No 05 Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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5 Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 20, 2026
Opening and Roll Call
The regular meeting of the 5 Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Neighborhood Board was called to order on January 20, 2026. The chair welcomed attendees, expressed a desire for close collaboration, and reminded those offering testimony to be succinct. A roll call was conducted, confirming a quorum with ten members present, including participants attending online. Absences were noted as the meeting proceeded.
Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Police Department (District 6 and District 7) Reports
Board members awaited a representative from the Honolulu Fire Department, but none was present at the start. Lieutenant Spiker from Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6, which serves Waikiki, Kapi‘olani Park, and Diamond Head, introduced December 2025 crime statistics. The data included six robberies (up from four in the previous month), 16 burglaries (up from 12), 85 thefts (down from 102), seven unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (unchanged from the previous month), and 37 assaults (down from 41). There were three sex crimes reported, zero citations for biking or skateboarding on the sidewalk, and 24 speeding citations (compared to 32 the previous month). Police also issued 1,584 parking citations in December. Park closure enforcement yielded 69 citations and 16 arrests. DUI arrests totaled 25. Newly assigned Major Okamoto explained that District 6 would focus on ongoing efforts to partner with District 7, especially at the boundaries. Questions surfaced about fireworks activity during the New Year, which Major Okamoto noted seemed more muted than the previous year, incentivized by legal changes and improved enforcement.
Lieutenant Nishimura of HPD District 7, covering East Honolulu areas such as Diamond Head, Kapahulu, and St. Louis Heights, reported on December 2025 data. The statistics showed four motor vehicle thefts, five burglaries, 17 thefts, and 15 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, with a total of 5,968 calls for service. The lieutenant emphasized road safety, urging drivers to slow down and be attentive. Concerned board members asked about serious accidents in the Wailai Avenue area and were informed that HPD would research details and continue to remind drivers and pedestrians to travel and cross streets with care.
Board of Water Supply Updates
A Board of Water Supply representative reported two main breaks in December 2025, one on Hibiscus Place and one on First Avenue. The board announced an expansion of rebate programs with the Department of Environmental Services, including doubling certain rebates for high-efficiency toilets (up to $200) and clothes washers (up to $150), and making a new smart water meter rebate of up to $400 available. Ongoing water main installation was noted along Montserrat Avenue and Campbell Avenue. When asked about Diamond Head landscaping associated with water supply fencing, the representative explained that tree replanting would be necessary after initial plantings failed due to dry conditions, so the contractor would address that in upcoming months.
Diamond Head State Monument and Kapi‘olani Community College Updates
A representative from the Diamond Head State Monument did not appear at the meeting. Kapi‘olani Community College reported that its new semester would begin soon on January 26, 2026, welcoming students back to campus. The college is celebrating its 80th anniversary, and representatives pledged to keep the board updated on campus events.
City Managing Director’s Update on Kapi‘olani Park Trust Land Exchange
Managing Director Michael Formby presented the city’s proposal regarding temporary use of Kapi‘olani Park Trust parcels for the Department of Ocean Safety’s headquarters. The plan centers on removing two parcels in the trust from the park’s trust jurisdiction for a set time period, placing the parcels in city hands so Ocean Safety can continue using them for administration. In exchange, a larger 2.21-acre parcel at the park entrance would be permanently added to the trust, and the existing two Ocean Safety parcels would automatically revert to the trust once Ocean Safety relocates to a future location, potentially in Kaka‘ako or another location near the water. Kapi‘olani Park Preservation Society board members and others met with city officials and expressed partial support, with questions about alternative parcels. Board members sought clarity on the length of any temporary arrangement, concerns about potential expansions of the trust acreage, and the city’s process for securing a lease or land purchase for Ocean Safety. The board will continue these discussions in committee, where members can review legal documents, receive further details on the parcels, and develop recommendations for next steps.
Department of Enterprise Services and Ala Wai Golf Course Corner
The Director of the Department of Enterprise Services, appearing by videoconference, discussed the corner of the Ala Wai Golf Course and why the department had not proceeded with a dog park there. The city repurposed the property as a sod farm to address wear and tear on municipal golf courses, citing lack of department resources or budget to build and maintain a dog park. The director expressed willingness to support a community-sponsored dog park solution but explained the department itself is not structured to manage such a project. Board members shared ongoing community interest in expanding dog-friendly spaces and indicated that follow-up discussions might involve the Department of Parks and Recreation or other city agencies.
Department of Transportation Services: Complete Streets Pedestrian Improvements on Date Street
A planner with the Complete Streets team introduced a proposed sidewalk and walkway project targeted at Date Street between Kapahulu and Kapi‘olani Boulevard. The city prioritized the area, citing high pedestrian and bicycle volumes, existing gaps in sidewalks, potential conflict with vehicles, and high crash statistics that included several injuries. Plans focus on integrating widened sidewalks, smart crosswalk design, curb extensions, and a shared-use path to protect non-vehicular travelers. The city aims to close sidewalk gaps, bolster accessibility, and reduce speeding. The 85th percentile of speeds in one section reached 38 mph, prompting a plan to lower speed limits and reinforce pedestrian safety. Construction is anticipated to begin after federal design requirements conclude in 2028, with updates shared at a February 5, 2026 community meeting at Kaimukī High School. Several board members asked about raised crosswalks, whether certain areas might revert to four lanes, and how best to coordinate improvements while preserving efficient traffic flow. Complete Streets personnel highlighted the importance of community feedback and federal funding timelines.
City and Government Representatives
The mayor’s representative provided information on multiple topics, including towing procedures, enforcement against prolonged vehicle parking, and how residents can use the new 311 app to file abandoned vehicle and other complaints. The representative clarified that liability for injuries on waterfront structures typically rests with private owners or the state if it is in the conservation district, not the city. The office also shared updates regarding burned-out houses on Date Street, informing attendees that fines against the owners were accruing, although eminent domain was not being pursued.
A staff member from Council Chair Tommy Waters’ office described efforts to address illegal parking along Mo‘oheau Street near Starbucks and to check inoperative pedestrian signals at Kilauea and Campbell Avenues. The Council Chair allocated a budget item for Kūlēi Cliffs irrigation improvements, with the Department of Parks and Recreation planning electrical upgrades to restore water sources. Proposed Bill 76 would create an online database of city revenues and expenditures, offering greater transparency.
A representative of Governor Green’s office described the administration’s budget priorities for healthcare funding, aiming to protect Hawaii residents from potential lapses in Affordable Care Act subsidies. He cited a federal award of $188 million to modernize rural healthcare infrastructure. Questions arose regarding potential oversight of immigration facilities and how the state coordinates with federal authorities at Honolulu’s detention sites.
Legislative updates from district senators and representatives included a focus on affordable housing, campaign finance reform, and road safety. Members of the House outlined bills related to workforce development, apprenticeship programs for trade industries, healthcare preceptor tax credits to address physician shortages, and the search for more effective ways to reduce feral chickens. Discussion continued about possibly reintroducing a bill to change the law permitting cars to turn legally if pedestrians are less than halfway across the street, with legislators explaining bill limits and deadlines.
Public Forum and Community Concerns
One resident expressed concern about wireless 5G technology, citing scientific studies of potential adverse health effects on humans and damage to trees. The board agreed that a more detailed review could take place in a committee setting, inviting subject matter experts to address possible impacts of wireless towers and higher-frequency signals.
Resolution on Aircraft Flight Path Noise and FAA Modernization
A board member reported that the Federal Aviation Administration is undertaking a Hawaii Airspace Modernization Project to redesign flight patterns. The board learned that existing major in- and outbound routes concentrate over the Diamond Head area, causing substantial noise and raising quality-of-life concerns, particularly when commercial jets, smaller planes, tour helicopters, and military aircraft overlap flight corridors. Because the FAA has posted notice of proposed changes and invited public comment through March 15, 2026, the board sought a formal resolution advocating flight path adjustments and measures to keep air traffic away from densely populated neighborhoods. A motion was introduced and seconded to adopt a resolution urging the FAA to reroute certain flight corridors, better regulate helicopter tours, and minimize aviation noise above residential areas. Board members unanimously voted in favor of the resolution, affirming that these concerns would be communicated to the FAA, elected officials, and other neighborhood boards.
Board Business and Meeting Minutes
The board approved its November 13, 2025 meeting minutes by general consent. Final editing and review of December 2025 minutes remained pending. The chair reminded everyone of the next scheduled meeting and encouraged residents to stay informed and participate in committee discussions related to park issues, transportation planning, environmental concerns, and other neighborhood priorities. The meeting adjourned after the board confirmed that pending issues, such as the Diamond Head State Monument update and other city efforts, would be addressed at upcoming proceedings.