No 26 Wahiawā-Whitmore Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
Wahiawā–Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board Meeting – November 2025
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Update
Representatives from HFD reported 55 medical calls, 11 motor vehicle collisions, and focused heavily on cooking safety as the leading cause of home fires. They stressed staying alert while cooking, never leaving cooking appliances unattended, and keeping children and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas. Board members asked about two alarms that were activated recently, but HFD could not confirm whether they were at businesses or residences. There was also a question regarding a fire near an old Department of Education site, but HFD noted that the incident remains under investigation. HFD promised to return with more detailed information at a future meeting, emphasizing the importance of remaining proactive about fire safety and reporting suspicious activity.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Update
HPD shared crime statistics from mid-October to mid-November, including two assaults, four burglaries, 61 motor vehicle collisions (mostly “fender benders”), five car break-ins, and over 1,300 calls for service. Officers advised residents on holiday travel safety, such as safeguarding belongings, researching local customs when traveling abroad, and delaying social media posts until after returning home. Graffiti and vandalism around central Wahiawā were discussed, with HPD noting that much of it occurs on private property, which requires the property owner to file a report for enforcement. The board also inquired about repeated illegal fireworks activity. HPD explained that officers often cannot issue citations unless they witness violations, but video evidence from neighbors can support enforcement. The volume of calls for service was addressed, with HPD clarifying that anything from a centipede in a home to major crimes is included in these call totals, underscoring the broad scope of police response in Wahiawā and Whitmore Village.
Queen’s Medical Center: New CT Equipment
Representatives announced that Queen’s–Wahiawā received a state-of-the-art CT scanner, now operating primarily for inpatient care. It has been heavily used since mid-October, and the hospital projects a possible future expansion to accommodate outpatient scans. They described upcoming renovations to the emergency department that will expand from 12 to 24 patient rooms, improving local healthcare options. Traffic around the hospital may temporarily shift to accommodate construction, but security officers and signage will direct visitors. Community members expressed enthusiasm for this modernized facility and praised its service to both civilian and military families in and around Wahiawā.
U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i Updates
The Army representative noted two upcoming job fairs and thanked the Wahiawā community for patience during a major training exercise. Questions arose about rhinoceros beetle infestations on Wheeler Army Airfield palm trees and about enforcing e-bike restrictions for students on base. The Army indicated they would look into both issues, contacting their environmental and military police units. They also mentioned that with the end of the recent exercise, regular schedules should return, though there are no major upcoming training activities announced for December due to holiday leave.
Federal Updates from Congresswoman Tokuda’s Office
A staff member for Congresswoman Jill Tokuda reported on the recent federal government shutdown’s impact on local families, emphasizing that many households have not fully recovered. They described Rep. Tokuda’s focus on affordable health care, food accessibility, and the importance of verifying local laws when traveling. The office highlighted her support for the “No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act” and ongoing legislative efforts to alleviate the rising cost of living. Community members asked about reorganizing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and whether Rep. Tokuda would support re-registration to address fraud concerns. The office pledged to investigate and report back.
Mayor’s Office Report
A mayoral representative outlined city actions such as opening Skyline’s second segment to extend transit through Pearl Harbor and the airport, implementing new sewer rate adjustments starting January 1, 2026, and hosting a community newsletter that provides widespread updates. The representative explained progress on sidewalk repairs near Kalāni Avenue, traffic concerns around Lēilehua High School, and coordination with city departments to remove graffiti from traffic boxes. City staff plan to address road resurfacing, refine sewer infrastructure, and collaborate with community members on neglected city trees. They also elaborated on the city’s new housing department, which consolidates housing functions and aims to develop approximately 2,500 affordable units under long-term affordability guidelines. Questions arose about working with philanthropic partners, bundling multiple income levels within a single project, and clarifying how to ensure local residents benefit first.
City Council District 2 Updates
Councilmember Matt Wyer’s office recapped their participation in the Veterans Day Parade, recognized continuing community concerns, and reminded residents of an upcoming town hall to discuss the city’s sewer fee adjustments. They shared that the Whitmore Gym roof and floor improvements are complete after considerable anticipation. Residents expressed gratitude for the removal of hazardous structures on Avocado Street, which restored safe walking areas near local homes. Collecting input on additional neglected trees will remain a priority, and staff encouraged residents to report specific problem sites for further inspection.
Senator Donovan Dela Cruz’s Office
A staff member noted the senator’s recent attendance at local events, including the Farmers Market-inspired “Taste of Wahiawā,” efforts to expand job opportunities, and the progress on a new food hub. They also requested letters of support for the state’s acquisition of land at 525 Avocado Street, which has been tied to illicit activity. The senator hopes that demonstrating strong community backing will expedite the process of converting the property to safer public or controlled use.
Representative Natalia Hussey-Burdick Peruso’s Office
Legislative plans for the upcoming session include addressing inevitable state budget shortfalls to protect residents who may lose or face cuts in SNAP and Medicaid benefits. The representative clarified ongoing questions regarding allegations of legislative corruption, noting that federal investigations may overlap with internal House inquiries. She is working with local schools to organize a pre-holiday food distribution at Ka‘ala Elementary on December 20. She also continues efforts on waste management and lowering energy costs, encouraging participation in Public Utilities Commission dockets to bolster accountability in rising electricity rates.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Emergency Relief and Community Outreach
An OHA representative announced the release of $6.1 million in emergency relief to assist Native Hawaiian beneficiaries coping with fallout from the federal shutdown. Support includes funding for kūpuna, disabled adults, childless low-income households, and furloughed federal civilian workers. OHA is collaborating with community partners to expedite these funds and also highlighted the rising difficulties for those on SNAP, encouraging affected Hawaiians to consult with OHA and local agencies for assistance.
Homeless Outreach Efforts
A local organization, KWO Homeless Outreach, provided data on encounters in Wahiawā and Mililani, noting around 62 individuals contacted in October. They connected multiple families and individuals to housing programs and stressed the importance of continuing outreach for residents who face structural barriers to shelter. The group remains open to reports from the public and works daily to support those without stable housing, partnering with local agencies and nonprofits in the region.
Neighborhood Administration and Meeting Procedures
Concerns arose about adhering to Robert’s Rules of Order and maintaining decorum, particularly during contentious discussions. The board acknowledged the feedback and reaffirmed that members and the public should address comments through the chair to ensure orderly proceedings. Board committee chairs reminded residents that they may seek membership on any committee by formally requesting a spot and having the board vote on it at a regular meeting.
Next Steps and Announcements
The board will recess in December 2025. The public was reminded of local holiday events, including a Christmas Parade slated for early December, Honolulu City Lights starting on November 29, and a Royal Hawaiian Band concert at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Residents were encouraged to attend an upcoming sewer fee adjustment town hall, volunteer produce to local food banks, and remain vigilant about community improvements and safety. The next official Wahiawā–Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board meeting is set for Monday, January 26, 2026, with details to be posted on the Neighborhood Commission Office website.