No 11 Ala Moana Kaka'ako Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting September 2025
Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board Meeting
Opening, Purpose, and Attendance
Chair Lee called the regular meeting of the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board to order, noting that seven members were present and a quorum established. The chair reminded attendees that the Board’s role is to encourage civic engagement so the neighborhood can be a thriving place to live, work, and play. Roll call was taken, and the importance of resident input on local matters was reiterated.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
A fire department representative from Puaʻa Fire Station presented the August 2025 statistics. Crews responded to four nuisance fires, 19 fire alarms with no actual fire, 179 medical emergencies, four motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians, three motor vehicle collisions, two ocean rescues, and three hazardous materials incidents. The fire safety tip focused on the proper use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries, advising residents to use products tested and certified by UL, ETL, or CSA, avoid overcharging, and recycle at official battery recycling sites such as call2recycle.org. Board members inquired further about hazardous materials calls, learning they typically involve gas leaks or similar concerns. The department encouraged residents to email inquiries to hfdnhb@honolulu.gov.
Honolulu Police Department Report
A sergeant from HPD’s District 1 Patrol provided crime statistics for August 2025, including 20 motor vehicle thefts, 13 burglaries, 95 thefts, 8 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, 15 assaults, 1 sexual assault, 0 graffiti incidents, 4 drug-related cases, and 139 motor vehicle collisions. The department recorded 3,237 calls for service, a slight increase from the previous month. HPD plans to focus on traffic safety enforcement due to a rise in traffic fatalities. The sergeant briefly answered questions on visible police presence, felony arrest activity, traffic violations at locations such as Sheridan and Kapiʻolani, and the cost of citations for prohibited turns. He stressed the need for caution at intersections with obstructed visibility and cautioned drivers against making illegal left turns.
Ward Village Community Update
A representative was available on behalf of Ward Village to handle questions. The main Ward Village speaker was unable to attend due to an emergency. The Board decided to table the update on upcoming projects and expansions in Ward Village until the next meeting to give the official presenter an opportunity to provide detailed information.
City and County of Honolulu Departments
Ben Sullivan from the Mayor’s office addressed previous board inquiries. He explained ongoing outreach efforts regarding tsunami evacuation routes, indicating the Department of Emergency Management would soon brief the City Council and provide updated plans. He shared that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is constrained in providing live presentations but offered updates on streetlight replacements along Kapiʻolani Boulevard and drainage improvements on Pensacola Street. Residents were informed about planning efforts for future Complete Streets initiatives on major corridors, including King, Beretania, Young, Piʻikoi, Kapiʻolani, Wilder, and Kahika. Other updates responded to board inquiries on the Leona Street lighting and repaving, Alamoana Regional Park’s striping, and holiday overflow parking enforcement.
Representatives from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) discussed parking restrictions near Sheridan Community Park, explaining that their office relocated there to increase staff presence and “activate” the park. The community voiced concerns that restricting on-street parking could discourage public use. DPR assured the Board it will consult residents about future changes and acknowledged that only limited advance notice was provided. They also addressed safety measures for the park after hours and on holidays, highlighting planned camera installation and ongoing coordination with HPD.
Further updates focused on the arson-ruined playground at Sheridan Community Park. The department announced it would utilize a new design-build process for replacement projects under a national contract. The timeline remains uncertain since this is their first time using the method, but the plan includes community input once a vendor is selected. DPR explored potential landscaping improvements, noting that local adopters can work with the Department of Urban Forestry to plant trees and maintain grounds. A separate staff member summarized the possibility of adding dog-friendly facilities in partnership with local volunteers and donors, since DPR currently has limited budget for doggy bag banks.
Elected Official Reports
Representatives from various offices, including Councilmember Scott Nishimoto, Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Representative Ikaika Olds, Representative Adrian Tam, Representative Kim Koko Iwamoto, Senator Sharon Moriwaki, and the Governor’s office, provided updates or sent staff to share information. They addressed local issues such as broken sidewalk stanchions, progress on McCoy Pavilion renovations at Ala Moana Regional Park, and a timeline for legislative proposals. Board members sought clarification on budgets, public safety enforcement, and ongoing capital improvement projects.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
The Board approved the August 26, 2025 regular meeting minutes without opposition, noting no corrections or edits were required.
Consideration of Resolutions
The Board supported a resolution originally introduced by Kalihi-Palama Neighborhood Board to expand eligibility for the Hawaii Community College Promise Program. Members expressed that removing financial barriers to two-year education could support workforce development and help students transition to four-year institutions. A second resolution concerning justice reform and victim protection was postponed to allow the presenter to participate. A third resolution, introduced by a Board member, advocated city or developer acquisition of two vacant lots scheduled for foreclosure at 1370 Kapiʻolani Boulevard and 710 Sheridan Street for a community-based use. The resolution proposed a dog-friendly park and possible HPD substation to address neighborhood open space and public safety needs, emphasizing that new development projects should include beneficial public facilities.
Action Committee Recap
The Action Committee, led by two Board members, has been increasing outreach through farmers markets and other public events. It scheduled a community clean-up day at Ala Moana Regional Park in November 2025, seeking volunteers and collaboration from civic organizations. The committee also discussed neighborhood involvement in the upcoming Pride Parade on October 18, where Board members plan to walk and engage the public on local issues. The Holiday Electric Light Parade in December remains a potential outreach event. The committee noted efforts to appear at SALT in Kakaʻako and at Sam’s Club remain ongoing, with staff changes slowing coordination.
Sub-District Reports
Board members updated one another on local developments. There was concern about recent assaults, including an incident on Roycroft Street and ongoing property crimes. Members noted that dedicated police resources remain limited in the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako area, with the main substation occupying the downtown Chinatown segment of District 1. Another report highlighted infrastructure projects along Kapiʻolani Boulevard, cautioning drivers about lane closures for streetlight replacements that might stretch into mid-2026. Plans for an upcoming dog park at Punahou Square were mentioned, alongside references to major capital investments by private foundations and trusts.
Residents and Community Concerns
A community member announced that Sheridan Community Park has officially been adopted, prompting plans for tree planting and general cleanup. They encouraged volunteers to help water newly planted trees and coordinate efforts with local groups. This effort underscores sustainability measures as well as a desire to enhance the neighborhood’s green spaces for public enjoyment.
Agency Reports
A representative from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation briefly advised that there were no major new updates but remained available for questions. The status of a possible free-ride weekend tied to the next Skyline segment opening was mentioned, though official confirmation was pending further review with the Department of Transportation Services. Other agencies not present included the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority and the Board of Water Supply.
Announcements and Closing
The Board reminded the public of major upcoming events, including the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade, the Pride Parade, and the Honolulu Liquor Commission hearings for multiple establishments. The next Action Committee meeting is set for October 9, followed by the next full Board meeting on October 28. The session adjourned at 7:59 p.m., concluding with expressions of gratitude for community engagement and participation.