No 11 Ala Moana-Kaka'ako Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting March 2026
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11 Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board Meeting – March 25, 2026
Call to Order and Quorum
Chair Lee opened the meeting at 6:03 p.m., acknowledging the challenging weather conditions throughout the month. Board members were identified during roll call, establishing that nine members were present, which met the required quorum. The Chair thanked everyone in attendance for taking the time to assist in addressing neighborhood matters.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
Captain Casey Pereira of HFD provided monthly statistics, including two structure fires, one cooking fire, 34 activated fire alarms, 148 medical emergencies, one ocean rescue, and one hazardous materials incident. He emphasized the importance of functional smoke alarms, advising homeowners to install them in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Alarms should be tested monthly and replaced after ten years or when they fail to respond. In response to a board inquiry about the hazardous materials incident, Captain Pereira referred the public to HFD’s official website for detailed incident information.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Sergeant Grant Mochizuki delivered statistics from February 2026. Motor vehicle thefts rose from 10 to 13, burglaries increased from 3 to 5, thefts declined from 83 to 67, and unauthorized entry into motor vehicles went from 6 to 5. Graffiti and drug-related arrests remained low, while motor vehicle collisions totaled over 100. HPD urged residents to maintain situational awareness and to note suspects’ descriptions, including license plate numbers, in situations such as robberies.
Several board members brought up community concerns, including a dog attack involving a pit bull connected with a houseless individual. HPD shared that the dog had been seized and that a citation had been issued to the owner. Board members also repeated concerns about stanchions damaged at the Sheridan Street and Kapiʻolani Boulevard intersection, missing street signage at Kaʻulaokōlani Way, and a series of robberies in the Ala Moana area. The department suggested that businesses invest in security measures and gather suspect descriptions to aid in investigations. Residents likewise asked about illegal street racing at night, the aggressive behavior of certain houseless individuals, and illegal gambling rooms at specific properties. HPD advised calling its public narcotics and gambling hotline for suspected illegal operations and requesting help through 911 or local dispatch for ongoing issues.
Police Week Kickoff and Memorial March
Acting Sergeant Joel Saniatan announced a memorial march planned on May 11 to honor fallen officers. The requested road coning would stretch from Ward Avenue to Punchbowl Street to accommodate an estimated two to three hundred marchers. Participants would proceed from the main police station to the Kalanimoku Building and then to the Mission Memorial Auditorium at Honolulu Hale, foregoing the State Capitol this year because of ongoing construction.
Ala Moana Neighborhood Historical Association Update
Bishop Rain Zero from Shingon Mission of Hawaii invited the board to a community gathering on May 22. The event will feature a barbecue and performances, aiming to foster dialogue about neighborhood issues such as vagrancy, unleashed dogs, and legislative strategies to address ongoing challenges. He underlined that continued collaboration with elected officials and proactive education on legislative processes can help community members raise concerns effectively.
Festa Italiana Hawaii
A representative from Festa Italiana Hawaii detailed an upcoming two-day Italian festival. The main street festival is scheduled for June 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with related festivities on private property on June 5. The event expects street closures on Pohukaina, Cook, and Halekauwila Streets, as well as the use of Mother Waldron Park for family-friendly entertainment. Plans include performances by local orchestras, stage events in the park, and a movie area with traditional Italian films. The organizers are coordinating with HPD, the Department of Transportation Services, and private parking facilities to manage traffic and ease parking shortages.
Approval of February 2026 Meeting Minutes
Board members reviewed the February 24, 2026 minutes. There were no corrections or objections, and the minutes were unanimously approved.
Board Member Absence Notice
The board addressed the three-absence notice for Member Rand. She explained her scheduling conflicts, assuring the board that she remains committed to attending meetings. Other board members acknowledged the voluntary nature of the position and her efforts to participate at events outside of regular meetings. No motion was made to vacate the seat, and Member Rand will continue serving.
Legislative Updates and Bill Endorsements
Second Vice Chair Vanderbrink thanked the board for endorsing and supporting various bills throughout the legislative session. He will continue tracking the bills that the board has backed, providing updates on their progress and outcomes. The board voted unanimously to support House Bill 1588, introduced by Representative Adrian Tam, which seeks to implement noise detection cameras under the Department of Transportation to address excessively loud mufflers and engines. Representatives from several legislative offices provided updates on bills related to affordable housing, mental health, public safety, and environmental programs.
Kakaʻako Makai Community Visioning Workshop
Board members described a recent workshop that investigated future plans for the Kakaʻako Makai area. Over one hundred participants shared perspectives on public amenities and envisioned uses of the space. Attendees noted HCDA’s early engagement with the community and stressed that collaboration with multiple agencies is essential in developing recreational and housing initiatives.
Ala Moana Beach Park Cleanup
Vice Chair Jeannie Rice recognized the board, community volunteers, and Councilmember Scott Nishimoto’s office for a successful park cleanup at Ala Moana Beach Park. This event targeted areas around the L&L drive-in and Kamakeʻe Street entrance. Participants collected litter, removed debris, and discussed strategies for future cleanups. Suggestions included hosting more consistent volunteer days and ongoing coordination with City Council offices for park restoration.
Other Community Events and Subdistrict Activities
Board members highlighted recent and upcoming gatherings, including food distributions by community organizations and the Skyline (rail) integration public workshop at the Blaisdell. They also recapped a remembrance sign-waving for Sarah Yara, showing local support for better driver awareness. Several members requested improved night patrols and mental health support services, emphasizing repeated calls to law enforcement for certain individuals.
Residents and Community Concerns
A resident named Michelle reported disruptive noise from a “super sucker” construction vehicle operating near Queen Street and Waimanu. She explained that the decibel level measured well above the typical construction thresholds, posing health and quality-of-life issues. The board noted shared jurisdictional obstacles, as multiple agencies and private contractors might be responsible. HPD, HCDA, and local legislators have been asked to investigate potential noise mitigation methods or permit requirements to address the repeated disturbances.
Elected Official Reports
Representatives from city, state, and federal offices offered detailed updates on projects, pending legislation, and community support. Deputy Director Mark Yonamine, on behalf of Mayor Blangiardi, responded to inquiries about crosswalk installations, sign replacements, and commercial vehicle parking enforcement. Janelle from Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto’s office mentioned ongoing work on legal enforcement and immigration issues. Representative Ikaika Hussey Olds summarized vulnerable youth housing initiatives, while Representative Adrian Tam reviewed noise control efforts and other bills relevant to short-term rentals. Staff for Senator Sharon Moriwaki—Hannah Mikatovich—gave progress details on various social services and tax proposals, such as programs aiding caregivers and homelessness. Governor Green’s representative, Ashton Sellings, reiterated the administration’s supportive measures following the recent storms and reminded residents about changes in USPS postmark procedures affecting tax deadlines.
Agency Reports
HART’s representative, Harry Cho, announced the installation of a new traffic plan on Dillingham Boulevard and ongoing guideway column construction near Nimitz Highway. He noted an upcoming community meeting with City Council offices and projected that columns could begin rising from the ground soon, offering a visible indication of the rail’s movement into Honolulu’s urban core.
Announcements and Next Meeting
The board shared dates for several upcoming events, including the Hoʻolauleʻa, Police Week Memorial, King Kamehameha Celebration Parade, and local farmers markets. The next Action Committee Meeting is scheduled for April 9, and the next Regular Meeting is set for April 28. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m., with gratitude expressed to board members, presenters, and the community for their ongoing care and involvement.