No 26 Wahiawā Whitmore Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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26 Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 24, 2026
Opening and First Responder Reports
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m., prompting attendees to move inside and prepare for monthly updates and community discussions. With the Honolulu Fire Department absent, the Honolulu Police Department offered statistics for this reporting period, noting 17 assaults, one robbery, zero burglaries, two unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, and 52 motor vehicle collisions. HPD reported receiving 1,240 total calls for service. The police also highlighted Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, explaining warning signs and recommending resources such as their website and domestic violence hotlines. Board members raised questions about the higher number of assaults, and HPD clarified that many cases involved only minor injuries. Another resident inquired about recently observed poles with blue lights around the island, and HPD stated they were not affiliated with the police department or its operations.
Recognition of a Congressional Visit
A board member publicly thanked a visiting congresswoman for coming to Wahiawa and engaging the community on key issues. Topics discussed with the congresswoman included federal policies in Hawaiʻi and recent revelations regarding individuals on the island who may be detained by federal immigration officers. Residents appreciated that a direct line of communication had been opened and expressed gratitude for her perspective on how national decisions impact day-to-day realities in Wahiawa.
U.S. Army Updates
A representative from the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi announced a hiring fair on March 17 at Mililani High School, where positions with the Army would be available to local jobseekers. The Army is also conducting aviation training exercises and ongoing artillery, mortar, and demolition training. It extended an invitation to a community fun run through Koli Koli Pass on February 25. The Army further noted that prescribed burns in select training areas are scheduled for mid-April. In response to questions from the prior meeting, the Army explained the risks posed by Drum Road’s terrain and weather conditions, noting that rainfall, rockfalls, and steep embankments often make the road impassable. The Army also coordinated with the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation to address traffic flow near the Maycomb Gate in Schofield Barracks and clarified the safety requirements around the McNair Gate regarding early morning foot and vehicle traffic. Lastly, they provided information on insecticide protocols to combat the coconut rhinoceros beetle and addressed questions about a restricted bridge on East Range that is not suitable for large-scale emergency evacuations due to structural limitations.
U.S. Navy Announcements
A Naval representative stepped in to provide updates on behalf of another Navy liaison. He mentioned the weekly mōlelo newsletter, the opportunity for monthly ship tours on Saturday mornings, and the availability of community “white boat” tours of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. The Navy is continuing its Kūpono Laulima initiative, which saw volunteers undertaking hundreds of community projects last year, and expressed willingness to partner with local groups in Wahiawa. Board members raised questions about the completion status of a submarine dry dock and Environmental Protection Agency oversight, and the Navy representative promised follow-up information.
Parking and Traffic Concerns on Olive Street
A resident managing a building on Olive Street described how his tenants’ cars were suddenly receiving citations for street parking in an area used for decades without issue. Board members and other attendees noted that a “No Parking” sign has existed in front of a nearby restaurant, possibly creating confusion about where the zone precisely begins or ends. Some suggested signage might have been installed or updated by unknown individuals, prompting further investigation. HPD confirmed that while ticketing was newly enforced in that location, the no-parking rule had been valid for years. Board members pledged to investigate whether any signs were posted without authorization and sought clarity on whether new signage is necessary to avoid further confusion for residents and businesses.
Sewage Dumping in Whitmore Village
Community members and commercial pumping services discussed concerns about large wastewater trucks arriving at the Whitmore pre-treatment facility to unload septic waste. Neighbors felt caught off guard by the sudden increase in truck traffic and worried about potential health and safety impacts. Representatives from the City’s Department of Environmental Services explained that private haulers provide an essential service by emptying cesspools and septic tanks in areas not served by city sewers. With Pearl City and Kahuku septage receiving sites closed or severely limited, Whitmore has become the primary dumping location. City officials apologized for the lack of earlier notification and clarified that the site is designed to route waste safely through a grinder and grit removal system before sending it to a wastewater treatment plant via the Karsten Thot Bridge siphon. Plans emerged to organize a dedicated community meeting to delve deeper into the operational challenges, discuss potential solutions for traffic congestion, and minimize disruptions or risks to residents.
Community Advocacy on Land Title and Cultural Sites
A local resident spoke passionately about the importance of clarifying land title and jurisdiction at sacred or historically significant sites, including Kukaniloko. He emphasized ongoing concerns about crown lands and treaties, suggesting that the State of Hawaiʻi has treaty obligations the United States must still honor. Attendees acknowledged his call to investigate the legitimacy of title claims, especially where land use changes could jeopardize cultural and historical resources. Although no immediate response was provided, board members took note of the request for further discussion on land jurisdiction and cultural preservation.
Wahiawa Pedestrian Bridge Update
A representative from Honua Consulting announced upcoming community meetings regarding the long-planned Wahiawa Pedestrian Bridge. The project, supported by the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, aims to improve connectivity and pedestrian safety over Lake Wilson. Construction was tentatively referenced as potentially beginning in March 2026, though the timeline may shift as permits and additional reviews are finalized. A dedicated website, wahiawapedbridge.com, provides project details and contact information, and community members were encouraged to visit or call for updates.
DLNR DOCARE Substation at 525 Avocado Street
Representatives from G70, contracted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, summarized the recently completed Final Environmental Assessment for the 525 Avocado Street property. The proposed plan would establish a Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement substation to strengthen DOCARE’s presence in the region and reduce travel times for officers currently headquartered in Pearl City. The substation would house up to four officers and include spaces for boat and ATV storage, better enabling natural resource enforcement around Wahiawa and the North Shore. The final EA was published on February 8, and the next step involves seeking approval from the Board of Land and Natural Resources to move forward with a formal property acquisition.
Proposed Kauhale Housing Project on Wilikina Drive
The Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness, along with staff and a consultant from HomeAid Hawaiʻi, outlined early plans for a kauhale-style housing community on state-owned land near Wilikina Drive. The site, which is currently overgrown and owned by the Agribusiness Development Corporation, could accommodate 40 to 60 housing units, each intended to provide extremely affordable housing to unsheltered individuals and couples. Discussions emphasized that the project would be permanent and connect to existing water and sewer lines. The aim is to create a safe, service-rich environment that blends housing with on-site workforce training, possibly in agricultural fields, to help residents secure stable employment. Officials acknowledged concerns about proximity to public transportation, the importance of safeguarding community character, and compliance with ADC’s mission. They pledged ongoing dialogue with local residents, property owners, and service providers to address potential impacts and finalize project design.
Updates from the Mayor’s Office
A representative for the Mayor encouraged the use of the city’s updated HNL 311 portal to facilitate swift responses to various community issues. The office offered follow-ups on recent concerns about illegal dumping at Wahiawa District Park, where staff removed large piles of trash multiple times. The Mayor’s representative also addressed questions about streetscape improvements, explaining road rehabilitation projects in the area and highlighting safety improvements planned under Complete Streets initiatives. Updates included the schedule for California Avenue and nearby corridors, with an anticipated integration of new sidewalks, shared-use paths, and traffic calming features in coming years.
Council Member Weyer’s Office
Staff from the City Council District 2 office reported on recent recognitions for events such as Taste of Town Wahiawa and provided legislative updates affecting Wahiawa. Council Member Weyer voted against Bill 54, which raises fares for TheBus and TheHandi-Van, citing economic strain on working families. The update also covered Bill 4, which aims to improve incentives for affordable rental housing construction, and ongoing scrutiny of a proposed gondola attraction in the Kamananui agribusiness area. The staff member reminded residents that no-parking rules on Olive Street remain in effect and alerted them that any future filming activities or land use changes in the area would likely require permits and city approval.
Legislative Reports from the State Senate and House
A representative from Senator Donovan Dela Cruz’s office noted that the budget crossover process for the State Senate is imminent and that the next Council on Revenues report could influence final appropriations. Staff also highlighted bills addressing agricultural education, the prevention of illegal gambling devices, and resources to manage feral chickens. Meanwhile, Representative Amy Perruso explained the progress of key House bills, including measures to expand childcare and eldercare tax credits and to better align contract funding for critical social service providers. She also discussed House Bill 2561, aimed at authorizing counties to manage feral chickens more aggressively within urbanized areas. Both offices demonstrated an interest in mitigating concerns about Lake Wilson’s dam safety and ensuring that future developments in Wahiawa observe environmental and cultural protections.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The meeting ended with acknowledgments of upcoming events and a reminder that city and state agencies intend to follow up with separate, topic-specific community discussions, especially concerning sewage dumping at Whitmore Village, the kauhale housing proposal, and ongoing parking complications on Olive Street. Board members affirmed their commitment to addressing community priorities such as safety, resource management, and preserving Wahiawa’s character. The meeting adjourned as representatives and residents gathered contact details for future coordination on these pressing issues.