Palolo Neighborhood Board FEBRUARY 2026 Minutes

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Palolo Neighborhood Board FEBRUARY 2026 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 3/11/2026.

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, FEBRUARY 11, 2026 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=DKd6jD9Pmv8

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:01:16]: Chair Ranell Asuega-Fualaau called the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was established with nine (9) members present. Note: This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

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

Board Member(s) Absent: None.

Guests: Captain Chris Miller (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Miura (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Scott Nishimoto); Robbie Snyder, Nate Dube (Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee); Jonathan Ho (Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity); Representative Jackson Sayama (State House District 21); Sage Murakami (Oʻahu Resilience Hub Learning Community); Mike Buck (C.O.R.E); Kimeona Kane (Waimānalo Neighborhood Board); Angie Knight (Neighborhood Commission Board), Juanita Liu, Leolani Iwaki (Bus Route 200 Resolution); Julia Berlin, Grifford Tom, Jackie Carroll, Kelsie Kuniyoshi, Lorraine Waianuhea, Sidney Lynch, Drew Matsumoto, Yutuka Chino, Bill Claboru, Hoku Akiu, Ryan Tabata, Jesi Andrach, Douglas Emoto, Maya Matsuoka, Waileia Roster, Cade Roster, Genevieve Krause, Pono M., Madi Masen, Aaron Erickson, Lndsey Garnick, James Hayes, Carol Leeland, E. Kaualilinoa Kama, Lucas Arnold, John Ogai, ʻAlihilani Katoa, Soo Sun Choe, Michael Shiromi, Kaʻimi Nicholson, Arianna Bow, Matthew Chung, Taylor Engle, Kristen Nakamura, Josh Stanbro, Schuyler Cole, Kenna Reed, Derek Turbin, Jackie Lau, Andrea Charuk, Jaimie Hijii, Ryan Chang, Kanoa Zapata, Joel Rooroguel, Pomai Stone, Maureen Izon, Craig Clent, William Malina, Joann Nishiki, Philip Akiu, Reuben Asuega, Dahlia Asuega, William Tatola, Joann Fujio, Olivia P. (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 79 total participants.

2. MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:03:36]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- [0:03:36]: Captain Chris Miller from Pālolo Fire Station highlighted the following:

• January 2026 Statistics: 1 activated alarm (no fire), 31 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle crash/collision.

• Safety Tip -- Call 911 First: HFD reminds the public to call 911 first in an emergency. Do not drive to the nearest fire station, as crews may be responding to other calls or on duty. When calling 911, provide your initial need (police, fire, or EMS) and an accurate address. HFD can also receive 911 text messages, which is especially helpful in low-reception areas such as during hiking.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DqaJGzSBRvVPD82k7Cdl68MVzA_YoQ0V/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:05:21]:

1. Incident Statistics vs. Average: Resident Kaimi Nicholson asked how does the January statistics compare to the monthly average. Captain Miller explained that medical calls typically make up 80--85% of total calls, and that January's total of 31 medicals was slightly below the average, which can fluctuate monthly.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- [0:07:00]: Lieutenant Miura highlighted the following:

• January 2026 Statistics: 11 motor vehicle thefts; 6 burglaries; 13 thefts; 1 unathorized entries of motor vehicles; and 5,804 total calls for service.

• Safety Tips -- Flash Flood Preparedness: Do not allow children near streams or drainage ditches during heavy rain. Avoid driving through flooded areas as road damage may not be visible. Keep one gallon of water per person per day on hand for emergencies. Maintain medical supplies and a first aid kit. Use HNL Info to stay informed on weather advisories and traffic bulletins

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:08:23]:

1. Police Presence at Pālolo District Park: Resident Jesse expressed concern about ongoing partying and altercations in the Pālolo District Park parking lot at night, as well as a previous break-in on her property. She requested increased police presence in the area. Lt. Miura acknowledged the request and confirmed that officers proactively patrol known hotspots in Pālolo. He encouraged residents to continue calling 911 when witnessing illegal activity.

2. HPD Policy on ICE/DHS/HSI Immigration Operations: Board Member Tydingco asked about HPD's policy regarding coordination with DHS, HSI, or ICE immigration operations in the community, and whether any such operations had occurred in Pālolo recently. Lt. Miura stated he had no information about any department participation in immigration operations and that no directive had come down from HPD command. He clarified that at the patrol level, HPD does not regularly work with federal agencies, though other divisions within the department may.

3. Speed Monitoring Equipment (Radar/Laser): Board Member Shiraki asked if HPD could lend the speed-detection device (laser) for use on the road to measure vehicle speeds. Lt. Miura explained that use of the laser requires official certification and the ability to testify in court, making it unavailable for public lending, though HPD offered to assist in other ways.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [0:17:20]: Dominic Dias highlighted the following:

• Main Breaks: 1 main break reported for January 2026 on Ahe Street.

• Waiomao Homestead Road 8-inch Waterline: Final chlorination and activation is still pending, then Palolo WSI Part III Contractor will mobilize to begin work. Residents can contact BWS Communication Office at 808-748-5041.

• BWS Conservation 2026 Calendar: The annual poster and poetry competition is open through February 27th and entries are for students K-12.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:19:47]:

1. Water System Vulnerability to Power Outages: Board Member Hack asked whether the water pumping system is vulnerable to electrical outages and what backup systems are in place. Mr. Dias explained that more remote parts of the system (ridges, back valleys) rely on pumps to fill hillside reservoirs. BWS has conducted an infrastructure study and implemented a generator deployment program, pre-positioning generators at critical service points during storm conditions. Permanent generators have also been installed at major water source facilities, and BWS continues to pursue federal funding for additional generators.

3. BOARD BUSINESS -- [0:22:08]

Approval of Minutes for Wednesday, December 10, 2025 -- [0:22:08]: Phomsouvanh MOVED and Nakayama SECONDED to approve the December 2025 minutes. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Aronson, Hack, Hanamura, Leo, Nakayama, Phomsouvanh, Shiraki, Tydingco, Asuega-Fualaau; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:20:17].

Filling of Vacancies -- [0:22:51]: Chair Asuega-Fualaau announced vacancies in the following areas: one (1) At-Large, one (1) Sub-district One, and two (2) Sub-district Two. No volunteers at this time.

Action on Resolution Regarding Bus Route 200 -- [0:23:41]: Residents Leolani Iwaki and Juanita Liu presented on the resolution regarding Bus Route 200. They provided a brief explanation of the purpose of the resolution and issues they have with the new route. Resolutions supporting route adjustment have been passed by Diamond Head and Kaimukī Neighborhood Boards.

• Resolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gcw3kV7xtJLY3f3fC66ZI16-67AuQoEo/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

[0:24:17] -- Nakayama MOVED and Shiraki SECONDED to support the Resolution Regarding Bus Route 200 as written. Further discussion followed. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Aronson, Hack, Hanamura, Leo, Nakayama, Phomsouvanh, Shiraki, Tydingco, Asuega-Fualaau; Abstain: None; Nay: None.) -- [0:37:23].

Action on Resolution Regarding Cell Towers -- [0:37:57]: Community member Liz Tatola presented on the resolution regarding 5G cell tower proliferation since 2019. She raised concerns about electromagnetic field (EMF) health impacts--including fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, and immunity issues--and cited studies showing potential harm from prolonged EMF exposure. The resolution presented closely mirrors one passed by Hawai'i County, with updates to reflect current legislation. Board members raised questions about the scope of the resolution and expressed concern about balancing health considerations with the need for adequate cell coverage in Pālolo Valley, particularly in the back of the valley where reception is already poor. There was confusion about whether the resolution addressed cessation of the 5G buildout versus increased monitoring and regulation. Chair Asuega-Fualaau suggested to defer any action on the resolution and recommended for board members to review the resolution and the related research materials on the board's Google Drive prior to the next meeting.

4. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:50:35]

Oʻahu Resilience Hub Learning Community -- [0:50:40]: Sage Murakami, (Pālolo resident, UH Manoa Graduate Student, Oʻahu Resilience Hub Learning Community Staffer) highlighted the following:

• Oʻahu Resilience Hub Learning Community (HLC): A community of practice dedicated to supporting the development of resilience hubs on O'ahu and connecting the ecosystem of resilience surrounding them. Mr. Murakami went over the types of hubs, mission, partnerships, goals, networks, and models. HLC provides support, resources and information that hubs can use.

• Membership and Participation: A QR code was provided for HLC membership signup, and a hub registration form is available for existing or prospective hubs.

• Upcoming 2026 Summit and Seasonal Training Events: The Oʻahu Resilience Hub Summit is scheduled for the first weekend in June 2026, with trainings on basics of being a hub, resources and skills, building community, volunteer management, and next steps. Mr. Murakami also shared upcoming seasonal training events open to those on the steering committee or leadership team. For more information, please email cerene15@hawaii.edu.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:02:00]:

1. Existing Networks in Pālolo: Resident Josh Stanbro asked if any networks in the valley are already part of the HLC. Mr. Murakmi confirmed that no hubs have been formally identified in Pālolo yet, but that self-identification is encouraged and supported. Any group--even a swim team or book club--can register as a hub.

5. RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [0:20:52]

Coqui Frog Infestation in Pālolo Valley: Resident Sydney Lynch, introduced the topic and asked for a show of hands of attendees present because of the coqui frog issue--a large majority of the audience raised their hands. Robbie Snyder (Community Engagement Liaison, Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee) and Nate Dube (Manager, Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee) gave a presentation on current eradication efforts. Jonathan Ho, Manager of the Plant Quarantine Branch at the Dept. of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) jonathan.k.ho@hawaii.gov, participated via WebEx.

• Current Efforts: OISC has been involved since fall 2024, conducting monthly citric acid sprays on the southern border of the population using a 400-gallon tank. DAB staff go out twice a week and has expended approximately 450 man-hours and 1,000 lbs of citric acid since November. Citric acid is food-grade and lethal to coqui frogs (which breathe through their skin) but only mildly irritating to humans. Hand capture is also used, especially for outlier frogs. Waimānalo volunteers shared their experience and offered training support.

• Challenges: Rugged terrain limits spray reach. Frogs are spreading faster than current capacity allows containment. DAB primarily manages regulatory (not response) functions; the response arm has been significantly reduced over the past 15 years. Labor constraints, limited funding, and union restrictions make daily hand-capture operations difficult. Volunteers from Waimānalo--who have built 1,800-gallon citric storage capacity, 2,000 ft of hose infrastructure, and weekly capture operations--offered to help Pālolo organize similar efforts.

• What Residents Can Do: Report outlier frog sightings to DAB or OISC. Reduce organic debris/harborage on property. Sign property access permission forms to allow agency spray teams to access land. Sign up for a volunteer capture network. Property owners are indemnified by state statute when allowing teams onto their property at no charge.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:04:27]

1. Stream Monitoring and Access: A resident who runs a K--12 stream monitoring program offered that she has access to stream corridors at schools along the waterway and through city/county gates. She offered to help coordinate rapid access when frogs are heard moving downstream, sharing her contact number with community members.

2. Frog Population on Keaʻōlele Place: A resident on Keaʻōlele Place--adjacent to the stream--reported that frogs have reached that far up the valley and expressed deep concern about the difficulty of accessing the terrain to eradicate them. He questioned what nurseries are doing to prevent further spread, noting that no meaningful accountability from nurseries has been visible. Jonathan Ho (DAB) responded that Kawamoto Orchid Nursery has been required to spray and quarantine plants, though DAB does not have capacity to witness all treatments.

3. Volunteer Capture Network: Resident Sydeney Lynch shared she has sign-up forms for residents who want to be a part of the solution and help DAB or OISC to capture frogs that may be within residential property.

4. Waimānalo Neighborhood Board Support: Kimiona Kane, Chair of the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board and co-organizer for the Waimanalo coqui response team offered his support to the Chair and Pālolo Neighborhood Board.

5. Waimānalo Volunteers Experience and Support: Taylor Engle who volunteers in Waimānalo to capture coqui frogs, shared his experience and insight of what they do.

6. Status of Eradication Efforts: Resident Mike asked directly whether the agencies are winning the fight and what are the current efforts Kawamoto Orchid Nursery doing, since they are shipping in plants from Hilo, which is infested with Coqui. Jonathan Ho responded that, in the current state, the frogs are spreading faster than they are being eradicated. He noted that Coqui has been in the state for 45 years and acknowledged that inadequate resources remain the central challenge. Nate Dube added that focused treatments in specific areas are showing measurable improvement via sound monitoring devices, indicating that strategic citric drenching does reduce density.

7. Plant Quarantine: Resident Susan asked if there is an option being considered to quarantine plants at the nursery facility to capture frogs before they escape and spread. Jonathan Ho described the coqui barrier technique to trap the frogs, but mentioned it is not a perfect trap. The resident further offered a suggestion for a joint community nursery grant to help keep the coqui in that sort of enclosure.

8. Nursery Accountability and Legislative History: Resident Josh Stanbro expressed frustration over decades of inadequate regulatory oversight, noting that nurseries have historically lobbied against transport restrictions, enabling spread of invasive species like kōkī and little fire ants. He credited Senator Jarrett Keohokalole for securing CRB funding and encouraged legislators to protect the new green fee funding for invasive species response.

9. Hiring of Dedicated Staff: Resident Lindsay asked whether there have been discussions about simply hiring more people for daily hand-capture. Robbie Snyder and Jonathan Ho both noted that funding constraints, union rules, and the organizational structure of the department make it difficult to significantly scale up paid labor quickly. OISC and DAB encouraged the community to advocate loudly for more funding and regulatory authority through their legislators.

10. Drone Sprayers: Resident Mike asked whether drone sprayers have been considered for hard-to-reach terrain. Jonathan Ho confirmed drones have been tested but noted that citric acid application requires high volumes to be effective, which current drone technology cannot deliver sufficiently.

11. Future Updates: Vice Chair Phomsouvanh shared they will start to conclude the coversation tonight regarding coqui frogs to allow enough time for reports from elected officials. He encouraged community members to create a coalition and provide updates at future board meetings.

12. UV Flashlights for Night Capture: Resident and community volunteer Michael, who has been hand-capturing frogs since 2001 near Haleikīpā Place, shared a discovery that UV flashlights reflect the frogs' eyes and make them visible even when silent--a game changer for night captures. He offered to stay after the meeting to demonstrate techniques.

13. Rhinoceros Beetles: Board Member Nakayama noted that rhinoceros beetles have been found on Pālolo Chinese Home campus. Jonathan Ho (DAB) was alerted and the board noted this is an emerging issue that will require additional discussion.

6. ELECTED OFFICIALS -- [2:11:31]

Congressman Ed Case's Representative -- [2:11:31]: No representative present at this time.

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto -- [2:11:37]: Kylie Tokujo highlighted the following:

• Narcissus Street Albizia Tree Overgrowth Update: A riser was submitted and DPR's Division of Urban Forestry responded that trees were scheduled for reduction in January 2026 but were delayed by inclement weather. The work is expected to be completed before the end of February 2026.

• 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 -- [2:12:29]

1. Albizia Trees on Carlos Long Road: A resident asked if the albizia trees on Narcissus Street she is referring to are the ones visible from Carlos Long Road (gray/leafless). Kylie Tokujo and Vice Chair Nakayama confirmed it is the same area. The trees were flagged due to wildfire risk. Ms. Tokujo noted that the condition of the trees (gray/leafless) has been raised, but she is still awaiting a response from Division of Urban Forestry.

2. Bill 7 Affordable Housing Projects in Pālolo: Board Member Tydingco asked whether any Bill 7 (affordable housing/building) projects are currently within the Pālolo district, particularly given Councilmember Nishimoto's recent proposed amendments. Ms. Tokujo stated she was not sure but would follow up with the office's policy advisor.

3. Bus Fare Increase for Seniors and People with Disabilities: Board Member Shiraki expressed opposition to any proposed increase in bus fares for seniors, noting that previous attempts to raise fares were reversed after community outcry. Board Member Hack echoed this concern for people with disabilities. Ms. Tokujo acknowledged the comments and stated she would relay them to Councilmember Nishimoto.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [2:17:10]: The Mayorʻs representative was unable to make the meeting tonight but did submit a writtten report.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UjbUh63GchdxJvNUBwKXTNfobNvyIZcx/view?usp=sharing

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pk0ANLMVirhUmcUNbklld6oUyigDUsrs/view?usp=drive_link

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [2:17:35]: No representative present at this time.

Representative Jackson Sayama -- [2:17:43]: Representative Jackson Sayama highlighted the following:

• Staff Introduction: Introduced his office staff, Ariel and Mark Yago.

• Invasive Species Bills (2026 Legislative Session): HB1951, SB1100, and SB1190 are still alive and addressing invasive species. Rep. Sayama noted that he personally participated in coqui frog capture efforts in the valley to better understand the issue.

• Feral Chicken Bill: HB2561 addresses feral chickens, a separate measure from the stray cat bill. Residents with concerns about feral chickens are encouraged to submit testimony at the state capitol website.

• Sign-Waving Event for Speeding Awareness: Rep. Sayama's office and Aliʻiolani Elementary are organizing a sign-waving event on February 19, 2026 from 7:15 a.m. to 7:50 a.m., in front of Aliʻiolani Elementary School along Waiʻalae Avenue, to raise awareness of speeding issues.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:20:00]:

1. Sign Waving on 10th Avenue near Pālolo Chinese Home: Board Member Shiraki asked if a sign-waving event could also be organized on 10th Avenue near Pālolo Chinese Home to address speeding around the curves. He also mentioned the fence along the new school on the ocean side of 10th Avenue where pedestrians risk falling. Rep. Sayama acknowledged the request and noted this is something to address, including the potential benefit of fencing to also prevent feral chickens from entering the road.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- [2:22:57]: No representative present at this time.

7. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:23:06]

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 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 on https://olelo.org/olelonet/ by searching <Palolo>.

Pālolo Chinese Home Lunar New Year Celebration Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mOp1ELJNtUxu56cSCV9fafDZANXtIUqA/view?usp=drive_link

Request for Kawamoto Nursery Representative: Board Member Nakayama requested if Chair Asuega-Fualaau could invite a representative from the nursery to answer questions from the community regarding the coqui frog infestation and their efforts to mitgate the issue.

8. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:24:46] The meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO

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

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Palolo Neighborhood Board FEBRUARY 2026 Minutes

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