NU‘UANU – PUNCHBOWL NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 12

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 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=mc7a7040282033e0d2de2bc5b0070f6b9
Meeting number/Access code: 2497 187 9026
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/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w

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 – Rae Gee, Chair

II. ROLL CALL – Neighborhood Assistant Zhoydell Magaoay

III. STATUS REPORTS – Three (3) minutes maximum, questions to follow.
Reports can be found on the board’s shared drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Y5eCxbwTKi-vMx3VSZYqwwhbV_WumRpq
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
1. District 1 Report – Central Oahu (Downtown Honolulu, Liliha St. (below School St.), Punahou St. (Roundtop Dr. – Ala Moana Beach & Aloha Tower, & Pali Highway))
2. District 5 Report – Kalihi (Aliamanu to the Pali Highway (west to east) and from the rim of the Koʻolau Range to the central southeastern shoreline of Oʻahu.)
C. Neighborhood Security Watch Report – Paula Kurashige
D. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Jimmy Yanos
1. Dowsett Water Improvements Project update

IV. BOARD VACANCIES – Subdistrict 1 (Punchbowl) Invitation to the public to serve.
A. There are four (4) vacant positions for Subdistrict 1 (Punchbowl). Appointment is through June 2027, three minutes per candidate.

V. REPORTS FROM NON-BOARD EVENTS – Brief announcements by board members and the public on events, activities and general information directly relating to the Nuuanu Punchbowl neighborhood areas.
A. Papakōlea Community Updates – Mike Lum/Puni Kakauoha
B. Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Statewide Transportation Project Updates – R. Gee

VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – Limited to three (3) minutes each.
A. Overgrown Banyan 2502 Pacific Heights Road Bus Stop – Julia Duquette Porter
B. Turo Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing – Henry Street

VII. OFFICIAL’S REPORTS- Limited to five (5) minutes each, reports should relate to issues of interest to residents of the Nuʻuanu and Punchbowl areas.
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Kim Hashiro https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/10/Mayors-Highlights-October-2025.pdf
B. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – Lisa Leonardo
C. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Kayla Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ke-Ala-Hou-Newsletter-October-2025.pdf
D. District 13 Senator Karl Rhoads
E. District 27 Representative Jenna Takenouchi
F. Federal Elected Officers & Other Elected Officials
G. Office of Hawaiian Affairs – Lisa Vaughan Sekona/Micah Kahiwa

VIII. MEETING MINUTES
A. Approval of the draft Tuesday, September 16, 2025 meeting minutes.

IX. PRESENTATIONS – Ten (10) minutes per speaker. Questions to follow. Discussion or action as needed.
A. Wireless Telecommunications Facility 2313 Nuʻuanu Avenue – Presentation – Network Connex Robyn Kahalelehua, Project Manager to inform the Board that the wireless facility is located at 2313 Nuʻuanu Avenue, Honolulu, TMK (1) 2-2-021:013.

X. BOARD BUSINESS – For discussion/action. Five (5) minutes per item.
A. Update on the Pali Highway Transportation Projects – Ryan Nakata, Department of Transportation (DOT)
i. Wood Street Crosswalk Noise Issue Update
ii. DOT Noise Study of Other Pali Hwy Crosswalks Update
iii. DOT Traffic Delineators & the potential switch to a different type of material.
iv. 2024 Pali Hwy Resurfacing Project Update – ADA sidewalks compliance assessment.
v. Speed Cameras Project Update request made by resident Motoyama.
B. Community Resource Fair at the Kuakini Health System, Hale Pulama Mau Auditorium, 347 N. Kuakini Street, on Saturday, October 18, 2025 Report – P. Smith, K. Lee, J. Easley Allen, & R. Gee
C. Punchbowl Cesspools Projects – Mike Lum
D. Nuʻuanu Valley Park – Requests to dim the park lights and Hau and Monkeypod Tree Trimming re
E. Annual In Person Board Meeting – Request for an in-person board meeting once during the year; select a date and location.
F. Charter Commission Requests for Board Comments & Amendments

XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Regular Board Meeting- The next Nu’uanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 12 meeting is Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
KAPĀLAMA HALE CONFERENCE ROOM 153 – 925 DILLINGHAM BOULEVARD, HONOLULU, HI, 96817 AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHxuth_ayFs&t=2s

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wAFrQbUg_iceQhc3KY9q4dScdh533nqP

1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:00]

Chair Gee called the Nu’uanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 12 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was established with nine (9) members present. Note: This 14-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official board action.

Members Present: Rae Gee, Kathy Grebe, Audrey Hidano, Paula Kurashige, Kaulana Lee, Michael Lum, Larry Smith, Patrick Smith, and Sylvia Young

Members Absent: Mason Aiona, Jill Easley Allen

Guests: Sergeant Brian Sekiya (Honolulu Police Department District 1); Sergeant Robert King (Honolulu Police Department District 5); Jimmy Yanos (Board of Water Supply); Kim Hashiro (Mayor’s Representative); Kayla (Governor’s Representative); Senator Karl Rhoads (State Senate District 13); Kelton Cheney (Representative Jenna Takenouchi’s Office); Lisa Leonardo (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s Office); Bill Unruh (State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission); Ryan Nakata (Hawai’i Department of Transportation); Paula Bender (Hawai’i Bicycling League); Puni Kekauoha (Papakōlea Community Development Corporation); Joseph Chu, Mark Oyama, Claire Santos, Mike Ellis, other members of the public, Melissa Urubio (Neighborhood Commission Office), Rachel Cristobal (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were approximately 27 total attendees.

2. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:42]

Honolulu Fire Department – [0:00:50]: No representative present. Chair Gee noted that Honolulu Fire Department submitted a report available on the Board’s Google Drive.

Report: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wAFrQbUg_iceQhc3KY9q4dScdh533nqP

Honolulu Police Department District 1 – [0:01:37]: Sergeant Brian Sekiya reported the following statistics for August 2025 – 3 motor vehicle thefts, 2 burglaries, 2 thefts, 0 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 0 sex assault, 0 graffiti, 0 drug case, 6 assaults, and 25 motor vehicle collisions. Total calls for service decreased to 532, down from 559. Sergeant Sekiya reminded the public to drive with aloha and noted that Honolulu Police Department is increasing traffic enforcement due to the rise in traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:04:00]

1. Roll Call: Chair Gee noted that she forgot to take the roll call in the beginning so roll call was done before questions, comments and concerns for Honolulu Police Department. Member Lum asked about Member Soon’s resignation due to relocation. Chair Gee confirmed that the resignation was established at the last meeting.
2. Traffic Citations: Member Kurashige asked about the effectiveness of traffic citations and whether officers’ time was being wasted if courts weren’t enforcing penalties. Sergeant Sekiya stated he would research court outcomes for the next meeting.
3. Traffic Safety: Joseph Chu, resident, expressed concern about a recent major traffic accident on Pali Highway on Friday, September 5, 2025, where two church members were critically injured. He asked what could be done to enhance traffic safety. Sergeant Sekiya explained that HPD conducts traffic enforcement when officers are available and will relay concerns to his superiors about allocating overtime projects or speeding projects to the Pali Highway area.
4. Speeding Data: Member Kurashige shared that vehicles were entering the valley at 59 mph and leaving at 57 mph, even with speed bumps in place.

Honolulu Police Department District 5 – [0:18:19]: Sergeant Robert King reported that District 5 has been increasing speeding enforcement along Pali Highway. Officers issue approximately 10-18 speeding citations during the night shift (6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.). He noted that only four officers cover the area from Likelike Highway to Pali Highway at this time and they do their best as time allows. He shared the following August 2025 statistics – 1 aggravated assault, 1 auto theft, 2 burglaries, 0 robbery, 0 sex assault, 1 simple assault, 7 general thefts, and 4 vehicle break-ins. Overall, total calls for service increased to 843, up from 823 in July. Sergeant King provided safety tips, recommending residents secure their homes and vehicles, use wooden dowels in sliding window tracks, and close louvered windows tightly.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:22:25]

1. Traffic Enforcement: Member Kurashige thanked District 5 for their work and offered her driveway for officers to complete reports while remaining in the Nu’uanu area.
2. Park Security: Mike Ellis, resident, asked about the frequency of checks at Nu’uanu Valley Park. Sergeant King stated officers check the park approximately 2-3 times per night and issue citations to people in the park after closing hours. Mr. Ellis requested particular attention to the restroom area.

Neighborhood Security Watch Report – [0:27:29]: Member Kurashige reported that she had previously volunteered at Nu’uanu Valley Park, opening and closing the park from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. She noted that District 5 mentioned that volunteers could not be used to conduct checks due to safety concerns. She attempted to contact Community Policing about park checks but received no response.

Board of Water Supply – [0:29:42]: Jimmy Yanos provided updates on the Dowsett Avenue and Puiwa Road Water Systems Improvements Project. All required documents have been submitted to the State of Hawai’i Historic Preservation Division for review. Board of Water Supply continues to attend monthly meetings. Mr. Yanos addressed concerns about Board of Water vehicles speeding in the Nu’uanu area, stating that residents should note license plate numbers and contact the Communications Office at (808) 748-5041.He also reported that there were two main breaks that occurred on Saturday, August 16, 2025, 4-inch diameter pipe at 2520 Pauoa Road and Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 8-inch diameter pipe at 2022 Pauoa Road. Mr. Yanos announced the “Imagine a Day Without Water” event on Satruday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Windward Mall Center Court.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:33:21]

1. State of Hawai’i Historic Preservation Division Review: Chair Gee asked about the delay in State of Hawai’i Historic Preservation Division review process. Mr. Yanos noted that they are short-staffed, and the project cannot proceed without their approval.

3. FILLING OF VACANCIES – [0:35:14]

Chair Gee announced four vacancies in Subdistrict 1 (Punchbowl) and invited interested community members to apply. No volunteers came forward.

4. DETERMINATION OF BOARD’S SECOND RECESS DATE – [0:36:52]

The Board previously voted to recess for the Tuesday, December 16, 2025 meeting. Chair Gee requested that October 2025 be withdrawn from consideration as a second recess month due to a telecommunications company presentation scheduled for that meeting.

[0:38:06] – Member Lum MOVED and Member Patrick Smith SECONDED to discuss the determination of the Board’s second recess date. The motion was ADOPTED with no objections. [0:38:20]

Discussion followed regarding potential recess months. Member Young proposed March 2026, noting it would be halfway through the term that begins in July. [0:38:26]
[0:41:24] – Member Young MOVED and Member Kurashige SECONDED to select March 2026 as the Board’s second recess date. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Gee, Grebe, Hidano, Kurashige, Lee, Lum, L. Smith, P. Smith, Young; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [0:41:50]

5. REPORT FROM NONBOARD EVENTS – [0:43:40]

Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) – [0:43:46]: Chair Gee reported that she attended the Oahu MPO meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. She announced an upcoming open house at the Fasi Municipal Building on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. She noted that 60 traffic fatalities had been reported in January 2025, with 12 more in August, double the number from the previous year. Chair Gee also mentioned the “Week Without Driving” event from Tuesday, September 30, 2025 to Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Papakōlea Community Updates – [0:46:23]: Member Lum reported on two major developments;
• A major sewer update project has begun, involving night time work and street closures. The stairway from Auwaiolimu St. to Iaukea St. will be temporarily removed, affecting a common route for school children.
• The Hawaiian Cultural Center development is progressing, with co-design meetings scheduled for Mondays, October 6, 20, and 27, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Papakōlea Community Center.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:49:04]

1. Puni Kekauoha provided additional information about the Pūowaina site, a 14.5-acre area from above Abraham Lincoln Elementary School to Prospect Street. Two nonprofit organizations have right-of-entry permits from the Department of Hawaiian Homelands which are Papakōlea Community Development Corporation (Executive Director Lilia Kapuniai) and Kula No Na Po’e Hawai’i (Project Director Puni Kekauoha, CEO Adrienne Dillard). Both nonprofits are actively community planning to develop a kupuna supportive living center and an educational culture center. Ms. Kekauoha reported that in June and July 2025, Department of Hawaiian Homelands and Honolulu Police Department removed over 20 homeless encampments from the mountain. They are also monitoring the property and have been instructed to contact Honolulu Police Department if people return to the area.
2. Member Lum requested Puni Kekauoha to attend the board meeting to provide Papakōlea Community reports moving forward.

6. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:55:35]

No community concerns were raised during this portion of the meeting.

7. ELECTED OFFICIALS – [0:57:12]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:57:27]: Director Kim Hashiro shared highlights from the Mayor’s newsletter. The city honored Oahu’s Purple Heart recipients during a ceremony at Honolulu Hale. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation broke ground on new guideway and rail stations across the third segment from Kalihi to Kaka’ako. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Region 9 Administrator visited Honolulu Hale to discuss housing and homelessness. The new members of the Honolulu Youth Commission were sworn in during a ceremony at Honolulu Hale. Oahu’s junior lifeguards won a historic victory at the state championship event in Maui. Ms. Hashiro announced that the Honolulu Charter Commission is conducting its once-a-decade review of the city charter, with proposal submissions due by Friday, November 7, 2025. Community meetings will be held in October and dates/times will be available on the Charter Commission’s website.

Follow-up items from last meeting;
• Overgrown vegetation near 2177 Pūowaina Drive: A case was opened to request Department of Planning and Permitting to investigate the situation and take appropriate action.
• Additional evacuation routes near Nu’uanu Elementary: The request was submitted to the Department of Emergency Management, which requested an extension to respond.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:01:18]
1. Emergency Routes: Member Kurashige thanked Ms. Hashiro for addressing the emergency vehicle routes.
2. Drainage Area: Member Lum added that the overgrowth on Pūowaina Drive involves a large drainage area with a 4-foot wide gutter leading to a completely clogged sewer.
3. Banyan Tree: Chair Gee raised a concern from a resident about an overgrown banyan tree at 2502 Pacific Heights Road near a bus stop, with branches falling on the roadway and bus stop. Chair Gee asked if there’s any way to get the property owner to trim the tree or issue any violations because it is turning into a major hazard.

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:05:05]: Kayla shared highlights from the September Governor’s newsletter. The Department of Land and Natural Resources is accepting land preservation grant applications for fiscal year 2026 to hopefully offer protection of valuable Hawaiian lands. UH Manoa unveiled its newest student housing facility, Hale Haukani. The facility is expected to provide housing for students and faculty and ease the rental market by freeing up off-campus units. An emergency proclamation named Operation Ho’opauahi was signed by the state on Friday, July 18, 2025 granting the Hawai’i National Guard permission to provide aerial firefighting capabilities. The proclamation has allowed for critical assistance in two recent August fire events.

Follow-up responses from July meeting:
• Kolekole Pass evacuation route: During the July 29, 2025 tsunami warning, the pass successfully supported the evacuation of 410 vehicles. The state continues to work with the Navy, Army, and emergency management partners to ensure the pass remains accessible when needed.
• Hawaiian duck (koloa) protection: Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources is actively working to protect the koloa population, currently found on Kauai, with plans for potential reintroductions to other islands. Relocation of ducks in Nu’uanu is not being pursued at this time but they are hopeful that their long-term strategies will build a healthier and sustainable koloa population across the state.

District 13 Senator Karl Rhoads – [1:09:51]: Senator Rhoads reported that Hawaiian Electric is informing Oahu customers of financial assistance programs available through the Hawai’i Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The program provides help for household in crisis. The Attorney General is alerting Hawai’i consumers who purchased generic drugs between May 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019, about potential compensation from a class action settlement with generic drug manufacturer, Apotex Corp. COVID-19 activity has increased, and Hawai’i insurers will continue to pay for vaccines despite Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Flu shots are also available now. Senator Rhoads also addressed a question from Member Young about Ka’ena Point, noting he will get back to her after his research.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:13:22]

1. Ka’ena Point Road: Claire Santos, resident, and another attendee confirmed there was a road around Ka’ena Point in the early 1980’s that later collapsed.

District 27 Representative Jenna Takenouchi – [1:15:34]: Kelton Cheney reported that they are still waiting on a work order from the Department of Transportation Services to evaluate the intersection near Nu’uanu Elementary for children’s crossing signs. Mr. Cheney announced that there will be a community resource fair on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The fair is coordinated with Kuakini Health System and Representative Holt and organizations including Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, Lanakila Pacific, St. Francis Healthcare System, and Maluhia Hospital will also attend. Representative Takenouchi will also host “Park Talks” at parks and public spaces across District 27, with the next one scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Pu’unui Community Park.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:18:38]

1. Emergency Routes: Member Kurashige asked about progress on her request for emergency vehicle routes through Nu’uanu when accidents occur on Pali Highway. Mr. Cheney confirmed they are awaiting response from the departments they reached out to and will follow up.

Federal Elected Officers and Other Elected Officials – [1:21:18]: No representatives present.

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [1:22:01]: Lisa Leonardo shared information about the following initiatives;
• Shared Streets Program: A program designed to slow down cars and prioritize people walking, biking, and rolling with the goal to create safer, more inviting and more walkable neighborhoods.
• Low-Income Transit Fair Program: Discounted bus and rail fares for individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits.

• Property Tax Savings: The Real Property Assessment Division will host open houses at farmers markets
to help homeowners learn about available resources.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:25:02]

1. Nu’uanu Bus Service Gaps and Pali Highway Pedestrian Hazards: Member Kurashige requested tax cuts for Nu’uanu residents who lack adequate bus service and must use taxis to travel downtown. She also raised concerns about the angled/raised crosswalk and sidewalk on Pali Highway that forces pedestrians to walk through grass to reach the bus stop.

8. MEETING MINUTES – [1:28:41]

[1:29:07] The August 19, 2025 meeting minutes were approved without objection; 9-0-0 (Aye: Gee, Grebe, Hidano, Kurashige, Lee, Lum, L. Smith, P. Smith, Young; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

9. PRESENTATIONS – [1:29:15]

Hawai’i Bicycling League “Walk Bike Drive” Presentation – [1:29:26]: Paula Bender presented on the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety on Hawaii’s roads. She emphasized that safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:34:41]

1. Helmet Use: Member Kurashige emphasized the importance of helmets in preventing traumatic brain injuries. As a former physical therapist, she had worked on helmet distribution programs and advocated for stronger legislation.
2. Cyclist Behavior: Member Young expressed concerns about dangerous cyclist behavior, including riding between parked cars and moving traffic lanes and running red lights.
3. Bicyclist Perspective: Member Lum, who bike commutes daily, noted that most cyclists obey the law and wear helmets. He pointed out that drivers who don’t look both ways when crossing bike lanes also create hazards.
4. Registration and Insurance: Chair Gee asked about bicycle registration and insurance. Ms. Bender explained that bikes should be registered. Member Lum clarified that homeowners’ insurance typically covers bicycles and related injuries.
5. Education Programs: Claire Santos, resident, asked about education programs for children. Ms. Bender described the Bike Ed program for fourth graders, which teaches safety skills including proper braking, spacing, and helmet use.

State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission – Climate Action Pathways Report – [1:54:20]: Bill Unruh presented on the State Climate Commission, formed in 2017 to address climate change impacts affecting Hawai’i. He noted that Hawai’i has lost about 1.5 million acres of native forests, temperatures are increasing, and sea levels have risen 10 inches with projections of 3-8 feet over the next 50-100 years. Mr. Unruh explained that the commission includes about 20 members from state departments, counties, and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. They meet quarterly to work on initiatives for climate change adaptation and mitigation, including replanting native forests and increasing renewable energy. The commission has developed the first-ever Climate Action Pathways plan after attending 80 events statewide and gathering input from focus groups, consultants, and lawmakers. The plan is now open for public review until Tuesday, September 30, 2025, with an executive summary (20 pages) and full document (200 pages) available online.

Pali Highway Wood Street Crosswalk Update – [2:02:07]: Ryan Nakata from the State Department of Transportation provided updates on two issues;
• Wood Street Crosswalk: The Department of Transportation (DOT) testing lab group has scheduled a second noise monitoring study for October 2025, during which they plan to work closely with resident Mark Oyama to address his concerns about data collection methods and location selection. In the meantime, the department has already made physical improvements to the crosswalk by replacing the existing plastic tube delineators with thinner plastic strip delineators to help reduce the noise.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:04:57]

1. American with Disabilities Act Compliance: Member Kurashige noted multiple locations on both sides of Pali Highway that are not compliant, with insufficient space for wheelchairs to pass.
2. Data Collection: Mark Oyama, resident, identified errors in the previous noise report, particularly regarding sound meter settings that filtered out rumble strip noise.
3. Speed Cameras: A community member asked about the possibility of installing speed cameras on Pali Highway. Mr. Nakata explained that while he was not aware of plans for Pali Highway, he would check with the team managing the speed camera program.

Pali Highway Sidewalks ADA Compliance – [2:15:30]: During June and July 2024, the project team conducted a comprehensive physical inventory of obstructions along sidewalks between Country Club Road and Jack Lane, taking detailed measurements of all street light poles, traffic signal poles, and utility boxes in the area. Following this assessment, the Department of Transportation is now conducting follow-up evaluations to determine whether the existing sidewalks meet ADA compliance standards and to identify what corrections or modifications may be necessary to ensure full accessibility for all pedestrians.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:17:36]

1. American with Disabilities Act Compliance: Member Kurashige brought up her concerns again regarding insufficient space for wheelchairs to pass around Pali Highway.
2. Project Timeline: Mike Ellis, resident, expressed frustration with the slow progress on ADA compliance issues, noting that nearly two years had passed since measurements were taken without clear determinations or corrections. He recommended removal of obstructions which includes moving some of the utility poles and looking into cars parked in the driveway near or at 2960 Pali Highway. Mr. Nakata will take the comments and concerns back to the group and get a solution.

Nu’uanu Valley Park (Security Lights Request & Hau Tree Trimming) – [2:22:46]: No representative present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:23:08]

1. Mike Ellis, resident, reported ongoing issues requiring attention. First, he noted that the orange pathway lighting is insufficient for adequate security coverage, the timer mechanism in the restroom maintenance closet requires adjustment, and the monkey pod tree canopies need trimming as they are blocking the light from reaching the parking lot. Second, Mr. Ellis raised concerns that the hau tree has grown horizontally along the ground rather than upward, creating visibility and safety issues that require trimming. However, he noted that there is confusion about maintenance responsibility between the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Daughters of Hawai’i at Queen Emma Summer Palace. Additionally, Mr. Ellis reported that this poorly maintained area has unfortunately become a gathering spot for homeless individuals and drug-related activity, further emphasizing the need for prompt action.

Telecommunications Wireless Facility located at 2313 Nu’uanu Avenue Presentation – [2:30:20]: No representative present, defer to next month.

Punchbowl Cesspools Projects – [2:30:26]: Member Lum reported that there is a project on the books but no progress/updates.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:23:46]

1. Enforcement of Project: Member Patrick Smith asked if budget is a concern in starting the project. Member Lum reported that approximately 20 houses on Pūowaina are still on cesspools and under a requirement, all cesspools need to be removed by 2050. While funding was allocated in the 2021 budget through former Councilmember Carol Fukunaga, progress has been slow due to the large number of cesspools across Oahu (thousands) and prioritization of projects. The Pūowaina cesspools are considered second priority.

In-Person Board Meeting (Date and Location) – [2:34:31]: Chair Gee noted this item would remain on the agenda for future discussion. Member Patrick Smith advocated for holding at least one in-person meeting during the board’s term to allow members to meet face-to-face and take a group photo.
10. BOARD BUSINESS – [2:36:39]

Invitation to Participate at Representative Jenna Takenouchi’s Community Resource Fair on October 18, 2025 – [2:36:38]: Chair Gee asked for volunteers to staff a table at the fair. Members Patrick Smith, Lee, and Chair Gee volunteered to participate. It was noted that absent member Easley Allen might also be interested.

11. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:40:21]

• Chair Gee reminded members to complete required forms including the Sunshine Law training, contact form, and oath of office.
• The next Nu’uanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 12 meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

12. ADJOURNMENT – [2:41:41]: The meeting was adjourned at 9:41 p.m.

Submitted by: Melissa, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by:
Finalized by:

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

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.