MAKIKI – LOWER PUNCHBOWL – TANTALUS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 10

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M.
MAKIKI DISTRICT PARK (OLD MAKIKI COMMUNITY LIBRARY, 2ND FLOOR)
1527 KE’EAUMOKU STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96822
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mf66d21b6ef825a3d0e117ed0856d527b
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2500 575 4786
Password: NB10 (6210 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 (United States Toll)

Google Drive Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE
Board Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q

Purpose: §2-13-101 [Neighborhood Plan of 2008, City Charter] “Purpose. The purpose of this neighborhood plan and the neighborhood boards is to increase and assure effective citizen participation in the decisions of government.”

Community Vision Statement: “A safe and healthy community with a lei of parks connected by roads, sidewalks, and public transportation; where daily life is not interrupted by loud vehicles and other obnoxious noises; where all community members are valued, including the least fortunate; and where residents are proud to live.”

Rules of Speaking and Notes: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under 3 minutes, and those giving reports are urged to keep their reports under 3 minutes. Please silence all electronic devices. The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of this 17-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. No item shall be added to the agenda if it is of reasonably major importance and action thereon by the board will affect a significant number of persons.

Description of Board Boundaries: https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/boards-and-sub-district-boundary-descriptions

1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Nathan Char (nathanielchar@gmail.com)

2. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU MONTHLY REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) on incidents/statistics and safety tips (HFDNHB@honolulu.gov)
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) on event updates, homeless concerns, incidents/statistics, missing persons, safety tips, fireworks, Tipsy Pig 2 Bar & Grill concerns, and parking/traffic concerns/enforcement (https://www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)
C. Board of Water Supply (BWS) on main break report and general water announcements – Michele Harman (contactus@hbws.org)
D. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative on constituent concerns, including fireworks, city projects/services, town halls, and newsletter updates – Megan Johnson (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor)
E. District 5: Councilmember Scott Nishimoto on constituent concerns (including Bill 7 construction around Piʻikoi Street/Davenport Street, proposed sewer rate increase, fireworks, and Makiki District Park improvements), and legislative/office/newsletter updates – Taylor Date (scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov)
F. District 6: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam on constituent concerns (including Bill 7 construction around Piʻikoi Street/Davenport Street, fireworks, proposed sewer rate increase, and Makiki District Park improvements), little fire ants, and legislative/office/newsletter updates – Robin Henski (tdossantos-tam@honolulu.gov)

3. STATE OF HAWAIʻI ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Governor Josh Green’s Representative on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, general announcements, fireworks, and traffic concerns/projects – Russell Pang (russell.wk.pang@hawaii.gov)
B. Senate District 11: Senator Carol Fukunaga on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, little fire ants, fireworks, and general announcements (senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov)
C. House District 26: Representative Della Au Belatti on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, little fire ants, fireworks, and general announcements (repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov)
D. House District 25: Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, fireworks, and general announcements (repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov)
E. House District 23: Representative Ikaika Olds on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, fireworks, and general announcements (repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov)
F. House District 22: Representative Andrew Garrett on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, fireworks, and general announcements (repgarrett@capitol.hawaii.gov)

4. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS
A. Filling of 4 Vacant Seats in Subdistrict 1 (Tantalus, Mott-Smith, Heulu) and 2 Vacant Seats in Subdistrict 2 (Kinaʻu, Lower Makiki, Kewalo): Interested residents must bring proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov) to verify residency in advance.
B. Approval of Written Summaries for Video Record: Thursday, January 16, 2025 and Thursday, February 20, 2025 (Draft Written Summaries: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-11258)
C. Nice Neighborhood Committee Report – Harris Nakamoto
D. Presentation: Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Program by Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD) Deputy Director Ian Santee so that community members may help make referrals or guide those in need to available resources
E. Presentation: Crossfire Ministry by Leon Naotala
F. Resolution for Support of Establishing an Empty Homes Tax in Honolulu
G. Resolution Requesting the Department of Education to Expand the Korean Language Program for Public School Students within the Kaimuki-McKinley-Roosevelt Complex
H. Resolution Addressing Traffic and Safety Hazards Caused by Chick-fil-A Makiki Operations
I. Resolution Supporting Speed Humps on King Street and Beretania Street Between Punahou Street and Ward Avenue

5. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS (Limited to 2 minutes each)
Residents, not board members, can share comments and concerns that are not listed on the agenda. Per the “Sunshine Law” (HRS 92), concerns not on the agenda may be presented, but the Board cannot take action.

6. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Makiki/Lower Punchbowl Neighborhood Security Watch – Chuck Lee (makikipb.nsw@gmail.com)
B. O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – John Steelquist (john@steelquist.com)

7. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Makiki District Park (Old Makiki Community Library, 2nd Floor) and online via Webex.

Broadcast, Social Media, and Board Info: The meetings can be viewed on ʻŌlelo FOCUS 49 on the first Friday at 9:00 p.m. and third Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (https://olelo.org/tune-in).
Follow us at http://www.facebook.com/MakikiNB.
Visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/nb10 for Makiki Neighborhood Board info.

8. ADJOURNMENT

A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or emailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda documents and minutes are also available online at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.html.

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov, or complete the form on https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/testimony.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M.
MAKIKI DISTRICT PARK (OLD MAKIKI COMMUNITY LIBRARY, 2ND FLOOR) – 1527 KE’EAUMOKU STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96822 AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Video Recording of Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW3ZG7j2OtY&list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q&index=1

Google Drive Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE

1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:04]: Chair Char called the Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum WAS NOT established with 6 members present. Note: This 17-member Board requires 9 members to establish quorum and take official Board action.

Members Present: Nathaniel Char (Chair), Richard Kawano, Chuck Lee, Harris Nakamoto, Ken Peck (arrived at 6:25 p.m.), Ian Ross, Eric Salassa (arrived at 6:08 p.m.), Claire Santos (Secretary, Treasurer).

Members Absent: Geni Lakalaka-Manupuna, Sam Mitchell, John Steelquist (Vice Chair).

Guests: Michele Harman (Board of Water Supply); Taylor Date (Councilmember Nishimoto); Robin Henski (Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Russell Pang (Governor Green); Senator Carol Fukunaga; Representative Della Au Belatti, Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto, Kate Ozawa (Representative Iwamoto); Representative Ikaika Olds; Representative Andrew Garrett; Kirra Downing (Chick-fil-A); Ronald Higa, Rich Caz, Nancy Depicolzuane, Audrey Song, Lindsay Chambers, and Ross Isokane (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 24 total participants.

2. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:19]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:24]: No representative present. Should you have questions, please email the HFD’s Public Affairs & Media Liaison at HFDNHB@honolulu.gov.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_V3JTZJ_JUNfG0Lamh9wl5bQH76mgDjJ/view?usp=sharing
• Website: https://fire.honolulu.gov

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:00:36]: No representative present.
• Crime Mapping Statistics: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:01:10]: Michele Harman reported one main break at 2345 Maunalaha Road and general water announcement about water waste. If you see water being wasted—such as a broken pipe, a malfunctioning sprinkler, a running faucet, excessive watering, or something similar—please let us know so we can follow up and stop the unnecessary water loss. To report water waste, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com/waterwaste, email contactus@hbws.org, or call (808) 748-5041.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:02:29].

3. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS – [0:03:42]

Filling of 3 Vacant Seats in Subdistrict 1 (Tantalus, Mott-Smith, Heulu) and 2 Vacant Seats in Subdistrict 2 – [0:03:46]: There were no nominations, so the seats remain vacant.

Approval of Written Summary for Video Record – [0:04:06]: Thursday, January 16, 2025: Deferred due to a lack of quorum.

Nice Neighborhood Committee Report – [0:04:30]: Committee Chair Harris Nakamoto provided the report and shared updates on the committee’s work, including addressing illegal drug activities and homeless encampments in the neighborhood. The next committee meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. online via Webex and in person at 1314 Victoria Street community access.
• Committee Agendas: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-12764
• Committee Minutes: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-12765

[0:07:09] – Without objection, Chair Char called a recess at 6:07 p.m.
Salassa joined the meeting at 6:08 p.m.; 7 members present.
[0:08:51] – Chair Char called the meeting back to order at 6:08 p.m.

Presentation: Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Program by Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD) Deputy Director Ian Santee so that community members may help make referrals or guide those in need to available resources – [0:09:01]: No presentation.

Presentation: Early Eviction Mediation Program by Special Programs Innovator Roberta Hickey-Gomez – [0:09:10]: Roberta Hickey-Gomez presented on an early eviction mediation program. The program aims to support both landlords and tenants in resolving housing disputes early before they escalate to eviction proceedings. The Mediation Center is committed to fostering open communication and helping individuals reach mutually beneficial agreements. The program has achieved a 90% agreement rate over the past two years, which has helped many tenants remain in their homes and landlords continue receiving rental income. Visit www.mediatehawaii.org/eem for details or call (808) 521-6767.
• Slideshow: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qJUgz6H0SLkl4knx9-ch3BVPlQsRXwmM/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=115549024476463870729&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:17:41].

Peck joined the meeting at 6:25 p.m.; 8 members present.

Presentation: Crossfire Ministry by Leon Naotala – [0:29:19]: No presentation.

Resolution Requesting the Department of Education to Expand the Korean Language Program for Public School Students within the Kaimuki-McKinley-Roosevelt Complex: Jessica Lee, a high school sophomore, formally requested board members to support this resolution that the Manoa Neighborhood Board adopted. Lee has been working on a project to incorporate Korean into the foreign language programs of both public and private schools in Hawaiʻi.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:33:50].

There was no board action due to a lack of quorum. Without objection, Chair Char postponed the other resolutions and proceeded to the City & County of Honolulu elected official monthly reports.

4. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU ELECTED OFFICIAL MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:36:15]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:36:35]: No representative present. A memo was provided for the record.
• Memo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q1OirRSbYVd6KQVk1iKwmoj-9qY70eK2/view?usp=sharing
• Contact the Mayor: https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor
• Newsletter: https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:41:45].

District 5: Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [0:53:48]: Taylor Date provided the report. Sign up for Councilmember Nishimoto’s e-blast at http://eepurl.com/dI6xMz. Councilmember Nishimoto and Representative Belatti are hosting a free Tax Preparation Clinic on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Hawai’i State Public Library. Appointments are required. Please call (808) 450-4351 or (808) 304-5088 or email info@hawaiitaxhelp.org to schedule an appointment.
• Contact Information: scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov and (808) 768-5005
• Website: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:55:15].

District 6: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [0:58:45]: Robin Henski provided the report, shared updates about the newsletter and update on the sewer fee increase. Henski shared the following response from Director Roger Babcock of the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) regarding some clarification on the Sewer Fee increase and the allocation of funds discussed in January 2025:
“I suspect the question is whether or not sewer fees can be used for anything other than sewer operation/maintenance/construction work. If so, the answer is NO. The sewer fees can only be used for sewer ops and projects, not any other City functions.
The question might also be asking how the increased dollars will be spent within the sewer program. Sewer fees all go into the Sewer Fund account. Outlays from the sewer fund account every month pay wages and current expenses, debt service, and a portion of construction costs (invoices from contractors for ongoing projects). Most of the construction costs are paid out of a separate account – the Sewer Revenue Bond Improvement Fund which contains bond proceeds (which cannot be used for O&M).
It cannot be said that ALL of the increased sewer fee revenues are earmarked for operation and improvements to infrastructure. Increased revenues are also needed for debt service.”
• Contact Information: tdossantos-tam@honolulu.gov and (808) 768-5006
• Website/Newsletters: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-6-dos-santos-tam

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:59:43].

5. STATE OF HAWAIʻI ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS – [1:09:38]

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:09:42]: No representative present.
• Contact Russell Pang: russell.wk.pang@hawaii.gov and (808) 265-5239
• Website/Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov

Senate District 11: Senator Carol Fukunaga – [1:14:44]: Senator Fukunaga provided the report and highlighted legislative efforts, including pending condo insurance measures and property insurance. For questions/concerns, email senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-6460.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wL7LH3yfe6V0yG725t5C9bETv9s_coD8/view?usp=sharing

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:19:12].

House District 26: Representative Della Au Belatti – [1:22:44]: No representative present.

House District 25: Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto – [1:23:18]: Representative Iwamoto provided the report and introduced Kate Ozawa (office manager). Representative Iwamoto shared comments about fireworks bills and a vacant home surcharge. For questions/concerns, email repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-8485.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:30:08].

House District 23: Representative Ikaika Olds – [1:33:36]: Representative Olds provided the report and highlighted House Bill 943 related to a homeless triage center. For questions/concerns, email repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-8515.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DitLvnJ30Ocxl8nkesdT3qUQ5kgqO85U/view?usp=sharing

Salassa left the meeting at 7:34 p.m.; 7 members present.

House District 22: Representative Andrew Garrett – [1:35:09]: Representative Garrett provided the report. Representative Garrett shared information about legislative deadlines, the state budget, and concerns regarding federal funding. For questions/concerns, email repgarrett@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-8475.
• Report: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberfiles/House/Garrett/Newsletters/2025WinterNewsletter.pdf

3. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS – CONTINUED – [1:36:56]

Resolution for Support of Establishing an Empty Homes Tax in Honolulu – [1:37:11]: Ross Isokane testified in support of establishing an Empty Homes Tax in Honolulu. Following discussion, there was no board action due to a lack of quorum.

Resolution Addressing Traffic and Safety Hazards Caused by Chick-fil-A Makiki Operations – [1:47:19]: Lindsay Chambers testified in support of this resolution as a resident of the neighboring Queen Victoria Condominium. Kirra Downing represented Chick-fil-A and will share this resolution with the Chick-fil-A team. Following discussion, there was no board action due to a lack of quorum.

Discussion and Motion to Support Traffic Safety Measures on Beretania Street and King Street Between Punahou Street and Ward Avenue – [2:07:28]: Board members and residents discussed traffic safety measures, including speed cameras and speed humps. Following discussion, there was no board action due to a lack of quorum.

6. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS – [2:17:45]

Affordable Housing Project Concerns – [2:17:50]: Resident Rich Caz raised concerns about developer Paul Lam and Lam’s affordable housing projects in the neighborhood.

5. STATE OF HAWAIʻI ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS – CONTINUED – [1:09:38]

House District 26: Representative Della Au Belatti – [2:20:39]: Representative Belatti provided a legislative report about the final reading of bills, committee work, and the state budget. For questions/concerns, email repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-9425.

7. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS – [2:22:30]

Makiki/Lower Punchbowl Neighborhood Security Watch Report – [2:22:35]: No report.

Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – [2:22:40]: No report.
• Newsletter: https://oahumpo.org/news/newsletters

8. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:22:46]

Next Regular Meeting – [2:22:47]: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Makiki District Park (Old Makiki Community Library, 2nd Floor) and online via Webex.

Broadcast, Social Media, and Board Info – [2:22:59]: The meetings can be viewed on ʻŌlelo FOCUS 49 on the first Friday at 9:00 p.m. and third Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (https://olelo.org/tune-in). Follow us at http://www.facebook.com/MakikiNB. Visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/nb10 for Makiki Neighborhood Board info.

Neighborhood Board Elections – [2:23:24]: Registration for the 2025-2027 Board Elections ends on Friday, February 21, 2025. Candidates can register online at the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) website (https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/neighborhood-board-elections). Questions can be directed to the NCO at (808) 768-3710 or NCO@honolulu.gov.
Important Date: Friday, February 21, 2025 – Candidate and Voter Filing Deadline

9. ADJOURNMENT – [2:24:14]: Nakamoto MOVED and Kawano SECONDED to adjourn the meeting.
Without objection, Chair Char adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m.

Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, Neighborhood Commission Office
Finalized by:

To view agenda and minutes, visit our board website.

Event shows physical location; however, other options of participation may also include WebEx and phone.  If available, instructions for WebEx and phone can be found at the top of the agenda.