MAKIKI – LOWER PUNCHBOWL – TANTALUS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 10

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M.
MAKIKI DISTRICT PARK (OLD MAKIKI COMMUNITY LIBRARY, 2ND FLOOR)
1527 KE’EAUMOKU STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96822 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/tn2vhKmnhhBafkJy5)
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)

Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE

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

Neighborhood Plan §2-14-116 Disclosure. (a) Any board member who knows he or she has a personal or private interest, direct or indirect, in any proposal before the board shall disclose the interest either orally or in writing to the board. The disclosure shall also be made a matter of public record before the board takes any action on the proposal.
(b) A member who makes any disclosure shall not be disqualified from participation in the discussion or vote on the matter. A member may choose to be recused. A recused member shall not participate in the discussion or vote.

1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Nathan Char (nathanielchar@gmail.com)
2. ROLL CALL – Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov)
3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) (HFDNHB@honolulu.gov)
4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) (https://www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)

5. FILLING ONE VACANT AT-LARGE SEAT: Interested residents must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov) to verify residency before the meeting.

6. CITY REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Michele Harman (contactus@hbws.org)
B. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter) – Megan Johnson (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor)
C. District 5: Councilmember Scott Nishimoto
(https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto) – Taylor Date (scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov)
D. District 6: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam
(https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-6-dos-santos-tam) – Robin Henski (tdossantos-tam@honolulu.gov)

7. 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.

8. STATE OFFICIAL REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Russell Pang (russell.wk.pang@hawaii.gov)
B. State Senator Carol Fukunaga (District 11) (senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov)
C. State Representative Della Au Belatti (District 26) (repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov)
D. State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) (repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov)
E. State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) (repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov)
F. State Representative Andrew Garrett (District 22) (repgarrett@capitol.hawaii.gov)

9. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS
A. Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, August 21, 2025 (Draft Written Summaries: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-11258)
B. Pesticides Presentation – Representative Amy Perruso
C. Walk Bike Drive Presentation – Hawaiʻi Bicycle League
D. Adopting a Resolution Urging the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to Prioritize and Expedite the Makiki Community Garden Fence Project
E. Discussion on Updates to Radioactive Material at Makiki District Park
F. Motion Requesting a Second Right-Hand Turn Lane (that is also a thru lane) from Kinau Street onto Pensacola Street
G. Establishing a Walk the District Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) (https://oip.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/QR-Who-Bd-Members-CanTalk-to-When-PART-3-2024-Final.pdf)

10. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Nice Neighborhoods Committee – Harris Nakamoto (junfour@gmail.com)
Committee Agendas: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-15372
B. O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – John Steelquist (john@steelquist.com)
Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC): https://oahumpo.org/citizen-advisory-committee

11. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, October 16, 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.

12. 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 https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.

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 email nco@honolulu.gov at least 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, AUGUST 21, 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 Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz2WLAQzJvY&list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q

Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE

1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:03]: Chair Nathan Char called the Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL – [0:00:09]: Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call. Quorum was established with eleven (11) members present. Note: This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Nathaniel Char, Eric Salassa, Arthur Eberhardt, Sam Mitchell, Harris Nakamoto, John Steelquist, Richard Kawano, Kahanu Chan, Chuck Lee, Robert Peters, Bronson Silva, Janvier Witham, Adam Kirchmann (appointed at 6:32 p.m.), Kimberley Gallant (appointed at 6:32 p.m.), Linda Dela Cruz (appointed at 6:32 p.m.), and Nancy Depicolzuane (appointed at 6:34 p.m.).

Members Absent: None.

Guests: Sergeant Lee and Lieutenant (Honolulu Police Department); Megan Johnson (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Taylor Date (Councilmember Scott Nishimoto); Robin Henski (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam); Russell Pang (Governor Josh Green); Lynell Yuu (Senator Carol Fukunaga); Representative Andrew Garrett; Ina Higashi-Izumi (Department of Parks and Recreation); Lindsay Chambers (Queen Victoria Residences); Tom Heinrich; Lori Wong; Aaron Smith, Richard Ching, Lisa Ching, Davis Gary, Adam Strubeck (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. About 36 participants joined the meeting.

3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) – [0:01:11]: Chair Char read the report provided by the HFD who had to leave due to an emergency call. HFD encourages the public to explore fire.honolulu.gov to access the incident trend dashboard and fire response search tool by clicking on the news and info tab.
• July 2025 Statistics: There were zero (0) structure fires, zero (0) wildland brush fires, eight (8) nuisance fires, one (1) cooking fire, eleven (11) activated alarms (no fire), 116 medical emergencies, two (2) motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, six (6) motor vehicle crash/collisions, one (1) mountain rescue, zero (0) ocean rescues, and zero (0) hazardous material incidents.
• Safety Tip: Understanding how you’ll be alerted during urgent emergencies and knowing where to find accurate official information is a key part of being prepared. Learn more at honolulu.gov/dem/stay-informed. Alert methods include opt-in alerts (HNL Alert) and public alert and warning systems (emergency alert system, wireless emergency alerts, outdoor warning sirens).
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1boY0DRVWVmdJ47NBTdxOITCTHPQpr4Sx/view?usp=drive_link

4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – [0:02:15]: Sergeant Lee provided the crime statistics.
• July 2025 Statistics: There were nine (9) motor vehicle thefts (previous month: 9), six (6) burglaries (previous month: 10), 44 thefts (previous month: 28), seven (7) unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV) (previous month: 14), eleven (11) assaults (previous month: 4), three (3) sexual assaults (previous month: 0), zero (0) graffiti cases (previous month: 0), four (4) drug offenses (previous month: 0), 79 motor vehicle collisions (previous month: 83), and 2,126 total calls for service (previous month: 2,069).
• Traffic Safety: Lieutenant Matimor also emphasized the importance of traffic safety due to the increase in crashes and fatalities this year compared to last year. HPD is stepping up warnings and enforcement efforts, with several traffic enforcement projects being initiated.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:02:43]:
• Reporting Drug Activity: Richard asked about the safest way to report suspected drug activity in a neighborhood. Sergeant Lee responded that residents can report anonymously, but investigators would eventually need to contact the person for a written statement to establish probable cause. Lieutenant added that reports can be submitted online through honopd.org, with the option to remain anonymous.
• Queen Victoria Driveway Blockage: Arthur reported that residents at Queen Victoria have concerns about vehicles blocking their driveways. Lieutenant suggested reporting incidents when they occur by calling for service and offered to pass the concern up the chain of command. He also mentioned the possibility of hiring a special duty officer through HPD’s special duty section.
• Tipsy Pig 2 Incidents: Sam inquired about motorcycles and cars doing donuts and shooting fireworks near Tipsy Pig 2 bar. Lieutenant confirmed they have received multiple complaints about the business and have increased staffing during events. He noted that for the most recent event, they had additional staff monitoring the location and issued citations.
• Ward Avenue/Lunalilo Intersection: Robert Peters expressed concerns about frequent accidents at the intersection of Ward Avenue and Lunalilo Street. Lieutenant explained that while HPD enforces traffic laws, changes to signage, lights, or roadway markings fall under the Department of Transportation’s jurisdiction.
• Response Time Concerns: June reported a 40-minute response time to a 911 call regarding a threatening individual. Lieutenant apologized for the extended response time, explaining that calls are prioritized based on their nature and District 1 experiences high call volumes.
• Enforcement at Problem Property: Richard Ching reported ongoing issues with unwanted individuals at 1427 Ernest Street. Lieutenant explained that for trespassing enforcement, a representative of the property would need to issue a trespass warning.

5. FILLING FIVE VACANT AT-LARGE SEATS – [0:26:08]

Filling Vacant Seats – [0:26:08]: The following candidates introduced themselves and expressed interest in filling vacant board seats:
1. Adam Kirchman: Former juvenile corrections officer and crisis counselor with experience working with FEMA, Red Cross, homeless shelters, and individuals with autism. Currently works as a resident manager at Village Maloia and runs a carpentry business.
2. Kimberly Gallant: 50-year resident of Makiki who wants to foster positive community connections while addressing safety issues and concerns about the unhoused community.
3. Linda Dela Cruz: 10-year Makiki resident with 30 years in Honolulu and previous neighborhood board experience. Works as a multimedia storyteller with experience in news, radio, television, and newspaper.
4. Nancy Depicolzuane: Depicolzuane has been attending board meetings for more than a year and believes safety and well-being of the community are priorities.

Nakamoto left the meeting room at 6:28 p.m.; 11 members present.

Mitchell NOMINATED Adam Kirchmann, Kimberley Gallant, and Linda Dela Cruz to fill the vacant at-large seats. All three candidates (Kirchmann, Gallant, and Dela Cruz) were APPOINTED to fill the vacant seats; 11-0-0 (Kirchmann, Gallant, and Dela Cruz: Salassa, Char, Eberhardt, Silva, Steelquist, Mitchell, Lee, Chan, Kawano, Peter, and Witham; Abstain: None).

Eberhardt NOMINATED Nancy Depicolzuane (arrived in person after the initial nominations) to fill a vacant at-large seat. Depicolzuane was APPOINTED to fill a vacant seat; 11-0-0 (Depicolzuane: Salassa, Char, Eberhardt, Silva, Steelquist, Mitchell, Lee, Chan, Kawano, Peter, and Witham; Abstain: None). One at-large seat remains vacant.

Chair Char called a recess at 6:34 p.m. Nakamoto returned to the meeting room at 6:35 p.m.; 12 members present.
Kirchmann, Gallant, Dela Cruz, and Depicolzuane took the oath of office; 16 members present.
Chair Char called the meeting back to order at 6:38 p.m.

6. CITY REPORTS – [0:38:10]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:38:10]: No representative was present at this time.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N2hw_YErVN2kU54cR1ApeHRe_AITonwq/view?usp=drive_link

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:38:22]: Megan Johnson provided updates on several community concerns:
• Palm Drive Issues: The roadway is private but maintained by the City. HPD can enforce violations, and the Department of Transportation Services has initiated a work order to address signage issues.
• Affordable Housing/Bill 7 Projects: The Pence Metro Affordable Housing Project is privately developed and managed. The Department of Planning and Permitting reported that building permit number 854879 was issued and inspections are ongoing.
• Former Piikoi Mini Park: The property is not listed on any historic registers, contrary to claims by the property manager.
• Homeless Encampments: HPD has conducted cleanups near Luna Lilo Street but noted the location is state property under the Department of Transportation’s jurisdiction. A meeting is being scheduled to develop a long-term solution.
• Motor Vehicle Collision Statistics: HPD can provide statistics for specific locations upon request.
• Makiki District Park Building 42 Radiation Concerns: The Department of Health confirmed no additional testing was needed as the area has been deemed safe based on a 1988 radiological evaluation by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Sheridan Park Playground Fire: The damaged playground has been demolished, and the Department of Parks and Recreation is working to replace the equipment, with completion anticipated in late fall or early spring.
• Tipsy Pig 2 Bar and Grill: The Honolulu Liquor Commission investigates all complaints against licensees but is limited in scheduling investigators on holidays due to collective bargaining agreements.
• Newsletter: https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter

District 5: Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [0:53:10]: Taylor Date reported that Councilmember Nishimoto’s bill regarding Bill 7 projects, introduced on behalf of the Makiki/Tantalus Neighborhood Board, has gone through first reading. Community advocates testified in support, and the bill is helping to start important conversations about adding restraints to Bill 7 projects.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:55:04]:
• Support for Bill: Chuck commended Councilmember Nishimoto for quickly introducing the bill with everything the community wanted, calling him a compassionate public official who listens to constituents.
• Ward Avenue/Lunalilo Intersection: Robert Peters asked which agency could address his concerns about the intersection. Taylor Date offered to submit a riser or work with Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam if the intersection falls within his district.

District 6: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [0:59:36]: Robin Henski reported that five new speed bumps have been installed on Tantalus and Nuuanu near Craigside senior residences. Bill 51 related to the Downtown Honolulu BID passed out of the zoning committee and will head to second reading on September 3. A little fire ant meeting will be held on August 27 at Stevenson Middle School, and a Chinatown cleanup is scheduled for Saturday morning.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cXaLHiERfOL0WN7zserlChf3VfySayMe/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:01:09]:
• Ward Avenue/Lunalilo Intersection: Chair Char mentioned Robert Peters’ concerns about the intersection, and Robin Henski confirmed she noted the issue.
• Bill 7 and Bill 53: Harris emphasized the importance of affordable housing while noting the critical concerns raised by residents regarding Bill 53. He also asked about initiatives related to the Punchbowl perimeter regarding homeless encampments and fire hazards. Robin Henski mentioned that Lynn Robinson has been working with Senator Fukunaga on the issue and that a pilot program similar to what was done at Diamond Head could be implemented.

7. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS – [1:04:32]

Blind Spot at Intersection: Lavenia Kafa reported a near collision at the intersection of Helu Street and Makiki Street due to a blind spot. She suggested installing a convex mirror or traffic safety mirror to prevent accidents.

Meeting Time Management: Lavenia Kafa suggested limiting elected officials’ reports to 2-3 minutes to allow more time for community concerns and board member questions.

8. STATE OFFICIAL REPORTS – [1:07:01]

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:35:26]: Russell Pang provided updates on several issues:
• Ward Avenue Overpass Paving: The project will include the intersections, covering the area under state jurisdiction from south of the overpass to just shy of Kinau Street and mauka of Lunalilo Street.
• Lunalilo Street Repaving: The area near the post office will be repaved, though no schedule is available yet.
• Brush Fire Risk at Punchbowl: The Governor’s homeless coordinator is working with various departments that own land in the area. Jurisdiction and land ownership issues complicate the matter, as some land is federally owned.
• Ward Avenue/Lunalilo Intersection: Pang will discuss the proposed left-turn light with state Department of Transportation engineers.
• Makiki Stream Debris: The Department of Land and Natural Resources cleared debris from the Makiki Stream area near the 1600 block of Makiki Street.
• Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsletter

Senate District 11: Senator Carol Fukunaga – [1:11:04]: Lynell Yu reported that Senator Fukunaga was double-booked and unable to attend. The Senator’s newsletter was shared in the chat and Google Docs.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HmLe0igvWdA5aC7M9eM4JETVTPzzI6Bd/view?usp=drive_link

House District 26: Representative Della Au Belatti – [1:11:32]: No representative was present at this time.

House District 25: Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto – [1:11:48]: No representative was present at this time.

House District 23: Representative Ikaika Olds – [1:12:03]: No representative was present at this time.

House District 22: Representative Andrew Garrett – [1:12:12]: Representative Garrett congratulated the new board members. He reported that despite earlier expectations, a special legislative session will not be needed this year, as federal spending cuts won’t take effect until 2027. This gives the legislature the entire 2026 session to make budgetary adjustments. He noted that Hawaii is in a good fiscal position with $1.5 billion in the rainy day fund, and the legislature is committed to protecting programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

9. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS – [1:13:36]

Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, July 17, 2025 – [1:13:36]: Nakamoto MOVED and Eberhardt SECONDED to adopt the July 2025 initial convening meeting written summary. Without objection, the written summary was APPROVED as written; 16-0-0 (Aye: Salassa, Char, Eberhardt, Silva, Nakamoto, Steelquist, Mitchell, Lee, Chan, Kawano, Peters, Witham, Kirchmann, Gallant, Dela Cruz, and Depicolzuane; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:13:47].

Presentation: Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Updates on Cultural Protection and Community Investment with 2026 Legislative Survey – [1:14:04]: No representative present.

Discussion on Issues from the Makiki District Park Special Meeting on Thursday, August 14, 2025 – [1:14:20]: Chair Char noted that the special meeting did not have quorum and presented two draft resolutions for consideration. Char MOVED and Nakamoto SECONDED to adopt a resolution in strong support of allowing dogs in City and County of Honolulu parks in Makiki. The resolution requests that Dole Community Park, Makiki Street Mini Park, Makiki District Park, and Hahaione Park be opened to animals on leash, with signage at Dole Community Park asking dog owners to maintain distance from pre-kindergarten Headstart children. It also supports continuing to move forward with Punahou Square as an off-leash dog park and making necessary improvements to accommodate both on-leash and off-leash dog use at Makiki District Park.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:15:12]:
• Clarification on Punahou Square Park: Eberhardt noted that Punahou Square Park was already designated to be an off-leash park, which Chair Char confirmed.
• Resolution Explanation: Linda Dela Cruz requested an explanation of the resolution, which Chair Char provided, detailing the parks to be opened to animals and the conditions.
• Past Attempts: Steelquist noted that previous attempts to establish a dog park in Makiki were rejected by the Parks Department due to liability concerns, particularly regarding homeless individuals with pets.
• Either/Or Situation: A resident asked whether designating Punahou Square as an off-leash park would preclude having a space in Makiki Park for dogs. Tom Heinrich clarified that the resolution does not create an either/or situation and supports welcoming dogs in all appropriate park spaces.
• Master Plan Update: Tom Heinrich noted that the Makiki District Park master plan was completed in 1999 and should be reviewed and updated to include dog park facilities.
• Community Support: Lori Wong thanked the board for hearing community concerns and putting the resolutions on the agenda for votes.

Without objection, the resolution was ADOPTED; 16-0-0 (Aye: Salassa, Char, Eberhardt, Silva, Nakamoto, Steelquist, Mitchell, Lee, Chan, Kawano, Peters, Witham, Kirchmann, Gallant, Dela Cruz, and Depicolzuane; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:23:54].
• Draft Resolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fPD6Eg_YF3Eb84B_N1Oo9QUu1u05Yk5D/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115549024476463870729&rtpof=true&sd=true

Eberhardt MOVED and Kirchmann SECONDED to adopt a resolution in strong support of the installation of additional lighting at Makiki District Park.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:26:16]:
• Lighting Considerations: Vice Chair Steelquist emphasized that the lighting should not shine into surrounding apartments and should be designed to avoid harming nesting seabirds.

Without objection, the resolution was ADOPTED; 16-0-0 (Aye: Salassa, Char, Eberhardt, Silva, Nakamoto, Steelquist, Mitchell, Lee, Chan, Kawano, Peters, Witham, Kirchmann, Gallant, Dela Cruz, and Depicolzuane; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:27:43].
• Draft Resolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F-U4Je6VU3EFCM9fJBdMxJUSmFWXzzps/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115549024476463870729&rtpof=true&sd=true

Discussion with Department of Parks and Recreation – [1:27:52]: Ina Higashi-Izumi, West Honolulu Recreation Supervisor, addressed several questions and concerns regarding Makiki District Park:
• Staff Identification: Part-time staff now have name tags with the city logo, Department of Parks and Recreation, “Makiki Staff,” and their names.
• Staff Enforcement Capabilities: Staff try to enforce park rules but are instructed not to approach dangerous individuals. For serious issues, they call HPD, though response times vary.
• Track Team Issues: The track team had been using the park for years with an agreement to stay on the exterior and not interfere with the middle of the field. Going forward, DPR will meet with coaches before practices start to set clear guidelines about whistles, boundaries, and timelines.
• Alternative Locations: There are no track facilities within City Parks and Recreation, only at State Department of Education facilities.
• Staffing: The position for a Makiki Park supervisor is open and being recruited.
• Park Closure Enforcement: DPR depends on HPD to enforce park closures.
• Irrigation System: There were damages to the irrigation system, but it has been fixed and the grass should be returning to its normal state.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [1:40:31]:
• Noise Complaints: Aaron Smith reported calling police daily for two weeks about excessive whistle noise from the track team. He requested clear boundaries and consequences for non-compliance. Ina Higashi-Izumi committed to setting clear guidelines with coaches and addressing violations.
• Permit Process: Joan asked who decides on permits for Makiki Park. Ina Higashi-Izumi explained that recreation staff issue permits.
• Enforcement Consequences: Chuck asked about consequences for breaking rules. Ina Higashi-Izumi explained that permits can be revoked, but if the organization complains, they are often allowed to return. Community support through petitions could help enforce consequences.
• Insurance Requirements: Lisa Ching asked whether coaches are required to have liability insurance. Ina Higashi-Izumi stated that liability insurance is typically required for large events but would need to follow up regarding regular practices.
• Community Concerns: Davis Gary expressed frustration about the track team taking over the entire park, preventing community use, and creating conflicts with dog owners who live in the area. He questioned the permit process and enforcement.
• Dog Owner Conflicts: Ina Higashi-Izumi noted that dog owners have also been confrontational with staff when asked to keep dogs on leash, with some deliberately releasing their dogs when asked to leash them.
• Community Garden Fence: Adam Strubeck from the Makiki Community Garden Association asked about the status of the garden fence project, which has been funded but is not being prioritized by DPR. Ina Higashi-Izumi promised to follow up on the issue.

Discussion on Solutions to Traffic Safety Issues at the Five-Way Intersection of Iolani Avenue/Prospect Street/Alapai Street – [2:00:21]: Chair Char provided background on previous discussions about the intersection, noting that the Board had initially preferred a roundabout or “beanabout” but settled on stop signs as a quicker, less expensive solution. Char suggested considering a plastic beanabout as an interim solution.
• Tom Heinrich reported visiting the intersection before the meeting and noted several issues, including graffiti and stickers on signs make it difficult to tell that the intersection is an all-way stop. Heinrich suggested board members to draft a resolution urging the mayor, council members, and Department of Transportation Services to evaluate and implement additional safety solutions.
• Residents discussed possible solutions include pedestrian-activated flashing light bars, marked crosswalks, or flashing red lights over the intersection.
• Adam suggested holding a special session focused on traffic safety issues, which Chair Char supported, noting it could also address the Ward Avenue/Lunalilo intersection and Queen Victoria/Chick-fil-A traffic problems.

10. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS – [2:09:09]

Reporting of Board Member Attendance and Matters Presented/Discussed at Queen Victoria Residences Coffee Talk on Saturday, July 26, 2025 – [2:09:09]: Char, Eberhardt, and Ian Ross (board member at the time of the coffee talk) attended the coffee talk. Resident Lindsay Chambers thanked board members for attending the coffee talk.
1. Introducing a resolution regarding traffic issues
2. Lack of HPD enforcement of no-parking zones near Queen Victoria Residences
3. Potential solutions, including focused enforcement by HPD for a week or two
4. Approaching the mayor directly about the issues
Arthur added that the Queen Victoria committee reported that the Department of Planning and Permitting claimed they could do nothing about Chick-fil-A not operating according to their permit, which concerned him.
Nancy reported witnessing Beretania Street almost completely blocked one day, with McDonald’s blocked by cars backing up, Chick-fil-A’s line blocking traffic, and people trying to get around creating further blockages.

Makiki/Lower Punchbowl Neighborhood Security Watch – [2:13:37]: No report

O’ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – [2:13:44]: No report.

11. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:13:50]

Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, September 18, 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.

12. ADJOURNMENT – [2:14:46]: Eberhardt MOVED and Steelquist SECONDED to adjourn the meeting. Without objection, Chair Char adjourned the meeting at 8:15 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.