NU‘UANU – PUNCHBOWL NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 12

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, September 16, 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 – Chair Rae Gee

II. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department
1. District 1
2. District 5
C. Neighborhood Security Watch Report
D. Board of Water Supply

III. FILLING OF VACANCIES

A. There are four (4) vacancies in Subdistrict 1 (Punchbowl). Proof of Residency Required.

IV. DETERMINATION OF BOARD’S SECOND RECESS DATE
A. Board previously voted on a recess for the December 16, 2025 meeting.
B. Board to determine the second optional month (October 21 2025; February to June 2026) to recess for the fiscal year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

V. REPORT FROM NONBOARD EVENTS
A. OahuMPO (Metro Planning Org)
B. Papakōlea 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
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. MEETING MINUTES
A. Approval of the August 19, 2025 Meeting Minutes

IX. PRESENTATIONS

A. Hawaii Bicycling League “Walk Bike Drive” Presentation – Coordinator Paula Bender
B. State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission – Climate Action Pathways Report Presentation
C. Pali Highway Wood Street Crosswalk Update
D. Pali Highway Sidewalks ADA Compliance Request
E. Nuʻuanu Valley Park (Security Lights Request & Hau Tree Trimming)
F. Hawaiian Ducks Nuʻuanu Relocation Request
G. Telecommunications Wireless Facility located at 2313 Nuʻuanu Avenue Presentation
H. Punchbowl Cesspools Projects – Mike Lum
I. In-Person Board Meeting (Date and Location)

X. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Invitation to Participate at Representative Jenna Takenouchi’s Community Resource Fair on October 21, 2025

XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. New Neighborhood Board Term – Contact Form, Oath of Office, Sunshine Law Video Training
B. Next Regular Board Meeting- The next Nu’uanu/Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 12 meeting is October 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

XII. 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 OF REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025 AT 7:00 P.M.
KAPĀLAMA HALE CONFERENCE ROOM 153 – 925 DILLINGHAM BOULEVARD, HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI, 96817 AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting is found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXPCSweFH-o&t=94s

Reports and meeting materials are found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Th_r5SpEofyVf6k1XoeuiP9z_Xfa77xN

1. CALL-TO-ORDER [0:00:00] Chair Rae Gee called meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Quorum was established with 9 members present. (This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.)

Board Members Present: Jill Easley-Allen, Rae Gee, Katherine Grebe, Audrey Hidano, Paula Kurashige, Kaulana Lee, Michael Lum, Larry Smith, and Patrick Smith

Board Members Absent: Mason Aiona, Philip Soon, and Sylvia Young

Guest Total 28 (6 live, 22 remote): Sergeant Higa from District 1 (Honolulu Police Department, HPD), Sergeant Leighton Kato and Lieutenant Creighton Hatico from District 5 (Honolulu Police Department, HPD), Civil Engineer Jimmy Yanos (Board of Water Supply, BWS), Director Kim Hashiro (Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative), Ms. Peggy Mierzwa (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s Representative, Honolulu City Council, CCL), (Governor Josh Green’s Representative), District 13 Senator Karl Rhoads; District 27 Representative Jenna Takenouchi, Mr. W, Pat, Ella Alexander, Mike Buck, Olivia Eagle, Terrie Easley, Ronald Higa, Mark Oyama, Cardenas Pintor (Residents); Olelo Virtual, Brandon Tsark (Neighborhood Commission Office) (Name may be omitted if inaudible, illegible, or not provided)

2. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS [0:02:15]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) [0:2:15]: No representative present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – District 1 [0:2:30]: No representative present.

HPD District 5 [0:2:45]: Sergeant Leighton Kato from District 5 reported crime statistics for July: 1 aggravated assault, 2 auto thefts, 1 burglary, 0 robberies, 2 assaults, 4 thefts, and 4 unauthorized vehicle entries, with 823 total calls for service. Sergeant Kato also offered tips to mitigate the effects of aggressive driving and road rage, and urged drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant to prevent avoidable accidents.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:05:45]

1 BOLO Announcement: Board Member Kurashige followed up again and reported a White Toyota Truck (License YAB 246) that has been sighted near Alika Street and stealing flowers and fruits. She also suspects that the driver might be selling them in Downtown or at nearby cemeteries. Sergeant Kato confirmed that this area is in his sector and he will have his officers investigate. He also requested that 911 ought to be called if the truck is seen again.

Neighborhood Security Watch Report [0:09:40]: Board Member Paula Kurashige encouraged the community to be vigilant for spotting the driver of the White Toyota Truck.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:10:40]: Civil Engineer Jimmy Yanos followed up on questions from July, reporting that customers can file detailed claims for damages caused by BWS operations, provided updates on Puiwa Road and Dowsett Avenue, and noted that required documents have been submitted to SHP D for review with monthly meetings ongoing. He announced no main breaks in July and promoted “Imagine a Day Without Water” family event, September 20, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at Windward Mall Center Court.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:05:45]

1 Reimbursement Inquiry: Board Member Kurashige asked about getting reimbursement for mud cleanup costs when water main breaks on Alika St send dirt and mud down to her house and driveway. Mr. Yanos directed her to file a claim by calling 808-748-5181 and provide descriptive documentation, including pictures, repair estimates, and receipts to support her property damage claim.

2 Speeding Trucks: Board Member Kurashige also reported that BWS trucks are speeding through the school zone on Alika Street between 7:00 – 8:00 am while children are walking on sidewalks. Mr. Yanos thanked her for her comment and committed to informing their team and truck drivers to slow down.

3. FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES [0:18:30]

Filling of Vacancies [0:18:30]: Chair informed the community of a fourth vacancy in Subdistrict 1 due to Board Member Soon resigning because of a family move to Nevada. Hearing no other comments and seeing no volunteers, Chair invited nominations from board members and participation from residents in Subdistrict 1.

4. REPORT FROM NONBOARD EVENTS [0:20:20]

OahuMPO (Metro Planning Org) [0:20:20]: Board Member Rae Gee reported that the most recent monthly OahuMPO meeting focused on organizational matters, including selection of vice president and chair, and reviewed the Transportation Improvement Plan for 2022-2025 revision which she had previously covered. She noted there was nothing new to report and directed people to the OahuMPO website for meeting agendas and presentations.

Papakōlea Community [0:21:30]: as the only active board member from Puowaina subdistrict, Mr. Mike Lum committed to reaching out to the Papakōlea community.

5. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS [0:22:30]

Invitation for Collaboration between Neighboring Boards [22:50]: NB15 Member Cardenas Pintor (Cards) introduced himself and invited open communication and collaboration between Kalihi Palama, NB12, and other boards.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:24:00]

1 Welcoming: Board Members Kurashige, Easley-Allen, and others extended their welcome.

2 Welcoming Continued: Board Member Patrick Smith invited Cards to attend Neighborhood Commission meeting next week.

6. ELECTED OFFICIALS [0:26:10]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative [0:26:10]: Director Kim Hashiro at Department of Customer Services (CSD) provided highlights from August, including: City makes a major land acquisition on South Beretania to support future Honolulu Police Department operations; Mayor Blangiardi announces additions to the City’s leadership team, including a new Assistant Zoo Director at the Honolulu Zoo; Demolition begins at 1615 Ala Wai Blvd as the City prepares to build a new a affordable housing complex on the property; new solar canopy is coming to the Ala Wai Golf Course parking lot; and Honolulu Youth Commission discuss a wide range of topics with the Mayor during a meeting in July. Director Hashiro also followed up on Board Member Young’s suggestion to Department of Transportation Services (DTS), which they forwarded appropriately to Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation (HDOT).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:28:25]

1 DMV Inquiry: Board Member Patrick Smith reported a DMV system error, and praised CSD and DMV for their customer service and assistance with his concern. Director Hashiro appreciated the feedback about her team’s hard work, and committed to following up on this concern.

2 DMV Inquiry: Board Member Kurashige asked if a resident is able to register a car with a Mainland license. Director Hashiro shared that residents are able to do so and must provide identification proving that they are the legal owner of the vehicle.

Honolulu City Council (CCL) Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s Representative [0:34:00]: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s Representative Peggy Mierzwa reported that repairs to broken light fixtures in Booth Park restroom showers are flagged as top priority by Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), announced the installation of long-requested speed bumps in the community, and shared progress on enforcement regarding illegal gaming rooms.

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

1 Downtown Parking for Older Residents: Board Member Kurashige raised concerns about older residents wanting to move from this community to Downtown, but facing severe parking shortages that prevent family, caregivers, and doctors from visiting. Ms. Mierzwa committed to sharing this concern with Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam.

2 City-Charter Inquiry: Board Member Patrick Smith requested clarification on the Honolulu Charter Commission process, specifically whether there will be public comment opportunities on submitted proposals before they’re accepted, asking for clearer information on the website. Ms. Mierzwa thanked him for sharing his request.

3 Update on Installation of Speed-Limit Signs: Board Member Kurashige asked when signs will be installed for the 20 mph school zone because drivers are ignoring speed limit in the area, and endangering pedestrians and wildlife. Ms. Mierzwa shared that DTS is working to install these signs as a rollout process, and will bring this concern back to Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam.

Govenor Josh Green’s Office [0:41:40]: No representative present.

District 13 Senator Karl Rhoads [0:42:00]: Senator Rhoads reported and cautioned residents statewide to be alert for jury scams and bad actors posing as jury officials who will attempt to deceive members of the public to pay fines for missed jury duty. He also encouraged residents to stay safe and take proper precautions because COVID-19 is on the rise in the state.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:44:40]

1 Jury-Forms Inquiry: Board Member Kurashige expressed her difficulty with filling out the jury-duty form. Senator Rhoads confirmed that residents over 80 are able to check and box that exempts them, and that his office will verify this process further.

2 Surveillance-Network Concern: Board Member Patrick Smith raised concern about Waikīkī surveillance network (officially called a safety project) potentially adding drones, and requested Senator Rhoads maintain oversight when the Director from Department of Law Enforcement presents to NB09. Senator Rhoads confirmed that if the project requires legislation, then it will go through his judiciary committee for review.

District 27 Representative Jenna Takenouchi [0:48:40]: Representative Takenouchi announced that: the next location in her informal “Park Talks” series is at Nu’uanu Valley Park (NVP), Saturday, August 30, 10:00 to 11:30 am, and encouraged residents to visit her website and attend any of these free events; they are moving the emergency siren to ʻĀlewa Neighborhood Park to serve residents along Pali Highway and ʻĀlewa Heights area better; and updates on installation of signs near Nu’uanu Elementary School and speeding concerns along the Pali, noting that her office is still awaiting several responses, but that she will provide them as soon as possible.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:56:20]

1 Sidewalk Installation on Pelekane Drive: Board Member Kurashige requested an update on CIP budget for sidewalks along Pelekane Drive. Representative Takenouchi confirmed that her aide is tracking this concern and that her office will provide an update as soon as it is available.

Pesticides Presentation [0:56:20]: Intern Ella Alexander from the Office of Representative Amy Perusso presented on pesticides in Hawaii, explaining that restricted use pesticides like 1,3-D and metam sodium pose significant health risks including cancer and respiratory impacts, with metam sodium able to drift up to a mile from application sites, making Act 45’s current 100-foot school buffer zone insufficient. Nuʻuanu Punchbowl is not cited in 2019 as an affected area. For the 2026 legislative session, Representative Perusso’s office is proposing better reporting systems, increased buffer zones, and mandatory soil and water testing. Ms. Alexander suggested that the Neighborhood Boards can help by adopting resolutions, holding community meetings, testifying on pesticide issues, and supporting locally-owned farms that are transitioning to organic practices.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:04:00]

1 Concern about Pesticides at NVP: Board Member Kurashige asked about the use of pesticides at NVP. Ms. Alexander clarified that the study only confirms that these pesticides were not used in Nuʻuanu Punchbowl in 2019, but acknowledges that this could have changed, and encouraged advocating for better reporting on the use of pesticides. She also confirmed that their Office Manager Yvonne will contact the State Department of Health (DOH) for more data.

2 DAB Contact: Board Member Gee asked if Representative Perusso has been in contact with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB). Ms. Alexander confirmed that their office has been working with DAB on this issue of pesticides and invasive species, and committed to dialoging with them further.

Federal Elected Officers and Other Elected Officials [1:09:20]: No representative present.

7. MEETING MINUTES [1:09:40]

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes – Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Meeting [1:09:40]: There being no corrections, Chair declares minutes are approved as distributed.

8. BOARD BUSINESS [1:12:30]

“Walk Bike Drive” Program: HDOT and Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) [1:12:30]: No representative present.

Overgrown Banyan Tree on Pacific Heights Road [1:14:40]: No representative present.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs [1:18:00]: No representative present.

Senior Housing and Parking Availability [1:18:20]: No representative present.

Community Resource Fair [0:7:00]:

Following a brief opening statement by Representative Takenouchi, Board Member Lee motioned to accept Representative Takenouchi’s invitation for NB12 to participate in Community Resource Fair on October 18, 2025, second by Board Member Lum [1:21:00].

Chair opened the floor for discussion and closed after all comments have been heard.

Following discussion, Board Member Easley-Allen motioned to postpone definitely to next regular meeting in September as the event date in October gets closer [1:24:00]. Board Member Lee withdrew original motion.

There being no objections, Chair declared that the ayes have it and the motion to postpone definitely is approved, 9-0-0 (Aye: Easley-Allen, Gee, Grebe, Hidano, Kurashige, Lee, Lum, Larry Smith, Patrick Smith, No: none, Abstain: none) [1:25:10].

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS [1:28:00]

NB12 Board Member Official Forms [1:28:00]: NB12 and Neighborhood Assistant Brandon Tsark discussed formal procedures and options available to board members to submit official forms by deadline on August 30. Chair also read announcements submitted to Google Drive seeking feedback from community.

The next Nu’uanu Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 12 Regular Meeting [1:31:40]: is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2025, beginning at 7:00 pm.

10. ADJOURNMENT [1:32:05]

Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:32 pm.

Submitted by: Brandon Tsark, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Robert Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Final approval by: Rae Gee, 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.