MAKIKI – LOWER PUNCHBOWL – TANTALUS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 10

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 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 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 (including at Makiki Park), 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, Bill 7 project concerns, Makiki Park, 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. 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.

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; Thursday, February 20, 2025; and Thursday, March 20, 2025
(Draft Written Summaries: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-11258)
C. Resolution for Support of Establishing an Empty Homes Tax in Honolulu
D. Resolution Requesting the Department of Education to Expand the Korean Language Program for Public School Students within the Kaimuki-McKinley-Roosevelt Complex
E. Resolution Addressing Traffic and Safety Hazards Caused by Chick-fil-A Makiki Operations
F. Resolution Supporting Speed Humps on King Street and Beretania Street Between Punahou Street and Ward Avenue

5. 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)

6. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Nice Neighborhood Committee Report – Harris Nakamoto (junfour@gmail.com)
B. Makiki/Lower Punchbowl Neighborhood Security Watch – Chuck Lee (makikipb.nsw@gmail.com)
C. 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, May 15, 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 and visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/nb10 for Makiki Neighborhood Board info.

City and County of Honolulu and Hawai’i Foodbank Food Drive: Your Neighborhood Assistant will be collecting donated canned goods at tonight’s meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

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, 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

Video Recording of Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-gFITma5NI&list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q&index=1

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

1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:07]: 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), John Steelquist (Vice Chair joined at 6:23 p.m.), Claire Santos (Secretary, Treasurer), Richard Kawano, Chuck Lee, Harris Nakamoto, Ken Peck, and Ian Ross (joined at 6:18 p.m.).

Members Absent: Geni Lakalaka-Manupuna, Sam Mitchell, and Eric Salassa.

Guests: Fire Fighter I Raceson Youth (Honolulu Fire Department); Captain Henry Roberts and Sergeant Richmond Casabar (Honolulu Police Department); Michele Harman (Board of Water Supply); Megan Johnson (Mayor Blangiardi); Taylor Date (Councilmember Nishimoto); Robin Henski (Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Russell Pang (Governor Green); Senator Carol Fukunaga; Representative Della Au Belatti; Sky Chun-Matsukawa (Representative Olds); Deputy Director Ian Santee (Honolulu Emergency Services Department); Leon Naotala and Matt Ako (Crossfire Ministry); Kirra Downing (Chick-fil-A); Ross Isokane, Rich Caz, Lindsay Chambers, Christian Chambers, Deborah Uemura, Tom Heinrich (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 – [0:00:14]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:24]: No representative present.

Due to technical difficulties, Chair Char called a recess at 6:01 p.m.
Chair Char called the meeting back to order at 6:03 p.m.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – CONTINUED – [0:02:20]: Fire Fighter Youth introduced the HFD team and provided the report. For questions/concerns, email HFDNHB@honolulu.gov.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VIg1TkusfcJjciuTGIi5gwA0jhecCG9X/view?usp=drive_link
• Website: https://fire.honolulu.gov
• Search for Fire Incidents: http://www.responsemapping.com/map.aspx?aid=2d8b134f-7c9f-4f42-8ef7-424c4cfe3ae5

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:03:51].

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:06:49]: Captain Roberts introduced the HPD team. Sergeant Casabar reported the February 2025 statistics that can be found at https://www.honolulupd.org/information and safety tip advising the community to be aware of phone scams regarding outstanding warrants. Do not make any payment, immediately end the call, and contact HPD to report the incident.
• Crime Mapping Statistics: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:11:30].

Ross joined the meeting at 6:18 p.m.; 7 members present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:18:28]: Michele Harman reported two main for February 2025, shared BWS job opportunities at https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/jobs, and addressed a board member’s concern regarding fire hydrants and wildfires. For questions/concerns, email contactus@hbws.org or call (808) 748-5041.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bxCvw073uKbPnqzp2DbRKDTfQhmVYXO8/view?usp=sharing

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:21:20].

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:21:52]: Megan Johnson (Deputy Director of the Department of Customer Services) provided the report and information about the City’s Wahi Pana art initiative, a new transitional housing shelter for homeless individuals at Iwilei Center, the appointment of Roy Miyahira as the City’s Director of Homeless Solutions, updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), and Honolulu’s designation as a “Bicycle-Friendly Community.” Also, your Neighborhood Assistant will be collecting donated canned goods at the next regular meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
• Contact the Mayor: https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor
• Mayor’s Newsletter: https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter

Steelquist joined the meeting at 6:23 p.m.; 8 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:28:18].

District 5: Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [0:41:40]: Taylor Date provided the report, shared plans for a community egg hunt at Makiki District Park, and addressed community concerns about overhanging trees and faded street signs. For questions/concerns, email scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov or call (808) 768-5005.
• Website: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:43:16].

District 6: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [0:43:41]: Robin Henski provided the report, shared legislative and newsletter updates, and addressed community concerns about the 1617 Alapaʻi Street project. For questions/concerns, email tdossantos-tam@honolulu.gov or call (808) 768-5006.
• Website: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-6-dos-santos-tam

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:45:28].

3. STATE OF HAWAIʻI ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS – [0:50:58]

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [0:51:02]: Russell Pang provided the report, shared newsletter updates (Operation Hire Hawaiʻi), the appointment of Jun Yang as the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness, and speed camera enforcement program (https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/safety-camera-systems). For questions/concerns, email russell.wk.pang@hawaii.gov or call (808) 265-5239.
• Website/Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov
• Operation Hire Hawaiʻi: https://dhrd.hawaii.gov/ohhi

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:55:01].

Senate District 11: Senator Carol Fukunaga – [1:02:15]: Senator Fukunaga provided the report (fireworks enforcement legislation), shared a recap of her recent community forum, and highlighted the Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement’s new director (Mike Lambert). For questions/concerns, email senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-6460.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KL6vPR_kco0PQxNbi455qJIqg7iLxW3v/view?usp=sharing

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:07:21].

House District 26: Representative Della Au Belatti – [1:18:05]: Representative Belatti provided the report and shared legislative updates, including corrections, emergency preparedness, military affairs, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and an upcoming community event addressing the situation with the federal budget and its impacts on state funding. For questions/concerns, email repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-9425.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:21:34].

House District 25: Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto – [1:22:49]: No representative present.

House District 23: Representative Ikaika Olds – [1:23:07]: No representative present.

House District 22: Representative Andrew Garrett – [1:23:25]: No representative present.

4. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS – [1:23:37]

Filling of 4 Vacant Seats in Subdistrict 1 (Tantalus, Mott-Smith, Heulu) and 2 Vacant Seats in Subdistrict 2 (Kinaʻu, Lower Makiki, Kewalo) – [1:23:54]: Deferred due to a lack of quorum. Two Crossfire Ministry representatives who live in Makiki wanted to fill the vacant seats and showed their business cards to verify their residency.

Approval of Written Summaries for Video Record: Thursday, January 16, 2025 and Thursday, February 20, 2025 – [1:24:15]: Deferred due to a lack of quorum.

Nice Neighborhood Committee Report – [1:25:13]: Committee Chair Harris Nakamoto provided the report, announced the next committee meeting scheduled to be held on Monday, March 31, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., and shared updates on the committee’s work (1427 Ernest Street illegal drug activities, Tipsy Pig II reckless speeding and excessive noise, and 1111 South Beretania Street homeless encampments, illegal drug activities, and hygienic concerns).
• Meeting Agendas: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-15372

Presentation: Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Program by Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD) Deputy Director Ian Santee – [1:27:32]: Claire Santos introduced Deputy Director Santee and the C.O.R.E. program, which began in December 2021. Deputy Director Santee presented an overview of the C.O.R.E. program and shared that C.O.R.E. is a medical department, not an emergency program, and the department does not work with law enforcement. If there are concerns about homeless individuals or groups in your neighborhood that need help, you can email HonoluluCORE@honolulu.gov or call the C.O.R.E. hotline at (808) 768-2673 to ask for assistance. This line is for non-emergencies only and calls will be returned as soon as possible. Visit https://emergencyservices.honolulu.gov/core for details.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:34:10].

Presentation: Crossfire Ministry by Leon Naotala – [1:44:00]: Leon Naotala and Matt Ako of Crossfire Ministry presented how the faith-based, non-profit ministry group wants to get involved and help people in the community. Their clients face various challenges, including homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse. Crossfire Ministry is located at 1418 Kewalo Street and email crossfireministry808@outlook.com for questions/concerns.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:47:21].

Resolution for Support of Establishing an Empty Homes Tax in Honolulu – [1:54:48]: Ross Isokane testified in support of establishing an Empty Homes Tax in Honolulu (Honolulu City Council Bill 46 (2024): https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/measure/3047). There was no board action due to a lack of quorum.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:56:32].

Resolution Requesting the Department of Education to Expand the Korean Language Program for Public School Students within the Kaimuki-McKinley-Roosevelt Complex – [1:56:53]: Claire Santos shared comments in support of language studies. There was no board action due to a lack of quorum.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HcyUIRhao2RjbnogcdbkWr5EOomTRDqs/view?usp=drive_link

Resolution Addressing Traffic and Safety Hazards Caused by Chick-fil-A Makiki Operations – [1:58:22]: Lindsay Chambers (resident of the neighboring Queen Victoria Condominium) introduced and testified in support of this resolution. Kirra Downing represented Chick-fil-A and shared a response letter (https://drive.google.com/file/d/19xPSC60T9YkL3epXWERU1RQoKD1x2WZB/view?usp=sharing).
• Resolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12lhelBdsDq9wkQD4ci8c0HRe3WNigFpd/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=115549024476463870729&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:02:14]. Following discussion, there was no board action due to a lack of quorum.

Resolution Supporting Speed Humps on King Street and Beretania Street Between Punahou Street and Ward Avenue – [2:16:37]: There was no board action due to a lack of quorum.

5. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS – [2:16:50]

Speaking Time Concerns – [2:17:03]: Rich Caz expressed his disappointment with the amount of speaking time the Makiki Neighborhood Board offers residents. Caz commented on the length of speaking time for board members.

Board Quorum Concerns – [2:18:50]: Ian Ross asked Chair Char to write to the Neighborhood Commission about adjusting the designation or number of seats so that the board can establish quorum.

6. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS – [2:20:07]

Makiki/Lower Punchbowl Neighborhood Security Watch Report – [2:20:09]: No report.

Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – [2:20:13]: Steelquist provided a report and the final draft document of the Overall Work Program (https://oahumpo.org/?wpfb_dl=3472).
• Newsletter: https://oahumpo.org/news/newsletters

7. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:22:25]

Next Regular Meeting – [2:22:27]: 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 – [2:22:38]: 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 – [2:22:56]: Without objection, Chair Char adjourned the meeting at 8:23 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.