No 22 Waipahu Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting September 2026
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22 Waipahu Neighborhood Board Meeting – September 29, 2026
Meeting Opening and Procedures
The Waipahu Neighborhood Board convened at the Filipino Community Center with additional participation through Webex. Chair Darrell Macha reminded speakers to address comments through the chair, keep public comments and reports to approximately three minutes, and silence electronic devices. Board members introduced themselves, including Musuai Siania, Adol Amazon, Tom Long, Maureen Andrade, Richard O’Farrill, Dominic Bonifacio, Darrell Macha, Tara Tumbaga, Nainoa Molotar, David Beers, Chad Domingo, and Maurice Morita. A quorum was confirmed. The Honolulu Fire Department was not present to give a report.
Police Crime Statistics and Pedestrian Safety
Sergeant Makanani of the Pearl City Police Station compared July and August crime figures. Motor vehicle thefts declined from 16 in July to nine in August, burglaries remained unchanged at six, general thefts increased from 23 to 26, and vehicle break-ins decreased from seven to three. Total calls for service in District 3 rose from 5,082 in July to 5,240 in August. Islandwide traffic fatalities were reported as down 29%, while critical motor vehicle collisions declined 67%. However, pedestrian fatalities increased 10%, with many incidents involving people crossing outside marked crosswalks. In advance of National Pedestrian Safety Month in October, HPD urged pedestrians to use marked crossings, obey traffic signals, and make eye contact with drivers, while motorists were asked to slow down, allow extra travel time, and avoid rushing.
Abandoned Vehicles in Village Park
Community member Corey Rosenlee raised concerns about abandoned vehicles occupying scarce parking in Village Park, where many households have multiple vehicles. Sergeant Makanani explained that residents may call HPD when a vehicle has not moved for at least 24 hours. Police can inspect and mark the vehicle, while the city’s abandoned-vehicle section within the Department of Customer Services can also place it on an investigation list. If a marked vehicle remains unmoved, it may be cited and towed. The sergeant offered to exchange contact information so HPD could follow up on the particular situation.
Army Job Fair and Training Advisories
Major Abella of the U.S. Army’s 599th Transportation Brigade announced a public job fair on October 19 at the Helemano Military Reservation training room from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Employers may make job offers and provisional hires that day. Applicants may review openings through the Helemano Morale, Welfare and Recreation website, while walk-ins should bring two references, identification, a Social Security card, and a résumé or completed application. Positions include business operations, golf, bowling, food service, and Child and Youth Services. Child-care positions may include retirement benefits, recreational-facility access, discounted child care, training, and commissary and exchange privileges.
Major Abella also advised that daytime aviation training would continue through September 30 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. At Schofield Barracks, artillery, mortar, demolition, and live-fire training was scheduled from September 25 through September 30 during both day and night hours, including late evenings and early mornings. The 25th Infantry Division will conduct its annual Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center exercise between October and November. During October, residents may encounter heavier military-vehicle traffic near Army installations and increased training noise as personnel and equipment move into position. The Army will issue more information as the exercise approaches and provided 808-766-7778 for concerns.
Approval of July Meeting Minutes
The board reviewed the minutes of its July 23, 2026 meeting. No corrections or amendments were offered, and the minutes were accepted as submitted.
Future Candidate Forums and Question-and-Answer Procedures
The board reviewed its recent candidate forum to consider whether future forums should follow a standardized process. Board member Pong proposed developing a committee or standard operating procedure that could be stored in the board’s shared drive, allowing future members to draw on established formats rather than recreating the process during each election cycle. Board member Oshiro cautioned that elections vary greatly. The recent forum focused on contested legislative races affecting the district, with 13 candidates invited and 11 participating. By comparison, congressional races had 15 candidates, the governor’s race had 10, and the lieutenant governor’s race had 10, creating as many as 35 additional candidates if all major races were included. Fairness would require inviting every candidate, which would be difficult within the approximately 90-minute forum period used during a regular board meeting.
The board also discussed the logistical consequences of holding a separate forum. A stand-alone event could provide more time but would require a suitable venue, a separate budget, and potentially payment for the space. It would also lack the regular ʻŌlelo television coverage provided for neighborhood board meetings. No motion was made. The chair said a future board could create a permitted interaction group closer to the next election cycle to research past practices and recommend procedures.
Costco Gas Station Resolution
The board considered a resolution concerning Costco’s proposed 24-pump gas station at the West Loch station area. The chair emphasized that the resolution addressed the gas-station component and whether it had adequately demonstrated consistency with transit-oriented development requirements; it was not intended as a determination on the proposed Costco Business Center as a whole. The board had received written testimony, a petition, and support for the resolution from organizations including the Waipahu Community Association.
Board member Oshiro proposed two amendments. The first deleted language stating that the board “does not oppose the proposed Costco Business Center,” because the board had not formally discussed or decided whether it supported or opposed the overall business-center proposal. The second added a finding that, during the board’s May 28, 2026 meeting, members learned the gas station would displace the existing Waipahu Zippy’s and that a Zippy’s representative had reported no suitable relocation site was available. The board unanimously approved both amendments.
Public Testimony on Costco, Transit-Oriented Development, and Zippy’s
Waipahu resident Amanda Valiente opposed the gas station, describing her family’s multigenerational connection to Waipahu and arguing that a large fueling facility on an already congested Farrington Highway would conflict with promises of a walkable, family-oriented, transit-centered neighborhood. She said the Skyline rail experience showed how established Waipahu institutions, businesses, public facilities, and local residents could coexist with new transportation investments. She urged planners to use land near rail for housing, community spaces, and businesses that help younger generations remain in Waipahu rather than selecting what she viewed as the easiest development option.
A Zippy’s store manager, formerly assigned to Waipahu, supported the resolution and noted that Zippy’s has operated in Waipahu for 55 years. She said the restaurant participated in earlier transit-area discussions and believes the community expected rail to support places where people could live, shop, dine, and gather. In her view, a 24-pump station would bring more drivers and traffic, create added risks for pedestrians, and replace rather than add to an established community business.
Abby Seitz of Hawaiʻi Appleseed also supported the resolution. She said the organization is working with residents to improve affordability and safety around rail stations and is especially concerned about pedestrian conditions near Awamoku Street, described during testimony as one of Oʻahu’s most hazardous areas for people walking. She argued that gas-station traffic could undermine city-funded pedestrian improvements and the public investment in rail. She also said the proposal did not address community priorities such as affordable housing and affordable food. Following testimony, the board adopted the amended resolution, with one member voting in opposition.
Break-Ins and Vandalism at 94-103 Pupupuhi Street
A property representative asked the board to place on record a pattern of break-ins, vandalism, unauthorized entry, and property damage at 94-103 Pupupuhi Street. The owner requested that the matter be elevated to HPD District 3 and suggested consideration of a monitoring camera near the street corner and a street-lighting survey of the intersection. The representative reported investing approximately $128,000 in renovations during 2024. By September 2025, the property had been vandalized with interior graffiti and damaged jalousie windows. Further break-ins and damage occurred between September 2025 and March 2026, again in August 2026, and as recently as early September.
The representative also reported finding dead and beheaded chickens thrown over the fence and discovering a group of men who had forced their way through the gates, gathered on the property, and started a small backyard fire. The fire was extinguished before it spread. Although the house is occupied when the owners are on Oʻahu, it is otherwise generally vacant and checked weekly. The owner already had interior cameras and planned to install eight additional exterior cameras connected to a live monitoring service capable of contacting police. Board members asked about insurance, private security responsibilities, property management, occupancy, and long-term plans for the site. The representative said there is a property manager, attempted break-ins have occurred even while the owners were present, and selling the property may be considered if it cannot safely continue as a part-time residence. HPD had recently increased occasional patrols. The chair advised the owner to continue documenting incidents and working with police regarding break-ins and criminal property damage.
Proposed Food Security Charter Amendment
Henry Aquino, representing a coalition of organizations supporting proposed City Charter Amendment Question 1, presented a proposal to establish a sixth city fund dedicated to food security. The fund would receive 0.5% of existing real property tax revenues, rather than impose a new tax. It could support city programs, grants, and subsidies intended to strengthen local agriculture, improve access to locally grown nutritious food, and build resilience against supply disruptions. Aquino said the city’s overall budget is about $5 billion and estimated the new fund at roughly $8 million annually. A board member separately noted that real property tax revenue was approximately $1.7 billion, making 0.5% about $8.55 million. If voters approve the amendment, the City Council would incorporate the fund into the budget and create an administrative framework designating a city agency to oversee expenditures.
Waipahu High School Students on Food Insecurity
Four Waipahu High School students gave personal testimony in support of Question 1. Sophomore Justice Vega said one in three households experiences food insecurity, representing approximately 250,000 people, including more than 40,000 in the local community. He noted that the Charter Commission meets only once every 10 years and described the vote as a rare opportunity to establish a permanent food-security commitment.
Junior Caitlin Along described growing up with school meals, inexpensive ramen, eggs, and limited access to fresh food until her family began receiving food assistance. She said children should not feel excluded or have their development affected because healthier choices are unaffordable. Junior Bella Tamayo spoke about growing up in a household of nine, with her father working multiple jobs while her mother cared for seven children. She said imported and processed products were often the most practical option and reported that approximately 85% to 90% of food consumed in Hawaiʻi is imported, leaving the islands vulnerable to supply-chain disruptions. Junior Alyssa Padua described experiencing stomach problems and low energy until her family began growing and cooking food from its own yard. She argued that locally grown food can reach families with greater nutritional value than produce shipped roughly 2,400 miles across the ocean while also supporting Hawaiʻi farmers. All four students urged voters to approve Question 1.
Board members praised the students but requested clearer information on how the estimated $8 million would be allocated, including how much could go to food banks, farms, school-related programs, and other initiatives. Aquino responded that the money could support local farmers and organizations serving Honolulu through grants and subsidies, but that the City Council and designated administering agency would develop the final framework if the amendment passes.
Twentieth Annual Taste of Waipahu
Lauren Doctolero, speaking for the Waipahu Community Association, announced the 20th annual Taste of Waipahu, presented with Kamehameha Schools, for Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Waipahu Depot Street near Hikimoe Street. The event will feature more than 30 food and craft vendors, entertainment, music involving local students, and a kendama tournament. Its theme is “Building a Stronger Community,” with attention to the future of Depot Street and Kamehameha Schools’ role in the area.
Road closures are planned from noon until 11 p.m. Waipahu Depot Street will close from Farrington Highway to the entrance of Waipahu Plantation Marketplace, while Hikimoe Street will close from Depot Street to Kuhaulani Street. Access to Waipahu Plantation Marketplace and Waipahu Festival Market will remain available, but businesses located within the closed area will need to plan around the noon shutdown. HPD officers and barricades will secure the event footprint, and organizers are coordinating with the Department of Transportation Services and nearby stakeholders. Parking will be available at Waipahu Festival Market, with additional space offered by the YMCA. Organizers were also discussing parking with the Filipino Community Center and the United Church of Christ. Road-closure signs will be installed approximately one week in advance, and updates will be posted through the Waipahu Community Association’s website and social-media accounts.
Mayor’s Office and Tropical Storm Recovery
Raylan Nakabayashi of the Department of Environmental Services reported for Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s office. The mayor’s September newsletter reviewed Tropical Storm Lala’s impacts, city response efforts, islandwide recovery operations, and assistance for affected residents. In follow-up to earlier concerns, the Department of Customer Services inspected Nawaaakoa Street on July 31 for a reported abandoned truck but could not locate it. Residents were encouraged to use the HNL 311 application to report suspected abandoned or derelict vehicles. HPD District 3 also monitored a vacant house on the same street on July 30 and 31 but observed no criminal or suspicious activity. Officers will continue monitoring as warranted, and residents were asked to call 911 when they directly observe violations so police can respond more quickly.
Council District 2: Storm Assistance, Tax Relief, Trees, and Marine Resources
Kelly Anaya, representing Councilmember Matt Weyer, encouraged residents to document and report storm damage through OneOahu.org. Reports help the city and nonprofit partners assess impacts and determine possible eligibility for federal assistance, although submitting a report is not itself an application for aid and does not replace an insurance claim. Certain emergency repairs may begin before a building permit is issued, but qualifying property owners must submit a permit application by the next working day after work starts.
Property owners whose homes, land, or structures were damaged by storms may apply for real property tax relief by June 30, 2027, with photographs, estimates, invoices, and other documentation. The relief does not cover furniture, vehicles, or equipment. The annual real property tax exemption deadline was September 30 for fiscal year 2027–2028. Homeowners aged 65 or older may qualify for a $180,000 exemption, while younger homeowners may receive $140,000. A low-income tax credit is available to households earning $80,000 or less, also subject to the September 30 deadline.
Councilmember Weyer introduced Resolution 26-160, urging the state Legislature to permanently prohibit commercial collection of aquatic life from Hawaiʻi waters for aquarium use, and Resolution 26-159, urging the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt administrative rules barring commercial aquatic-life harvesting. Both passed the Council in August. The office also addressed tree-maintenance complaints on Lumiaina Place in Waikele. Urban Forestry found that the trees did not pose an immediate danger but required maintenance, with work expected by the end of October. Weyer also recognized the United Visayan Community of Hawaiʻi’s 78th anniversary and honored retiring Senator Michelle Kidani at a National Night Out event. Board members asked the office to clarify why the food-security measure requires a separate fund rather than a direct budget appropriation, which agency would administer it, and how the approximately $8 million would be distributed.
Council District 8: Parks Legislation and Storm Debris
Pua, representing Councilmember Val Okimoto, summarized several Council measures. Bill 16, CD2, would strengthen dog-control ordinances through increased criminal fines and new civil penalties for irresponsible owners. Bill 30, CD1, would allow nonprofit farmers markets and food-distribution events in city parks. Bill 31, CD2, would create a process for improved stewardship of cultural sites within public parks, including the Mauna Lahilahi Cultural Garden. Bill 32, CD2, FD1, would repeal existing park and botanical-garden fees and authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to establish new charges, including commercial, noncommercial, and camping fees, following public hearings. Bill 33, CD2, would create associated special funds and accounts, including accounts for Waipiʻo Peninsula Soccer Park and Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park. The office also reported the reappointments of Nā‘ālehu Anthony to the Board of Water Supply and former acting Police Chief Kerry Okimoto to the Civil Service Commission.
Following Tropical Storm Lala, Councilmember Okimoto’s staff surveyed damage throughout District 8, including uprooted trees and damaged sidewalks in Mililani, fallen trees in Waikele, and downed streetlights in Village Park. Because debris remained in some areas and another storm was approaching, residents were asked to report outstanding debris directly to the office and maintain emergency water and other supplies.
Council District 9: Potholes, Unsafe Driving, Dumping, and Homelessness
Kaio Kealoha-Lindsay introduced himself as Councilmember Augie Tulba’s new community representative, replacing Aaron, who will focus on ʻEwa. The office reported potholes on Kiapō Street and near Waipahu Depot Street and Farrington Highway, which were referred to the city. A resident also reported loud trucks, burnouts, and unsafe early-morning driving on Honowai Street near a school. HPD did not observe violations during its visit but reportedly installed a speed-display device as a deterrent.
The office responded to tree branches obstructing the sidewalk near Waipahu Bike Shop, with city crews completing trimming, although additional work may still be needed. A dumped couch on Puhui Street that interfered with refuse collection was removed. The office also reported unregistered vehicles and unhoused individuals living near Waipahu Uka Neighborhood Park to HPD, including relevant license-plate information. Board members raised continuing concerns about couches, trash, tree cuttings, and recurring dumping near Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village. The office said it would coordinate with Councilmember Tulba and community partners such as Protectors of Paradise. A redesigned Council District 9 website now includes an online constituent-concern form that routes reports directly to staff.
Senate District 18: New Senator and Storm Assessments
Newly appointed Senator Danielle Bass introduced herself as the representative for Senate District 18, covering Mililani Town, Koa Ridge, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview and Seaview, Waikele, Village Park, Harbor View, Royal Kunia, and the Kunia agricultural lands. Appointed on August 9, she previously served for about 19 years on the Mililani Neighborhood Board, including as chair, and has worked in state government as a legislative manager, urban planner, sustainability coordinator, and emergency manager.
Six days after her appointment, Hurricane or Tropical Storm Lala affected the district. Her office received more than 100 calls during its first month and a half concerning downed trees, broken sidewalks, blocked roads in Waipiʻo Gentry, tree damage in Waikele, and fallen streetlights in Village Park. Bass personally conducted damage assessments and forwarded information to city agencies and council offices. She reported attending more than 52 community events while coordinating with retiring Senator Michelle Kidani to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of constituent information.
Senate District 19: Legislative Priorities and Community Projects
Senator Brandon Elefante Lamasao—identified in the meeting as Senator Lamasel—invited residents to submit priorities for the upcoming legislative session. She congratulated Waipahu Public Library on its 30th anniversary and Waipahu High School’s Marauders on winning the K-9 trophy after 22 years. Her office continues interim service projects, including an “Uka to Makai” initiative focused on shoreline and stream management around Puʻuloa and broader community resilience. Residents near Waipahu Street and Kamehameha Highway had reported debris and overgrowth, which the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation cleared. The senator encouraged residents to contact her office about maintenance needed along state highways and roads or to participate in service projects.
State House Reports and Community Activities
Representative Corey Chun’s District 35 report had been emailed to the board but was not orally presented. Representative Daisy Hartsfield was absent, and office manager Nathaniel Isay attended to receive questions; none were raised. Representative Elijah Pierick’s District 39 office was not represented.
Representative Trish La Chica of District 37 reported participating with her family in the annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving walk to promote awareness of impaired driving and road safety. Her office partnered with HPD District 3, city agencies, Mālama O Ka ʻĀina, and the Waipiʻo Gentry Association to paint over graffiti and collect trash throughout Waipiʻo Gentry. A second graffiti and trash cleanup was planned for the Mililani portion of her district, weather permitting. She invited residents to complete a pre-legislative survey covering priorities such as workforce development, education, and Hawaiian-language immersion education. She also announced that state and city buildings would again be illuminated in Philippine flag colors during Filipino American History Month in October and encouraged the community to support a new DreamWorks animated film drawing on Filipino folklore.
Congressman Ed Case: Service Academies, Federal Funding, and Water Projects
A representative from Congressman Ed Case’s office announced an October 9 deadline for young people seeking congressional nominations to the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, or Merchant Marine Academy. Applications may be submitted to the congressman’s Honolulu office.
Congress approved a continuing resolution funding the federal government through December 11, preventing a shutdown at the start of the October 1 federal fiscal year. The House had passed three of the 12 annual appropriations measures, while the Senate’s work remained pending. Congress also approved the Water Resources Development Act, including four projects relevant to Hawaiʻi. Two highlighted projects involve continued planning to improve Honolulu Harbor’s disaster resilience and protecting the shoreline near Kaimana Beach and the Waikīkī Natatorium from erosion and sea-level impacts. Honolulu Harbor was emphasized as the principal entry point for goods shipped to Oʻahu and onward to the neighbor islands. Representative Jill Tokuda’s office was not represented.
Board of Water Supply Projects and Storm Preparedness
Board of Water Supply representative Nikki reported no water-main breaks in the Waipahu area during August. Consultants are surveying streets and sidewalks in preparation for water-sampling station construction at locations including Lumimoe, Lumikula, ʻUkeʻe Street, Hō‘ae‘ae Loop, Kau Street, and Lumiauau Street. Residents near the project areas should have received mailed notices.
The Waipiʻo Heights wells pump-replacement and electrical-upgrade project was expected to begin on or after September 14, although the schedule might be delayed, and continue for approximately one year through October 2027. Work will include installation of two vertical turbine well pumps and a motor-control center. The construction management contact provided was 808-748-5730.
The Board of Water Supply also planned an “Imagine a Day Without Water” event at the Arc of Safety in Waiʻanae from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. More than 30 city, state, nonprofit, and community organizations were expected to offer interactive educational displays, giveaways, and information based on the “One Water” concept that all water resources are interconnected. With another tropical system approaching, BWS issued a conservation advisory and urged households to keep emergency supplies equal to at least 1.5 gallons of water per person per day for 14 days. Power outages can disable pumps and reduce the system’s ability to deliver water. A pending roadway-repair issue near the canal had been delayed while paving contracts were processed, and BWS agreed to send the board a written update.
Additional Neighborhood Disturbance Complaint
The chair reported receiving an anonymous letter concerning recurring weekend disturbances and their effects on a neighborhood area. The writer requested that the matter be entered into the record but wished to remain anonymous. The chair said he would determine how to distribute the information to board members while protecting the resident’s identity.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The board announced that its next regular meeting would be held Thursday, October 22, at the Filipino Community Center. Waipahu Neighborhood Board meetings are rebroadcast on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 on Saturdays at 9 p.m. and on every fourth Sunday at 9 a.m. With no further business, the board approved a motion to adjourn.