No 26 Wahiawā-Whitmore Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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26 Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 27, 2026
Welcome and Opening
The meeting convened with expressions of gratitude for both in-person and virtual attendees, emphasizing the board’s commitment to addressing community concerns together as the new year begins. The chair welcomed everyone to 2026, encouraged collective engagement, and laid out the sequence of reports and agenda items for the evening, including updates from first responders, community members, and government agencies. The upcoming year’s focus on improved safety, infrastructure, and livability was introduced as a shared objective for all participants.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Monthly Update
Lieutenant Rommel Baisa provided crime statistics covering December 24, 2025, to January 24, 2026, pointing to one assault, nine burglaries, 48 motor vehicle collisions (with six major ones), one robbery, five car break-ins, and 1,256 calls for service. Although overall calls were slightly lower than usual, HPD expressed concern about pedestrian safety following recent fatalities, three involving pedestrians. To lower risks, residents were urged to make eye contact with drivers, use signals such as a shaka, and be mindful of crossing conditions. The board appreciated HPD’s holiday-season efforts and pledged ongoing support to ensure safer neighborhoods.
Homeless Encampments in Public Parks
Residents raised ongoing concerns about homeless individuals setting up camps in local parks, pointing out that repeated requests for assistance often result in temporary removals, followed by quick returns. HPD clarified that during posted park hours, it is more difficult to enforce trespassing unless other crimes are committed, and overnight enforcement typically requires coordination among several city agencies. The board and community members discussed potential strategies and recognized that the issues require a mixture of enforcement, social services, and ongoing monitoring for effective resolution.
E-Bike and Traffic Enforcement
Questions surfaced about how HPD and military police monitor and cite underage or unlicensed e-bike riders, as well as riders without helmets. According to HPD, officers periodically conduct traffic enforcement operations, sometimes citing riders and other times involving parents. Community members inquired about how to fund additional enforcement, data-tracking of repeated citations, and improved engagement with parents. HPD indicated that detailed breakdowns by street are not generally documented in citation statistics, and the department instead compiles broader district data. The conversation highlighted the difficulty of balancing education, parental responsibility, and enforcement for growing e-bike usage.
Queens Medical Center in Wahiawa
Representatives from Queens Wahiawa provided updates on the emergency department (ED) expansion, which will increase ED treatment rooms from 12 to 25. Temporary waiting areas, triage rooms, and a new entrance went into effect on January 13, 2026. Construction barricades, new signage, and improved lighting are part of the effort to maintain 24/7 accessibility and clear wayfinding. The board and community members sought clarification on Queens’ plan to terminate its contract with Humana by March 16, 2026, and asked if additional insurance plans would be similarly affected. They also highlighted community concerns about potential shifts in health coverage and possible mergers with HMSA. During the ensuing discussion, a nurses’ union representative questioned staffing levels, negotiation transparency, and retention strategies—a critical issue for expanding services in Wahiawa.
US Army Update
First Lieutenant Julia Goh reported on U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii’s upcoming hiring fair and noted scheduled blank fire and mortar training at East Range. She also announced the Army’s prescribed burn at Schofield Barracks from April 13 to 19, 2026, with careful oversight by firefighters, aviators, engineers, and law enforcement. The Army strives to minimize impact on the surrounding community by confining operations to daylight hours and maintaining nighttime watch. In response to questions from previous meetings, the Army clarified that it defers most e-bike rules on post to Department of Education policies on base schools, and that it manages an ongoing collaboration with the University of Hawaii to address coconut rhinoceros beetles on Wheeler.
Traffic and Gate Issues Near Schofield
Multiple residents spoke about recurring traffic bottlenecks and dangerous behavior near Ayers (McNair) Gate and Macomb Gate, especially during peak morning hours. Coning practices and limited gate schedules often cause long backups, prompting drivers to make illegal U-turns or turnarounds in hazardous locations. The neighborhood board discussed repeated near-accidents and called for increased HPD presence, improved signage, and possible schedule adjustments. Army representatives stated they would review coning times and coordinate efforts with local police. City agencies and state transportation authorities may also be engaged for a longer-term solution on road design and traffic light timing.
Whitmore Village Sewage Disposal Concerns
A significant portion of the meeting focused on Whitmore Village’s new role as a septage receiving site. Trucks from North Shore and other areas now dump sewage at a nearby facility due to issues at the Kahuku treatment site, creating heightened traffic and concerns about odor, capacity, and community health. Despite city coordination efforts, private transport companies often withhold location data for commercial reasons, making it harder to track the source of the waste. Residents voiced frustration about increased truck activity, potential impacts on developing agricultural hubs, and the general inconvenience to the neighborhood.
Updates from Elected Officials
Mayor Blangiardi’s representative presented highlights including a more user-friendly HNL 311 system for reporting potholes, sink repairs, and other public-service requests. The mayor’s office addressed topics from abandoned property to homeless responses but noted eminent domain has strict legal limits. Council Member Matt Weyer’s office reported on local city improvements such as the long-awaited pool heater installation at Wahiawa District Park and new speed humps near Helemano Elementary. The City Council office also followed up on the homeless encampment on military property, praising active negotiations for potential clean-ups. Senator Dela Cruz’s staff discussed agricultural initiatives, possible future developments for Whitmore Village, and clarifications regarding the 123 Mango Street property. Representative Peruso likewise highlighted a push for more data on the Whitmore septage station, continuing the board’s ongoing discussions around local infrastructure, and mentioned the legislature’s focus on social services, education, and workforce issues as the 2026 session ramps up.
Board Business and Education Focus
The board unanimously approved the minutes from the November 2025 meeting, with minor date and attendance corrections. In committee reports, education representatives emphasized the need to improve school attendance levels which have not rebounded since the pandemic. Board members noted that consistent attendance boosts academic performance and community outcomes, while acknowledging broader socioeconomic factors that keep students at home. Military representatives shared news of Schofield Barracks events, hiring fairs, and services for retirees. Throughout these discussions, the board reiterated its goal of public engagement, especially as issues cross multiple jurisdictions.
Conclusion and Next Meeting
The meeting concluded with a reminder that the next regular gathering of Neighborhood Board No. 26 will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Whitmore Village Community Park. Residents were urged to monitor local notices, remain active in neighborhood affairs, and use channels such as HNL 311 to report issues. The board expressed gratitude for the collective effort to make Wahiawa and Whitmore Village safer, more welcoming places to live and work.