No 22 Waipahu Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2026
Listen to this article:
22 Waipahu Neighborhood Board Meeting – October 23, 2026
Meeting Procedures and Board Business
The Waipahu Neighborhood Board opened the meeting by asking in-person and WebEx participants to raise their hands before speaking, direct comments through the chair, and limit public comments and reports to approximately three minutes. Members were also asked to silence electronic devices. Board members introduced themselves, including Mosuai Siania, Edwin Amazan, Maureen Andrade, Dominic Bonifacio, Richard Oshiro, Nathan Chang, Jaden Chang, Darrell Matcha, Nainoa Molotar, John Pagan, David Beers, Chad Domingo, Marita, and Tom Pong. The board reviewed the minutes of its September 24 meeting; no corrections were offered, and the minutes were accepted. No residents, online participants, or board members raised general community concerns during the designated public-concerns period.
Police Activity and Seasonal Safety
Honolulu Police Department Lieutenant Glennie Wasaki of District 3 reported crime statistics comparing August and September 2026. Motor vehicle thefts increased from nine to 15, burglaries rose from six to seven, thefts increased from 26 to 29, and vehicle break-ins climbed from three to 11. Despite those increases, calls for service in the Waipahu area declined from 2,149 in August to 2,008 in September, while total District 3 calls fell from 5,240 to 4,738. HPD advised residents to prepare for hazards associated with seasonal heavy rain, use extra pedestrian awareness during Halloween activities, and safely monitor lithium-ion battery storage to reduce fire risk. Lieutenant Wasaki joined the meeting while responding to a significant incident at the Texaco station in Waipahu, and no questions were raised following the report.
Army Training, Traffic, Noise, and Employment
Sergeant First Class Marsha Feitner of the U.S. Army’s 599th Transportation Brigade announced a public U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi job fair at the Aliamanu Military Reservation gym, scheduled for the 19th from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Applicants could review openings and apply through the Hawaiʻi Morale, Welfare and Recreation website, while walk-ins were advised to bring identification, a Social Security card, references, a résumé, and/or an application. Openings included golf, bowling, food service, business operations, and Child and Youth Services positions, with possible benefits such as retirement, training, discounted child care, recreational facility access, and commissary and exchange privileges. The Army also advised that daytime Ranger and jungle tactics training using small-arms blanks would continue at East Range through October 23, with aviation training through October 30 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Artillery, mortar, and demolition training at Schofield Barracks was scheduled for October 22–27 and October 28–30, including live-fire activity during daytime, nighttime, late-evening, and early-morning periods. The 25th Infantry Division’s annual Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center exercise was scheduled for November 7–16, with residents asked to expect increased military vehicles, helicopters, and large cargo aircraft around Army installations and training locations, including Oʻahu training areas, Kauaʻi Airfield, Kalaeloa/Barbers Point, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Wheeler Army Airfield, and Schofield Barracks.
MADI Transit Safety and Street-Art Project
Project artist Zach presented the Mobility, Accessibility, and Transportation Security, or MADI, project being advanced in partnership with Hawaiʻi Appleseed. The initiative would install real-time transit signs near bus stops to show anticipated arrival times, improve lighting at several stops for people using transit after dark, and construct curb extensions at a Waipahu intersection to shorten pedestrian crossing distances and reduce exposure to traffic. Zach compared the approach to the painted curb-extension project completed in front of the Waipahu Post Office in 2024 and noted that he also created the Filipino Community Center parking-lot mural in 2025. The proposed new pavement mural would use bright blue colors and imagery inspired by traditional Native Hawaiian loko iʻa, reflecting Waipahu’s location within the Hōʻaeʻae ahupuaʻa between Honouliuli and Waikele, areas known for fishpond traditions. The design would visually open around crosswalks and connect stylistically with the earlier post-office project. Engineering work on the curb extensions was underway, pavement-striping and permitting work was anticipated around January 2027, and installation was expected in February or March. Zach planned to invite Waipahu residents, schools, clubs, and board members to help paint the street during installation.
Maintenance of the Post Office Curb Extensions
Board member Maureen Andrade raised concerns about damaged or missing flexible delineators at the painted curb extensions near the Waipahu Post Office. She said many had been struck or cut down, leaving little physical separation and allowing motorists to park in the protected space again. Zach acknowledged that the existing installation needed attention and explained that the city was developing a maintenance-contract process that could cover replacement delineators, repainting, and general revitalization of similar projects. He agreed to relay the Waipahu maintenance concerns to the project team.
Fire and Emergency Response Statistics
Honolulu Fire Department representative Casey Incluni of the Waipahu Fire Station reported September 2026 activity in the area. HFD responded to one structure fire, one wildland or brush fire, two nuisance alarms, one cooking fire, 19 activated alarms, 192 medical emergencies, six motor vehicle collisions, and six hazardous-material incidents. There were no reported vehicle collisions involving pedestrians, mountain rescues, or ocean rescues. HFD advised residents to use electrical decorations and appliances certified by nationally recognized testing laboratories, follow manufacturers’ instructions, remain present and alert while cooking indoors or outdoors, and keep combustible materials away from heat and flames. Residents were also encouraged to remain vigilant while walking and driving, particularly from dusk to dawn during seasonal festivities. The firefighters apologized for arriving late because they had been responding to an emergency.
Mayor’s Office Updates and General Election
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s representative, Dr. Roger Babcock of the Department of Environmental Services, highlighted the mayor’s newsletter and several city developments. The Community Outreach, Response and Engagement team continued providing services to people experiencing homelessness; HPD named Brandon Nakasato and Parker Bode to assistant or deputy chief positions; Jason White was selected as administrator of the Honolulu Liquor Commission; demolition began at the former Delight Bakery site in preparation for affordable housing; and Stephen Young became a deputy director in the Department of Planning and Permitting while Dawn Takeuchi Apuna remained director. A new DMV kiosk in Kailua allows customers to renew vehicle registrations and immediately print decals. City and county emergency personnel also assisted Kauaʻi following Hurricane Lowell. Dr. Babcock reminded residents that the November 3 general election was conducted primarily by mail, with ballots automatically sent to active registered voters, although in-person voting and ballot drop boxes were also available. Ballots had to be received by 6 p.m. on November 3, and voters were encouraged to review information on the 20 proposed City Charter amendments.
Waipahu Wastewater Force Main Project
The Department of Environmental Services published a draft environmental assessment for improvements to the Waipahu Wastewater Pump Station. The proposed project would install a new force main parallel to existing wastewater lines running from the pump station near the Waipahu Convenience Center and police training facility at the end of Waipahu Depot Road. The lines cross the Waipiʻo Peninsula, pass beneath West Loch, reach the ʻEwa/Iroquois area, and continue to the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant. The draft assessment was available online by searching for “Draft EA Waipahu Wastewater,” and public comments were being accepted through November 9. The project concerns a major wastewater conveyance route serving the region and would add capacity or redundancy alongside the existing infrastructure.
Hōʻaeʻae Community Park Playground Safety
Board member Andrade asked the Department of Parks and Recreation to reconsider replacing the playground equipment at Hōʻaeʻae Community Park in Village Park. Although the rubberized ground surface had been replaced, she said the apparatus itself was not appropriate or safe for children around five or six years old, even though younger children regularly use it after school while waiting for parents. She referenced prior problems involving hanging chains and said park staff had also recognized that the equipment was not designed for younger children. Andrade expressed concern that the city had previously indicated it did not intend to replace the structure and urged action before a child was seriously injured. Dr. Babcock agreed to refer the matter to the Parks Department.
Food Security Fund and Central Oʻahu Agriculture
Kelly Anaya, representing Councilmember Matt Weyer, described the councilmember’s visit to Kunia Heritage Farms, hosted by Aloun Farms and Alex Sou, for discussions about Central Oʻahu’s food-production future. The visit focused on the interdependence among farms, livestock operations, processors, food-storage facilities, and distributors. Anaya also responded to questions about a proposed City Charter amendment establishing a dedicated food-security fund. She explained that a dedicated revenue source, potentially a fixed share of property-tax collections, would provide a predictable annual allocation rather than relying on discretionary appropriations. The fund might operate similarly to the climate-resilience fund, with the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services technically managing the money and another office determining its use. However, she confirmed that no administering department had yet been selected and said she would investigate whether any existing city department specifically handles agriculture. Online participant Jenny May Perry cautioned that food-distribution programs may affect grocery supply and prices for shoppers who do not use those services, adding to pressures from tariffs and supply shortages.
Boxcar Lot, Park-and-Ride, and Waikele Storm Debris
Councilmember Weyer’s office acknowledged that the boxcar lot again needed maintenance and said a service request would be submitted, while noting that the nearby park-and-ride appeared to have been maintained by the Department of Facility Maintenance. A Village Park resident asked for an updated development timeline for the boxcar lot project presented to the board in June 2023, including the proposed child-care facility. Anaya agreed to coordinate with the relevant city agencies, including the departments associated with community services and transportation, and report back. The office also reported fallen trees, branches, and storm debris at Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park or the referenced Waikele park area on Lumiʻaina Street; city crews anticipated removing the damaged tree and storm debris by the end of the year and asked residents for patience.
Dog Regulation, Park Uses, and Cultural Stewardship
A representative of Councilmember Val Okimoto summarized several pending measures. Bill 16, 2026, CD2 would strengthen penalties for violations involving dogs, including off-leash animals and repeat offenses, following work with the Department of Customer Services and Hawaiian Humane Society. In response to a board question, the representative said aggressive or persistent barking could also be addressed through applicable noise rules. Bill 30, 2026, CD1 would amend city park regulations to permit nonprofit farmers markets and food-distribution events. Bill 31, 2026, CD2 would authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to establish a formal stewardship program for cultural sites located in public parks, such as the Mauna Lahilahi Cultural Garden in Mākaha, and create a process for adding sites to the program.
Storm Cleanup Delays and Halloween Activities
Councilmember Okimoto’s office advised that repeated flooding and tropical storms had delayed Department of Facility Maintenance work involving downed trees, sidewalks, drainage ditches, and other public areas. Residents were asked to remain patient and contact council offices when specific problems required follow-up. The office also publicized a free trunk-or-treat event at the Mililani YMCA, featuring decorated vehicles, games, food, and children’s activities in a controlled parking-lot setting. Families participating in neighborhood trick-or-treating were encouraged to incorporate reflective material into costumes to make children more visible to motorists.
Plantation Village Cleanup and Community Participation
Kaio Kealoha-Lindsay, representing Councilmember Augie Tulba, announced a cleanup near Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village in response to earlier board concerns about a discarded couch, tree debris, and roadside trash. Preparatory work was scheduled for November 13, followed by the community cleanup on November 14. A resident asked when a community garden would be started at the plantation village; the representative said he was not aware of a current garden project and clarified that the November activity was focused on debris and trash removal. Sakura Thompson, representing a nonprofit network involving faith-based, business, and community organizations, asked about partnership opportunities. The office welcomed additional volunteers, agreed to obtain her contact information, and expressed interest in continuing collaboration on future cleanups.
Speeding, Mopeds, Trees, and Abandoned Vehicles
Councilmember Tulba’s office reported that a resident had complained about speeding on Kahuanui Street. HPD checked the area but did not observe violations, although officers installed a speed-monitoring trailer to encourage compliance. Residents also reported noisy moped riders gathering near Honowai Neighborhood Park in the evenings. Police had not located the group and asked residents to call immediately when the activity occurs so officers can respond while the riders are present. An uprooted tree on Kahuanui Street had also lifted and damaged the sidewalk; the city was waiting for urban forestry crews to remove the stump before sidewalk repairs could begin. On Hoʻomaikaʻi Street, HPD addressed a cluster of problematic vehicles by towing approximately four, citing three, and marking one as abandoned.
Leoku Street Crosswalks and St. Joseph School Safety
A constituent requested greater pedestrian visibility on Leoku Street through flashing beacons and possibly an additional crosswalk because existing crossings are spaced far apart. Councilmember Tulba’s office referred the request to the Department of Transportation Services for technical review. The office also responded to an encampment directly behind St. Joseph School after the principal reported disruptive behavior and concerns for students and staff. HPD cleared the encampment and planned to maintain a visible presence at the school through career fairs and other activities intended to discourage further disturbances and strengthen campus safety.
Kunia Interchange Environmental Review
Henry Kennedy of the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation announced an environmental-study public scoping open house for the Kunia Interchange Improvements Project. The in-person event was scheduled for November 18 at Kaleiʻopuʻu Elementary School, with registration beginning at 5 p.m. and open-house hours from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting would allow residents to learn about proposed improvements, comment on the environmental study, and understand the environmental-review process and project timeline. A virtual session was scheduled for November 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., overlapping with the next Waipahu Neighborhood Board meeting. Kennedy corrected the project contact information and said the proper email address was connect@kuniainterchange.com.
Waipahu High School Athletics and Emergency-Ready Care Homes
State Representative Corey Chun congratulated the Waipahu Marauders girls’ volleyball team for winning the Oʻahu Interscholastic Association Division II championship, the school’s first such title in 51 years, after a notable comeback in the fifth set. He also discussed an October 17 emergency-preparedness town hall hosted with Senator Lamasal and Representative Daisy Hartsfield. The discussion centered on Act 146, which appropriated $1 million to the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency for a pilot program to harden adult residential care homes. Lessons from the Lahaina disaster showed that residents with major medical and mobility needs may be safer sheltering in place than attempting evacuation. Care-home operators would need to apply and permit an assessment of their facilities, with priority expected for homes in flood zones, wildfire-prone areas, or other high-risk locations. In response to a question, Chun confirmed that generators and backup power for residents who depend on oxygen or respirators could be considered, although the limited appropriation means improvements would be prioritized according to each facility’s assessed needs. If successful, the program could be continued or expanded.
Farrington Highway All-Way Crosswalk Proposal
Representative Chun also reported progress on a proposal originating with Waipahu High School students to improve the Farrington Highway intersection in front of the school. The Legislature provided funding for the Department of Transportation to study all-way pedestrian crossings, with the Waipahu High School intersection expected to be the first location examined. An all-way crossing would stop traffic in every direction during the pedestrian phase, helping students reach school and residents access nearby bus stops. State officials planned to inspect the site with DOT, although existing curb extensions or traffic islands could complicate the design and would need to be evaluated before determining feasibility.
District 37 Legislative Outreach and Community Projects
Representative Trish La Chica’s office launched its 2027 pre-legislative survey for residents of Mililani, Waipiʻo Gentry, and Crestview, inviting residents to identify priorities and submit legislative proposals by December 15. The office noted that La Chica received the 2026 Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Advocate of the Year award for her work supporting children and families and participated in a Constitution Day panel at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu on government, public service, and community decision-making. Her staff also highlighted the Mililani High School homecoming parade and acknowledged Waipahu’s homecoming celebration. Approximately 50 volunteers from community groups, HPD, schools, and local organizations repainted and refreshed Mililani’s Rainbow Tunnel; the office had received requests for similar projects at Waipiʻo tunnels and invited partnership proposals. The report also recognized Filipino American History Month and the illumination of state and city buildings in blue, yellow, white, and red, representing the Philippine flag. Because the district’s Capitol office was undergoing renovations, constituents were advised to contact staff by phone or email.
Other Legislative Offices
Senator Lamasal’s office notified the board that the senator could not attend but remained available to answer questions. A representative attended on behalf of Representative Daisy Hartsfield and offered to relay community concerns, although none were raised. No representatives were present from Governor Josh Green, Senator Bass, Representative Elijah Pierick, Congressman Ed Case, or Congresswoman Jill Tokuda. The Board of Water Supply also did not provide a report, and board members reported no attendance at other meetings requiring an update.
Next Meeting and Broadcast Schedule
The board announced that its next regular meeting would be held Thursday, November 19, 2026, at the Filipino Community Center, one week earlier than the usual schedule because of the Thanksgiving holiday. The board would recess in December. Meeting rebroadcasts were scheduled on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 on the second Saturday of each month at 9 p.m. and the fourth Sunday at 9 a.m. The meeting adjourned after completion of announcements.