MAKIKI-LOWER PUNCHBOWL-TANTALUS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 10

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026 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: www8.honolulu.gov/nco/boards-and-sub-district-boundary-descriptions

Subscribe to Receive Meeting Agendas via Email: www8.honolulu.gov/nco/newsletter-subscription

Subscribe to Receive City News Updates via Email: www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter-signup

Food Drive: The City and County of Honolulu has launched its annual Food Drive to benefit the Hawaiʻi Foodbank. Residents are invited to participate by dropping off canned food donations at their Neighborhood Board meeting.

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) (www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)

5. BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) – Michele Harman (www.boardofwatersupply.com/contact)

6. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi (www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor) – Megan Johnson
B. Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto) – Taylor Date
C. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-6-dos-santos-tam) – Robin Henski
D. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Russell Pang (russell.wk.pang@hawaii.gov)
E. State Senator Carol Fukunaga (District 11) (senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov)
F. State Representative Della Au Belatti (District 26) (repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov)
G. State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) (repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov)
H. State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) (repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov)
I. State Representative Andrew Garrett (District 22) (repgarrett@capitol.hawaii.gov)
7. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
Questions for HFD, HPD, BWS, city officials, and state officials should be asked after their respective reports. 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. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS
A. Filling of 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.
B. Election of Makiki Neighborhood Board Treasurer (Neighborhood Plan §2-14-123)
C. Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, February 19, 2026
(Draft Written Summaries: www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-11258)
D. Hawaiian Telcom Presentation on Fiber Optics – Lois Pak (lois.pak@hawaiiantel.com)
E. Vote on Recessing Neighborhood Board No. 10 Regular Meeting to Attend Mayor Blangiardi’s Town Hall on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Ballroom (www.honolulu.gov/mayor/townhall)
F. Discussion on SB2423 (Relating to Zoning) and HB1734 (Relating to Zoning)
G. Discussion on Neighborhood Board No. 10 Board Boundaries
H. Discussion on Kinau Community Hub Event – Harris Nakamoto

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

10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Makiki District Park (Old Makiki Community Library, 2nd Floor) and online via Webex.
B. 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.

11. 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.

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 as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer than three (3) business days remaining before the meeting, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but it may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026 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=o2EnFq17P1U&list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q

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

1. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:00]: Chair Char called the meeting to order at approximately 6:02 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL [0:00:00]: Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted roll call. Quorum was established with 11 members present. This 17-member Board requires nine members to establish quorum and to take Board action. Chair Char announced that Janvier Witham resigned from the Board.

Members Present: Kahanu Chan, Linda Dela Cruz, Nancy Depicolzuane (joined at 6:10 p.m.), Arthur Eberhardt, Janel Fujinaka, Kimberley Gallant (joined at 6:03 p.m.), Richard Kawano, Amanda Kirby, Adam Kirchmann, Chuck Lee, Harris Nakamoto, Eric Salassa (joined at 6:08 p.m.), Bronson Silva (Secretary), and Nathaniel Char (Chair).

Members Absent: Samuel Mitchell and John Steelquist (Vice Chair).

Guests: Sergeant K. Lee (Honolulu Police Department); Russell Pang (Governor Green); Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett; Michelle Harman (Board of Water Supply); Megan Johnson (Mayor Blangiardi); Mike Buck (C.O.R.E.); Grace Kim (Representative Olds); Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam and Robin Henski (Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Taylor Date (Councilmember Nishimoto); Charlie Calvet, Laura Ruby, Michele Luke, and Tom Heinrich (Residents/Guests); Patrick Smith (Neighborhood Commission); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Names were not included if not legible or stated for the record. About 45 participants joined the meeting.

3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) [0:00:43]: HFD was not present at this time. Chair Char noted HFD had to respond to an incident and indicated the Board would circle back if they arrived.

Member Kimberley Gallant joined the meeting at 6:03 p.m.; 12 members present.

4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) [0:01:09]: Sergeant K. Lee presented January 2026 crime statistics compared to December 2025: motor vehicle thefts 7 (same), burglaries 1 (down from 16), thefts 32 (down from 36), assaults 5 (down from 6), sex assaults 1 (down from 2), graffiti 2 (up from 0), drugs 0 (down from 1), motor vehicle collisions 87 (down from 98). Total calls for service: 1,954 (down from 2,099). HPD District 1 command is piloting a mobile surveillance trailer, approximately the size of a car, to be placed at Tantalus Lookout. The trailer features live-feed cameras and a speaker, operated through Live View Technologies. Implementation is pending permitting and required signatures. Similar units are currently deployed in District 7 and have shown crime deterrence.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:04:38]:
1. Davenport/Pensacola Area: Member Nakamoto noted a persistent issue at a problem building on Davenport Street and asked about mitigation. Sergeant Lee did not have details but agreed to pass the concern to the command.
2. Community Policing Outreach: Member Nakamoto requested that HPD’s community policing unit attend community hub meetings. Sergeant Lee suggested contacting the HPD watch commander
3. Surveillance Trailer Details: Member Lee asked about the trailer’s location, mobility, and duration. Sergeant Lee confirmed it will be placed at Tantalus Lookout, can be relocated as needed, and can remain deployed as long as the community desires.
4. Electric Scooter/Bicycle Accident Statistics: Member Kawano requested that HPD compile accident statistics involving electric scooters, electric bikes, and similar devices for the district. Sergeant Lee confirmed this could be compiled in the same format as current crime stats, starting at the district level.
5. Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety: Member Eberhardt noted the district has a highly active cycling area and echoed the request for a breakdown of motor vehicle collisions by type (pedestrians, cyclists, motor vehicles). Sergeant Lee confirmed that the 87 collisions reported represent total MVCs, including all types.
6. Surveillance Camera: Member Kirchmann expressed concern that video evidence from prior incidents, particularly involving juveniles, had not resulted in meaningful consequences. Sergeant Lee acknowledged the frustration, noting that juvenile cases are handled differently and encouraged Members to follow up with the detective or supervisor assigned to specific cases.
7. Eyes on the Road Program: A resident asked whether the “Eyes on the Road” dash camera program is currently active for Makiki residents.

Member Eric Salassa joined the meeting at 6:08 p.m.; 13 members present.
Member Nancy Depicolzuane joined the meeting at 6:10 p.m.; 14 members present.

5. STATE OFFICIAL REPORTS [0:20:33]

A. Governor Josh Green’s Representative [0:20:33]: Russell Pang provided follow-up on questions raised at the January 2026 meeting:
• Insurance Commissioner Follow-Up: The Insurance Commissioner may not have been available or invited to the condo insurance meeting in question. He welcomes community members to email him directly at insurance@dcca.hawaii.gov. The state is taking steps to protect residents, including: reactivating the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund in July 2025, generating approximately $1.8 billion in new hurricane relief fund coverages, $7.8 million in total savings statewide, and approximately $95,000 in average savings per condo policy.
• Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Wayside Parking/Roundtop Drive: The area outside the park falls outside DLNR’s jurisdiction. No-parking signs along Roundtop Drive would need to be coordinated with the city. DLNR handles tree and foliage maintenance within the state park and forest reserve systems; areas outside fall to the City.
• Ward/Lunalilo and Lunalilo Street Repaving: The project is on the docket with the State Department of Transportation but has not yet been scheduled. Russell confirmed it is on track and will notify the Board when scheduling is confirmed.
• Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility Survey: DLNR requests public help completing an online survey at RedHillSurvey.com regarding the 2021 Red Hill fuel spill and related initiatives. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes and closes on February 28, 2026.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:26:01]:
1. Bribery Investigation: Member Fujinaka asked whether the Governor would make a public statement calling for an independent investigation by the AG’s office regarding the $35,000 bribery matter. Russell noted there has been no public statement on that specific aspect and agreed to follow up.
2. Voter Integrity: Member Lee raised constituent concerns about a reported discrepancy of 10,000–19,000 votes on the Big Island at recent election commission meetings. Russell was not familiar with the matter and agreed to check with the Governor’s office.
3. Ward/Lunalilo Repaving Timeline: A resident asked for an update on the repaving of Ward Avenue to South Beretania Street, noting this question has been pending for approximately five months. Russell confirmed the project is on track with DOT and will notify the Board when scheduling is confirmed. Randy asked for a specific point of contact at DOT. Russell confirmed the Department of Transportation is responsible and that he had checked that morning.
4. Homeless Encampment on Roundtop Drive: Member Salassa commended DLNR and DOT for responding to a homeless encampment along Roundtop Drive near Makiki Stream. Following notice, the encampment vacated within two days; a subsequent cleanup removed remaining trash. Russell acknowledged the positive outcome.

B. State Representative Andrew Garrett (District 22) [0:31:58]: Representative Garrett reported that the state legislature is approaching the first lateral deadline, meaning bills must be in their last assigned committee. Approximately one-quarter to one-third of introduced bills are expected to be dead as of the next day. Approximately 3,000 bills were introduced and an estimated 1,000 or more are expected to fail this deadline. Key issues include ethics reform and the uncertain fiscal situation resulting from decisions made in Washington, D.C. affecting social services.
• Newsletter: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberfiles/House/Garrett/Newsletters/2026WinterNewsletter.pdf

C. Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) [0:33:46]: No representative was present.

6. CITY REPORTS [0:34:05]

A. Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:34:05]: Michelle Harman reported no main breaks this month. 2026 calendars are available at the meeting information table and at 630 South Beretania Street. The 2027 BWS Calendar Contest closes February 27, 2026 at 4:30 P.M. Entry forms are available in the back of the 2026 calendar and online at watersupply.com. Prizes include $200 (1st place) through $50 (4th place) in poetry (6th grade through 12th grade) and $200 (1st place) through $100 (3rd place) in posters (up to 6th grade).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:35:34]:
1. Long-Term Water Supply Projection: Member Kawano requested a presentation on BWS’s 10-20 year water supply projection for O’ahu, including the desalination project near the Leahi/Leeward Coast area. Michelle agreed to coordinate with Barry Usagawa from the Water Resources Division to schedule a future presentation.
2. Capital Improvement Program Update: Tom Heinrich referenced a prior BWS representative’s discussion about an ongoing update to the six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). He asked for information on upcoming projects in the district, including a 42-inch transmission line from Liliha down King Street to University Avenue.
3. Fund Transfers from Environmental Services to BWS: Member Salassa asked why funds from the Environmental Services (sewer) department are transferred quarterly to BWS in the millions, given that residents are being charged increasing sewer rates for needed improvements.

B. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative [0:39:25]: Megan Johnson submitted a written report with responses to questions raised at the January 2026 meeting. The City’s new and improved HNL 311 system is live. Residents can submit service requests via the HNL 311 mobile app (Apple or Android) or at HNL311.com. Registered users receive status updates when requests are processed.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11iYsophaKlnN6QjFwuYuTCP-IXHvSpWh/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:41:04]:
1. HNL 311 App: Member Kirchmann noted that existing users of the old 311 app were not notified of the transition to the new app. He had to discover the change by accident.
2. Building Permit Backlog: Member Eberhardt asked about current processing times and whether the permitting backlog has been resolved.
3. Affordable Housing Permitting: Member Fujinaka added to Member Eberhardt’s question, citing the Pensacola Street building (PensaMetro) still under construction with permitting pending, preventing low-income residents from moving in. She also referenced a unit on Alexander Street near Punchbowl being considered for affordable housing. Megan confirmed that information on the PensaMetro building is included as item two in her written report, noting numerous issues that are still progressing.
4. Rail Extension and Complete Streets Presentation Request: Attendee Laura Ruby requested that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) present to the community on the planned rail extension through Makiki and neighboring areas, given potential impacts on neighborhoods through eminent domain and station construction. She also raised concerns about Complete Streets modifications on Date Street and Citron Street, noting that speed control measures are not effectively reducing speeds. She requested DTS engage communities before finalizing plans.

C. Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (District 5) [0:47:33]: Taylor Date represented Councilmember Nishimoto’s office and shared several updates. She thanked board members who attended the community hub event held earlier in the day. She also expressed appreciation to Member Lee for submitting testimony in support of Bill 18, which was originally introduced on behalf of the neighborhood board. Taylor announced two upcoming events: an Ala Moana Park Cleanup on March 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and a free Community Tax Clinic co-hosted with Representative Au Belatti at the Hawaii State Library. Appointments are required through either office.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:49:36]:
1. Gratitude: Member Lee expressed gratitude on behalf of the neighborhood board for Councilmember Nishimoto’s compassionate and empathetic engagement with community concerns. Taylor acknowledged the comment and encouraged continued testimony submission as bills move through the Honolulu City Council.

D. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (District 6) [0:50:44]: Robin Henski represented Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s office, noting the Councilmember would be joining later to present on affordable housing legislation. Robin dropped a link to the February 2026 newsletter.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uhqLRiAaYOoNT3cFGhb18iCf9r1-gOaw/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:51:27]:
1. COVID Stipend Inquiry: Member Fujinaka asked why COVID-era stipend funding approved by the City Council for essential workers is reportedly not being distributed to OTS (Oahu Transit Service) operators.

E. Neighborhood Commission Report [0:52:38]: Neighborhood Commission Chair Patrick Smith reported the following:
Board Outreach: Commission Chair Smith and Vice Chair Larry Varey are visiting all neighborhood boards separately to introduce themselves and share information about the Commission’s role, which includes setting policy and overseeing the neighborhood plan.
• Geographic Boundary Review: The Neighborhood Commission is reviewing the geographic boundaries of all boards. The Chair was previously contacted about a proposed boundary change. Boards interested in boundary adjustments are asked to discuss the matter by the end of April to allow for a holistic review across the island.
• Complaints Procedures: The Neighborhood Commission has revised its complaints procedures. Information is available online.
• Neighborhood Plan Review: The Neighborhood Commission is conducting a step-by-step review of the neighborhood plan. Larry Varey chairs the Neighborhood Plan committee. Boards with concerns about specific regulations are encouraged to reach out.

7. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS [0:55:27]

Pensacola Street No-Parking Signs: Michelle Alvens (Piikoi Street resident) reported that No Parking signs on Pensacola Street in front of the Makiki Cemetery (formerly posted 6:30–8:30 A.M.) were removed around the time a 90-unit Bill 7 building began construction. Construction workers are now parking there, limiting traffic flow. She requested the No Parking restriction be reinstated. Member Kirchmann noted the HNL 311 app is effective for reporting this type of issue.

Wrong-Way Drivers on Piikoi Street: Michelle Alvens also reported that approximately two vehicles per day travel the wrong way on Piikoi Street between the Wilder firehouse and the Pensacola intersection. She asked how to obtain additional signage, including ‘Do Not Enter / Wrong Way’ signs.

Candidate Disclosure: Janel Fujinaka announced her candidacy for District 26 and stated she will recuse herself from any applicable votes to avoid violations of Sunshine Law requirements.

Archie Baker Mini Park – Dogs Off Leash and Graffiti: Mary Lee Patterson (Makiki Heights Drive resident) raised concerns about dogs being let off leash at Archie Baker Mini Park, noting the new off-leash dog park has opened on Punahou Street. She also reported a privately placed memorial plaque on city property at the park and asked 311 to have it removed. She requested enforcement of park hours (closed 10:00 P.M.–5:00 A.M.) regarding homeless individuals. Additionally, she asked how to address graffiti on a privately owned structure on Makiki Heights Drive, noting difficulty reaching the property owner. Board members suggested using HNL 311 and providing the specific address.

Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration and Civic Assessment: Laura Ruby highlighted a meeting of the Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 1:30–3:30 P.M. at a school building on Beretania Street. She expressed concern that a proposed civic assessment (potentially affecting sewer or property taxes) is being developed in a top-down manner with limited community representation. She urged board members and residents from affected neighborhood boards to attend and advocate for bottom-up community input.

Campus Time Trial Bicycle Race: Charlie Calvet, representing Trade Wind Cycling Team, announced the annual Campus Time Trial on Sunday, April 5, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 A.M. The race begins on Makiki Heights Drive near Hawaii Nature Center and proceeds up Tantalus Drive. Contra flow will be in effect from approximately 6:45–8:45 A.M. Approximately 70-80 riders are expected. The event is permitted through USA Cycling and the City and County’s Department of Transportation Services. Advance signage will be posted at Archie Baker Mini Park one week prior.

8. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS [1:06:24]

A. Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, January 15, 2026 [1:06:24]
Two corrections were noted prior to approval:
1. Insurance Commissioner Name: Member Eberhardt noted that page two, item six, question two should reference Scott Saiki (Insurance Commissioner), not Gordon Ito.
2. Janel Fujinaka’s Title: Member Fujinaka clarified that her title at Representative Iwamoto’s office is Committee Clerk, not Legislative Assistant.
The written summary for January 15, 2026 was approved as corrected.

B. Discussion of Fake ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Flyers Posted near Punchbowl [1:07:29]: Chair Char shared that fake ICE flyers were posted near Punchbowl. He emphasized that sharing such flyers on social media spreads false and dangerous information that can cause panic and urged the community not to circulate them.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:08:35]:
1. Content of the Flyer: Member Kawano asked what the fake flyer stated. Chair Char declined to repeat the specific content to avoid further spread, noting it falsely posed as an ICE notice suggesting enforcement activity in the area.
2. Community Response to the Flyer: Member Kirby shared that she lives near where the flyer was posted and works in social services. She noted the flyer contained obvious spelling and grammatical errors, making it identifiable as fake. She appreciated the speed with which it was flagged as false on social media and by government representatives, providing reassurance to herself and her clients.

C. Discussion of Honolulu City Council Bill 7 (Ordinance 19-8, Relating to Affordable Rental Housing), Bill 53 (2025), Bill 72 (2025), and Legislation Related to Affordable Housing [1:11:21]: Tom Heinrich delivered written remarks on behalf of Claire Santos, who was unable to attend due to surgery. The remarks focused on two Bill 7 housing projects: 1427 Ernest Street and 1617 Alapai Street. The Ernest Street project was reportedly vacant for several months before being converted to Section 8 housing without added supportive services. The Alapai Street project raised concerns about its location in the Punchbowl Special District, alleged eviction law violations, unit size, limited parking, lack of green space, and property encroachment during construction. Broader issues included limited community input under Bill 7 and the risk of future market-rate conversions.

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam discussed Honolulu’s broader housing legislation. He explained that restrictive zoning in Makiki led to Bill 7’s creation to spur apartment construction. He reviewed several active measures, including Bill 72, which expands Bill 7 incentives to business zones and transit corridors; Bill 53, which would impose new parking and management requirements; Bill 17, which would repeal Bill 7 in 2027; and Bills 4, 11, 18, and 6, which adjust subsidies, reporting, density, and zoning rules. He emphasized that increasing housing supply is key to lowering average rents in urban Honolulu.
• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oy87Chn3r-0cfUDVS86V_fBR4ExS4gFG/view

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:31:42]:
1. Parking and Transit Concerns: Member Fujinaka noted that none of the current bills adequately address the parking deficit for existing Makiki residents, particularly given dense new development with no parking. She asked how the council could improve transit access or parking options in the dense Pensacola Street corridor. Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam acknowledged the concern, noting the city eliminated urban core parking minimums in 2019 and that parking issues affect all A-2 development, not just Bill 7. He noted the city council recently voted to raise bus fares 12.5% for monthly riders, which is inconsistent with a transit-oriented development strategy.
2. Developer Accountability and Incentive Guardrails: Member Kirchmann asked what incentives are offered under Bill 7, what prevents investors from converting units to market-rate after the 15-year restriction, and how residents are protected from predatory development. Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam explained that incentives include a $12,000 per unit post-construction subsidy ($40,000 pre-construction) and an ongoing property tax waiver. He acknowledged the 15-year limitation and noted the city provides access (not large cash subsidies) as the primary incentive, since zoning restrictions otherwise preclude much development. Member Kirchmann also described construction debris blowing from a Pensacola Street building during a recent windstorm, expressing concern about developer responsibility.
3. Density Concerns and First Major Push Since the 1970s: Member Kirby noted that Bill 7 represents the first major push for increased density in apartment zones since the 1970s and that Makiki, as one of the largest apartment zones on the island, is being disproportionately affected. She raised the importance of onsite management at Ernest Street-area Bill 7 buildings, noting HPD cannot act on resident complaints without a manager present. She suggested a compromise of part-time or on-call management. She also noted that a transition from car-oriented to transit-oriented development requires a bridge period, and that some minimum accessible parking should be required. Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam added that fire code requires someone onsite to deactivate a fire alarm.
4. Community Impact and Resident Protections: Member Lee read from his testimony submitted for Bill 18, urging the council to present concrete, measurable solutions for communities experiencing increased congestion, infrastructure stress, and safety concerns from new developments—not just benefits for developers. He suggested the city consider converting the Pensacola Street bike lane back to parking as a compassionate gesture to the 140+ units being built on that strip with no parking. He called for balanced accountability, responsible planning, and ‘aloha spirit’ in the development process.
5. Comprehensive Zoning Reform vs. Bill 7: Member Salassa asked where the council stands on comprehensive zoning reform as a preferred alternative to Bill 7. Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam pointed to Bill 6 as the vehicle for comprehensive reform and encouraged the Board to review it, noting it addresses the core density imbalance that made Bill 7 necessary.
6. Quality of Life: Laura Ruby emphasized the importance of setbacks and green canopy for quality of life in Makiki, noting current projects are producing nearly all-concrete structures. Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam acknowledged that permeable surface policies and setback requirements are policy areas that need attention.
7. Bill 7 Guardrails and Developer Accountability: Michelle Luke, a Pali Momi Street resident adjacent to the 1617 Alapai project, stated that Bill 7 has clearly missed its intended mark of serving working-class residents near public transit. She noted that 20 of 20 proposed buildings from the first five-year period were built, many as micro units in locations unsuitable for teachers and nurses, and called the program a ‘developer’s dream.’ She recounted a direct meeting with the Councilmember in which he acknowledged the 1617 project should not have been built there, but indicated it was a matter-of-right under Bill 7 and he could not stop it. She called for legislative change to ensure Bill 7 benefits both affordable housing residents and the communities in which projects are built, and warned against providing more incentives for developers without fixing the underlying problems.
8. Community Input Process and Legislative Timeline: Member Fujinaka asked whether solutions could be proposed by the Board to the Honolulu City Council within legislative time constraints. Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam said the Board could pass a resolution calling for specific guardrails or for repeal (Bill 17), and noted the budget season beginning in March 2026 will likely push the legislation into summer 2026. He suggested a possible housing summit coordinated among multiple neighborhood boards. Tom Heinrich seconded this idea and asked whether the City Council could organize one or two public input meetings similar to the outreach done for the Primary Urban Center Development Plan update. Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam confirmed he is unable to attend the March 2026 meeting due to budget season but hopes to return in April 2026.

9. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS [2:08:03]

A. Nice Neighborhoods Committee [2:08:03]: Member Nakamoto reported that the Nice Neighborhoods Committee is piloting a community hub project. A community hub event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA). Food will be donated by neighborhood businesses including Domino’s, McDonald’s, and Safeway. Museum costs are covered by a First Foundation donation. The event will feature updates from the Neighborhood Board, HPD and HFD crime and safety statistics, and a presentation on the Resilience Hub Plan for the pilot area. Residents are invited to attend.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:10:26]:
1. Appreciation: Member Lee commended Member Nakamoto’s work on the resilience hub and encouraged board members to attend the April 7 event.
2. Police Radio Access: Member Kirchmann asked whether there is a pending proposal to open police and fire department radio transmissions to the public in Hawaii, as is done in other cities. Member Nakamoto was not aware of any such initiative being considered by the Nice Neighborhoods Committee.
3. Local Landlord as Model: Member Nakamoto shared that at a recent Nice Neighborhoods meeting held at the home of neighbor David Kwong, the group toured four rental units Kwong renovated from a formerly drug-infested property. Kwong’s goal is to rent to healthcare workers at Straub or Queen’s who can walk to work. He plans to attend the April 7 event as an engaged local landlord.

B. O’ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) [2:14:47]: Chair Char noted a complete report will be prepared in collaboration with Member Kirchmann for the March 2026 meeting.

10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:15:16]
A. Next Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Makiki District Park (Old Makiki Community Library, 2nd Floor) and online via Webex.
B. Broadcast, Social Media, and Board Info: The meetings can be viewed on ʻŌlelo Channel 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.

11. ADJOURNMENT [2:15:36]: Chair Char adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m.

Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
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.