MAKIKI – LOWER PUNCHBOWL – TANTALUS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 10
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 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)
Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE
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
Subscribe to Receive Meeting Agendas via Email: https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/newsletter-subscription
Subscribe to Receive City News Updates via Email: https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter-signup
Toys for Tots Donations: Your Neighborhood Assistant will be collecting donated children’s toys (new and unwrapped) at tonight’s meeting. If you’d like to donate, please bring your toy(s) to this meeting.
Neighborhood Plan §2-14-116 Disclosure. (a) Any board member who knows he or she has a personal or private interest, direct or indirect, in any proposal before the board shall disclose the interest either orally or in writing to the board. The disclosure shall also be made a matter of public record before the board takes any action on the proposal.
(b) A member who makes any disclosure shall not be disqualified from participation in the discussion or vote on the matter. A member may choose to be recused. A recused member shall not participate in the discussion or vote.
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) (HFDNHB@honolulu.gov)
4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) (https://www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)
5. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Michele Harman (contactus@hbws.org)
B. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter) – Megan Johnson (https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor)
C. District 5: Councilmember Scott Nishimoto
(https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto) – Taylor Date
D. District 6: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam
(https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-6-dos-santos-tam) – Robin Henski (tdossantos-tam@honolulu.gov)
E. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Russell Pang (russell.wk.pang@hawaii.gov)
7. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, September 18, 2025
(Draft Written Summaries: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-11258)
B. Motion to Support the Hurt 100 Train Run (https://hurt100.com) – Marian Yasuda
C. Vote on a Resolution Urging the City and County of Honolulu to Study and Address Traffic and Safety Issues on Beretania Street near Chick-fil-A Makiki (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WnXiN2ICuYEvCbyqtTvMWbCQgLZJRSJW/view)
D. Discussion of Traffic Safety Issues in Neighborhood – Chief Traffic Engineer Kelly Akasaki and Director Roger Morton (City’s Department of Transportation Services)
i. 5-Way Intersection of ʻIolani Street, Alapaʻi Street, and Prospect Street
ii. Traffic Congestion/Safety on South Beretania Street by Chick-fil-A Makiki
iii. Kinau/Pensacola/South Beretania Street Traffic Congestion and Right-Hand Turn Lane
iv. Construction and Roadway Closures Along South King Street
v. South King Street Bike Lane Traffic Safety
8. 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.
9. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Nice Neighborhoods Committee – Harris Nakamoto (junfour@gmail.com)
Committee Meeting Agendas: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-15372
B. O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – Adam Kirchmann (adamkirchmann@gmail.com)
Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC): https://oahumpo.org/citizen-advisory-committee
C. TUKAH (The United Korean Association of Hawaii) Kimchi Day at Makiki District Park
Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 10 AM to 7 PM (https://www.kimchifestivalhi.com) – Joyce Yang
10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to recess in December 2025 and meet next on Thursday, January 15, 2026 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.
11. 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, OCTOBER 16, 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 Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slCh9uwJjQ4&list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE
1. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:00]: Chair Char called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL – [0:00:14]: Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted roll call. Quorum was established with 12 members present. This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take Board action.
Members Present: Kahanu Chan, Arthur Eberhardt, Kimberley Gallant (joined at 6:02 p.m.), Richard Kawano, Amanda Kirby, Adam Kirchmann, Chuck Lee, Sam Mitchell, Harris Nakamoto, Robert Peters, John Steelquist (Vice Chair), Janvier Witham (Treasurer), and Nathaniel Char (Chair).
Members Absent: Linda Dela Cruz, Nancy Depicolzuane, Eric Salassa, and Bronson Silva (Secretary).
Guests: Fire Fighter David Hixon and Fire Captain Larry Moore (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Brian Morris and Lieutenant Henry Lee (Honolulu Police Department); Department of Customer Services Deputy Director Megan Johnson (Mayor Blangiardi); Taylor Date (Councilmember Nishimoto); Robin Henski (Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Russell Pang (Governor Green); Senator Carol Fukunaga; Representative Ikaika Olds; Kate Ozawa (Representative Iwamoto); Yvonne Yoro (Representative Perruso); Director of Housing Policy Gavin Thornton (Department of Housing and Land Management); Tom Heinrich, Rich Caz, Richard Ching, Claire Santos, Michele Luke, Cameron Black, Lindsay Chambers, and Dylan Armstrong (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Names were not included if not legible or stated for the record. About 49 participants joined the meeting.
Member Gallant joined the meeting at 6:02 p.m.; 13 members present.
3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) – [0:01:22]: No representative was present at this time.
4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – [0:01:32]: No representative was present at this time.
5. CITY REPORTS – [0:01:52]
Board of Water Supply – [0:01:56]: No representative was present.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:02:14]: Deputy Director Johnson submitted the Mayor’s written report with responses to September 2025 questions and shared the October 2025 newsletter link.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kE8C6cfh4Wg2rbLB7cV8ujCspInwnag8/view
• Newsletter: https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter
Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – [0:03:20]: No representative was present at this time.
Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [0:03:35]: No representative was present at this time.
6. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS – [0:03:51]
Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) Clarity – [0:04:07]: Tom Heinrich urged the Board to clearly state the PIG’s purpose and membership, limiting members below quorum and complying with HRS Chapter 92, and to schedule reporting consistent with Sunshine Law. He requested the item be calendared for follow-up action.
Exceptional Tree Removal Concerns – [0:05:17]: Rich Caz asked about the large banyan tree removed at Pensacola and Wilder and permitting; Chair Char and Claire Santos stated City feedback indicated the tree was on private property up to the street line and the owner could remove it.
3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) – CONTINUED – [0:07:07]: Fire Fighter Hixon presented the September 2025 incident statistics and seasonal fire safety tips. HFD reported one structure fire, five nuisance/rubbish fires, 12 activated alarms (no fire), one motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, three motor vehicle crashes/collisions, one mountain rescue, and 137 medical calls. The safety advisory emphasized using fire-resistant, non-combustible decorations, UL-approved electrical products, avoiding overloading power strips and cords, turning off lights when unattended, never leaving candles unattended, and keeping lighters and matches away from children.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hWUH89A2lA70E48LC_gJEXDfOVnFQORx/view
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:08:57]:
1. Fire Data Location: Michele Luke asked where the pedestrian collision occurred; HFD responded that the reporting is compiled across watches and the specific location was not available at the meeting.
2. Holiday Decorations/Fire Code in Condos: Claire Santos asked whom to contact when decorations are placed next to elevators against fire code; HFD referred residents to the Fire Prevention Bureau via the fire.honolulu.gov site and noted large buildings are covered by Fire Prevention.
3. Repeat False Fire Alarms: Rich Caz asked whether most of the 12 false alarms were at 1427 Ernest Street and whether owners could be held accountable; HFD stated they respond as needed, many buildings have occasional false activations, and address-specific statistics should be requested through the Fire Prevention Bureau.
4. Community Outreach: Member Eberhardt asked about the return of condo walk-through inspections and requested educational materials on holiday and lithium-ion battery safety; HFD explained that the Community Education section of the Fire Prevention Bureau provides handouts and can conduct on-site presentations by request, which helps avoid interruptions from emergency calls.
6. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS – CONTINUED – [0:17:25]
Traffic Safety – [0:17:28]: Lindsay Chambers noted the traffic safety meeting agenda item and Chair Char asked Chambers to share her comments at the appropriate agenda item.
Shopping Cart Concerns – [0:17:53]: Richard Ching described 40-50 abandoned shopping carts from area stores ending up along his street and under the freeway, and asked the Board to consider a resolution urging retrieval and prevention measures at a future meeting due to Sunshine Law limits.
5. CITY REPORTS – CONTINUED – [0:19:02]
Councilmember Scott Nishimoto – CONTINUED – [0:19:09]: Taylor Date reported a site walk at Makiki District Park regarding the Community Garden fence project. An RFP (request for proposal) is expected within the next couple of months with a tentative completion target around May 2026, pending procurement. The dog park on Punahou Street is being finalized pending signage, with a grand opening to follow.
• Webpage: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:20:28]:
1. RFP: Members Chan and Kirby asked about the “RFP.” Date clarified “RFP” is a request for proposals to solicit bids.
7. STATE OFFICIAL REPORTS – [0:23:04]
Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [0:23:05]: Russell Pang provided the report and highlighted that speed camera warnings will convert to citations on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at ten intersections citywide, with nearby locations at King/Ward and Beretania/Piʻikoi. The program aims to deter speeding and red-light running amid high statewide traffic fatalities.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:26:45]:
1. Speed Cameras: Richard asked about trigger thresholds and officer review; Pang explained the statute allows citations at 5 mph over the limit, the working threshold may be set higher, a vendor pre-reviews each case, and HPD completes a final review before issuance, typically within about 10 days.
2. Lunalilo Street Repaving: Members Lee and Chan asked about repaving from Piʻikoi to Ward; Pang stated the Ward overpass, Keʻeaumoku overpass and adjacent H-1/Miller Street project are bundled, a bid protest was resolved, and the City is finalizing the contract; construction could occur three to six months after execution.
4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – CONTINUED – [0:35:37]: Sergeant Morris provided September 2025 statistics: motor vehicle thefts 8 (down from 10), burglaries 5 (down from 8), thefts 31 (up from 26), UEMV 2 (down from 7), assaults 11 (up from 9), sex assaults 0, graffiti 0, drug cases 5 (up from 3), and traffic collisions 79 (down from 83). HPD noted recurring concerns at Pensacola and Lunalilo, where shade and location draw recurring complaints, and offered seasonal safety reminders for Halloween, urging heightened caution for pedestrians and drivers. HPD also discussed speed monitoring on Ward Avenue and sun-glare collision risks near sunset. The agenda item “HPD Presentation on Protecting Kupuna (Seniors) from Scams” was listed; Patrol advised that Community Policing or another HPD unit would normally provide that briefing and it was not available this evening.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:40:33]:
1. Youth Safety Near Stevenson/Roosevelt: Resident manager Adam described youths acting as a “gang,” assaults, and threats near Davenport/Wilder and requested after-school HPD presence; HPD said detectives are working a recent robbery case and will try to stage officers during school commute times and coordinate with Community Policing.
2. School Resource Officers (SROs): In response to questions from Cameron Black and Richard Ching, Lieutenant Lee explained HPD is prioritizing implementation of SROs starting on the West side, balancing deterrent presence with visibility, and that uniformed presence is an effective deterrent and facilitates student communication with officers.
3. Focused Traffic/Parking Enforcement at Chick-fil-A Makiki: Lindsay Chambers summarized ongoing nighttime hazards on South Beretania Street caused by the drive-thru queue straddling lanes and blocking an active driveway, and asked about hiring special duty officers. HPD noted special duty minimums, explained presence would deter driveway blocking but cannot resolve gridlock, and stated lasting mitigation likely requires roadway or operational changes through the City and the business. HPD will continue to respond to calls for service; special duty with premium rates generally fills.
7. STATE OFFICIAL REPORTS – CONTINUED – [0:56:50]
Questions, comments, and concerns for Governor Josh Green’s Representative continued – [0:56:50]:
3. Ward Avenue/Lunalilo Street Intersection: Members Eberhardt and Peters described drivers mistaking the Green Street signal for Lunalilo Street’s control when traveling uphill on Ward Avenue and left-turn conflicts with downhill traffic using two lanes; Pang will request traffic engineers re-examine signage, signal visibility, and lane configurations.
4. Crosswalk Markings and State Law: Dylan Armstrong raised concerns about the removal of crosswalk markings by the City contravenes HRS §291C-73 and urged the Governor’s office to work with Judiciary committees to codify state preemption to protect pedestrian safety.
State Senator Carol Fukunaga – [1:02:58]: Senator Fukunaga shared positive public safety activation at Cartwright Field, including the Aloha Vintage Baseball Association season opener November 8–9, 2025, and noted Skyline Segment 2 and dedicated express buses could reduce traffic impacts to area schools. Questions were deferred due to time.
State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto – [1:06:20]: Kate Ozawa invited residents to subscribe to the office newsletter, request in-building town halls, and submit bill ideas for the 2026 session.
State Representative Ikaika Olds – [1:07:31]: Representative Olds reported approximately 600 survey responses to date, with homelessness and public safety leading concerns, and shared the Legislature’s hiring link for Capitol positions.
State Representative Andrew Garrett – [1:08:44]: No representative was present.
5. CITY REPORTS – CONTINUED – [1:08:45]
Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [1:09:05]: Robin Henski announced a bill signing with the Mayor’s office for downtown BID (Business Improvement District) Measure Bill 51 at Walker Park Fountain; she offered to provide details via chat and to answer follow-up questions offline due to time constraints.
• Webpage: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-6-dos-santos-tam
8. BOARD BUSINESS / PRESENTATIONS – [1:10:26]
Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, September 18, 2025 – [1:10:26]: Chair Char asked for corrections. Hearing none, the written summary was approved without objection; 13-0-0 (Aye: Chan, Eberhardt, Gallant, Kawano, Kirby, Kirchmann, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peters, Steelquist, Witham, Char; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
Presentation on Hawaii’s Exceptional Tree Program – [1:11:07]: No representative was present.
Adopt a Resolution Urging the Department of Parks and Recreation to Prioritize and Expedite the Makiki Community Garden Fence Project – [1:11:29]: The Board considered a resolution to urge timely execution of the Makiki Community Garden fence improvements. During discussion, Tom Heinrich noted the Managing Director should be included among recipients, that Representatives Kim Coco Iwamoto, Ikaika Olds, and Andrew Garrett be added, and that the President of the Makiki Community Garden Association be copied; Amanda Kirby concurred with these friendly amendments. Chair Char MOVED and Member Kirchmann SECONDED to adopt the resolution as amended. Without objection, the amended resolution was ADOPTED; 13-0-0 (Aye: Chan, Eberhardt, Gallant, Kawano, Kirby, Kirchmann, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peters, Steelquist, Witham, Char; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:18:48].
Adopt a Resolution to Encourage the State Legislature to Prioritize Comprehensive Pesticide Reform – [1:19:10]: Yoro thanked the Board for adding the agenda item and clarified the resolution seeks improved applicator reporting transparency (what, when, where, and quantity), especially for parcels ten acres or larger, and coordination on soil and water testing roles, without impeding invasive species response. In discussion, Richard asked whether the resolution would impede treatment for little fire ants; Yoro replied it would not limit necessary pesticide use. Member Eberhardt asked which agency would monitor testing; Yoro noted ongoing coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health to identify the appropriate branch. Member Mitchell MOVED and Chair Char SECONDED to adopt the resolution. Without objection, the motion was ADOPTED; 13-0-0 (Aye: Chan, Eberhardt, Gallant, Kawano, Kirby, Kirchmann, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peters, Steelquist, Witham, Char; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:23:30].
Discussion on Honolulu’s Bill 7 (Ordinance 19-8 Relating to Affordable Rental Housing) – [1:23:54]: The City’s Director of Housing Policy Gavin Thornton provided context on the City’s new Department of Housing and Land Management and described Bill 7’s purpose to enable small, infill walk-up rental housing by cutting red tape and allowing financially feasible production of small affordable units, acknowledging the program’s imperfections and community impacts. He emphasized rebuilding trust and collaborative problem-solving between government, developers, and neighborhoods, and invited continued feedback.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:31:03]:
1. Program overhaul and rules: Vice Chair Steelquist asked whether Bill 7 could be scrapped and restated concerns about a proposed seven-story project without parking; Thornton said full repeal is unlikely but a comprehensive review and improvements are warranted to address substantive issues.
2. Affordability period and gentrification: Member Kirchmann asked about rent caps and the risk of rent spikes after the 15-year affordability period; Thornton confirmed there are rent caps and a 15-year restriction and acknowledged concerns about affordability ending and potential displacement thereafter.
3. Outside Investment and Ownership: Cameron Black asked about the extent of local versus foreign investment; Thornton acknowledged developers may secure outside investment to finance projects while having local representation.
4. Property Management: Members Kawano and Kirby noted post-construction property management gaps, security issues, and impacts around properties such as along Ernest Street; Thornton took note of the need to strengthen accountability mechanisms and channels for community escalation.
5. AMI (Area Median Income) Brackets: Member Kirby also urged expanding units serving 0–30% AMI residents, including kupuna on fixed incomes and young adults in transition, noting many studios target 30–60% AMI and may miss those most in need; Thornton recognized the need to better serve very low-income households.
6. Community Engagement: A resident urged requiring on-site management at large projects, reconsidering parking requirements, establishing pre-construction community engagement, and tracking transparent metrics such as occupancy, HPD calls for service, and neighborhood impacts to demonstrate improvements over time.
Discussion and Report on the September 2025 Special Meeting on Traffic Safety – [1:54:04]: Chair Char reported that at the September special meeting the Board did not pass a resolution seeking a traffic study around Chick-fil-A/QVR (Queen Victoria Residences) and did not pass a motion to add a second right-turn lane from Kīna‘u onto Pensacola. DTS was not in attendance; Chair Char stated that the City’s Managing Director Mike Formby confirmed DTS would attend if another meeting is scheduled. Given the proximity of the next regular meeting to the holidays, the Board opted to request DTS attend on Thursday, November 20, 2025, rather than hold an additional special meeting. Lindsay Chambers expressed appreciation for the special meeting but urged the Board to keep future deliberations focused on safety rather than personal affiliations, reiterating that current operations at Chick-fil-A Makiki violate the approved traffic plan and create unsafe conditions. Tom Heinrich recommended dedicating more agenda time or special-topic meetings to complex items and summarizing special meeting outcomes on the record when Webex is not available.
Discussion and Recognition of Thomas Square Park’s History – [2:01:38]: Member Peters requested dedicated time to present issues including drugs, homelessness, and activation at Thomas Square, noting he could not do so within three minutes and asked that the topic be scheduled for a special-topic meeting. Brief comments noted upcoming holiday light activation plans and potential displacement effects from park enforcement, with a request to coordinate City and State services to mitigate downstream impacts in Makiki. Chair Char agreed to consider adding this topic for future meetings.
9. BOARD / COMMUNITY REPORTS – [2:06:30]
Nice Neighborhoods Committee – [2:06:30]: Committee Chair Nakamoto reported steady progress, the October committee meeting cancellation due to workload progress, and announced the next meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. He described a developing Community and Resilience Hub effort in partnership with the Honolulu Museum of Art to support evacuation relief and vulnerable populations in mid-rise and high-rise settings, with an initial focus bounded by King Street, Alapa‘i Street, Kīna‘u Street, and Pi‘ikoi Street.
O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – [2:08:39]: Vice Chair Steelquist stepped down as the Board’s representative to the OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). After discussion, Member Kirchmann volunteered to serve as the Board’s representative. Without objection, the Board designated Adam Kirchmann as the Neighborhood Board No. 10 representative to the CAC – [2:10:14].
TUKAH (The United Korean Association of Hawaii) Kimchi Day and Movie Night – [2:10:34]: Chair Char announced two upcoming events: Movie Night on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., and Kimchi Day on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring contests, performances, food, and participation by area schools. Volunteer and participation links were provided in the Board’s shared materials.
10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:12:35]: The next regular meeting of Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Makiki District Park (Old Makiki Community Library, 2nd Floor) and online via Webex. 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. Follow the Board at http://www.facebook.com/MakikiNB and visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/nb10 for information.
11. ADJOURNMENT – [2:13:26]: Chair Char adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m.
Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, Neighborhood Commission Office
Finalized by: