A photo of a homeless encampment that was found in the waipahu area.

May 2026: Addressing Issues in Waipahu

Read about the infrastructure updates and various public safety efforts we're looking into for Waipahu.

A google maps image of Leowahine Street in Waipahu.

Pavement Repair Needed on Waipahu Street Near Leowahine Street

A community member contacted our office to report hazardous road conditions on Waipahu Street near Leowahine Street after an April 18 water main break left the pavement rough and uneven. Drivers reportedly slowed to a crawl to cross the damaged section or crossed into oncoming traffic to avoid it altogether.

The damaged roadway created serious safety hazards, including rear end collisions, loss of vehicle control, and possible head-on crashes caused by vehicles crossing the center line.

Our office acted immediately. We confirmed with the Board of Water Supply that a 12 inch water main broke between Leowahine Street and 94-207 Waipahu Street. The BWS Field Assistance Program Administrator committed to sending a crew to inspect the repair area.

We also contacted the City Department of Facility Maintenance to conduct a roadway assessment at the location. Our office will follow up as the City evaluates next steps.

Pavement Repair Needed on Waipahu Street Near Leowahine Street

A community member contacted our office to report hazardous road conditions on Waipahu Street near Leowahine Street after an April 18 water main break left the pavement rough and uneven. Drivers reportedly slowed to a crawl to cross the damaged section or crossed into oncoming traffic to avoid it altogether.

The damaged roadway created serious safety hazards, including rear end collisions, loss of vehicle control, and possible head-on crashes caused by vehicles crossing the center line.

Our office acted immediately. We confirmed with the Board of Water Supply that a 12 inch water main broke between Leowahine Street and 94-207 Waipahu Street. The BWS Field Assistance Program Administrator committed to sending a crew to inspect the repair area.

We also contacted the City Department of Facility Maintenance to conduct a roadway assessment at the location. Our office will follow up as the City evaluates next steps.

Close up photo of overgrowth along 'Ewa Canal.

Homeless Encampment Reported Near Waipahu Water Pump Station

A community member recently alerted our office to a recurring homeless encampment on a vacant lot near the water pump station in Waipahu near the former Kinney Place property. According to the report, individuals have moved deeper into the area near the pump enclosure and are using surrounding trees and overgrowth for concealment, making the encampment more difficult to detect and address.

Residents have also reported smelling smoke in the area on multiple occasions, raising alarm because of past incidents at this location. The encampment is located close to nearby homes, and photos submitted with the complaint show the roofline of a neighboring residence directly adjacent to the affected area, highlighting the potential danger to surrounding families and properties.

Our office forwarded the complaint to the appropriate agencies and requested an investigation and appropriate action. We will monitor the situation and follow up as we await the Administration’s response.

Homeless Encampment Reported Near Waipahu Water Pump Station

A community member recently alerted our office to a recurring homeless encampment on a vacant lot near the water pump station in Waipahu near the former Kinney Place property. According to the report, individuals have moved deeper into the area near the pump enclosure and are using surrounding trees and overgrowth for concealment, making the encampment more difficult to detect and address.

Residents have also reported smelling smoke in the area on multiple occasions, raising alarm because of past incidents at this location. The encampment is located close to nearby homes, and photos submitted with the complaint show the roofline of a neighboring residence directly adjacent to the affected area, highlighting the potential danger to surrounding families and properties.

Our office forwarded the complaint to the appropriate agencies and requested an investigation and appropriate action. We will monitor the situation and follow up as we await the Administration’s response.

A photo of the Pearl Harbor Bike Path overlooking the ocean.

Public Safety, Illegal Dumping, and Homeless Encampments Impact Pearl Harbor Bike Path Corridor

Along the Pearl Harbor Bike Path, which runs through Waipahu and ʻEwa, several major public safety and environmental problems continue impacting the area.

Large, long-standing homeless encampments have been established along portions of the path, and residents have reported dangerous illegal activity occurring within some of these sites. Surrounding areas within the wildlife corridor have also become illegal dumping grounds filled with tires, mattresses, construction debris, stolen vehicles, bicycles, and other discarded items.

Our office is actively coordinating with multiple City departments and partner agencies to address criminal activity, homelessness, illegal dumping, and safety hazards along the bike path corridor.

One challenge is that ownership in the area is divided among federal, state, and City agencies, as well as private landowners, requiring coordination across multiple jurisdictions to move solutions forward.

Public Safety, Illegal Dumping, and Homeless Encampments Impact Pearl Harbor Bike Path Corridor

Along the Pearl Harbor Bike Path, which runs through Waipahu and ʻEwa, several major public safety and environmental problems continue impacting the area.

Large, long-standing homeless encampments have been established along portions of the path, and residents have reported dangerous illegal activity occurring within some of these sites. Surrounding areas within the wildlife corridor have also become illegal dumping grounds filled with tires, mattresses, construction debris, stolen vehicles, bicycles, and other discarded items.

Our office is actively coordinating with multiple City departments and partner agencies to address criminal activity, homelessness, illegal dumping, and safety hazards along the bike path corridor.

One challenge is that ownership in the area is divided among federal, state, and City agencies, as well as private landowners, requiring coordination across multiple jurisdictions to move solutions forward.

Councilmember Augie Tulba poses alongside HPD, staff, and Aniani residents while all are wearing bright orange vests.

Neighborhood Watch Organized on Aniani Place

The District 9 Office expanded Neighborhood Security Watch programs in Waipahu by organizing another neighborhood watch around the Aniani area. These programs focus on building safer neighborhoods by encouraging residents to stay connected, communicate, and look out for one another. The office hopes to bring additional Neighborhood Security Watch groups to more neighborhoods across District 9.

Neighborhood Watch Organized on Aniani Place

The District 9 Office expanded Neighborhood Security Watch programs in Waipahu by organizing another neighborhood watch around the Aniani area. These programs focus on building safer neighborhoods by encouraging residents to stay connected, communicate, and look out for one another. The office hopes to bring additional Neighborhood Security Watch groups to more neighborhoods across District 9.

A photo overlooking the stream under the Waipahu Bridge, full of brown water from the recent Kona Low storms.

Waipahu Bridge Repairs

Construction work on the Waipahu Street Bridge is underway following storm related damage from the recent Kona Low storm. Most repairs will take place underneath the bridge while current traffic patterns largely remain in place with westbound traffic continuing one way and eastbound traffic detoured. The project is expected to take approximately 10 weeks to complete.

Waipahu Bridge Repairs

Construction work on the Waipahu Street Bridge is underway following storm related damage from the recent Kona Low storm. Most repairs will take place underneath the bridge while current traffic patterns largely remain in place with westbound traffic continuing one way and eastbound traffic detoured. The project is expected to take approximately 10 weeks to complete.

Councilmember Tulba, chief of staff Marcia, and a member of HPD surrounded by trash and debris around one of the homeless encampments at Hawaii's Plantation Village.

Cleanup Operations Continue at Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village

Our District 9 team completed Phase 2 of cleanup operations surrounding Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village, transforming areas once overwhelmed with bulky items, debris, overgrowth, and unsafe conditions into cleaner open green space. The project was supported by Waiawa Correctional Facility crews, Youth Challenge Academy cadets, H-POWER, Protectors of Paradise, HPD’s Community Policing Team, and numerous local organizations.

Future work will focus on maintaining the area, expanding homeless outreach, and exploring long term revitalization opportunities.

Because large, well established homeless encampments remain near Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village, District 9 launched homeless outreach initiatives alongside partners including HPD Neighborhood Security Watch, Kealahou, CORE, Harbor Church Waipahu, and New Hope. Outreach teams assessed conditions, built trust with individuals experiencing homelessness, and connected people with support services and long term resources aimed at improving stability and quality of life.

Cleanup Operations Continue at Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village

Our District 9 team completed Phase 2 of cleanup operations surrounding Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village, transforming areas once overwhelmed with bulky items, debris, overgrowth, and unsafe conditions into cleaner open green space. The project was supported by Waiawa Correctional Facility crews, Youth Challenge Academy cadets, H-POWER, Protectors of Paradise, HPD’s Community Policing Team, and numerous local organizations.

Future work will focus on maintaining the area, expanding homeless outreach, and exploring long term revitalization opportunities.

Because large, well established homeless encampments remain near Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village, District 9 launched homeless outreach initiatives alongside partners including HPD Neighborhood Security Watch, Kealahou, CORE, Harbor Church Waipahu, and New Hope. Outreach teams assessed conditions, built trust with individuals experiencing homelessness, and connected people with support services and long term resources aimed at improving stability and quality of life.

Have a district issue you want to report?

Aaron Ho, our office’s Constituent Affairs Specialist for 'Ewa Beach, tours District 9 with Councilmember Tulba to learn about concerns related to city operations, traffic and public safety. To reach him with your ideas or to share community concerns, please use the contact form below.

Cover Photo:

Homeless encampments like these have been popping up in various areas of Waipahu, with recent reports being near the Waipahu Water Pump Station. Photo: Courtesy

Cover Photo:

Homeless encampments like these have been popping up in various areas of Waipahu, with recent reports being near the Waipahu Water Pump Station. Photo: Courtesy

Category Tag:

Share this story

Subscribe to the District 9 mailing list

Receive mid-month and end of month updates, sent directly to your email!

Latest News