When
Where
1527 Keʻeaumoku Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, 96822
Events
MAKIKI-LOWER PUNCHBOWL-TANTALUS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 10
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 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.
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
1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Nathan Char (nathanielchar@gmail.com)
2. ROLL CALL – Neighborhood Assistant Zhoydell Magaoay (zhoydell.magaoay@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. Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, May 21, 2026
(Draft Written Summaries: www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-11258)
B. G.R.O.W. Presentation by C&C Refuse Division – Amber Unabia
C. Candidate Forum PIG Report
D. Discussion on Makanai Cafe Concerns and Operations at Makiki Shopping Village
E. Discussion on Cleaning Canals in Makiki – DFM
F. Discussion on Traffic Safety in Wake of Hit and Run Traffic Death on Kewalo Street – DTS
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, July 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 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, MAY 21, 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=4Brjacsv8Es&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 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL [0:00:00]: Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted roll call. Quorum was established with 12 members present. This 17-member Board requires nine members to establish quorum and to take Board action.
Members Present: Nathaniel Char (Chair), Richard Ching, Nancy Depicolzuane (late), Grant Dubyak (joined at 6:01 p.m.), Arthur Eberhardt, Janel Fujinaka, Kimberley Gallant, Amanda Kirby, Adam Kirchmann, Chuck Lee, Samuel Mitchell, John Steelquist (Vice Chair), and Harris Nakamoto.
Members Absent: Linda Dela Cruz, Richard Kawano, Eric Salassa, and Bronson Silva (Secretary).
Guests: Captain Goh and Firefighter Hanohano-Hong (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Brian Morris and Major Paul Okamoto (Honolulu Police Department); Glen Nishigata (Honolulu Liquor Commission); Jimmy Yanos (Board of Water Supply); Megan Johnson (Mayor Blangiardi); Kylie Tokujo (Councilmember Nishimoto); Robin Henski (Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Russell Pang (Governor Green); Hector Venegas (Senator Fukunaga); Representative Ikaika Olds; Kate Ozawa (Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto); Ian Ross, Claire Santos, Laura Ruby, Robin McCreary, Winston Sun, Diane Guild, Camela, June, Mike Buck, Richard Chan, Tom Heinrich, and Jason Collins (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). About 51 participants joined the meeting. Names were excluded if they were illegible on the sign-in sheet, not signed in, or did not participate in the discussion.
3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) [0:01:05]: HFD was not present at this time.
4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) [0:01:07]: Sergeant Morris presented April 2026 statistics compared to March 2026: motor vehicle thefts 11 (down from 13), burglaries 3 (same), thefts 22 (up from 16), unauthorized entry into motor vehicle 4 (down from 8), assaults 10 (up from 8), sex assaults 3 (up from 0), graffiti 0 (same), drugs 2 (down from 3), motor vehicle collisions 77 (up from 68). HPD monthly tip: Moped law update. Riders must wear a helmet fastened under the chin, may not carry passengers, and must be at least 16 years of age with a valid license. Major Okamoto provided follow-up on April 2026 concerns:
• Canal Encampments: Officers logged 150 checks, issued 9 citations, requested new no-trespass signs, and are planning a cleanup with city partners.
• King Street Crosswalk Signal: HPD followed up with DTS, which confirmed parts are on order.
• Tantalus Drive Racing: Two loud muffler citations issued; increased patrols ongoing.
• Lunalilo/Pensacola Red Light Running: Ten enforcement operations conducted, yielding 87 citations.
• Beretania Street Late-Night Racing: 23 loud muffler citations and 22 speeding citations issued in and around the district.
• 1617 Alapaʻi Construction Parking: Island Structural Contracting agreed to greater diligence; 2 vehicles cited for blocking driveways.
• Tipsy Pig II (JDM Night – April 25): Zero-tolerance enforcement by Lieutenant Lee’s team. 22 total citations: 4 loud muffler, 2 parking; 2 cars and 1 motorcycle towed; 1 criminal littering citation.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:06:39]:
1. Homeless Reduction and Pedestrian Safety: Member Lee commended HPD enforcement at Lunalilo/Pensacola and reported right-turning vehicles blocking Piikoi Street intersection on Beretania. Major Okamoto agreed to follow up with DTS on delineator placement.
2. HPD New Chief and 911 Response Times: Member Fujinaka raised two concerns: over-response to a Queen’s Medical Center call blocking a state driveway, and 8-minute or longer non-emergency 911 wait times. Major Okamoto will address both at the next staff meeting and with HPD Communications.
3. Pensacola Street Youth Altercation: Member Kirchmann reported a street fight involving approximately 12 to 13 teenagers shortly after the April meeting, with one youth hospitalized. No police report appeared to have been filed. Major Okamoto agreed to check on the incident.
4. Piikoi Street Traffic Flow: Robin McCreary asked about reconfiguring lanes at the Piikoi/Beretania/freeway intersection to reduce blocking. Major Okamoto recommended bringing the question to DTS.
5. Canal Encampment – Community Follow-Up: Winston Sun asked what actions residents can take beyond 911 and HNL 311, given encampments rebuild within days. Major Okamoto encouraged sustained reporting, noting cumulative enforcement and outreach pressure can shift encampment behavior over time.
6. 1617 Alapaʻi Construction Site Access Obstruction: Claire Santos reported construction workers blocked a fire truck during an alarm response. Major Okamoto agreed to speak again with Island Structural Contracting and continue enforcement.
7. Crosswalk Buttons on Beretania and King Streets: Member Eberhardt reported multiple non-functional pedestrian crosswalk buttons on Beretania and King Streets. Major Okamoto confirmed this is a DTS responsibility and recommended HNL 311.
8. Illegal Parking on Ke’eaumoku Street: Diane Guild thanked HPD for enforcement and asked patrols continue, noting a seven-house construction project at 2006 Ke’eaumoku Street is bringing large trucks into the narrow neighborhood.
9. Motorcycle Traffic on Beretania Street: Member Eberhardt credited HPD enforcement with a significant reduction in late-night motorcycle traffic on Beretania Street since April. He also reiterated the non-functional crosswalk button concern.
10. New HPD Chief – Cultural Competency: A resident asked about cultural competency orientation for the new chief. Major Okamoto noted the chief has local family ties.
11. Prospect/Magazine Street Intersection Safety: A resident reported frequent accidents at the Prospect and Magazine Street intersection (blind corner, three-road convergence, no sidewalks). Major Okamoto suggested a DTS traffic study.
12. No-Parking Signs on Ke’eaumoku Street at Garbage Pickup Area: Jolly King reported persistent illegal parking blocking trash truck access on Ke’eaumoku Street. Major Okamoto suggested HNL 311. Member Dubyak recommended documenting vehicles with photos.
3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) (CONTINUED) [0:18:35]: Captain Goh and Firefighter Hanohano-Hong arrived after HPD began. April 2026 statistics: 1 wildland fire, 2 cooking fires, 20 activated alarms with no fire, 120 medical emergencies, 2 motor vehicle crashes involving a pedestrian, and 4 vehicle-only collisions. The April 30 fire off Maunalaha Road was a rubbish and auto fire, not a structure fire. Fire Safety Tip: Wildfire prevention. Oʻahu is entering increased wildfire risk conditions. Clear dry brush and vegetation around the home, never park on dry grass, and avoid activities creating sparks during hot and dry weather. View information at http://fire.honolulu.gov and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wx6JhoNt_sL8_R12JC6HNWHl24HvC2IV/view.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:21:07]:
1. Maunalaha Road Fire: Member Dubyak asked whether the April 30 fire near Roundtop Drive’s hairpin turn involved surrounding vegetation. Captain Goh confirmed it was a rubbish and auto fire, not related to surrounding plant material.
2. Wildfire Mitigation Plan for the District: Member Fujinaka asked whether HFD has coordinated on a wildfire mitigation plan for high-risk areas including Punchbowl and Tantalus. Captain Goh confirmed HFD designates these areas as target hazards and agreed to provide a detailed interagency response at the next meeting.
A. Discussion of Tipsy Pig II with Liquor Commission Representatives [0:25:46]: Glen Nishigata (Enforcement Supervisor) joined the meeting. The Liquor Commission conducted a joint inspection with HPD on April 25. Two regulatory warnings were issued: one for employee records and one for a manager not carrying a registration card. HPD accompanied investigators inside and verified patron ages. A compliance follow-up on May 14 confirmed both items were corrected.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:27:27]:
1. Inviting Tipsy Pig to the Board: Member Fujinaka asked why the establishment has not been formally invited to present. Chair Char committed to extending an invitation. Member Nakamoto noted prior outreach attempts by Member Depicolzuane were unsuccessful.
2. HPD and Liquor Commission Appreciation; Ongoing Violations: Member Nakamoto commended both agencies for the April 25 enforcement action and noted ongoing warnings as evidence of continuing violations and disrespect to neighboring residents.
3. March 21 Intoxicated Employee Incident: Member Depicolzuane described an employee stashing liquor in her landscaping while visibly intoxicated, with an officer present for 25 minutes but taking no action. She called for license renewal review and enforcement escalation.
4. Vintage Harbor and Muca Muca Night – New Concerns: Member Depicolzuane flagged two emerging concerns: Vintage Harbor (1269 South Beretania) hosting alcohol events without apparent licensure, and Muca Muca Night on Wilder operating past 2:00 a.m. Glen Nishigata agreed to check both licensing statuses.
5. Neighborhood Board’s Role in Communications with Licensees: Tom Heinrich cautioned that board members should not communicate directly with licensees on behalf of the board. Chair Char clarified any outreach would be in an individual, not official, capacity.
5. BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) [1:01:55]: Jimmy Yanos represented BWS in Michele Harman’s absence. Bagged hydrants on Pensacola Street are newly installed units connected to a new 24-inch waterline not yet in service. Existing older hydrants remain active and will not be removed until the new hydrants are commissioned. No main breaks in April. Water Sense Toilet Rebate Program: rebates up to $200 per toilet for WaterSense-labeled units (1.2 gallons per flush or less) are available at https://www.watersensible.org.
• Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/137ixQ_mKKcc_sMt8Q4CsWZblINg0WUVt/edit
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:04:25]:
1. Kalawahine/Pensacola Construction Progress and Resident Communication: Jason Collins criticized the lack of accessible project updates, noting the project is only 54% complete after four years with completion pushed to June 2027. He requested monthly board updates and appearance of the construction management consultant. Jimmy Yanos agreed to follow up.
2. Papakolea Reservoir and Water Supply Capacity: Member Fujinaka asked about the discontinued Papakolea tank project and replacement plans. Jimmy Yanos confirmed the project was discontinued; BWS is evaluating alternative storage locations and will update the board when plans are finalized.
3. Water Capacity for New Development on Pensacola Street: Member Lee asked whether the new 24-inch waterline accounts for increased demand from new Bill 7 projects. Jimmy Yanos agreed to consult the capital projects team.
4. Water Pressure Impacts from New Construction: Member Kirchmann confirmed each new Bill 7 building reduces water pressure for existing downhill buildings, requiring costly booster pumps. He asked BWS to present a pressure management plan for the corridor. Jimmy Yanos agreed to follow up.
5. Steel Plate Noise at Davenport and Pensacola: Richard Chan reported unsecured steel plates covering the excavation at Davenport and Pensacola cause loud banging nightly. He requested they be welded or secured. Jimmy Yanos agreed to pass the concern to the contractor.
6. Construction Zone Scope and Traffic Impact: Robin McCreary asked why cones extend far beyond the active work area, causing unnecessary congestion. Member Kirchmann requested a senior BWS project representative attend the June meeting. Jimmy Yanos agreed to both.
6. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [1:20:04]
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative [1:20:04]: Megan Johnson submitted a written report with responses to April 2026 questions. The Mayor’s town hall meetings remain postponed, with administration focused on Kona low storm recovery and preparedness for oncoming storms.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TWOKX82xKbSWXje4w1mVldKnysmeCgkw/view
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:21:26]:
1. Access to the Mayor’s Office and Town Hall Postponements: Member Dubyak asked when town halls will resume, citing limited public access to city government. Megan Johnson stated no date is available and directed the question to the Mayor’s office.
2. DTS Communication and Community Engagement: Member Fujinaka asked the Mayor’s office to press DTS for more proactive community communication on construction impacts. Megan Johnson agreed to pass the request to DTS and confirmed DTS has been invited to the June meeting.
3. No-Parking Enforcement on ʻIolani Avenue: Member Ching reported no-parking signs on ʻIolani Avenue are routinely ignored. Megan Johnson stated that once signage is in place, enforcement is HPD’s responsibility.
4. Seven-Unit Construction at 2006 Ke’eaumoku Street: Diane Guild reported a property previously rejected for five units has now been approved for seven, raising sewer capacity concerns. Megan Johnson agreed to pose the permitting question to the Department of Planning and Permitting.
5. Auwaiolimu Street Restriping – Ongoing Traffic Congestion: Richard Chan stated striping violations on Auwaiolimu Street are widespread and congestion now outweighs the original speeding concern. He asked for resolution before repaving. Megan Johnson acknowledged the comment.
B. Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (District 5) [1:30:57]: Kylie Tokujo filled in for Taylor Date. The Councilmember has been in discussions with the Mayor regarding the Makiki Community Garden project. DPR is planning to install a perimeter fence, with a start date anticipated in mid to late June of this fiscal year. Member Kirby has been kept informed. Chair Char introduced the topic of Bill 7 parking deficiencies.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:31:50]:
1. Makiki Community Garden Fence and Lighting: Member Fujinaka requested the Councilmember also address inadequate restroom lighting near the garden, and revisit the absence of parking requirements and traffic impact analysis for Bill 7 projects.
2. 1617 Alapaʻi Project – Inadequate Infrastructure: Claire Santos described 1617 Alapaʻi as the most poorly sited Bill 7 project: approximately 10 parking stalls for 53 units, with no transit, shops, or jobs nearby. She urged continued advocacy for reform.
3. Parking Solution Request: Robin McCreary suggested the city establish an affordable community parking lot given the volume of new residential units being built without parking. She noted streets are at capacity.
C. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (District 6) [1:36:48]: Robin Henski provided the report and shared the newsletter (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mC9T-RDzND_wvUo08UvKosRZA_osM9wJ/view).
D. Governor Josh Green’s Representative [1:37:09]: Russell Pang submitted written responses to April questions. Key updates:
• Makiki Cemetery – Storm Damage and Surveys: Following the Kona low storms, the State Cemetery Office inspected Makiki Cemetery and confirmed a silk oak tree must be removed and storm debris remains on grounds. Crews will return in June. The Department of Accounting and General Services is conducting drone surveys of all state cemeteries to confirm property boundaries; drone activity may be visible over Makiki Cemetery in June. The public is invited to submit comments or historical information about persons interred at state cemeteries.
• Legislative Session Update: The legislative session has concluded. The Governor is reviewing approximately 200 passed bills and invites public comment (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jJ8XammCTg7QxYlxrrJ2Nwdg68BTMibp/view).
• Memorial Day: The Department of Defense requests donations of fresh flower leis for the Memorial Day ceremony at the Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe. Collection: Saturday, May 23, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Windward Mall Center Stage.
• H-1 Freeway Resurfacing Project: DOT will begin an H-1 eastbound resurfacing project in the first week of June, starting near the Kinau Street off-ramp and proceeding eastward. The project includes resurfacing of: the Lunalilo Street corridor (Kinau to the H-1 on-ramp), Ward Avenue overpass, Kinau Street overpass, McCully Street overpass, and Bingham Street. Work is expected to take approximately 15 to 18 months, scheduled primarily 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Details on lane closures and detour routes will be communicated as schedules are finalized.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:44:07]:
1. Construction Signage and Detour Routes: Member Fujinaka asked DOT to provide advance signage and alternative routes for affected on and off ramps. Russell Pang confirmed notices and detour routes will be released as schedules are finalized.
2. H-1 Resurfacing and BWS Construction Coordination: Jason Collins asked DOT to coordinate the Lunalilo Street resurfacing with the ongoing BWS pipeline project to avoid compounding impacts. Russell Pang confirmed utility coordination is standard procedure.
3. Makiki Cemetery Tree Removal – Timber Reuse: Richard Chan asked whether wood from removed cemetery trees could be made available to the Kūpuna Shed woodworking collective. Russell Pang agreed to pass the request to the State Cemetery Office.
4. Cemetery Boundary Survey – Public Access to Results: Laura Ruby asked whether the drone survey results will be made publicly available. Russell Pang agreed to check with the State Cemetery Office on public access to results.
E. State Senator Carol Fukunaga (District 11) [1:51:30]: Hector Venegas reported that the legislative session has concluded. HB 1800 (state budget) has passed conference and awaits the Governor’s signature. Relevant district appropriations include: funding for storm repairs and strengthening of public facilities; retrofitting of public buildings with protective measures statewide; Ala Wai watershed flood prevention and debris management; Manoa stream water shed risk reduction and debris management; and statewide traffic operations improvements. FEMA application deadlines and Small Business Administration disaster recovery loan information were distributed. Residents with outstanding concerns addressed to the Senator’s office were directed to review responses in the meeting materials Google Drive.
F. State Representative Della Au Belatti (District 26) [1:55:21]: No report.
G. State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) [1:55:35]: Kate Ozawa reported that the legislative session has concluded. Representative Iwamoto requests District 25 residents complete her annual constituent survey.
H. State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) [1:56:28]: Representative Olds attended remotely and highlighted HB 1890, which creates automatic step-payment increases for public and charter school teachers. The bill is pending the Governor’s signature and is intended to reduce the 50% five-year teacher attrition rate.
I. State Representative Andrew Garrett (District 22) [1:57:33]: No report.
7. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS [1:57:42]
Candidate Disclosure [1:57:47]: Ian Ross disclosed that he has filed as a Democratic candidate for State House District 26 and limited his comments accordingly per neighborhood board rules.
Makiki Banyan Tree Removal [1:58:21]: Claire Santos reported the banyan tree at the Pensacola/Wilder Bill 7 building was removed due to foundation encroachment. The contractor was unaware whether cuttings were preserved. Santos offered to follow up if residents wish to obtain information.
Transparency in Agenda Items [1:59:35]: Claire Santos requested that board members identify the community source of new agenda items so residents can distinguish community-raised issues from personal agenda items.
Ala Wai Canal Ferry Proposal [2:00:10]: Laura Ruby proposed a small, open-air ADA-compliant ferry across the Ala Wai Canal using existing dock infrastructure, scheduled like a bus route and partially subsidized by transit passes. Ruby asked that the proposal be placed on the June agenda.
HNL 311 Gap for Steel Plate Noise Complaints [2:02:50]: Jason Collins reported that HNL 311 has no category for noise from unsecured steel construction plates. He asked whether a category can be added.
8. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS [2:03:35]
A. Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, April 16, 2026 [2:03:35]: No corrections were offered. The written summary for April 16, 2026 was approved as drafted.
B. Adopting the Resolution in Support of Funding and Construction of a Perimeter Fence for the Makiki Community Garden [2:03:46]: Chair Char noted the City confirmed it will install the fence this fiscal year, with a start date anticipated in mid to late June 2026. The board received an update from Councilmember Nishimoto’s office (Item 6B) confirming this commitment. No board vote was taken at this meeting.
C. Discussion of Traffic Safety in Wake of Hit-and-Run Traffic Death on Kewalo Street [2:04:10]: Ian Ross provided an update from the Ochoa family. The funeral was held on the most recent Saturday with very large attendance. The family’s primary interest is the exploration of a speed hump on Kewalo Street, with openness to a range of other solutions. A community petition is forming and may be submitted in conjunction with a future board resolution. DTS has been invited to the June meeting for a fuller discussion.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:05:13]:
1. Speed Hump Resolution: Member Fujinaka expressed support for a board resolution calling for speed humps on Kewalo Street. Ian Ross confirmed coordination with Member Nakamoto on a community preparatory meeting prior to DTS’s June appearance.
D. Discussion of Cleaning Canals of Makiki [2:06:13]: Winston Sun (Makiki resident) presented photo documentation of a canal encampment under a bridge in the Makiki area. Following the 2024 Manoa flooding (over $80 million in damage), debris continues to accumulate after each cleanup. Following a March 30 HNL 311 report, DFM cleaned the site on April 23; however, the encampment rebuilt within days. Sang proposed: (1) coordinated outreach and enforcement to connect residents with shelter services; (2) extended perimeter fencing to restrict canal access; (3) removal of accumulated debris under bridges; and (4) construction of small downstream dams (approximately 2 feet) to create water pooling that discourages encampment while not impeding water flow. DFM has been invited to the June meeting to respond.
• Slideshow: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/133sUjNE3t2o7VgwFGt-SrAx4YImYmEsX/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115549024476463870729&rtpof=true&sd=true
E. Establishing a Candidate Forum PIG (Permitted Interaction Group) [2:09:51]: Chair Char established a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to organize a candidate forum for the 2026 election cycle. The PIG may meet outside of regular board meetings without public notice to develop the forum format, participant list, and questions. A written report will be presented at the June 2026 meeting for board approval, with the candidate forum anticipated in July 2026. Without objection, John Steelquist, Nancy Depicolzuane, Adam Kirchmann, and Grant Dubyak were designated as the PIG members.
9. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS [2:15:54]
A. Nice Neighborhoods Committee [2:15:54]: Member Nakamoto was not present. No report.
B. Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) [2:15:54]: The May OMPO meeting was canceled. Chair Char and Member Kirchmann reported no updates.
10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:16:14]
Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 18, 2026 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.
11. ADJOURNMENT [2:16:35]: Chair Char adjourned the meeting at 8:16 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.
Calendar
Legend