for November 7, 2025.
Taste the Town Wahiawā Event
A city representative followed up on plans for the “Taste the Town Wahiawā,” originally scheduled from 1 PM to 8 PM on November 15. In response to board feedback about nighttime safety and traffic, organizers shortened the event to 1 PM to 6 PM to minimize confusion and risk after dark. Two special duty police officers will be assigned to manage potential congestion, and large parking lots have been secured at the Hongwanji property and the Wahiawā Town Center to alleviate street parking. A free trolley service is planned to move people through the neighborhood, with specific stops and signage provided so that visitors can explore nearby restaurants and learn about Wahiawā’s history from on-board docents. The event is set to feature local vendors and performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band and other artists. The board voted unanimously to support the revised time schedule.
Hawaiʻi Hazards Awareness and Resilience Program (HHARP)
A representative from the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency explained efforts to revitalize HHARP, which stands for Hawaiʻi Hazards Awareness and Resilience Program. He noted survey data suggesting only 12% of households in Hawaiʻi may be prepared for a two-week emergency scenario. The presenter urged community participation in training modules that address mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. He stressed the importance of having a family communication plan, a go-bag, and essential supplies to reduce reliance on overwhelmed first responders immediately after large-scale disasters. He also clarified that disasters begin and end in communities, meaning local preparedness governs how quickly neighborhoods recover and return to normalcy.
Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Event Follow-Up
The executive director of the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau reviewed the recent July farm fair held in Whitmore Village. He acknowledged traffic problems, especially on Sunday, apparently worsened by a concurrent truck gathering. Over 15,000 attendees came across two days, and organizers had allocated police officers, traffic signage, and alternate routes to reduce congestion. Despite flooding issues on the first morning and heavier crowds than anticipated, the fair sold thousands of plants, scaled up a produce sale that included about three and a half tons of locally grown fruits and vegetables, and welcomed 4-H livestock competitions. The director emphasized a desire to adjust future traffic control measures in collaboration with the community, and he expressed hope the fair could return next year with improved plans and outreach.
Elected Officials’ Updates
Various officials and their representatives offered district news and legislative updates. The city council member’s office highlighted completion of a talk story event and ongoing work to enhance public notification of land use permits. The governor’s representative addressed questions about proposed military land exchanges and how it might involve returning or cleaning properties such as Makua Valley. The representative of the state senate reported that a legal process continues regarding the condemnation of an Avocado Street property and that further funds could be sought to redevelop the site. The state representative described continued involvement in finance and agriculture, focusing on waste management, extended producer responsibility, and energy affordability. She also underscored the importance of local emergency readiness programs like HHARP.
Veterans Day Parade Planning
A community liaison reminded attendees of the 79th Wahiawā Lions Veterans Day Parade scheduled for November 11, 2025, beginning at 10 AM and concluding at Kaʻala Elementary School. Organizers invited neighborhood groups to participate, requiring a “Mahalo Veterans” sign from each marching unit and restricting any distribution of materials to flags only. Several marching bands, including the Wahiawā Middle School Jazz Band, plan to join, and the organizer encouraged community members to show their support along the route.
Board Business and Future Meetings
The board discussed updates to committee rosters and clarified procedures for forming a new Hawaiian Affairs Committee, ultimately approving two board members to serve as co-chairs. The next regular board meeting is set for Monday, November 17, at 7 PM in the Whitmore Village Park meeting room. Residents were reminded of key city and state hotlines for issues such as potholes, refuse, and Schofield training disturbances, as well as the Schofield public affairs line for reporting noise complaints. The meeting adjourned with expressions of gratitude for community attendance and participation.