April 2025 Neighborhood Board Recap

Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Meeting – April 2025 Meeting

Honoring Gene Ward

A moment of silence was held to honor the late Representative Gene Ward, who served for three decades representing Waikiki and nearby areas. The Board recognized his many years of public service and the profound impact he had on the community. His passing was noted with deep respect and gratitude.

Honolulu Fire Department Report

A fire department representative reviewed statistics for March, including structure fires, nuisance calls, cooking fires, activated alarms with no fire, and medical emergencies. Motor vehicle collisions were also highlighted, revealing concerns about pedestrian safety and traffic incidents. The Fire Department shared a safety tip for April on developing a household evacuation plan. They emphasized early preparation in the face of environmental emergencies or disasters and encouraged families to identify two escape routes, plan a meeting point, and assemble a supply kit. One community member asked the Department to include instructions about sheltering on higher floors in severe weather events to reduce panic and congestion at street level. The Fire Department promised to incorporate relevant guidance and thanked everyone for their questions.

Honolulu Police Department Report

Representatives from the Honolulu Police Department provided March crime statistics. Robberies, burglaries, thefts, and assaults showed an uptick, prompting community concerns about personal and property safety. The officers warned against scam phone calls falsely claiming to be from the police or court officials who try to collect payments or personal information. Residents were reminded that HPD never requests personal financial details over the phone and that any suspicious calls should be reported.

Community members raised the recent street brawl near Lewers and Kalakaua, which involved youths and gunshots fired into a local store. The police clarified that key suspects had been arrested, but they also acknowledged the need for more proactive foot and bike patrols. A desire was voiced for 24/7 police presence, though HPD indicated that full-time foot patrols were unlikely to be feasible while department staffing is down. Still, HPD is implementing dedicated foot and bicycle units on a scheduled basis, partnering with community walks, and focusing on park closures and street-level offenses such as loud mufflers and open drinking.

Members of the community also stressed the chronic nature of homelessness in Waikiki, with some individuals having hundreds of arrests. A repeated concern is the revolving door for people declared mentally unfit for trial, who often return to the streets. HPD recognized this frustration but said they are constrained by existing laws and work closely with prosecutors and social services to address treatment and enforcement.

Board of Water Supply Update

A Board of Water Supply spokesperson reported no main breaks in March and no active construction sites in Waikiki that might affect water service. They promoted upcoming leak-detection events at local shopping centers and reminded residents to conserve water in light of declining rainfall. The community heard about a new city alert system, HNLalert, which sends emergency notifications via text. Residents were encouraged to sign up to stay informed of water-related advisories and other critical notices.

Community Concerns and Neighborhood Elections

Waikiki residents shared various concerns, including storm drains in need of repair, sidewalk safety issues caused by matching walkway and step colors at certain large buildings, and the continuing growth of homeless camps. The Board reminded attendees that neighborhood board elections were approaching, praising several long-standing members for their ongoing volunteer work. Residents interested in advocating for issues such as flood prevention and infrastructure improvements were encouraged to participate in these local elections.

Liquor License Application

The Board noted a planned hearing on May 1 for a restaurant general category license at a new establishment on Kapuni Street. Residents were informed they could attend or submit written testimony if they had specific questions about operations and hours of service.

Mayor’s Representative Report

The Mayor’s office addressed questions on several Waikiki matters, including sidewalk slope repairs, newly installed beach lockers on Kuhio Beach, and city revenue from commercial beach rentals. The Mayor’s representative explained that locker rentals are part of a short-term pilot project to determine viability and do not currently generate revenue for the city. Regarding parking citations, the representative said the large number is driven by residents calling to report illegally parked vehicles, and that basic enforcement still plays a vital role in keeping sidewalks clear.

Residents asked for collaboration on loud mufflers, management of leaf blowers, and city ordinances to reduce community disruptions. The issue of sidewalk safety near certain busy intersections remains under investigation by the Department of Transportation Services. Community members also expressed frustration regarding pockets of homelessness and their impact on real estate values, personal safety, and neighborhood character.

City Council Update

A representative for Council Chair Tommy Waters reported on new legislation that restricts certain street festivals, limiting them to six per year to mitigate disruptions on Kalakaua Avenue. The Council also passed a measure to penalize “wheelies” on public roads and discussed ongoing considerations over budget allocations, focusing on possible sewer fee increases and how to balance vacant job funds.

State Legislative Updates

Senator Sharon Moriwaki appeared and discussed the completion of the legislative session’s main phase, during which numerous bills and budgets move into conference committees. She highlighted efforts to address beach erosion and walkway maintenance in Waikiki, particularly near Hale Kalani, acknowledging that the state must partner with private landowners in repairing or rebuilding seawalls. The significance of new groins to preserve Waikiki Beach was also stressed. Meanwhile, a representative for Representative Adrian Tam provided an update on a confirmed measles case on Oahu and urged people to stay informed and vaccinated.

Waikiki Beach Improvements and Events

The Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District emphasized that a comprehensive plan is underway to repair collapsed public walkways and aging groins. Though costly, these improvements are expected to bolster beach width, enhance aesthetic appeal, and continue Waikiki’s status as a prime visitor destination. The newly passed street festival regulations aim to reduce excessive road closures, improve traffic flow, and minimize parades blocking main thoroughfares during weekends.

Kuhio Avenue Bus-Only Lane Update

A city Department of Transportation Services representative presented data on the first phase of bus-only lanes on Kuhio Avenue, indicating modest but successful reductions in bus travel time. Vehicle compliance has been strong, and bicyclists find the new lane easier to navigate. The second eastbound phase begins soon, and stakeholders hope this project will ease congestion for residents and visitors. The Board was informed that paint wear-and-tear on lanes is monitored and will be maintained. While some concerns center on making right turns across the bus lane, officials encourage early merging and adherence to posted signs.

Homeless Outreach and Navigation (HONU) Program

City officials detailed the HONU program, which sets up temporary triage tents at various locations to provide safe shelter, connect individuals to more stable housing or medical respite, and reduce street homelessness. HONU stays are typically a few days to a couple of weeks, during which individuals receive case management to reunify with family, enter shelters, or relocate to housing if possible. While HONU has had some success, officials acknowledged it cannot entirely solve chronic issues. Many individuals suffer from mental health or addiction challenges, and the city is coordinating with police, outreach teams, and legal avenues for involuntary commitment if a person poses a danger to themselves or others. Residents—especially condo associations—voiced safety concerns about harassment and property damage. City representatives vowed ongoing strategy updates, including stronger enforcement and continued expansion of accessible shelter beds.

Potential Ala Wai Pedestrian Bridge Environmental Review

A proposed pedestrian bridge over the Ala Wai Canal sparked debate. A community member sought a full Environmental Impact Statement, stating that expanding the study could address flood risk, view protection, architectural design, and neighborhood integration. Others pointed out that prior votes by this Board have not favored additional EIS reviews. The matter was placed on hold with some referring to future discussions and potential votes. For Waikiki real estate buyers and sellers, the debate may be significant if questions about visual impacts, flooding concerns, or future accessibility near the canal affect neighborhood values.

Closing Remarks and Next Meeting

Because several members raised concerns about overlapping presentations and scheduling challenges, the Board announced that more thorough presentations on topics such as bus routes, beach lockers, and local infrastructure would be placed on upcoming agendas. Though opinions diverged on homelessness strategies, beach preservation, and public safety, each speaker expressed a commitment to responsible neighborhood stewardship. Prospective buyers or sellers of Waikiki real estate may wish to pay special attention to the evolving discussions on public safety approaches, homeless outreach expansions, proposed transportation changes, and infrastructure projects along the Waikiki shoreline, as these factors can significantly affect quality of life, property values, condominium association fees, and neighborhood desirability.