No 09 Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting May 2025
Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Meeting Summary – May 2023
Honolulu Fire Department Report and Fire Safety
The Honolulu Fire Department began the meeting with an overview of fire-related activity in Waikīkī for the month of April. They reported no structure fires, brush fires, nuisance fires, or cooking fires. They did, however, respond to several false alarm activations, as well as numerous medical calls and a few motor vehicle collisions. Buyers or sellers of condominiums in Waikīkī often find these low fire and structural incident rates encouraging, as building safety can be a key factor influencing property values and insurance rates. The department also gave home fire sprinkler safety tips, which included highlighting how quickly fires can spread, especially given the synthetic materials common in most condos. Potential condo buyers may want to verify whether a building has fire sprinklers, functioning smoke alarms, and well-defined escape routes.
Honolulu Police Department Crime Trends
The Honolulu Police Department presented crime statistics from the previous month, underscoring robberies, burglaries, thefts, assaults, traffic citations, and calls for service. While robberies and thefts were down from the previous period, burglaries showed an increase. This fluctuation is noteworthy for those considering real estate investment in this area, as building security measures and neighborhood watch programs can affect decisions on where to buy or sell property. The department fielded multiple questions from community members who were concerned about case follow-ups and perceived leniency in courts, especially regarding repeat offenders dealing with mental health or substance use issues. The department stressed that many of these matters extend beyond policing and relate to both judicial policy and social service support. Prospective buyers would be wise to investigate a building’s security features, learn about local crime trends, and confirm whether a building is actively coordinating with police on safety initiatives.
Community Concerns about Homelessness
Several residents and board members spoke at length about individuals with severe mental health or substance use issues who regularly appear in Waikīkī. Some described it as a persistent revolving door situation in which the same people continually cycle in and out of detention or hospitalization. Those considering buying in Waikīkī may wish to research how local government and social services are managing these challenges, especially near buildings that border main thoroughfares. The presence of visible homelessness can influence real estate values, and interested sellers can benefit from knowing about any new outreach programs that promise to alleviate these conditions in the long term.
Noise Complaints and New Muffler Legislation
Noise pollution remained a major concern. A community member drew attention to Senate Bill 1216, which proposes increases to the fines for overly loud motor vehicle mufflers. Noise citations have been minimal, and frustration has grown among board members who feel that stricter enforcement is needed to preserve Waikīkī’s residential quality of life. Buyers and sellers often account for neighborhood noise levels as an important factor. Excessive noise can influence short-term rentals, long-term property values, and prospective buyers’ overall satisfaction with a location.
Board of Water Supply and Conservation Efforts
A representative from the Board of Water Supply reported no active main breaks or major construction in Waikīkī. Residents were asked to conserve water, especially as temperatures rise, and to make use of residential and commercial rebates offered to encourage greater efficiency. Buyers of Waikīkī properties may want to check the existing plumbing for leaks and explore these incentives for installing conservation-minded fixtures. Because water and sewer costs can be a significant part of condo maintenance fees, any building improvements that conserve water could positively impact monthly ownership expenses.
Vacancy and New Member on the Neighborhood Board
A vacancy in Sub-District 3 was filled by a resident who had experience managing condo buildings. Though directed at filling a board seat, this development may interest real estate stakeholders because more board members with building management backgrounds can translate into deeper discussions on condo governance. Such governance can greatly affect how well shared amenities and neighborhood concerns are handled, influencing both unit value and owner satisfaction.
Citizen and Neighborhood Infrastructure Concerns
Multiple residents raised concerns about broken street infrastructure, such as damaged drainage grates near condo entrances. They also highlighted long-term issues like illegal campsite setups along the Ala Wai, which some described as forming tent cities. Such ongoing safety and sanitation problems can steer buyers toward or away from particular streets or buildings, making it worthwhile for sellers to remain aware of how effectively the city is managing corrections and clean-ups.
Proposed Adjustments to Bus Routes for Skyline Rail
Representatives from the City Department of Transportation Services discussed planned changes to bus routes timed with the expansion of the Skyline rail system. Proposed introductions of a new “W” line to connect the airport to Waikīkī and truncated routes such as the “A” line are meant to save commute time for commuters and visitors. Buyers looking to avoid traffic might see benefit in the more efficient transit connections, and sellers could emphasize improved public transportation as an added perk. There was some discussion around job access for hotel workers, so potential owners of rental units also might anticipate stable demand if commuting is more convenient.
Proposed Expansion of On-Leash Dog Access in Parks
The Department of Parks and Recreation highlighted ongoing efforts to open more on-leash dog-friendly parks across the city, including in Waikīkī. Conversations pointed to better signage, bag dispensers for waste, and designated areas. Prospective buyers who own pets often inquire about nearby dog-friendly spaces, and these changes could enhance property appeal where new or expanded on-leash privileges exist. With few local parks to choose from, any move toward more dog-friendly public lands can be a selling point for realtors marketing to pet owners.
New State Department of Law Enforcement Camera Initiative
The newly formed State Department of Law Enforcement proposed a robust security plan using modern technology to strengthen public safety in Waikīkī. Possible initiatives discussed included partnerships with local hotels and businesses to tap into existing camera feeds, plus advanced drone monitoring for faster police responses. Community members expressed some concerns about data privacy and how the information would be stored, but many attendees saw potential benefits in deterring crime. For buyers or sellers, measures that promise safer common areas, streets, and building exteriors can be a strong draw and can mitigate some risk of property crime. Buyers investigating buildings might want to ask whether properties are positioned to integrate with state or private security networks.
Meeting Outlook and Takeaways
The meeting concluded with discussions regarding procedural issues and an adjournment before further votes could be taken. For real estate stakeholders, it was evident that Waikīkī’s neighborhoods are working diligently to address pressing concerns such as noise, crime, homelessness, and infrastructure. These efforts may shape the environment for both current residents and future investors. Anyone considering a purchase should review condo association records, research the latest legislative changes, and keep current on local initiatives meant to enhance the livability of this premier location. Sellers, similarly, may wish to highlight any positive security, park, or infrastructure upgrades that could make their property stand out in a competitive market.