Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting NOVEMBER 2025 Agenda

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Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting NOVEMBER 2025 Agenda
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Type: Community
Date: Wednesday - 11/12/2025
Time: 7:00pm
Location:
Pālolo Elementary School Cafeteria
2106 10th Avenue
Honolulu, HI, 96816
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX
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Cost:

LAST MEETING NOTES - Click here to read Palolo Neighborhood Board OCTOBER 2025 Minutes minutes notes prior to the meeting scheduled below.

With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

PĀLOLO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 6

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.

PĀLOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA, 2106 10TH AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96816

AND VIA WEBEX

Video Recording of Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgLv_Fy9Fvo

Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mRIiZ-kR00PVW8z-q2zHi9L60YE1mXmR

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:09]: Chair Ranell Asuega-Fualaau called the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Quorum was not established with six members. Note: This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Randolph Hack, Darlene Nakayama, Andrew Phomsouvanh, Keenan Tydingco, Ranell Asuega-Fualaau, and Catalina Hanamura.

Board Member(s) Absent: Sean Aronson, Kaleolani, Leo, and Earl Shiraki.

Guests: Captain Kēhau Lau (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Miura (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Regina Malepeai (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Scott Nishimoto); Liam Chinn and Josh Frost (Reimagining Public Safety Hawaiʻi Coalition); Dan Dinell (Trees for Honolulu's Future); William Malina, Olivia Poblacion, Skye (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 15 total participants.

2. MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:00:41]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- [0:00:27]: Captain Kēhau Lau from the Pālolo Fire Station (First Watch) highlighted the following:

• September 2025 Statistics: There were 2 activated alarm, 43 medical emergencies, 3 motor vehicle crash/collisions, 1 mountain rescue, and 1 hazardous materials incident.

• Safety Tip -- Seasonal Decorations: Use fire-resistant, non-combustible decorations; choose UL-approved electrical decorations; follow manufacturer instructions; use lights in good repair; turn off lights before leaving home/bed; do not overload power strips.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sVp90C7qBeYTN4ixuPhRyuGKrj_hwkti/view?usp=sharing

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- [0:02:20]: Lieutenant Miura from District 7 highlighted the following:

• September 2025 Statistics: There were 6 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs), and 5,864 total calls for service.

• Safety Tip -- Pedestrian and Driver Awareness: Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers; use caution at intersections; do not walk behind vehicles with reverse lights on. Drivers should watch for pedestrians hidden by stopped vehicles; anticipate challenges for elders and young children crossing streets.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [0:03:52]: Dominic highlighted the following:

• September 2025 Main Breaks: One main break (4-inch) fronting 1835 10th Avenue; repair completed.

• Waiomao Homestead Road 8-inch Waterline: Final chlorination and activation is still pending, then Palolo WSI Part III Contractor will mobilize to begin work.

• Palolo Water System Improvements -- Part Three: Contractor to mobilize after Waiomao activation; scope includes back of the valley near Pālolo Avenue (Carlos Long area) and nearby smaller streets.

o Coordination with Pālolo Chinese Home: Contractor will proactively coordinate any temporary shutdowns during service connections and arrange water wagons/alternate supply as needed.

• General Annoucement: BWS is requesting community kōkua to conserve water by 20% due to lower-than-normal rainfall and high demand. Tips: turn off taps while brushing/shaving, shorten showers, use hose nozzles, irrigate in early mornings, and see https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/ for more conservation ideas.

• Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YbiWvNxKDV29bLcAaf01XwHhxmUdct3_/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

3. BOARD BUSINESS -- [0:08:48]

Approval of Minutes for Wednesday, August 13, 2025 -- [0:08:52]: Due to lack of quorum, the approval of the minutes was deferred to next month's meeting.

Filling of Vacancies -- [0:09:15]: Deferred due to lack of quorum; The Chair announced vacancies in the following areas: one (1) for At-Large, one (1) for Sub-district One, and two (2) for Sub-district Two.

Discussion for Department of Parks and Recreation Letter for On-/Off Leash Dog Parks Feedback -- [0:09:53]: The Chair asked if there were any comments or concerns regarding the DPR letter requesting for community feedback about allowing dog access (on-leash or off-leash) at Pālolo Valley District Park and the Waiomao Slide Area. Board discussion noted strong dog ownership in the area, the need to balance park field space, and the importance of clear rules and public outreach. Chair reminded everyone that the next meeting would be the last opputunity for Board feedback before DPRʻs submission deadline of November 21, 2025.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:10:49]:

1. Dog Park Type: Board Member Phomsouvanh asked whether DPR is proposing on-leash or off-leash. Chair replied either option is under consideration and that DPR is opening up discussion if the community is interested in having a park that allows dogs.

2. Community Consideration: Board Member Phomsouvanh expressed support, with concerns about field space and the need for clear rules and community awareness.

4. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:13:00]

Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaiʻi -- [0:13:00]: Liam Chinn and Josh Frost (Reimagining Public Safety Hawaiʻi Coalition) provided a presentation to educate communities and answer questions about public safety altnernatives to the status quo of policing, criminalization, and incarceration. The presentation highlighted the following:

• Context: Rising concerns around homelessness, untreated mental illness, drug use, and the cost of living; shortages of affordable housing and treatment capacity.

• Jail vs. Prison: Jails (e.g., OCCC) primarily hold people awaiting trial or serving short sentences; many are low-level/non-violent; incarceration costs roughly $112,000 per person per year.

• Strategy:

o Expand permanent supportive housing (approx. $30,000/person/year) with 24/7 behavioral health and substance-use services.

o Strengthen mobile crisis response (behavioral health worker + EMT) to handle non-violent calls and free police to focus on serious/violent crime.

o Invest in community-based mental health and drug treatment, youth development, workforce training, violence interruption, and restorative justice.

• Call to Action: Oppose a proposed ~$1B "super jail" expansion to replace OCCC; advocate for a smaller replacement facility and historic investments in housing and services that reduce incarceration.

• Contact: For further information please email reimaginesafetyhawaii@gmail.com or check out their social media pages on Instagram and Facebook.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:27:39]:

1. Coalition Background and Activity: Chair Asuega-Fualaau asked how long has the coalition operated and where is it focus? Mr. Chinn replied the coalition began in 2021 and has grown markedly in the last two years, increasing presence at the Legislature and City Council. The coalition is active statewide; coordinating many organizations to advocate policy and funding shifts.

2. Current Status of Mobile Crisis Response: Chair Asuega-Fualaau asked if the mobile crisis response operates locally. Mr. Chinn replied Honolulu's CORE program exists but currently deploys EMTs without a behavioral health partner; best-practice models pair both roles. He shared the program is new, underfunded, and temporary; coalition is recommending adjustments to align with proven models.

3. Coalition Staffing & Structure: Chair Asuega-Fualaau asked who staffs the coalition? Mr. Chinn replied that the coalition is a network of ~15 independent organizations; the coalition has one facilitator; members contribute capacity from their own organizations. Some of the groups that are included in the coalition is Project Vision, ACLU, Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction, professors, and community leaders.

4. Supportive Housing Cost and Eligibility: How does funding for permanent supportive housing work and who qualifies? Mr. Chinn replied the government covers the ~$30K/year for housing plus services; residents start free and, when stabilized, may pay a nominal monthly fee. People who are homeless and have behavioral health need are eligible. Mr. Frost noted permanent supportive housing reduces recidivism and is far more cost-effective than jail.

5. Coalition's Opposition For a New Jail: Board Member Phomsouvanh asked why does the coalition oppose a larger new jail if the current one is outdated/overcrowded? Mr. Chinn and Mr. Frost provided a response highlighting the coalition supports replacing OCCC conditions but opposes expanding capacity; urges a smaller facility and major investments in diversion, treatment, and housing to reduce jail populations.

6. Status for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training for Police Officers: Board Member Hack noted that the CIT training should be mandatory for police officers to help them in situations with emotionally disturbed individuals. Mr. Chinn replied the coalition supports expanding/mandating CIT training but emphasizes diverting appropriate calls to behavioral health responders. The training helps officers de-escalate behavioral health crises; however, it is currently voluntary and limited in uptake.

Trees for Pālolo Updates -- [0:46:00]: Dan Dinell (Trees for Honolulu's Future) highlighted the following:

• Initiative Goals:

o Increase tree numbers to deliver environmental and community benefits.

o Advance food security and community resilience (aligning with the Board's prior community garden resolution).

o Build sustainable stewardship so efforts continue post-grant.

• Recent Work: Planted 10 trees at Pālolo District Park (with DPR), held a blessing, and installed temporary educational tree signs with the City's Community Forester.

• Get Involved: Community participation encouraged; planning discussions with the City's Division of Urban Forestry on food sustainability and potential community classes on propagating fruit trees (e.g., ʻulu, lemon, mango).

• Exceptional Trees Program (50th year): Overview of criteria, limited tax deduction for maintenance, and protections. Pālolo currently has zero registered Exceptional Trees; community help is requested to nominate worthy trees.

• Contact: To get involved, email treesforpalolo@treesforhonolulu.org.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:54:16]:

1. Drier Regions: Board Member Hack asked can Exceptional Trees thrive in dry areas like Waiʻanae? Mr. Dinell replied many appropriate species can meet program criteria regardless of rainfall; program seeks greater species diversity beyond commonly listed trees. He also shared nominations from underrepresented areas and varied species (e.g., Hala) are encouraged.

5. RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [0:56:35]: No concerns at this time.

6. ELECTED OFFICIALS -- [0:56:50]

Congressman Ed Case's Representative -- [0:56:50]: No representative present.

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto -- [0:56:57]: Kylie Tokujo announced:

• Azama Park Clean Up: Community park cleanup scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• To sign-up for Councilmember Nishimoto's e-blast please go to: http://eepurl.com/dl6xMz

• For questions or concerns please email: scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov or call the office at 808-768-5005.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:57:52]

1. Pālolo Valley District Park Lights: Chair Asuega-Fualaau requested an update and asked to confirm whether planning has begun, specifically noting the lights in the tennis courts area. Ms. Tokujo replied she will follow up with the Board.

2. Albizia Concerns on Narcissus Street: Board Member Tydingco asked whether constituent connection/progress occurred following earlier reports at last monthʻs board meeting about Albizia trees on Narcissus. Ms. Tokujo confirmed contact with resident and submitted a request for the concern to the respected city department; a follow-up will be provided next month.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [1:00:26]: Regina Malepeai highlighted the following:

• Honolulu Charter Commission: Once-a-decade review of the City Charter; public proposals due by November 7, 2025; community meetings scheduled in October. For further information please visit https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/charter-commission.

• Follow up on Private Roads (Hinahina St. and Maluhia St.):

o DFM maintains Hinahina Street and Maluia Street under ROH Article 14-17. The ordinance regarding Maintenance of Private Streets and Roads can be found at: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/honolulu/latest/honolulu/0-0-0-10255#JD_Ch.14Art.17

o For private street maintenance requests: Use Honolulu 311 app, email dfmroads@honolulu.gov, or call 808-768-7777.

o Abandoned vehicles: Addressed by the City's Department of Customer Services.

o For ownership questions: A title company may be needed to determine private ownership.

o DFM/City maintenance covers in-kind pavement surface repairs; major subsurface defects remain the responsibility of private owners (if a private road).

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u_taJcQXx0x1s87blAA8E_i7fJvH7gwU/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:05:19]:

1. Transit Fare Updates: Board Member Hack asked when will the Rate Commission publish new TheBus and Skyline fares and requested notice of any roposed major changes. Ms. Malepeai will follow up and keep the Board informed.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [1:06:29]: No representative present at this time.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s-kbODvH37-ZNUrI2jOslbfxlkwBA02f/view?usp=drive_link

Representative Jackson Sayama -- [1:06:29]: No representative present at this time.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- [1:06:52]: No representative present at this time.

7. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [1:07:00]

Next Meetings -- Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6: The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Pālolo Elementary School and online via WebEx.

Coqui Frogs and Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles Presentation: Why They Matter to Our Kūpuna: Pālolo Chinese Home presents a special community education session in partnership with Hawaii Department of Agiculture and Biosecurity, Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee, and the Pālolo Neighbrhood Board to educate the Pālolo community on what efforts are being done to address these invasive species. Board Member Nakayama shared the November meeting is being widely promoted and encouraged all board embers to attend in-person to support anticipated increased public attendance. Pālolo Chinese Home will be presenting refreshments for attendees, please confirm your attendance, RSVP by:

• Emailing events@palolohome.org or scanning the QR code on the flyer at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1upatx9_6H8EI3SndzSN0TL2Kokm_mHHU/view?usp=drive_link

ʻŌlelo Rebroadcasts: Rebroadcasts of the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No.6 meetings are scheduled each month on ʻŌlelo channel 49 on the fourth Thursday at 9:00 p.m. and the first and third Sundays at 12:00 p.m. and that an archive of meetings may be found on https://olelo.org/olelonet/ by searching <Palolo>.

8. ADJOURNMENT -- [1:09:04] The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO

Finalized by: Darlene Nakayama, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No.6

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Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting NOVEMBER 2025 Agenda

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