No 22 Waipahu Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting September 2024
Waipahu Neighborhood Board Meeting
Introductions and U.S. Army Briefing
Commander Corinne McClellan of the 599th Transportation Brigade at Wheeler Army Airfield introduced herself and delivered the U.S. Army Hawaii report. She explained that U.S. Army Garrison distributes a monthly training advisory, noting that small-arms blank fire exercises would continue through September 27, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. An updated advisory is set to be published on or before October 1, with copies available by email request. She also shared details about the upcoming Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) training exercise taking place October 7 to 16. About 1,000 multinational participants from nations such as Malaysia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, the UK, Japan, Singapore, the Maldives, Australia, and Canada will join 25th Infantry Division soldiers. Commander McClellan asked residents to expect increased military vehicle convoys, possible aircraft noise, combat simulations, and flights around Wheeler Army Airfield and Dillingham Military Reservation. She encouraged the community to contact the Army’s concern line to offer feedback or voice any issues.
Job Fair Announcement
Commander McClellan also highlighted an upcoming U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii hiring fair on October 8 at Lilihua High School, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to the public, and interested individuals can visit hawaiimwr.com to learn about available positions and the application process. Walk-ins are accepted if they bring two references, valid identification, a Social Security card, and a resume or application form.
Residents and Community Concerns
The Board Chair asked members and the public to raise any neighborhood issues. One board member sought the Board’s support for the Village Park Association’s planned Waipahu Christmas Parade on December 15. No formal vote was possible due to lack of quorum, but the date was shared for informational purposes.
Kulea Academy Charter School
A representative from Kulea Academy described the new charter school, which opened in July with 100 sixth-grade students. While physically located in Kalihi, the school enrolls students from Waipahu and offers a curriculum focusing on artificial intelligence and data science. Students already work with drones, augmented reality, and computer programming. Applications for next year’s sixth-grade intake and a new seventh-grade class are open, and the Academy ultimately plans to expand from kindergarten through 12th grade. The speaker emphasized that tuition is free, with costs limited to uniforms. Contact information was provided for families interested in applying.
Queen’s Health Systems Update
A representative from Queen’s Health Systems reported that on October 8, Sutter Health’s Kahi Mohala facility will become the Queen’s Medical Center – Kahi Mohala. This 88-bed, freestanding behavioral health hospital, the only one of its kind in Hawaiʻi, currently houses both residential and acute care for children and adolescents. Queen’s will continue to operate the residential services in the same location, while consolidating acute care services at the Punchbowl campus. The hospital has a long-standing history, and this acquisition ensures ongoing behavioral health services without disruption.
Board Vacancies and Minutes Approval
Due to the absence of a quorum, the Board deferred approval of previous meeting minutes and could not take official votes. The Chair announced that four at-large seats on the Board remain vacant. Interested community members may apply through the Neighborhood Board website and are encouraged to attend monthly meetings.
City and County Updates
In the Mayor’s representative’s absence, the Chair read highlights from the Mayor’s newsletter. Topics included efforts to address crime along the Waiʻanae coast; installation of nearly 30 security cameras in Chinatown; a memorial vigil on the anniversary of the Maui wildfires; demolition of a derelict structure on Pensacola Street; and accolades for Honolulu as one of the most desirable cities to live in the U.S. The newsletter also includes a new mapping tool for Honolulu Fire Department responses, with a link made available to the neighborhood.
Reports from City Councilmembers
Councilmember Matt Weyer’s staff recapped recent community outreach events and urged residents to remain vigilant during hurricane season by updating emergency kits. They also addressed Bill 46, the proposed “empty homes tax,” designed to reduce vacancy rates and discourage speculation. This tax targets properties left vacant for more than six months annually. The Councilmember’s office announced plans to clear vegetation in a ditch along Kapuna Loop in October, responding to a previously raised community concern.
Councilmember Augie Tulba discussed an e-bike safety roundtable at August Ahrens Elementary School, co-hosted with various stakeholders to educate riders on safer behavior. He highlighted an upcoming beautification project on October 5 near Waipahu Elementary School to tackle illegal dumping and homelessness by clearing brush and introducing a community garden. He also mentioned improvements at Hans L’Orange Park, which recently reopened after major repairs. A second beautification event on October 18 will address areas around the park.
Councilmember Val Okimoto’s representative highlighted legislation such as Bill 41 (shifting the Neuter Now program to the Department of Customer Services) and Bill 39 (removing an affidavit requirement from building permit applications), designed to streamline services. They also noted a resolution urging state legislators to strengthen e-bike regulations for improved road safety.
Updates from the Governor’s Office and Other Elected Officials
Governor Josh Green’s representative provided a resource list for trauma support and mental health, noting that these programs can address growing needs sparked by crises such as the Maui wildfires. The Governor’s newsletter mentioned ongoing recovery efforts on Maui; federal funding for broadband expansion; and the launch of an interactive webpage by the State Energy Office aiming to clarify Hawaiʻi’s decarbonization plan by 2045.
Representatives from local legislative offices announced routine meeting schedules and encouraged the Waipahu community to stay informed about key issues such as Central Oahu Regional Park planning committees. They also welcomed questions regarding vacant property taxes and other legislative measures that may impact the area.
Board of Water Supply
The Board of Water Supply reported a single August water main break on Kaʻuka Boulevard, involving a 12-inch PVC pipe from 2001. Residents were invited to the “Imagine a Day Without Water” event at Kapolei Regional Park on Saturday, with workshops, food vendors, and interactive exhibits to educate the public on water conservation.
Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization
A Board member serving on the Oahu MPO Citizens Advisory Committee recapped recent briefings, including a Vision Zero Action Plan to reduce traffic fatalities to zero and a new approach to engage youth in transportation planning. While some members favored education for younger students, others argued that direct engagement with the broader adult population remains crucial, given current commuting realities and the immediate need for effective public input.
Future Meeting and Adjournment
With no further business and still lacking quorum, the Chair announced that the next regular Board meeting is scheduled for October 24 at 7 p.m. in the Filipino Community Center. The meeting was adjourned with an invitation for all community members to attend and stay informed.