Palolo Neighborhood Board MAY 2026 Minutes

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Palolo Neighborhood Board MAY 2026 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 5/13/2026.

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

PĀLOLO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 6

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 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=EDL3id7PDRY

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:10]: Chair Ranell Asuega-Fualaau called the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Quorum was NOT established with three (3) members present. Note: This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present Randolph Hack, Andrew Phomsouvanh, and Ranell Asuega-Fualaau.

Board Member(s) Absent: Sean Aronson, Catalina Hanamura, Kaleolani Leo, Darlene Nakayama, Earl Shiraki, and Keenan Tydingco.

Guests: Firefighter Perry (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Miura (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Scott Nishimoto); Representative Jackson Sayama (State House District 21); Chief Jeffrey Zuckernick (Honolulu Emergency Medical Services); Robbie Snyder (Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee); Angie Knight (Neighborhood Commission Board), Juanita Liu, Leolani Iwaki (Bus Route 200 Resolution); Liz Tatola (Cell Tower Resolution); Julia Berlin, Jay Silberman, Jake Morrow, Mike Wong, Derek Turbin, William K. Malina, Hoku Akiu (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 24 total participants.

Chairs Announcement -- [0:0:44]: Chair Asuega-Fualaau acknowledged the cancellation of the prior two meetings due to Kona Low storms and expressed gratitude to first responders, elected officials, and community members who assisted neighbors during the weather events.

2. MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:01:16]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- [0:01:20]: Firefighter Perry from the Pālolo Fire Station highlighted the following:

• April 2026 Incident Statistics: 1 cooking fire, 40 medical emergencies.

• Safety Tip -- Wildfire Safety: Hawaiʻi is entering a period of increased wildfire risk due to dry conditions, tall grass, and shifting winds. Residents are encouraged to clear brush around their homes, avoid parking on dry grass, and refrain from spark-generating activities during dry, hot, and windy weather. For more information, visit https://www.fire.honolulu.gov and https://www.hwmo.org/.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zN3tNQM0ffIeytMid0j_61S_Ny8uD5wt/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- [0:02:42]: Lieutenant Miura highlighted the following:

• April 2026 Crime Statistics: 1 motor vehicle theft; 1 burglary; 10 thefts; 1 unauthorized entry to motor vehicle; 5,614 total calls for service.

• Safety Tips -- HNL Alert: Residents are encouraged to sign up for HNL Alert, the official notification system for the City and County of Honolulu, at https://www.honolulu.gov/dem/hnl-alert/. Users can customize alerts for severe weather, emergency information, road closures, ocean conditions, and water main breaks.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:03:55]:

1. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer Availability: Member Hack asked whether HPD is urging the public to request CIT officers when responding to calls involving emotionally disturbed persons. Lt. Miura confirmed the CIT program is available and that officers are deployed when possible.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [0:05:40]: Dominic Dias highlighted the following:

• Main Breaks: No main breaks reported for April 2026.

• Pālolo Water System Improvement Project: Work is currently ongoing along Pālolo Avenue. Residents are asked to expect delays in the area.

• Water Conservation Reminder: Despite recent Kona Low storm rainfall, BWS encourages residents to continue conserving water by checking for leaks, watering yards in the evenings or mornings, and taking shorter showers.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s63szyGm6lc_7cQUNq13Z_XvhmewXY3p/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:06:44]:

1. Illegal Dumping at BWS Station on Carlos Long/Pālolo Ave.: Member Phomsouvanh asked whether BWS could install a "No Illegal Dumping" sign at the corner of Carlos Long Road and Pālolo Avenue near the BWS station, where illegal dumping has repeatedly occurred. Mr. Dias acknowledged the issue and agreed to look into options and follow up.

3. BOARD BUSINESS -- [0:08:00]

Approval of Minutes for Wednesday, December 10, 2025 -- [0:08:08]: No quorum was established. Item will be postponed to Julyʻs meeting.

Filling of Vacancies -- [0:08:49]: No quorum was established. Item will be postponed to Julyʻs meeting.

Updates on the Commission -- [0:09:18]: No representative present at this time.

Motion to Adopt Resolution for Empty Homes Tax -- [0:9:31]: No board action was taken due to lack of quorum.

• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NhHY4YcRJK18KX6c4ofPP6BNTA9Pmx-t/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:11:55]:

1. Progress of the City Council Bill: Member Phomsouvanh asked the presenter what would help the Empty Home Tax to succeed through the City Council process. Mr. Isokane indicated that Bill 46 is still before the City Council and encouraged community members to get educated, talk to neighbors, and engage with elected officials to advance the legislation. Mr. Isokane noted that seven Oʻahu neighborhood boards have passed similar resolutions.

Motion to Adopt Resolution Regarding Cell Towers -- [0:15:38]: Liz Tatola and Sun Wong presented on the resolution calling for local control of cell tower placement, increased electromagnetic field (EMF) regulation, an updated Hawaiʻi Department of Health EMF fact sheet, and cessation of the 5G buildout pending independent safety testing. Guam cited a 2018 NIH study and a Yale University study linking EMF exposure to DNA damage and autism. No board action was taken due to lack of quorum.

• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nfmLAQRzaxCekKC09yxDjOCA77Su7Q8F/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:18:34]:

1. Effects from EMF Radiation: Member Phomsouvanh inquired about the legitimacy of the effects from EMF. Ms. Tatola shared various heath issues that were found through studies regarding EMF radiation. Mr. Wong provided further details on the studies that support negative health impacts from EMF radiation.

2. Pālolo Valley Phone Connectivity Concerns: Member Phomsouvanh mentioned various board members were concered supporting the bill will harm their phone networks which is important to have during times of emergencies. Ms. Tatola acknowledged the concern and mentioned that 5G cell towers are for data collection and less about improving connectivity. Mr. Wong mentioned that increasing the amount of cell towers and placing them near schools and residentials home is very dangerous.

3. Shielding Options: Member Hack asked about shielding options; Mr. Wong described available radio frequency (RF) blocking materials.

Action on Resolution Regarding Bus Route 200 -- [0:32:18]: Kaimukī resident Juanita Liu presented an updated Bus Route 200 resolution incorporating new data gathered over 18 months in collaboration with Kaimukī and Diamond Head neighborhood boards. Ms. Liu described the negative community impact of removing the bus stop in front of Kaimukī Middle School, particularly for students and families who depend on public transit. Ms. Liu noted that DTS has cited cost concerns but emphasized the community's strong support for restoring the route. No board action was taken due to lack of quorum.

• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_c7hESyg_laNL3FjPSkXpZtnpIF41CSA/view?usp=drive_link

4. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:37:40]

Crisis Outreach Response & Engagement Branch (CORE) -- [0:50:40]: Chief Jeffrey Zuckernick, Assistant Chief of Operations for Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, highlighted the following:

• Overview: CORE is a multi-disciplinary homeless outreach program launched in 2021. It was created to address overutilization of 911 services by pairing community health workers (CHWs), EMTs, registered nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to serve the houseless population island wide.

• Staffing & Resources: CORE currently has 10 CHWs, 17 EMTs, 5 nurses (including 2 APRNs), and 4 ambulances. The team is now island wide, having expanded from its original Chinatown base.

• Key Achievements: CHWs contact approximately 175 people per month, placing 15--20 into shelter weekly and 3--5 into permanent housing over a 3--5 month process. EMTs handle 65--90 calls per month, reducing strain on 911 paramedic units.

• How to Contact CORE: The public can report homeless individuals via the Honolulu 311 app (select "Homeless Well-Being Check") or by calling the CORE direct line during business hours. CHW services operate Monday--Friday, 7:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m.; EMS services operate 7 days a week, 7:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:51:00]:

1. CORE Business Hours & Voicemail: Attendee Angie Knight asked for clarification on CORE's business hours and when voicemails are reviewed. Chief Zuckernick confirmed the dispatch center operates Monday--Friday, 7:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m., and voicemails are reviewed the following business day. Chief Zuckernick recommended using the Honolulu 311 app to ensure a timestamped, trackable record.

2. CORE Scope -- Homelessness vs. Wellness Checks: Attendee Angie Knight asked whether CORE responds to general wellness checks or only homelessness-related calls. Chief Zuckernick clarified that CORE's primary focus is the houseless population but will assist with related issues or connect callers to appropriate resources.

3. CORE Presence in Pālolo: Member Phomsouvanh asked about CORE activity on Pālolo Avenue. Chief Zuckernick confirmed that crews had been deployed approximately two and a half months ago and addressed two houseless females in the area. Residents were encouraged to use HNL 311 with detailed descriptions and photographs to facilitate faster response.

Coqui Frog Update -- [0:55:10]: This item will be postponed to the next board meeting in July 2026.

5. RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [0:55:56]

Senate Bill 3148 -- Privatization of Public Beaches -- [0:56:11]: Community member Liz Tatola raised concern about SB 3148, included in the Governor's package of bills, which she described as allowing the privatization of public beaches for resort use. Ms. Tatola referenced Sierra Club testimony opposing the bill. Member Phomsouvanh noted nuances around agency authority and conservation uses while affirming support for keeping beaches public. The bill was deferred but an accompanying bill, House Bill 2328, remains a concern if reintroduced.

Albizia Trees & Cal Debris on Narcissus Street -- [1:02:18]: Resident Hoku Akiu reported that debris from Albizia trees on Narcissus Street (not Narcissus Place) has not been properly cleared, despite the case being marked closed. Debris blocked drainage during the April 2026 rains, causing flooding. Mr. Akiu requested proper follow-through on the cleanup of the correct canal. Chair Asuega-Fualaau suggested the item be placed under BWS and Councilmember Nishimoto's section at the July meeting.

6. ELECTED OFFICIALS -- [1:07:15]

Congressman Ed Case's Representative -- [1:07:17]: No representative present at this time.

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto -- [1:07:25]: Kylie Tokujo highlighted the following:

• Budget Season: The Council has been focused on the budget process. More detailed allocation updates will be available after the budget is finalized in June 2026.

• Narcissus Street Albizia Trees/Canal Cleaning: Confirmed two requests for information and service reports (RISRs) were submitted for the Albizia issue, now under DPR's Division of Urban Forestry. One RISR was responded to; follow-up is ongoing for the canal cleaning. Ms. Tokujo committed to following up with the department the following day and contacting residents directly.

• 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 -- [1:08:45]

1. Wrong Street Cleaned -- Narcissus Street vs. Narcissus Place: Member Hack asked Kylie Tokujo to confirm whether the wrong street was cleaned. Ms. Tokujo acknowledged there may have been a mix-up with a prior request and committed to following up with DPR and the residents to ensure the correct location is addressed.

2. Park Lights Update: Chair Asuega-Fualaau thanked Ms. Tokujo for following up with DPR regarding the park lights project and requested continued updates.

3. DPR Director Presentation: Member Phomsouvanh requested a presentation from the DPR Director at the July 2026 meeting to address outstanding issues including the Albizia trees and park lights project. Ms. Tokujo agreed to work toward making that happen.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [1:12:30]: No representative present at this time.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11BQ3gHry1WsCTDN7E1rGTafe4B3L7mYA/view?usp=drive_link

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [1:13:00]: No representative present at this time.

Representative Jackson Sayama -- [1:13:11]: Representative Jackson Sayama highlighted the following:

● Legislative Session Summary: The 2026 legislative session has ended. Rep. Sayama reported budget wins for the Pālolo community. In addition, Representative Sayama highlighted key legislation that passed.

• Announcement: Representative Sayama announced it is his final session representing House District 21, as he will be running for the State Senate. Representative Sayama expressed gratitude to the community for their support over six years.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- [1:16:24]: No representative present at this time.

7. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [1:16:30]

HECO Resources: Chair Asuega-Fualaau noted that there are HECO educational flyers in the board's Google Drive to help educate the community.

Next Meeting: The Board is on recess in June 2026. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 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>.

Board Member Status Inquiry: Member Hack relayed a public inquiry regarding the board membership status of Chair Asuega-Fualaau and Vice Chair Phomsouvanh in light of potential candidacies. Chair Asuega-Fualaau noted that Neighborhood Assistant Camilia Epa Gomes would follow up.

8. ADJOURNMENT -- [1:18:00] The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations Assistant, NCO

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

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Palolo Neighborhood Board MAY 2026 Minutes

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