No 11 Ala Moana Kaka'ako Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Ala Moana Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board Meeting – October 2025
Meeting Called to Order and Roll Call
Chair Lee convened the regular meeting of the Ala Moana Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board at 6:00 p.m. Attendance was taken: members Chang, Hashimoto, Fernandez, Morales, Rice, Vanderbrink, and Chong were present, while Chi, Berenice, and Rand were absent or tardy. The board restated its purpose: to foster civic engagement and ensure the neighborhood remains a thriving place to live, work, and play. The meeting began punctually, with call-in participants confirming audio functionality. Shortly thereafter, public safety reports and presentations commenced.
Public Safety Report: Honolulu Fire Department
Captain Gibo of the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) from the Poha Fire Station delivered the October 2025 monthly statistics. Over the reporting period, there was one building fire, three nuisance fires, one cooking fire, 18 activated alarms, 157 medical calls, seven auto accidents, and one hazardous material incident. In anticipation of the holiday season, Captain Gibo emphasized fire-resistant decorations, the need to follow manufacturer instructions for electrical setups, and the importance of never leaving candles unattended. Board Member Chong raised a question about false alarms caused by low smoke detector batteries, prompting HFD to clarify it does not exchange batteries due to liability concerns but can guide homeowners on simple battery replacement. The board thanked HFD for its presence and reminders.
Public Safety Report: Honolulu Police Department
HPD’s Sergeant Wakabayashi appeared via remote connection to present the October crime statistics. Motor vehicle thefts were at 17, burglaries at 7, thefts at 115, unlawful entries into motor vehicles totaled 9, assaults numbered 19, and there were 2 reported sexual assault cases. Drug offenses rose from 4 to 11. The sergeant explained limited minutes were available due to a last-minute schedule change. Board members asked about traffic violations, such as drivers illegally turning left or ignoring signs at Kapiʻolani Boulevard intersections, and they referenced specific problem areas like Piʻikoi Street. HPD will notify the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) about faded signage and possible replacements while looking into stepped-up enforcement. Questions also arose regarding a “Coffee with a Cop” event in November, which HPD later confirmed would happen at the start of the month, though board members awaited final confirmation on exact dates.
Victoria Ward Village and Community Development Updates
Senior Vice President of Planning and Development at Howard Hughes, Kailani Sedaro, provided extensive updates on multiple Ward Village projects. She highlighted the nearly one-acre Kalaʻi Park at Ulana Ward Village, featuring new playground equipment to complement Kolowalu Park. Another park, Victoria Ward Park Mauka, is nearing completion, with an opening planned as early as December or January, pending rainfall and grass growth. This all-access facility will include an event lawn designed for festivals and farmers’ markets, as well as large sculptural trellises for seating. Sedaro also summarized ongoing street realignments on Pohukaina and Awahi Streets—restoring older street connections and adding bike lanes and improved traffic markings. The 697-unit Ulana development, reserved for lower-income buyers, is now nearly ready for occupancy, with families moving in over the holiday season. Sedaro then discussed Mahana Ward Village, an upcoming high-density residential building near Ward Avenue and the future rail station, which increases the previously approved housing count. She encouraged anyone interested in using newly designed kiosks, plazas, and other pop-up projects in Ward Village to reach out, emphasizing community involvement along with new retail space. Board members asked about pet-friendly provisions, variety in park structures, and traffic mitigations.
1588 Ala Moana Project Presentation
Planner Isaiah Satchel outlined a proposed mixed-use development at the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Atkinson Drive, atop an existing 4.3-acre parking garage portion of Ala Moana Center. The plan includes 52 affordable rentals at 80% AMI for 30 years, 145 market-rate residential units, and 291 hotel units, alongside 26,000 square feet of commercial space. The tower portions rise up to 400 feet, and much of the parking podium will be wrapped with affordable housing fronting Ala Moana Boulevard to enhance the street view. Currently, around 300 bicycle parking stalls are planned, though the board urged the project team to consider a Biki bike-share station. Some asked for approximate pricing for market units, but Satchel noted it was too early for that data. Questions arose about pedestrian access and sidewalk closures during construction, with Satchel assuring that any blockages would be minimized and public safety would remain a priority.
Board Business, Minutes Approval, and Dog Park Letter
The board unanimously approved the September 2025 regular meeting minutes. They then deliberated on a draft letter urging the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to allow leashed dogs at several city parks, listing sites within the district such as Kewalo Basin Park, Kakaʻako Makai Gateway Park, and Sheridan Community Park. There was discussion about the need for more robust enforcement of leash requirements, stricter fines for violations, and thorough public education. In spite of some members’ concerns about safety and dog-bite liability, the letter passed with six votes in favor, one opposed, and one abstention. The group may follow up with a separate resolution calling for more detailed enforcement measures.
Action Committee Updates and Community Engagement
Board members recapped recent initiatives, including planning for a possible Sam’s Club cleanup partnership in January, continuing discussions on a property tax surcharge for vacant lots, and encouraging official alignment on road and pedestrian safety. They also noted the board’s participation in the local Pride Parade, describing good turnout and highlighting the board’s broader goal of community outreach. Another Farmers Market engagement in Kakaʻako served to educate residents about neighborhood board functions. Future parades, including Honolulu City Lights, are on the board’s schedule, and members are encouraged to participate.
Elected Officials’ Reports and Community Concerns
Representatives from the offices of Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Honolulu City Councilmembers, and state legislators provided updates. The mayor’s representative offered follow-ups on repaving projects, street signage replacements, and McCoy Pavilion renovations. Council staffers mentioned the November 1 opening for McCoy Pavilion’s cafeteria and auditorium. Legislative representatives discussed topics from early morning trash pickups to possible special sessions for addressing immigration and access to reproductive services. Homeless encampment sweeps pushing unsheltered individuals into neighboring areas were highlighted, with local representatives urging residents to report new clusters so resources can be mobilized. Plans to enhance sports tourism and safer voting by mail also surfaced in multiple legislative reports. Members requested further details on how the state might foster local sports growth and assist non-profit tournaments.
Closing Announcements and Adjournment
Several upcoming events were noted, including a Mid-Pacific Roadrunners Club holiday race on December 7. Board members reiterated the date of their next action committee gathering on November 13 and the final full board meeting of 2025 on November 25. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m., with members thanking community participants, presenters, and Olelo broadcast staff for their ongoing support.