No 22 Waipahu Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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22 Waipahu Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 23, 2026
Opening and Board Introductions
Chair convened the meeting by reminding everyone of the speaking rules, requesting that those wishing to speak raise their hands and be recognized. Speakers were asked to keep comments to three minutes, and those making reports were also asked to limit their presentations to three minutes. Board members introduced themselves, with several noting the arrival of the new year and expressing optimism. The Chair also recognized the upcoming Lunar New Year.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
A captain from the Waipahu Fire Station provided December 2025 response statistics, noting a couple of structure fires, four wildland fires, several nuisance fires including cooking fires, 19 activated alarm fires, nearly 300 medical emergencies, one motor vehicle collision (MVC) involving a pedestrian, 18 other MVCs, and one hazardous material incident. The captain explained that nuisance fires often involve small blazes outside of structures. He advised residents to practice electrical safety by avoiding extension cord overuse, plugging high-heat appliances directly into wall outlets, and having licensed electricians install additional outlets if needed. One board member asked about a recent fire near a homeless encampment close to Plantation Village. The captain confirmed that fire crews frequently respond to that area, as small fires can create significant smoke.
Honolulu Police Department Report
A lieutenant from the Pearl City Station summarized November and December 2025 crime statistics in Waipahu. Motor vehicle thefts dropped from 14 in November to 10 in December, burglaries went from 10 to 4, thefts decreased from 37 to 29, and car break-ins declined from 12 to 3. Calls for service increased slightly from 2,147 in November to 2,354 in December. Fireworks nuisance calls fell from 136 reported in December 2024 to 75 in December 2025. The lieutenant highlighted a Christmas Eve arrest in which officers responded to gunshots in the Waipio Point Access Road area. They found a man with a ghost gun (a firearm lacking a serial number), arrested him for felony firearm offenses, criminal trespass, and an outstanding warrant. Board members asked about noise and parking violations, particularly in Village Park, describing calls made to HPD for loud music after 10 p.m. The lieutenant explained that if an officer’s initial warning to lower volume is ignored, subsequent visits can lead to citations or arrest for disorderly conduct. HPD encouraged residents to request a supervising officer if they feel situations are not being addressed.
U.S. Army 599th Transportation Brigade Report
A Major from the 599th Transportation Brigade delivered three key updates. First, a U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii hiring fair on February 9th at the Helamanu Military Reservation will offer onsite hiring for golf, bowling, food service, and child care positions; same-day job offers and provisional hiring are possible. Second, scheduled training in East Range will continue throughout January, including ranger, jungle tactics, and small-arms drills, with noise anticipated from day and night live-fire exercises at Schofield Barracks. Third, the Army plans prescribed burns at Schofield in April to mitigate wildfire risk and protect endangered wildlife, pending approval and favorable conditions. These burns will occur during daylight hours with firefighters on site overnight.
Board Vacancies and Meeting Schedule
The Board considered a motion to vacate a seat held by a member who had missed three consecutive meetings without response. The Board voted unanimously to vacate the seat in compliance with its rules. The Board also discussed March 2026 scheduling conflicts due to Kuhio Day falling on the standard meeting day. Members voted to recess in March and maintain the established June recess. Due to an oversight, review of minutes was deferred to the next meeting.
Resident and Community Concerns
A resident representing the Waipahu Clubhouse commented on sidewalks near Waipahu High School, citing unsafe pedestrian conditions for those walking to and from the Clubhouse. He had attended community meetings on a pending sidewalk project and initiated a petition. One board member noted drainage issues near Bank of Hawaii at Waipahu Depot Road, where debris obstructs water flow under a bridge. Another reported speeding concerns on Waipahu Street and Kahuanui Street, requesting a four-way stop to improve safety. HPD and City officials acknowledged these and promised follow-up. Representatives from a social service organization reported encountering 112 unhoused individuals in the Waipahu area over two months, with some receiving assistance and others declining services. They also announced a point-in-time count for the unhoused, encouraging cooperation from residents who know of encampments.
Presentations
A scheduled presentation was postponed. The Chair noted they hope to reschedule soon.
Elected Officials’ Reports
The Mayor’s Representative highlighted the new HNL 311 system, which allows residents to report city service concerns through a more user-friendly interface. The representative announced a planned increase in bus service frequency to the University of Hawaii (U-Line) beginning March 1, noting headways would shift from 60 minutes to 40 minutes to encourage ridership. The Mayor’s office followed up on earlier questions about the driver’s license renewal process and confirmed that new designs and improved card manufacturing are intended to solve scanning issues encountered at airport checkpoints.
Council Member Matt Weyer’s office recognized the retirement of Waikele Elementary’s principal and continued efforts to address a homeless individual on Anonui Street, explaining that part of the area is privately owned. They confirmed a perpetually monitored situation involving abandoned vehicles at the Kunia Park and Ride. Another council representative, speaking on behalf of Council Member Val Okimoto, described proposed bills dealing with fiscal transparency and updates to city ordinances on transportation, taxes, and low-income housing. Council Member Augie Tulba’s representative explained ongoing efforts for cleanups and made plans for an upcoming neighborhood cleanup event at Hawaii’s Plantation Village.
Multiple legislative offices reported the start of the 2026 session and introduced new staff. Representatives mentioned bill packages focusing on education, consumer protection, safety, and community well-being. Congressional Representative Ed Case’s staff referenced key House Appropriations Committee work, community talk story events, and service academy nominations. They announced an upcoming town hall at August Ahrens Elementary, inviting everyone to attend. No representative from U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda’s office reported at this meeting.
Adjournment
The Chair thanked everyone in attendance and on WebEx for their participation, reiterated that the next meeting would occur on February 26, 2026, and announced the planned airing schedule on local television for rebroadcast. The meeting was adjourned, concluding general board business until the following month.