MAKIKI – LOWER PUNCHBOWL – TANTALUS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 10
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025 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 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)
Google Drive Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE
Board Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q
Purpose: §2-13-101 [Neighborhood Plan of 2008, City Charter] “Purpose. The purpose of this neighborhood plan and the neighborhood boards is to increase and assure effective citizen participation in the decisions of government.”
Community Vision Statement: “A safe and healthy community with a lei of parks connected by roads, sidewalks, and public transportation; where daily life is not interrupted by loud vehicles and other obnoxious noises; where all community members are valued, including the least fortunate; and where residents are proud to live.”
Rules of Speaking and Notes: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under 3 minutes, and those giving reports are urged to keep their reports under 3 minutes. Please silence all electronic devices. The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of this 17-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. No item shall be added to the agenda if it is of reasonably major importance and action thereon by the board will affect a significant number of persons.
Description of Board Boundaries: https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/boards-and-sub-district-boundary-descriptions
1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Nathan Char (nathanielchar@gmail.com)
2. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) on incidents/statistics and safety tips (HFDNHB@honolulu.gov)
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) on incidents/statistics, safety tips, event updates, homeless concerns (including at Makiki District Park), missing persons, Tipsy Pig 2 Bar & Grill concerns, illegal parking, speed humps, and traffic safety concerns/enforcement (https://www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)
C. Board of Water Supply (BWS) on main break report and general water announcements – Michele Harman (contactus@hbws.org)
D. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative on newsletter updates and constituent concerns, including Bill 7 and affordable housing projects, parking/traffic/transportation, speed humps, stream cleanups, Makiki District Park, city projects/services, town halls (https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/townhall), Neighborhood Board Election deadlines
(https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/neighborhood-board-elections) – Megan Johnson (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor)
E. District 5: Councilmember Scott Nishimoto on constituent concerns (including Bill 7 construction around Piʻikoi Street/Davenport Street, proposed sewer rate increase, fireworks, and Makiki District Park improvements), and legislative/office/newsletter updates – Taylor Date (scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov)
F. District 6: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam on constituent concerns (including Bill 7 construction around Piʻikoi Street/Davenport Street, fireworks, proposed sewer rate increase, and Makiki District Park improvements), little fire ants, and legislative/office/newsletter updates – Robin Henski (tdossantos-tam@honolulu.gov)
3. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS (Limited to 2 minutes each)
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.
4. STATE OF HAWAIʻI REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Governor Josh Green’s Representative on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, general announcements, fireworks, and traffic concerns/projects – Russell Pang (russell.wk.pang@hawaii.gov)
B. Senate District 11: Senator Carol Fukunaga on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, little fire ants, fireworks, and general announcements (senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov)
C. House District 26: Representative Della Au Belatti on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, little fire ants, fireworks, and general announcements (repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov)
D. House District 25: Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, fireworks, and general announcements (repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov)
E. House District 23: Representative Ikaika Olds on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, fireworks, and general announcements (repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov)
F. House District 22: Representative Andrew Garrett on constituent concerns, legislative/office/newsletter updates, fireworks, and general announcements (repgarrett@capitol.hawaii.gov)
5. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS
A. Filling of 1 Vacant At-Large Seat: Interested residents must bring proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov) to verify residency in advance.
B. Approval of Written Summaries for Video Record: Thursday, April 17, 2025
(Draft Written Summaries: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-11258)
C. Approval of a Letter Requesting the First Floor and Basement of the Former Makiki Library for the Korean Cultural Community Center
D. Presentation by and Motion to support HONU (Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered Persons) Services at Pāwaʻa In-Ha Park
E. Presentation by OHA (Office of Hawaiian Affairs) Regarding OHA’s Strategic Plan – Elena Farden
F. Motion to Support Dog Friendlier Parks in Makiki – Nathan Char
G. Resolution Supporting Speed Humps on King Street and Beretania Street Between Punahou Street and Ward Avenue – Nathan Char
H. Discussion and Motion on Punchbowl Safety Regarding Recent Bonfires and Coordination with the Nu’uanu/Punchbowl Neighborhood Board – Harris Nakamoto
I. Discussion and Motion to Examine More Safety Measures to Make the 5-Way Intersection of Iolani Avenue/Prospect Street/Alapai Street Safer – Claire Santos
6. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Nice Neighborhood Committee Report – Harris Nakamoto (junfour@gmail.com)
B. Makiki/Lower Punchbowl Neighborhood Security Watch – Chuck Lee (makikipb.nsw@gmail.com)
C. O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – John Steelquist (john@steelquist.com)
7. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 19, 2025 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.
8. 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 https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.
All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov, or complete the form on https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/testimony.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or email nco@honolulu.gov at least 3 business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 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
Video Recording of Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o6LoaDUan0&list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q&index=1
Google Drive Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE
1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:04]: Chair Char called the Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum WAS NOT established with 7 members present. Note: This 17-member Board requires 9 members to establish quorum and take official Board action.
Members Present: Nathaniel Char (Chair), John Steelquist (Vice Chair), Claire Santos (Secretary, Treasurer), Chuck Lee, Sam Mitchell, Harris Nakamoto, Ken Peck (joined at 6:15 p.m.), Ian Ross (joined at 6:14 p.m.), Eric Salassa, and Bronson Silva (appointed at 7:16 p.m.).
Members Absent: Richard Kawano and Geni Lakalaka-Manupuna.
Guests: Sergeant Brian Morris and Sergeant Richmond Casabar (Honolulu Police Department); Michele Harman (Board of Water Supply); Megan Johnson (Mayor Blangiardi); Kevin Auger and Justin Limasa (City’s Office of Housing); Taylor Date (Councilmember Nishimoto); Robin Henski (Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Russell Pang (Governor Green); Senator Carol Fukunaga; Tom Heinrich (Representative Au Belatti); Susannah Kandikatti (Representative Olds); Takemi Nakasone (Representative Garrett); Kirra Downing (Chick-fil-A); Isabel Hinojosa, Eddie Hinojosa, Rich Casabar (Rich Caz), Brian Morris, Richard Ching, Laura Steelquist, Ronald Higa, Ross Isokane, Lindsay Chambers, Deborah Uemura, Michele Luke, and William Char (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 34 total participants.
2. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:10]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:13]: No representative present. For questions/concerns, email HFDNHB@honolulu.gov.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c6TfnJN7oLt9_x63R-Bvx3Luk1oPNxkA/view?usp=drive_link
• Website: https://fire.honolulu.gov
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:00:24]: Sergeant Morris reported the monthly statistics and safety tip.
• Website: https://www.honolulupd.org/information
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:05:25].
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:14:08]: Michele Harman provided the report, shared event information, and HNL Alert (https://www.honolulu.gov/dem/hnl-alert). For questions/concerns, email contactus@hbws.org or call (808) 748-5041.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/100mdXNzq8ZmGM47LmXXv5A48PhKUdnsj/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:16:27].
Ross joined the meeting at 6:14 p.m.; 8 members present.
Peck joined the meeting at 6:15 p.m.; 9 members present.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:17:54]: Megan Johnson (Deputy Director of the Department of Customer Services) provided the report and information about
• Contact the Mayor: https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor
• Mayor’s Newsletter: https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:23:36].
District 5: Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [0:46:29]: Taylor Date provided the report, including Councilmember Nishimoto drafting a bill related to Bill 7 projects and funding for Makiki District Park fencing. For questions/concerns, email scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov or call (808) 768-5005.
• Website: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:47:55].
District 6: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [0:57:26]: Robin Henski provided the report and addressed community concerns about a five-way intersection. For questions/concerns, email tdossantos-tam@honolulu.gov or call (808) 768-5006.
• Website: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-6-dos-santos-tam
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:59:01].
3. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS – [1:07:18]
Bill 7 Affordable Housing Projects and Developers – [1:07:33]: Resident Rich Caz raised concerns about the implementation of Bill 7 projects (Revised Ordinances of Honolulu Chapter 32), including developers communicating with the Neighborhood Board and residents about Bill 7 projects.
Makiki Stream Resolution and Board Quorum Update – [1:09:18]: Ian Ross shared that he is working with the McCully Neighborhood Board on adopting a Makiki Stream cleaning resolution. Also, Ross shared that he worked with Chair Char to draft a letter requesting the Neighborhood Commission to temporarily reduce the number of Makiki Neighborhood Board seats from 17 to 13 and merge subdistricts into one at-large district through Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
• Letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-aw-5NSu-k99Y60KyFiHUOPdyWNTnez9/view?usp=sharing
Resident Richard Ching asked about the scope of the Makiki Stream cleaning resolution and raised concerns about “feeder streams” with people underneath the bridges – [1:11:30].
4. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS – [1:12:23]
Filling of 4 Vacant Seats in Subdistrict 1 (Tantalus, Mott-Smith, Heulu) and 2 Vacant Seats in Subdistrict 2 (Kinaʻu, Lower Makiki, Kewalo) – [1:12:27]: First, a resident who attended the meeting in person wanted to fill a vacant seat, but she does not reside in the Neighborhood Board No. 10 boundaries. Second, Bronson Silva, a Makiki Neighborhood Board candidate for the 2025-2027 board term, attended the board meeting in person. [1:14:14] – Mitchell nominated Silva. Silva introduced himself. Silva was APPOINTED to fill a vacant seat in Subdistrict 2; 9-0-0 (Aye: Char, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peck, Ross, Salassa, Santos, and Steelquist; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:16:02].
[1:17:14] – Chair Char called a recess at 7:17 p.m. and Bronson Silva took the oath of office.
Silva subscribed to the oath of office at 7:18 p.m.; 10 members present.
[1:18:31] – Chair Char called the meeting back to order at 7:18 p.m.
Approval of Written Summaries for Video Record: Thursday, January 16, 2025; Thursday, February 20, 2025; and Thursday, March 20, 2025 – [1:18:44]: Without objection, the written summaries were ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Char, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peck, Ross, Salassa, Santos, Silva, and Steelquist; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
Resolution for Support of Establishing an Empty Homes Tax in Honolulu – [1:19:20]: [1:22:47] – Ross MOVED Nakamoto SECONDED to adopt the resolution. The resolution was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Char, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peck, Ross, Salassa, Santos, Silva, and Steelquist; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:23:12].
• Resolution: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-350353/_10%202025-04%20Resolution%20for%20Support%20of%20Establishing%20an%20Empty%20Homes%20Tax%20in%20Honolulu.pdf
Resolution Requesting the Department of Education to Expand the Korean Language Program for Public School Students within the Kaimuki-McKinley-Roosevelt Complex – [1:24:17]: [1:24:35] – Nakamoto MOVED Ross SECONDED to adopt the resolution.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:24:48].
The resolution was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Char, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peck, Ross, Salassa, Santos, Silva, and Steelquist; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:25:26].
• Resolution: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-350354/_10%202025-04%20Resolution%20Requesting%20the%20Department%20of%20Education%20to%20Expand%20the%20Korean%20Language%20Program%20for%20Public%20School%20Students%20Within%20the%20Kaimuki-McKinley-Roosevelt%20Complex.pdf
Resolution Addressing Traffic and Safety Hazards Caused by Chick-fil-A Makiki Operations – [1:26:16]: Lindsay Chambers (resident of the neighboring Queen Victoria Condominium) testified in support of this resolution. Kirra Downing (Chick-fil-A) shared comments on Chick-fil-A’s commitment to efficiency, services, and being a good neighbor.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:30:10].
[1:31:21] – Ross MOVED Salassa SECONDED to adopt an amended resolution. The amended resolution was NOT ADOPTED; 8-0-2 (Aye: Char, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peck, Ross, Salassa, Santos, and Silva; Nay: None; Abstain: Lee and Steelquist).
Resolution Supporting Speed Humps on King Street and Beretania Street Between Punahou Street and Ward Avenue – [1:42:20]: Chair Char introduced the resolution and temporarily handed chairship to Vice Chair Steelquist at 7:42 p.m. [1:42:45] – Char MOVED Ross SECONDED to adopt the resolution.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:42:54].
[1:46:10] – Mitchell MOVED and Steelquist SECONDED to table the resolution. Without objection, the resolution was TABLED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Char, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peck, Ross, Salassa, Santos, Silva, and Steelquist; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:46:21].
5. STATE OF HAWAIʻI ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS – [1:47:30]
Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:47:33]: Russell Pang provided the report, including newsletter updates, Operation Hire Hawaiʻi (https://dhrd.hawaii.gov/ohhi), and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health information on measles vaccinations (https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/measles-case-confirmed-in-child-on-o%ca%bbahu-doh-notifies-public-of-measles-exposure-locations). For questions/concerns, email russell.wk.pang@hawaii.gov or call (808) 265-5239.
• Website: https://governor.hawaii.gov
Senate District 11: Senator Carol Fukunaga – [1:50:57]: Senator Fukunaga provided the report, including Makiki District Park updates and undertaking multijurisdictional agency support to clean up the Punchbowl (Pūowaina) area. For questions/concerns, email senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-6460.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yI7eWvDtBnCYlpF0Xo6A1m7yggap0JuT/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:54:09].
House District 26: Representative Della Au Belatti – [1:55:12]: Tom Heinrich provided the report and shared legislative updates on the final days of the conference period and conference committees. For questions/concerns, email repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-9425.
House District 25: Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto – [1:57:24]: No representative present.
House District 23: Representative Ikaika Olds – [1:57:36]: Susannah Kandikatti provided the report, including the newsletter, which can be found in the “Links” tab at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/house/olds. Sign up for email updates at https://mailchi.mp/capitol/email-sign-up. For questions/concerns, email repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-8515.
House District 22: Representative Andrew Garrett – [1:58:45]: Takemi Nakasone provided the report, including the newsletter and legislative update on conference committees and bills related to higher education.
• Newsletter: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberfiles/House/Garrett/Newsletters/2025SpringNewsletter.pdf
6. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS – [2:00:00]
Nice Neighborhood Committee Report – [2:00:04]: Committee Chair Harris Nakamoto provided the report, announced the next committee meeting scheduled on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., and shared committee updates.
• Committee Meeting Agendas: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-15372
Makiki/Lower Punchbowl Neighborhood Security Watch – [2:01:23]: No report.
O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – [2:01:30]: Steelquist provided a report highlighting the final draft document of the Overall Work Program (https://oahumpo.org/?wpfb_dl=3472). The FY2026-2027 Overall Work Program (OWP) for the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) serves as the key management tool for coordinating transportation planning for the island of Oahu by the State and the City.
2. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU MONTHLY REPORTS – CONTINUED – [2:02:23]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – CONTINUED – [2:02:33]: Office of Housing Director Kevin Auger presented about the City’s 1421 Pensacola Street project and shared a brochure. The City recently condemned and demolished the structure at 1421 Pensacola Street. The property is now vacant and the City is seeking a development partner and issued a request for qualifications. After the City makes a selection, an update will be presented to Neighborhood Board No. 10. For questions/concerns, email officeofhousing@honolulu.gov or call (808) 768-4277.
• Brochure: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hO_VznQiJXj10pif8npwro5Bl32x26kb/view?usp=drive_link
• Website: https://www.honolulu.gov/dlm
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:03:58].
7. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:14:44]
Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 15, 2025 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.
8. ADJOURNMENT – [2:14:45]: Without objection, Chair Char adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, Neighborhood Commission Office
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.