When

July 17, 2025

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Where

Makiki District Park (Arts & Crafts Building)
1527 Keʻeaumoku Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, 96822

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MAKIKI – LOWER PUNCHBOWL – TANTALUS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 10

INITIAL CONVENING MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M.
MAKIKI DISTRICT PARK (OLD MAKIKI COMMUNITY LIBRARY, 2ND FLOOR)
1527 KE’EAUMOKU STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96822 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/tn2vhKmnhhBafkJy5)
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mf66d21b6ef825a3d0e117ed0856d527b
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2500 575 4786
Password: NB10 (6210 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 (United States Toll)

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. ROLL CALL – Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov)
3. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) on incidents/statistics/safety tips (HFDNHB@honolulu.gov)
4. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) on incidents/statistics/safety tips (https://www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)

5. INITIAL COVENING BUSINESS
A. Filling Vacant Seats: Interested residents must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or contact Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov) to verify residency before the meeting.
i. Subdistrict 1 – Tantalus, Mott-Smith, Heulu (Four Vacant Seats)
B. Election of Officers (to serve till Tuesday, June 30, 2026)
i. Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer
C. Determination of Regular Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Online Webex Option
D. Determination of Recess Schedule (up to 3 recesses between July 1 and June 30 with no consecutive recesses per Neighborhood Plan §2-14-109)
E. Adopt Board Meeting Rules of Speaking
F. Request the Neighborhood Commission to Change the Representation of the Members on Neighborhood Board No. 10 From Subdistricts to the District At-Large (per Neighborhood Plan §2-15-108)

6. CITY REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Board of Water Supply (BWS) on main break report and general water announcements – Michele Harman (contactus@hbws.org)
B. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative on constituent updates, including roadways, traffic safety, and Makiki District Park (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter) – Megan Johnson (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor)
C. District 5: Councilmember Scott Nishimoto on constituent updates (https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto) – Taylor Date (scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov)
D. District 6: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam on constituent updates (https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-6-dos-santos-tam) – Robin Henski (tdossantos-tam@honolulu.gov)

7. 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.

8. STATE OFFICIAL REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Governor Josh Green’s Representative on constituent updates – Russell Pang (russell.wk.pang@hawaii.gov)
B. State Senator Carol Fukunaga (District 11) on constituent updates (senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov)
C. State Representative Della Au Belatti (District 26) on constituent updates (repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov)
D. State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) on constituent updates (repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov)
E. State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) on constituent updates (repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov)
F. State Representative Andrew Garrett (District 22) on constituent updates (repgarrett@capitol.hawaii.gov)

9. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS
A. Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, June 19, 2025
(Draft Written Summaries: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-11258)
B. Designation of Board Committees and Committee Chairs
C. Presentation: Initiative to Create an Ala Wai Watershed Special Improvement District
D. Discussion: Sheridan Park Fire and Rebuilding Process
E. Discussion: Planned Punahou Square Dog Park and Dog Access to Parks in Makiki (Honolulu Civil Beat Article: https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/07/dogs-vs-jogs-neighbors-jostle-for-space-at-prized-o%CA%BBahu-park)

10. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Makiki/Lower Punchbowl Neighborhood Security Watch – Chuck Lee (makikipb.nsw@gmail.com)
B. O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – John Steelquist (john@steelquist.com)
C. Queen Victoria Residences Coffee Talk on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

11. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, August 21, 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.

12. 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, JUNE 19, 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=BLgKGj3Kwlo

Google Drive Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE

1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:01]: Chair Char called the Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum WAS established with 7 members present. Note: This 13-member Board (through Tuesday, July 1, 2025) requires 7 members to establish quorum and take official Board action.

Members Present: Nathaniel Char (Chair), John Steelquist (Vice Chair joined at 6:10 p.m.), Claire Santos (Secretary, Treasurer), Richard Kawano, Sam Mitchell, Ian Ross (joined at 6:20 p.m.), Eric Salassa (joined at 6:10 p.m.), Bronson Silva, Harris Nakamoto, Ken Peck (joined at 6:10p.m.), and Adam Kirchmann.

Members Absent: Geni Lakalaka-Manupuna and Chuck Lee.

Guests: Captain Larry Moore and Fire Fighter I (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Wakabayashi (Honolulu Police Department); Russell Pang (Governor Green); Megan Johnson (Mayor Blangiardi); Robin Henski (Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Senator Carol Fukunaga, Janel Fujinaka (Senator Fukunaga); Representative Della Au Belatti, Christine Kubota (Representative Belatti); Kate Ozawa (Representative Iwamoto); Representative Andrew Garrett; Councilmember Scott Nishimoto, Taylor Date (Councilmember Nishimoto); Representative Ikaika Olds; Ronald Higa, Patrick Smith, Jane, Kahanu Chan, Kevin Lye, Marcia Kemble, Michele, Mike Buck, William Char, Victoria, Nancy (Residents/Guests); Rachel Cristobal (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. About 40 participants joined the meeting.

2. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:14]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:16]: Fire Fighter I provided the following:
● The incident statistics for May 2025
● The launch of two new public data tools on the HFD website (fire.honolulu.gov): The Incident Trend Dashboard and the Fire Response Search Tool. The dashboard provides five years of emergency data by neighborhood with interactive maps and charts, while the search tool enables individuals to look up specific emergency incidents.
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1liTf7cUZK83BwWzwmXiTFasbpAaHhpnT/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:03:04]

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:07:32]: Sergeant Wakabayashi reported the following:
● Statistics for May 2025
● He addressed concerns about 666 Prospect Street, noting coordination with Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and federal agencies since it involves private and federal property.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:09:48]:

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:16:35]: Michelle Harman reported that BWS will provide two water quality reports this year (July 2025 and December 2025) instead of the usual one. She noted there were no main breaks last month.
● Water Quality Report: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/water-quality/water-quality-report
● Find Your Report: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/water-quality/water-quality-report/search-ccr
● Website: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/

Vice Chair Steelquist, Member Salassa, and Member Peck joined at 6:10 p.m.; 10 members present.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:18:00]: Megan Johnson provided updates on various issues that was asked from the previous meeting relating to the following: Building 42 at Makiki District Park; Road and Traffic Issues on 1) Ward Avenue from Kinau Street to Lunalilo Street 2) The intersection of Kinau Street and Pensacola Street near Queen Kaahumanu Elementary 3) Kinau Street at Ward Avenue and Pensacola Street; Adding or modifying bus routes along Kinau Street; and HPD regularly monitors tow-away zones on Kinau Street.
● Newsletter: https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/05_Mayors-Newsletter-2025-06.pdf

Member Ross joined at 6:20 p.m.; 11 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:27:45]

District 5: Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [0:30:20]: Councilmember Nishimoto reported on the recently passed budget, highlighting $250,000 allocated for the community gardens at Makiki Park. He explained his vote against the sewer fee increase, stating he preferred a more modest increase for a shorter period.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:31:43]

District 6: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [0:36:05]: Robin Henski reported that the game rooms package bills (11, 12, and 13) were signed by the Mayor. She mentioned an assistance program for electric bills and noted that committee assignments had changed, with Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam now chairing the Government Efficiencies and Customer Services Committee.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:37:07]:

3. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS – [0:40:00]

Neighborhood Safety and Disturbance Concerns – [0:40:30]: Resident Nancy raised concerns about Tipsy Pig Bar & Grill, announced that on March 1st. 2025 an incident involved approximately 40-50 motorcycles, speeding, wrong-way driving, stunts, and alcohol consumption outside the bar. She noted that despite HPD and Liquor Commission presence, illegal activities continued, with the Liquor Commission issuing two citations. Similar incidents occurred again, most recently on June 7th, 2025. She reported nearly being run over by the owner and bar patrons, and mentioned that elderly residents in the Kapuna building are afraid to leave their homes due to these disturbances. She also noted issues with homeless individuals in the area.

4. STATE OF HAWAIʻI REPORTS – [0:44:53]

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [0:44:53]: Russell Pang Reported the following:
● Building 42 at Makiki District Park
● Radiation concerns in Building 42’s basement
● Ward Avenue repaving: The State Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to repave the Ward overpass from Lunalilo Street to just before Kinau Street, along with the Piikoi Street overpass. A bid was awarded but is under protest review.
● Governor’s Veto List: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-gov-green-issues-intent-to-veto-list/
● Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Ke-Ala-Hou-Newsletter-June-2025-FINAL-1.pdf

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:49:10]

Senate District 11: Senator Carol Fukunaga – [0:54:23]: Senator Fukunaga highlighted the following:
● Progress on addressing vagrancy and homeless encampments
● Funding for high fencing at schools
● Increased HPD attention to the Tipsy Pig area
● Concerns about severe federal funding cuts affecting families, children, Medicaid, and other programs.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:58:50]

House District 26: Representative Della Au Belatti – [1:10:25]: Representative Belatti reported the following:
● Passage of House Bill (HB) 1064 establishing the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
● Senate Bill 223 authorizing the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to establish a wildfire prevention program.
● Representative Belatti introduced her new office manager, Christine Kubota.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:15:21]

House District 25: Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto – [1:17:57]: Kate Ozawa, Office Manager for Representative Iwamoto, shared a link to the results of the spring survey and encouraged sign-ups for the newsletter.
● Website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/legislature/memberpage.aspx?member=301&year=2025

House District 23: Representative Ikaika Olds – [1:19:46]: Representative Olds reported that his House Bill 943 passed and awaits the Governor’s signature. The bill will establish a homeless mental health and substance abuse treatment program within the Department of Health.
● End-of-Session Newsletter: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGlfIC6Ljo/CFz0Q-fdAlImuTeaKb98Hg/view?utm_content=DAGlfIC6Ljo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer#12

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:20:52]

House District 22: Representative Andrew Garrett – [1:22:34]: Representative Garrett encouraged constituents to complete his survey and share legislative ideas for the 2026 session. He discussed concerns about federal budget cuts affecting the University of Hawaii, noting that the Office of Naval Research had terminated a $3 million climate change grant. He mentioned the potential impacts of cuts during hurricane season.
● Newsletter: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberfiles/House/Garrett/Newsletters/2025SummerNewsletter.pdf

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:24:35]

4. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS – [1:26:54]

Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, May 15, 2025 – [1:27:09]: Chair Char asked the Board if there was anyone that has any correction. Without objection, the written summary for the video record: Thursday, May 15, 2025 was ADOPTED 11-0-0 (Aye: Char, Kawano, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Ross, Salassa, Santos, Silva, Steelquist, and Kirchmann; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [1:27:15].

Resolution in Support of More Effective Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Improvements at the Five-Way Intersection of Prospect Street, Iolani Avenue, and Alapai Street – [1:27:37]: Member Santos introduced the resolution, explaining that the five-way stop sign system implemented a year ago has not improved safety and may have made the intersection more dangerous as drivers frequently ignore the stop signs. She requested that the Board continue to engage with DTS to find a better solution after her departure from the Board. Member Ross commended the resolution but suggested strengthening point 11 to more directly call upon DTS to take action rather than just pursuing measures. Member Santos MOVED and Member Steelquist SECONDED to adopt the resolution. There was no further discussion. The resolution was ADOPTED 10-0-0 (Aye: Char, Kawano, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Ross, Salassa, Santos, Steelquist, and Kirchmann; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:34:17] (Note: Member Silva’s name was not called due to his name was not present on the list).

Discussion to Examine More Safety Measures to Make the Five-Way Intersection of Prospect Street, Iolani Avenue, and Alapai Street Safer – [1:34:32]: Member Santos noted that DTS is aware of various options for improving the intersection, including beacons and lights embedded in the streets to alert drivers of pedestrians. She will continue to work with Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s office as a civilian. She mentioned that DTS is overwhelmed with requests, which may explain the difficulty in getting responses.

Resolution in Support of Adjusting the Neighborhood Board District Guidelines to Reunify the Area Identified as the “Punchbowl Core” Under the Auspices of Neighborhood Board No. 12, Subdistrict 1 and Removing it from Neighborhood Board No. 10, Subdistrict 3 – [1:36:48]: Member Santos explained that residents of the Punchbowl Core area, defined by Prospect Street to Nehoa and around to Olima Street, discovered they had been placed in an urban core designation and split between two neighborhood boards without their knowledge. She noted that Neighborhood Board No. 12 did not support the proposed change at their recent meeting. Member Santos MOVED and Steelquist SECONDED to table the resolution. There was a discussion with Patrick Smith regarding the different procedures on how to adjust the Neighborhood Board District guidelines.The motion to table was ADOPTED without objection 11-0-0 (Aye: Char, Kawano, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Ross, Salassa, Santos, Silva, Steelquist, and Kirchmann; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [1:54:43].

Approval of a Letter Requesting the First Floor and Basement of the Former Makiki Library for the Korean Cultural Community Center – [1:54:50]: Member Ross provided an update and noted that no letter is needed at this time as the request has largely been achieved.

Discussion of Punchbowl Safety Regarding Recent Bonfires and Coordination with the Nu’uanu/Punchbowl Neighborhood Board – [1:56:29]: Member Nakamoto noted this issue dates back to September 2024, with concerns about homeless encampments, illegal dumping, and fire hazards. He suggested forming a task force with Neighborhood Board No. 12 and state agencies like the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:59:30]

Discussion to Examine Establishing Resilience Hubs in the Neighborhood – [2:06:34]: Member Nakamoto reported that the Ewa and Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Boards have shown interest in the resilience hub model. The Honolulu Museum of Art is planning a community hub event in September to educate the surrounding community about their established resilience hub, which could serve as a showcase for other neighborhoods. Member Santos, who is involved in disaster management and kupuna safety, noted that multiple agencies are working on hub initiatives without coordination. She hopes to help connect these efforts through the Kokua Council, as there is currently no unified city, state, or federal plan for these types of hubs.

6. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS – [2:08:53]

Nice Neighborhood Committee Report – [2:09:12]: Nakamoto announced the next committee meeting will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto’s office (State Capitol Room 327) or via Webex. He plans to focus on Tipsy Pig 2 issues and will organize an observation on July 4th, 2025 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., inviting HPD and the Liquor Commission to participate.

Makiki/Lower Punchbowl Neighborhood Security Watch – [2:12:34]: No representative present.

O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – [2:12:45]: Member Steelquist reported that the overall work plan for 2026-2027 is out for review.

7. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:13:24]

Member Santos announced she did not seek re-election and thanked the Board for the experience. She noted her parting gift to the Board was securing a sandwich board sign outside the building to help people locate the meeting place – [2:13:32]

Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Makiki District Park (Old Makiki Community Library, 2nd Floor) and online via Webex.

8. ADJOURNMENT – [2:15:40]: Member Steelquist MOVED and Member Santos SECONDED to adjourn the meeting. Without objection, Chair Char adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m.

Submitted by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office
Reviewed by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, 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.