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Manoa board hears HFD, water and mayor’s office reports; residents press campus‑town and stream concerns
Summary
Firefighter Latya reported monthly emergency numbers and reminded residents to call or text 911; the Board of Water Supply announced project closeout and a conservation contest; the mayor’s rep promoted the new HNL311 app. Residents raised concerns about College of Education property planning, grading at Manoa Banyan Court and flood‑mitigation outreach.
City and state agency representatives provided routine monthly reports at the Manoa Neighborhood Board meeting on Feb. 4.
Firefighter Latya of the Honolulu Fire Department summarized last month’s incidents: no structure, brush or cooking fires, one nuisance fire, four activated alarms without fire, 57 medical emergencies and one mountain rescue. Latya urged residents to call 911 rather than driving to a fire station and said the department can receive 911 text messages for people who lack voice connectivity while hiking or in low reception areas.
The Board of Water Supply reported that Kaquela Drive/Mohala Way construction is complete and noted ongoing work on the Kalaewheene transmission main; the BWS representative also promoted a 2026 poster and poetry conservation contest for students and an Instagram trivia event.
Gavin Thornton, the mayor’s representative, encouraged residents to use the new HNL311 reporting system (hnl311.com) to request city services and provided updates on the Manoa District pool and gym renovations (estimated completion by summer 2026, weather permitting). Thornton also relayed DOTS guidance that a proposed full sign change at the 5‑way stop cannot be done because of federal MUTCD requirements.
During state reports, a staffer for Sen. Carol Fukunaga summarized several bills including emergency‑management coordination, a law‑enforcement recruitment pilot and a firearms buyback funding proposal, and said SB2397 (the quorum bill) had an upcoming hearing. Representative Andrew T. Garrett (District 22) noted companion bill practices in the Legislature and said he would follow up on an animal‑cruelty bill referenced by board members.
Residents raised multiple community concerns: Laura Ruby and others said consulting parties had not been adequately heard over College of Education property proposals and asked for continued community engagement; a member reported recent grading activity inside Manoa Banyan Court that appears inconsistent with an approved project; and a flood‑mitigation working group is scheduling further meetings that the board encouraged residents to attend.
The chair closed the meeting by reminding the public of the next regular meeting on March 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., to be held in person and online.
