No 26 Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting March 2026
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26 Wahiawā-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board Meeting – March 17, 2026
First Responders: Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
Lieutenant Scott Vieira presented February statistics for the Wahiawā area, including two assaults, zero robberies, zero burglaries, two unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, and 31 motor vehicle collisions. There were 875 total calls for service. Lt. Vieira encouraged residents to visit HonoluluPD.org to track current calls for service, view online reporting options, and report graffiti. Community members raised concerns about traffic safety during power outages, specifically asking for signage along Whitmore Camp to remind drivers to stop when traffic lights are out. HPD pledged to monitor the area and improve signage during future outages. The Wahiawā community was commended for cautious driving when traffic signals were not functioning.
Department of Emergency Management Absence and ENV Update
The Board announced that the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) could not attend due to ongoing citywide and statewide duties brought on by severe weather. They intend to reschedule ENV’s presentation for an upcoming meeting. ENV later shared a statement asking residents to conserve water and avoid draining floodwater into sewer manholes during heavy rainfall to help prevent system overflows.
U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i: Monthly Report
A U.S. Army representative reported on several upcoming events and matters of community interest. A hiring fair would be held on March 17th at Mililani High School, offering positions within U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i. Prescribed burns at Schofield Barracks are scheduled for April 13–19. A concert by the 25th Infantry Division band will occur on March 26th at Palm Circle Court. The Army addressed two follow-up questions from previous meetings. Concerning large-scale evacuation routes from East Range Road, the Army noted the primary responsibility lies with state and city emergency management agencies, as the Army does not design civilian evacuation routes. On the coconut rhinoceros beetle treatments, the Army reiterated adherence to state-approved methods and removal of flowering parts from treated trees to minimize pollinator risk. Board members asked for updates on possible reopening of Kolekole Pass, emphasizing community interest in participating in future discussions regarding that potential route.
U.S. Navy: Kolekole Pass Updates and Ship Tours
The Navy reported on recent Hawai‘i Navy Week activities, including weather-impacted events on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island. They continue hosting community boat tours of Pearl Harbor, highlighting naval history and current Navy operations. Active-duty vessels such as guided missile destroyers offer tours most Saturdays, open to civic and educational groups. Regarding Kolekole Pass, the Navy signed a 10-year memorandum of understanding with the Army, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, and Hawai‘i emergency agencies, enabling coordinated emergency use for the Waianae Coast should evacuations be necessary. The Navy invited the Board to participate in annual pass exercises that familiarize officials with procedures for opening the route during emergencies.
Board of Water Supply (BWS): Infrastructure and Conservation
A BWS representative noted a single water main break on Kellogg Street in February. Residents were encouraged to observe World Water Day on March 22nd by conserving water and learning about global water challenges. Board members thanked BWS crews for their efforts during extended severe weather, recognizing their role in maintaining essential water service and responding swiftly to problems.
State Department of Transportation (HDOT): Projects and Traffic Studies
A new HDOT representative, Chucky Santiago, offered several updates. Sidewalk construction and parking issues in Whitmore Village remain under review due to right-of-way constraints. HDOT is coordinating with HPD and the Army to address a homeless encampment under the Schofield bridge. The department is studying traffic backups on Kamehameha Highway, focusing on intersections at Whitmore Avenue, Kealani Avenue, and California Avenue. Issues around a planned egg-cracking facility on Kealani Avenue were also noted, as looming truck traffic could worsen congestion. Residents pressed for detailed traffic analyses, particularly if large agricultural facilities move forward. The topic of a second access road to Whitmore Village surfaced again; community members expressed a long-term desire for enhanced ingress and egress, especially with ongoing development projects. Plans for the Wahiawā Pedestrian Bridge remain in discussion, though the community has consistently opposed it. HDOT intends to schedule a meeting within the month to discuss the project’s progress and gather input, prompting residents to request thorough community outreach, including large-scale notification efforts.
Residents’ Concerns and Community Announcements
Various community members raised pressing issues. One resident proposed organizing a recurring cleanup of Lake Wilson, recalling past community efforts to remove debris by boat and truck. Another member spoke of the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) board’s progress in clarifying recommendations from a state audit, technology improvements in property management, and oversight of agricultural leases. The executive director introduced a new manager for a statewide food and product innovation network. Residents sought updates on leftover concerns regarding the pedestrian bridge and possible expansions of agricultural projects in Whitmore that might exacerbate traffic and infrastructure burdens.
City Department of Emergency Management (DEM): Storm Response
DEM Director Randall Collins joined remotely to field questions about the dam at Lake Wilson during recent heavy rains. Though dam safety oversight rests largely with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and private owners, DEM monitored water levels to prepare for possible evacuations. Any “get ready to go” order would provide a window to evacuate at-risk areas well before an actual structural threat. Residents expressed concerns about limited local evacuation shelters and heavy yields of stormwater overwhelming local streets and sewer systems. DEM encouraged personal preparedness and signing up for HNL Alerts via text to 888-777 to stay current with-city issued advisories.
Councilmember Matt Weyer: Emergency Preparedness Highlights
Councilmember Weyer thanked HPD, HFD, utility workers, and first responders for handling dangerous conditions across O‘ahu. He pointed out that while a new rain system might form soon, official forecasts remained too uncertain for definitive plans. Nonetheless, he urged Wahiawā and Whitmore Village residents to check local dam gauge levels and sign up for official city text alerts. The council remains open to budget proposals supporting emergency shelters, homeless outreach, and other measures tied directly to community resilience.
Governor’s Representative and Senator Donovan Dela Cruz’s Office
Governor Green’s representative was present but did not provide a regular report. Senator Dela Cruz’s office updated the group on High Core’s groundbreaking to replace its historic Center Street location, continuing plans for the Wahiawā irrigation system transfer from Dole to state agencies, and progress at 123 Mango Street, which received a grant-in-aid allocation. These developments all remain in various phases of permitting and board meetings, with the senator’s office focusing on ensuring continuity and finalizing agreements.
Representative Amy Perruso: Legislative Updates
Representative Perruso discussed an informational briefing on the proposed transition to liquefied natural gas (LNG). Independent experts identified a critical modeling error that drastically altered cost estimates, raising concerns about how LNG adoption might affect future energy rates and infrastructure. Representative Perruso also remarked on the House budget, emphasizing support for working families and a careful approach to energy projects. She assured constituents that much of the legislature’s work involves oversight of major policy plans that do not always hinge on new bills.
Board Matters and Committees
The Board approved its January 26, 2026 minutes. Members disclosed meetings and community events attended during the interim. Subcommittee chairs noted limited updates due to the recent weather impacts; many routine gatherings were paused. Residents remained keenly interested in public education, infrastructure resilience, and military collaboration on land use and ceremonial protocols. The meeting adjourned with appreciation to everyone for their participation, reminding the public that the Board may recess next month and reconvene afterward with further progress reports.
The meeting ended at approximately 9:45 p.m. after addressing all pressing community issues, with plans to follow up on pending items such as the pedestrian bridge community meeting, future traffic study results, dam ownership transfers, and further emergency management preparations.