Palolo Neighborhood Board AUGUST 2025 Minutes

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Palolo Neighborhood Board AUGUST 2025 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 10/8/2025.

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

PĀLOLO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 6
DRAFT INITIAL CONVENING MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 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=pO6Frp_u8VE

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:08]: Chair Ranell Asuega-Fualaau called the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Eight (8) members present. Quorum was established. Note: This 9-member Board requires five (5) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Sean Aronson, Randolph Hack, Kaleolani Leo, Darlene Nakayama, Andrew Phomsouvanh, Earl Shiraki, Keenan Tydingco, Ranell Asuega-Fualaau, and Catalina Lizarraga (Appointed).

Board Member(s) Absent: None.

Guests: Captain Kēhau Lau (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Miura (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Robbie Snyder (Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee); Regina Malepeai (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Kiele Amundson (Governor Josh Green); Councilmember Scott Nishimoto, Kylie Tokujo (City Council District 5); Representative Jackson Sayama (State House District 21); Senator Ihara (State Senate District 10); JoAnn Nishiki, Philip Akiu, Cardenas Pintor, Jay Hanamura, Rodney Arias, Patty Takahashi (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 22 total participants.

2. MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:00:17]

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

• July 2025 Statistics: There were 2 structure fires, 1 activated alarm, 28 medical emergencies, 3 motor vehicle collisions, and 1 hazardous materials incident in July 2025.

• Safety Tip -- Emergency Notifications and Resources: Understanding how you'll be alerted during urgent emergencies and knowing where to find accurate, official information is a key part of being prepared. There are two different alert methods: (1) Opt-in methods that notify individuals who have signed up to receive alerts via text, email, or app push notifications based on user preferences; and (2) Public alert and warning systems that deliver urgent life-saving information during immediate threats to public safety. Learn more at https://www.honolulu.gov/dem/stay-informed/

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/151jpqKZVtNYE1P9mpICp_NY2URV4rICT/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:02:00]

1. Tsunami Warning Sirens: Board member Hack asked if sirens were audible from the fire station during the recent tsunami warning. Captain Lau was not present during the warning but noted that HFD had resources ready to respond and had moved equipment to the field in case they needed to clear roads and pathways.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- [0:03:38]: Lieutenant Miura from District 7 provided the report and highlighted the following:

• July 2025 Statistics: There were 6 motor vehicle thefts, 3 burglaries, 4 thefts, 6 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs), and 5,662 total calls for service.

• Safety Tip: With school back in session, Lieutenant Miura provided safety tips for bicyclists and pedestrians, particularly children. For bicyclists: wear helmets and bright colored clothing or reflective vests, and teach children to make eye contact with drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists. For pedestrians: be aware that children are impulsive and may act without realizing dangers around them, and that children are smaller in stature making them harder for drivers to see. He also advised removing drawstrings from children's clothing as they can get caught in playground equipment and other hazards.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:05:19]

1. Community Appreciation: Board Member Phomsouvanh thanked HPD for their work, noting that Pālolo was in the news the previous week and he had heard good things about the police response.

2. Speed Enforcement Request: Board member Shiraki expressed concerns about speeding on 10th Avenue near the Pālolo Chinese Home, where the speed limit is 15 mph but drivers often travel at 35 mph. He requested increased patrols around 3:00-4:00 p.m. and suggested adding another speed limit sign on the Pālolo Chinese Home's wall where it would be more visible. Lieutenant Miura agreed to look into increasing patrols in the area.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [0:08:56]: Dominic Dias provided the report and highlighted the following:

• July 2025 Main Breaks: There were two water main breaks in July 2025: one on July 10 involving an 8-inch main fronting 3411 Kaau Street, and another on July 24 involving an 8-inch main fronting 1317 9th Avenue.

• Project Updates:

1. Waiomao Homestead Road: Installation is complete, and the contractor is waiting to chlorinate the installed mains before switching services.

2. Pālolo Water System Improvements Part Three: The contractor has received notice to proceed and is currently ordering materials. This project will replace water mains in the back portion of the valley along Pālolo Avenue from the Carlos Long area to 10th Avenue, including smaller streets such as Kauhana Street, Kaalani Place, Kaululoa Place, Makanani Place, and Holomua Place.

• General Annoucement -- Water Wisdom Program: BWS has started a program to support condominiums, townhouses, residents, and property managers in reducing water usage through on-site or virtual presentations, water audits for communal areas, personalized audits for kupuna (seniors) 60 years and older, and conservation materials. More information is available at https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/waterwisdom.

• Letter for Pālolo Water Systems Improvements Part Three: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AKXK0T4jS_eWHR2KKjsam6Ee1x4kNLHZ/view?usp=drive_link

• Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c9SusMa4yQTTXO-npncaJ-p-4D4__11W/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:11:52]:

1. Service Interruptions: Board Member Hack asked about potential water shutoffs during the planned work starting on August 16. Mr. Dias explained that shutoffs are typically limited to 6-8 hours when transferring service from old mains to new ones. He agreed to follow up regarding potential impacts to Pālolo Chinese Home, noting that BWS typically takes special precautions when working near hospitals.

2. Water Wisdom Program Contact: A board member requested contact information for the Water Wisdom program. Mr. Dias provided the phone number for the BWS communciation office that runs the program at (808) 748-5041.

3. BOARD BUSINESS -- [0:14:15]

Approval of Minutes for Wednesday, May 14, 2025 and Wednesday, July 9, 2025 -- [0:14:16]: Hack MOVED and Phomsouvanh SECONDED to approve the May 2025 and July 2025 minutes. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Aronson, Hack, Leo, Nakayama, Phomsouvanh, Shiraki, Tydingco, Asuega-Fualaau; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:14:55].

Filling of Vacancies -- [0:14:55]: The Chair announced vacancies in the following areas: one (1) At-Large, one (1) Sub-district One, two (2) Sub-district Two, and one (1) Sub-district Four.

• Sub-district Four -- One (1) Vacancy [0:16:00]: Catalina Lizarraga (soon to be Catalina Hanamura) volunteered to fill the vacancy and introduced herself.

[0:17:17] -- Phomsouvanh nominated Catalina Lizarraga to fill the subdistrict 4 seat. Hearing no further nominations, the Board conducted a roll-call vote. Catalina Lizarraga was elected to fill the subdistrict 4 seat; 8-0-0 (Lizarraga: Aronson, Hack, Leo, Nakayama, Phomsouvanh, Shiraki, Tydingco, Asuega-Fualaau; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:19:40].

[0:19:40] -- Hearing no objections, Chair Asuega-Fualaau called for a recess to allow the Neighborhood Assistant to swear in the newly appointed Board member.

[0:19:47] -- Chair Asuega-Fualaau called the meeting back to order.

Member Lizarraga joined the meeting at 7:19 p.m.; 9 members present.

4. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:19:55]

Coqui Response in Pālolo -- [0:20:00]: Robbie Snyder, Community Liaison with the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC), provided an update on coqui frogs in Pālolo. He explained that OISC works on various invasive species across the island that are high priority and still capable of being eradicated or highly controlled. The coqui frog population in Pālolo is located in the middle of the valley along Waiomao Road. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) is taking the lead on this site, conducting monthly citric acid sprays of about 300 gallons on the mauka side of the population and responding on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to reports outside the known population. OISC supports DAB by conducting monthly sprays of 350-400 gallons on the makai side and monitoring coqui calls with sound devices before and after sprays. They are establishing an annual baseline of data to account for seasonality, reproductive cycles, weather events, and the effectiveness of citric application, with the one-year mark expected in January 2026.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:22:48]:

1. Citric Acid Supply: Board Member Hack asked if their budget allows for obtaining citric acid supplies. Mr. Snyder confirmed that funding for citric acid is consistent through the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, though he noted it is expensive. He mentioned that OISC could use additional funds for other needs, such as relocating their base yard to allow for hiring more personnel.

5. RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [0:24:00]

Albizia Trees -- [0:24:19]: JoAnn Nishiki (resident) reported that nothing has been done about fallen Albizia trees behind Narcissus Street despite previous notifications that the mayor's office would create a firebreak. She noted that more trees have fallen during recent high winds, and about half of the remaining Albizia trees are now brown with pods rather than green leaves. She displayed a collection of pods gathered since August 1 and expressed concern that the problem will worsen in the coming months. She urged addressing the issue before it becomes as severe as in Manoa.

Property Boundary and Water Pressure Issues -- [0:26:54]: Philip Akiu (resident) reported concerns about invasive Albizia trees growing on what might be state land, Board of Water Supply property, or Department of Land and Natural Resources property bordering his property. He described difficulties in determining which agency is responsible, with each referring him elsewhere. He noted a particular tree growing on the fence line that could hit houses if it collapses during high winds. He also mentioned ongoing low water pressure on Narcissus Street, an issue he had previously raised in March 2025.

Canal Debris -- [0:29:11]: Philip Akiu (resident) also reported that the canal behind his house is full of debris. He explained that a private company is contracted to clean only the front part where water accumulates at a grid, but debris from upstream continues to flow down. He has observed Board of Water Supply personnel rushing to clean the grid during heavy rains and expressed concern about potential overflow affecting houses downstream.

Community Event Announcement [0:31:02]: Rodney Arias (resident) shared that his church, Unified, along with five other churches, recently held a back-to-school bash for children living in Pālolo Homes. The event attracted over 200 children and 300+ families. He announced that the churches are planning another gathering on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Kaimuki Christian Church to pray for the community, schools, government, and state, and invited board members and community members to attend.

6. ELECTED OFFICIALS -- [0:33:00]

Congressman Ed Case's Representative -- [0:33:05]: No representative present.

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto -- [0:33:15]: Councilmember Nishimoto provided updates on previous inquiries:

• Pālolo Valley District Park Outdoor Lighting Court: The Department of Parks and Recreation reported it is in the "scope development process phase." This year's budget for the park includes gym renovations and a new roof for the pool pump building.

• Free Tax Preparation Clinic: A free tax preparation clinic will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. at 829 Pensacola Street, hosted by the Giving Circle Church.

• Narcissus Street Concerns: He offered to speak with residents after the meeting about concerns on city property, noting that his office has taken over from former councilmember Calvin Say's office.

• 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 kylie.tokujo@honolulu.gov or call the office at 808-768-5005.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:35:35]

1. Free Tax Clinic: Chair Asuega-Fualaau asked for details on the free tax clinic. Councilmember Nishimoto shared he will share the event flyer and for those signing-up, to bring all their tax papers. He shared the event he sponsored last year was popular and time slots were full to recieve tax help. Event flyer: https://www.hawaiitaxhelp.org/

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [0:36:16]: Regina Malepeai, Second Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting, introduced herself as the new Mayor's representative for the board and provided updates on several issues:

1. Private Roads in Pālolo: In response to a resident's inquiry about privately owned roads in the district, the Department of Design and Construction provided a list of approximately ten private roads, though the list is not definitive or conclusive. The following roads provided are (portions are in parentheses): Hardesty Street, Maluhia Street (Pūkele Avenue to 10th Avenue), Hinahina Street, Kēhau Place, Gardenia Street (2681 Gardenia Street to dead-end), Lāʻī Road (3002 Lāʻī Road to end), Hanakealoha Place (2318 Hanakealoha Place to dead-end), Helo Place, Kuahea Place, Makauliʻi Place, 9th Avenue (1420 9th Avenue to Pākuʻi Street).

2. Water Main Breaks: Regarding who pays for repaving after water main breaks, pipes are owned by the Board of Water Supply regardless of whether the road is private or city-owned. BWS makes repairs and hires private contractors for final paving, usually within 30 days, using rate-payer funds rather than property taxes. If pipes are privately owned and in a private road, homeowners would pay for both the break repair and paving.

3. Speed Limit Signs on 10th Avenue: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) completed an investigation of speed limit signage along 10th Avenue between Waialae and Pālolo Chinese Home. They found that current spacing of 25 mph signs complies with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. A review of traffic collision history did not reveal conditions requiring additional traffic control devices. However, they observed faded school crossing ahead signs and pavement markings and issued a work order to the Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM) for refreshing these markings (reference Paint & Sign Work Order [PSWO] 36731) to the. For updates regarding PSWO 36731, please contact DFM at 808-768-3622.

4. Fencing on Makai Side of 10th Avenue: Regarding the need for additional wire fencing along the sidewalk on 10th Avenue to prevent falls down the steep, vegetated slope, DFM is investigating whether existing railings should be extended or chain fencing installed.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FTwzHvsnJTufp6fpjHNTsSrcHapxLBuu/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:42:33]:

1. Maintenance for Private Roads: Board Member Phomsouvanh clarified that the constituent's question about private roads was related to the process for converting them to city roads for maintenance purposes and understanding current maintenance regulations.

2. Speed Limit Signs: Board Member Shiraki reiterated concerns about the 15 mph speed limit near Pālolo Chinese Home, suggesting that existing signs are not visible enough and requesting an additional sign on a pole next to Pālolo Chinese Home.

3. Fencing on Makai Side of 10th Avenue: Board Member Shiraki emphasized the need for continuous fencing along 10th Avenue to prevent people from falling down the steep slope.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [0:45:56]: Kiele Amundson, Communications Director with the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, provided updates from state agencies:

• Americans with Disabilities Act: On July 26, the Department of Health marked the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, honoring the disability rights movement and decades of advocacy.

• Fire Safety Tips: With summer's dry season posing fire threats, she advised residents to clear defensible spaces, remove dry vegetation and combustible materials from around structures, avoid burning debris or using open flames outdoors, clear gutters, know multiple evacuation routes, prepare emergency kits, and practice family evacuation plans.

• Legacy Land Conservation Program: The DLNR program is inviting grant applications for fiscal year 2026, with approximately $6.7 million available for preserving land with natural, environmental, recreational, scenic, cultural, agricultural, or historic value.

• Governor's Policy Book: Governor Green introduced his 2025 Hawaiʻi Policy Book outlining plans for housing, healthcare, public safety, and climate resilience. Details are available in his monthly newsletter "Ke Ala Hou" or online at https://governor.hawaii.gov/.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rSWUgAS0-xhyKeUnZogcy-mLr53akmt2/view?usp=drive_link

• For more tips on how to be prepared for any natural disasters, please visit: https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:48:39]:

1. Tsunami Warning Sirens: A board member expressed concern about the recent tsunami warning, noting confusion about the earthquake's magnitude and difficulty hearing sirens in Pālolo valley. He emphasized the importance of audible sirens, especially for locally generated tsunamis that leave little time for news reports. Ms. Amundson explained that while Pālolo is not in an inundation zone, making sirens there a lower priority, the Pālolo siren is in the maintenance log for next year.

2. Multiple Alert Methods: A resident emphasized the critical importance of sirens as a primary alert method, noting that many people, especially in high-rise buildings, rely on sirens as their first indication of an emergency. Ms. Amundson acknowledged this concern while explaining that the state maintains 418 sirens and encouraged residents to also sign up for Honolulu Alert, which provides real-time messaging to smartphones.

Representative Jackson Sayama -- [0:58:36]: Representative Sayama provide the report and highlighted the following:

• Gratitude: Representative Sayama thanked Robbie Snyder and the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee team for their work combating coqui frogs, noting he had accompanied them and witnessed the labor-intensive process. He promised to support funding to expand their operations. He also thanked Pālolo Hongwanji for their Bon Festival and the Pālolo Lions Club for their volunteers and participating organizations that helped make it a wonderful event.

• Ongoing Efforts: Representative Sayama addressed the siren issue, confirming he had received numerous concerns during the tsunami warning and would push to expedite siren projects. He discussed his ongoing work on labor and workforce development issues, including expanded funding for paid internship programs and a working group on paid family leave that will meet the following day.

• Follow-up Concerns: He also mentioned meeting with residents on 10th Avenue about concerns regarding someone feeding feral chickens, causing a population boom. He is exploring funding sources from DLNR for chicken traps or may use campaign funds to purchase cages from a service on Sand Island.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:02:29]:

1. Siren Timeline: Board Member Hack noted that a 60-day timeline for siren action had been previously mentioned but not met. Representative Sayama confirmed that his office had received information that the Pālolo siren was on a list to be completed within 30-60 days and promised to follow up on the exact timeline, emphasizing the urgency of the matter given the confusion during the recent tsunami warning.

2. Siren Importance: Board Member Shiraki reiterated the critical importance of sirens as the first line of alert for emergencies, noting he had been advocating for functioning sirens for over two years.

3. Paid Family Leave Working Group: Board Member Aronson asked if the paid family leave working group would be public. Representative Sayama explained that initially, it would be limited to working group members due to the complexity of the issue, but they hope to solicit public input later, possibly in November or December.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- [1:07:08]: Senator Ihara provided the report and highlighted the following:

• Interim: Senator Ihara explained that since the legislature adjourned in May, they will not return to regular session until January 18, 2026. During the interim, he is listening to community concerns, particularly those that might require legislation, and sometimes acts as an intermediary with executive branch agencies. He mentioned the possibility of a special session in October or November, likely tied to the continuing resolution in Congress that funds a partial budget. He expressed confidence in Hawaii's congressional delegation but noted high uncertainty regarding federal politics.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:09:12]:

1. Medicaid Projection: A board member asked about the status of Quest or Medicaid projections and whether they would require a special session. Senator Ihara explained there are concerns about potential cuts and how to accommodate them within current budgets. While the federal administration claims there were no cuts to Medicaid, state officials believe there will be effects and eventual cuts that could impact access to medical care. He expressed confidence in the governor's team and their coordination with the congressional delegation.

7. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [1:11:00]

Next Meetings -- Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 -- [1:11:00]: Initially, Chair Asuega-Fualaau announced the next meeting would be on September 10, 2025. However, Senator Ihara noted that according to the July 9, 2025, minutes, the board had voted unanimously to recess in September 2025, January 2026, and June 2026. After checking, Chair Asuega-Fualaau confirmed this was correct and announced that the next meeting would instead be on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Pālolo Elementary School and online via WebEx.

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 online.

8. ADJOURNMENT -- [1:13:33] The meeting was adjourned in at 8:18 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO

Finalized by:

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Palolo Neighborhood Board AUGUST 2025 Minutes

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