No 22 Waipahu Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
Waipahu Neighborhood Board Meeting – November 2025
Introduction and Board Member Roll Call
Chair opened the November meeting by welcoming everyone in person and online. Attendees were reminded of speaking rules, including a three-minute time limit, the process for raising hands in person and on WebEx, and the request to address remarks to the chair. Attendees were also asked to silence electronic devices and sign in for record-keeping. Board members were introduced in turn: Maureen Andrade, Nathan Chang, Darrell Macha, Terry Tambaga, Debbie Siegel, Kevin Wilson, Nainoa Molotar, John Pagan, David Beers, Tom Blong, and Danny DeGarcia. The chair noted that the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) had to leave on a call but provided a safety tip regarding cooking fires, especially relevant during the holiday season. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) was not present. No representatives were present from the U.S. Army 599th Transportation Brigade.
Approval of the October 23 Minutes
The board reviewed the draft minutes from October 23, noting a name correction and a clarification of a neighborhood reference. A misspelling of an attendee’s name was also corrected. Board Member Blong requested an amendment regarding his affiliation with Celebrations rather than Royal Kunia. With corrections noted, the board unanimously voted to approve the minutes as amended.
Resident and Community Concerns
No immediate concerns were raised by board members. From the audience, a participant on WebEx, identified as Ciara Martin with Kealajua-Stawahu Homeless Outreach, reported on services provided in Waipahu. She noted encountering 43 unsheltered individuals in October, 11 resisting services, and 10 community concern reports that month. Moreover, her organization added 23 new households to their program, including 28 people, and five households were referred to housing programs. Attendees were informed the organization is hiring for outreach positions and could be contacted by phone or text at 808-728-5034. No further resident concerns were raised in person or online.
2026 Flores de Mayo and Filipino Fiesta Request
Representing local organizations supporting the Filipino Community Center, “Florle” (introduced as Lei Lopez) provided an overview of the next Filipino Fiesta and Flores de Mayo event planned for May 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu. Organizers expect around 7,000 attendees. To accommodate foot traffic and event festivities, the group requested a letter from the board supporting a temporary road closure on Mokuʻula Street. The board voted to issue a letter of support, with assurance that nearby businesses would be properly notified. Event organizers will follow up by sending necessary contact information and details to the board’s secretary.
Proposed AT&T Telecommunications Tower at 94-990 Paukela Street
Ashley May from Centerline Communications presented plans for a new AT&T telecommunications facility near the Waikalea Business Center. A 100-foot tower is proposed within a 625-square-foot compound to improve capacity coverage for existing AT&T sites in the general Waipahu area. The structure would help relieve strain on two nearby sites and enhance wireless service in the community. Detailed plans were made available electronically, and adjoining properties are scheduled to receive notice letters before construction. Board members asked for clarifications about the location and accessibility. There were no objections, and the board noted that the official presentation is on the board drive.
Mayor’s Representative Report
Dan, representing Mayor Rick Blangiardi, summarized city updates: Segment 2 of the Skyline rail system opened, the city’s Early Education Center relocated for structural repairs, and new sewer rates take effect on January 1, 2026. The Royal Hawaiian Band announced a free Friday, November 28 concert at the Blaisdell, featuring various local artists. Thomas Square Park will be illuminated for concertgoers, and Honolulu City Lights commences on November 29. In response to issues previously raised, the Department of Facility Maintenance repaired cracked drainage structures at 94-777 Paiwa Street, and illegally dumped items were removed from the Kunia Park and Ride area. The Department of Transportation Services is evaluating Sunday bus service for Route 433 and bus frequency for Skyline connections. Noise complaints and concerns about a fire-damaged property were addressed, with follow-up reminders that the Department of Planning and Permitting has issued corrective orders to private owners for repairs and debris removal.
Councilmember Matt Wyer’s Office
Kelly, from Councilmember Wyer’s office, highlighted recognition ceremonies, such as the memorial tree planting at Hans L’Orange Park and Waikalea Elementary’s major national distinction in career academy standards. Councilmember Wyer co-emceed the Taste of Waipahu event and commended local students from multiple high schools for creating a community mural on Kamehameha Highway. Updates on prior concerns included maintenance at the Kunia Park and Ride and flavored vape enforcement measures supported in a City Council resolution.
Councilmember Val Okimoto’s Office
A representative from Councilmember Okimoto’s office provided a legislative recap, noting measures passed in full council addressing bed and breakfast home regulations, farm animal control, and restrictions on an agribusiness conditional use permit for proposed developments on the North Shore. The office shared volunteer opportunities at various nonprofits for Thanksgiving meal distribution. A board member inquired about a roundabout on Hiapo Street, which the office said they would investigate further. An update followed on repairing a neighborhood playground slide, with the part having just arrived and installation pending approval of the contractor.
Senator Henry Aquino’s Farewell
Senator Aquino announced he will be vacating his seat on November 30 after 17 years in elected office as both a state representative and senator. He thanked former board leaders and colleagues who supported him throughout his career. The governor will have 60 days to appoint someone to fill the remainder of his term. Senator Aquino expressed appreciation for the board’s persistence on pressing issues in Waipahu and noted that he plans to remain active serving the community in a different capacity.
Representative Cory Chun
Representative Chun reported on a recent mural painting project along Kamehameha Highway. He clarified that bus riders were accommodated with a coned-off bus boarding zone. While it briefly delayed traffic, students and community members completed the mural in partnership with state agencies. Representative Chun also participated in the Taste of Waipahu event and expressed holiday greetings.
Representative Jenna Takenouchi Lama-Sao
Representative Lama-Sao highlighted updates from her October site visits as the Vice Chair of the Water and Land Committee, including wildfire prevention measures on Maui and agricultural initiatives. She recapped the success of the Taste of Waipahu, which saw thousands of visitors. Her newsletter featured upcoming changes to the SNAP program, particularly for able-bodied adults without dependents between ages 55 and 64 who may be required to fulfill 80 hours of work or training per month. She encouraged residents to keep documentation if they have medical or other exemptions.
Representative Trish LaChica
Representative LaChica, on WebEx, noted her position on the Education and Higher Education Committees and reported numerous school visits on Oʻahu and the neighbor islands. She recapped the inaugural Philly Rooted Festival celebrating Filipino American History Month at the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum. She announced a community talk story at Kanoelani Elementary School on December 15, covering state budgeting, public safety, and updates to local infrastructure projects.
Closing and Next Meeting
With no additional agency reports or community concerns, the chair reminded everyone that the board would recess in December. The next regular Waipahu Neighborhood Board meeting will be on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Filipino Community Center. The meeting concluded with holiday well-wishes and an invitation to watch rebroadcasts on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 every second Saturday at 9 p.m. and fourth Sunday at 9 a.m. The meeting then adjourned.