NU‘UANU – PUNCHBOWL NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 12

INITIAL CONVENING MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
7:00 P.M.
Video-Teleconference: The Board will be making a good-faith effort to provide the public with the opportunity to observe the meeting as it happens and an opportunity to provide oral testimony without a physical presence in the physical meeting room, in accordance with the Governor’s Eighth Supplementary Proclamation, Related to the COVID-19 Emergency. Please ensure that your computer or phone is muted unless you are speaking.

Please join us by Webex
Meeting link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m344054c6443e8ef4ec8d4b0eb2fb42dc
Meeting number/Access code: 2483 239 6499
Password: NB12 (6212 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

Physical location: Kapālama Hale 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Room 153, Honolulu, HI 96817
*This is an alternative meeting location open to public participation.

Board Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Th_r5SpEofyVf6k1XoeuiP9z_Xfa77xN
Board Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/@NeighborhoodCommissionOffice

Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise his/her hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Our public and elected officials giving reports are encouraged to keep their comments to less than three (3) minutes, board member’s comments limited to two minutes for each order of business, presenters are limited to 10 (ten) minutes for the presentation portion and community member input is limited to two (2) minutes per participant. Please silence all electronic devices.
Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS Ch. 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote (10) of this 15-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Adding an item to the agenda, however, is not permitted if (1) the item to be added is of reasonably major importance and (2) action on the item by the board will affect a significant number of persons. Determination of whether a specific matter may be added to an agenda must be done on a case-by-case basis.

I. CALL TO ORDER – Pro Tem Chair Patrick Smith

II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS TO SERVE FROM JULY 1, 2025 to JUNE 30, 2026 [NP §2-14-120(b)]. The officers to be elected are the:
A. Chair,
B. Vice Chair,
C. Secretary,
D. Treasurer,
E. and any other officer(s) determined to be needed to conduct the board’s business.

III. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS (Limited to five (5) minutes each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department
1. District 1
2. District 5
3. Neighborhood Security Watch Reports – Paula Kurashige
C. Board of Water Supply

IV. FILLING OF VACANCIES
There are three (3) vacancies in Subdistrict 1 (Punchbowl). (Proof of residency required, Oath of Office, as needed)

V. REPORT FROM NONBOARD EVENTS
A. OahuMPO (Metro Planning Org) – Rae Gee
B. Papakolea Community Updates

VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)

VII. ELECTED OFFICIALS (Limited to five (5) minutes each)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Director Kim Hashiro
B. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam
C. Governor Josh Green’s Representative
D. District 13 Senator Karl Rhoads
E. District 27 Representative Jenna Takenouchi
F. Federal Elected Officers and Other Elected Officials

VIII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Determination of Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Format
B. Determination of Recess Schedule
C. Determination of Rules of Speaking
D. Senior Housing and Parking Availability in the Community
E. Sidewalks and ADA Compliance on Pelekane
F. Pali Highway Pedestrian Safety Concerns
G. Approval of June 17, 2025 Meeting Minutes

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Regular Board Meeting- The next Nu’uanu/Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 12 meeting is TBD.

X. 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, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or Email nco@honolulu.gov. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco

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

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, 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, Hawaiʻi 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2025, AT 7:00 P.M.
KAPĀLAMA HALE, CONFERENCE ROOM 153, 925 DILLINGHAM BOULEVARD, HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI, 96817
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Video recording of this meeting is found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3EqbKoMazA

Meeting materials are found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Th_r5SpEofyVf6k1XoeuiP9z_Xfa77xN

1. CALL-TO-ORDER [0:00:00] Chair Patrick Smith called meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Quorum was established with 8 members present. (This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.)

Board Members Present: Adrienne Dillard, Vice Chair Rae Gee, Katherine Grebe, Audrey Hidano, Meghan Kenny, Paula Kurashige, Michael Lum, Chair Patrick Smith, Phillip Soon (joined at 7:30), and Sylvia Young (joined at 7:15).

Board Members Absent: Mason Aiona, Jill Easley Allen, and Kaapuni Kama.

Guest Total 34 (5 live, 29 remote): Sergeant Brian Sekiya from District 1, Sergeant J. Tablit and Lieutenant Yamashita from District 5 (Honolulu Police Department); Civil Engineer Jimmy Yanos (Board of Water Supply); Director Kim Hashiro (Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative); Lisa Leonardo (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s Representative, Honolulu City Council); Kayla (Governor Josh Green’s Representative); District 13 Senator Karl Rhoads; District 27 Representative Jenna Takenouchi; Pat, Ronald Higa, Mark Oyama (Residents); Olelo Virtual, Brandon Tsark (Neighborhood Commission Office) (Name may be omitted if illegible or not provided).

2. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS [0:2:00]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) [0:2:00]: No representative present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – District 1 [0:2:15]: Sergeant Brian Sekiya reported crime statistics for May for District 1 (motor vehicle theft 6, burglary 2, general theft 8, unauthorized vehicle entry 4, assault 2, and 666 calls for service). He also announced “Coffee with a Cop” Event at Keeaumoku McDonalds on Friday, June 20, 8:00 to 10:00 am.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:5:40]

HPD District 5 [0:7:55]: Sergeant J. Tablit reported crime statistics for May for District 5 (aggravated assault 1, auto theft 3, burglary 2, robbery 1, assault 3, theft 9, unauthorized vehicle entry 3, and 843 calls for service). Lieutenant Yamashita announced “Coffee with a Cop” Event at Liliha McDonalds on Friday, June 27, 9:00 to 11:00 am.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:10:00]

Neighborhood Security Watch Report [0:24:30]: Board Member Paula Kurashige presented the Neighborhood Security Watch Report that highlights recent burglary on Upper Dowsett Ave and illegal gambling on Henry St.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:26:40]: Civil Engineer Jimmy Yanos provided update on draft archaeological inventory survey, 4 main breaks in the area for May, and announced annual Water-Quality Report that is distributed now biennially. The report will be mailed to customers and can be found online at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:29:50]

3. FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES [0:32:45]

Filling of Vacancies [0:32:45]: Hearing none, Chair invited participation from residents in these 2 subdistricts.

4. REPORT FROM NONBOARD EVENTS [0:33:05]

OahuMPO (Metro Planning Org) [0:33:05]: Board Member Rae Gee reported 3-year Statewide Transportation Improvement Program is under administrative amendment and called for public feedback, summarized Transportation Demand Management to reduce traffic, and highlighted upcoming Complete Streets and roadway improvement projects.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:36:20]

Papakōlea Community [0:37:30]: Board Member Adrienne Dillard provided updates on the “busy and moving” atmosphere: $500,000 OHA grant to expand Kupuna Community Care Network over next 2 years, cultural-exchange collaboration with Roosevelt that sent 60 students, parents, and faculty to New Zealand to engage in peer-to-peer counseling, fire-prevention work by fire-wise organization, and meeting to discuss fund development with community.

5. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS [0:40:00]

Proposal for Emergency Repairs at 3708 Nuʻuanu Pali Drive [0:40:00]: Chair Smith announced that Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is proposing emergency repairs in the area of 3708 Nuʻuanu Pali Drive to repair damaged sections of rock wall. Private company Aecom is seeking feedback from community with point of contact: Civil Engineer Kevin Uejio, kevin.uejio@aecom.com, https://drive.google.com/file/d/11sSbqwIrA_zTDZKQivi_BqP9rTE6DTw7/view?usp=drive_link.

6. ELECTED OFFICIALS [0:41:30]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative [0:41:30]: Director Kim Hashiro at Department of Customer Services (CSD) provided highlights from Mayor’s Newsletter for June, including Memorial Day Punchbowl ceremony, 17 new ambulances, 50-year service awards to bus drivers and dispatchers, and progress on joint City and State food drive. Director Hashiro also provided status updates on requests from last meeting, including scheduling for replacement of 6 signs in Pauoa and investigations into overgrown/abandoned property and ongoing illegal parking.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:46:45]

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Honolulu City Council (HCC) [0:53:40]: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s Representative Lisa Leonardo provided updates on Chinatown Station Design Workshop on June 26, 6:00 to 8:30 pm at Keelikolani Middle School cafeteria, HECO Home Energy Assistance Program, HCC adopted $5.2 billion FY 2025-26 budget, and HCC leadership reorganization.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:56:00]

Govenor Josh Green’s Office [0:56:00]: Governor Josh Green’s Representative Kayla provided highlights from Governor’s newsletter that includes enactment of Act 96 on climate-impact fee, Maui Economic Recovery Commission’s report on post-wildfire relief, and ongoing efforts regarding agricultural-pest control. She also addressed questions regarding raised crosswalks along Pali and Wood, and will share results of testing by HDOT on June 4 at next meeting.

District 13 Senator Karl Rhoads [1:09:10]: Senator Rhoads reported a second case of measles and encouraged residents to ensure MMR vaccinations, announced the adoption of SCR 131 to purchase Hawaii Theatre and SCR 128 to inventory state-held federal leases, and highlighted Public Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Challenge from June 1 through July 31.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:12:25]

District 27 Representative Jenna Takenouchi [1:24:25]: Representative Takenouchi provided updates on DOE meal-assistance program for students (https://hawaiipublicschools.org/2025-free-summer-meals-offered-at-68-hidoe-schools-for-children-18-and-under/) and upcoming “Park Talks” series that begins on June 26, 5:00 to 6:30 pm, at Liliha Library meeting room.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:29:30]

Federal Elected Officers and Other Elected Officials [1:33:30]: No representative present.

7. BOARD BUSINESS [1:33:30]

Proposed Resolution for Expansion or Contraction of NB12 regarding Punchbowl [1:33:30]: Punchbowl Resident Claire Santos asked NB12 to support her resolution to reinstate a small portion of land to NB18.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:40:40]

[2:14:40] Board Member Mike Lum motioned to adopt resolution, with amendments by Chair Smith, that is seconded by Board Member Dillard. [2:15:50] Following roll-call vote, the noes have it, and the motion is defeated (6-3-0, Aye – Dillard, Grebe, Hidano, Kurashige, Lum, and Soon, No – Gee, Smith, and Young, and Abstain – None).

Poisoning Concerns for Water at Dowsett and Alika [2:18:05]: Board Member Kurashige requested community support in notifying proper parties of residents applying herbicides and rinsing paintbrushes directly into stream bordering Dowsett and Alika, potentially harming wildlife and downstream park users.

Violations at Nu’uanu Valley Park [2:19:45]: Resident Mike Ellis reported deficient lighting system, illegal smoking near restrooms, and frequent after-hours access despite posted closing times.

Seven Broken Signs in Pauoa [2:24:45]: Board Member Kurashige added further details to section in Mayor’s Rep Report, including site visit and observation of 7 missing or damaged signs, including “Pacific Heights” sign at gas station.

Request for Sidewalk and Safety Experiment at Pelekane Dr. [2:26:30]: Board Member Kurashige provided further details regarding need for sidewalk to promote safety in this school zone for public, including children, seniors, and parents with strollers.

Rehabilitation of Dowsett area for ADA [2:27:10]: Board Member Kurashige highlighted incidents where disabled and seniors fell due to obstacles, such as hydrants and utility poles, and missing curb cuts.

Possible Unlawful B&B at 2960 Pali [2:30:20]: Board Member Kurashige added further details of this location expanding its illegal operations.

Pedestrian Safety along Pali [2:31:00]: Board Member Kurashige reported traffic debris causing new safety hazard along Pali and Wood.

Change to In-Person Meeting Site for NB12 [2:32:30]: Chair Smith opened the discussion with inquiry to measure desire from public and board members who wish to meet in-person for regular meetings. With the support of the board, and hearing no objections, Chair deferred this item to next meeting to be handled by 2025-27 NB12.

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes – Monday, May 12, 2025 Meeting [2:39:55]: Hearing no objections, adopted with minor edits.

Report from Chair Smith [2:46:00]: Chair, along with many others, expressed gratitude to non-returning board members for their service and celebrated a successful 2023-25 term.

8. ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:51:15]

The next Nu’uanu Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 32 Regular Monthly Meeting [2:51:15]: The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

9. ADJOURNMENT [2:52:05]

Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:52 p.m.

Submitted by: Brandon Tsark, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Robert Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Final approval by: Patrick Smith, Chair, NB12

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.