No 13 Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
Downtown–Chinatown Neighborhood Board Meeting
Introductions and Attendance
Community members, board representatives, and city officials convened in person and online. Board members introduced themselves, noted apologies for absences, and acknowledged that several health or scheduling conflicts limited in-person participation. A representative from the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) was present to assist with proceedings. Community members were invited to address concerns throughout the meeting, emphasizing the collaborative nature of board gatherings.
Public Safety Updates
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
HFD was called during the roll for public safety reports but did not attend. The board reserved the right to return to HFD’s report if representatives appeared.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Statistics
A sergeant presented crime statistics for October, comparing them to September. Motor vehicle thefts rose to 6 in October from 4 in September, burglaries went from 2 to 7, and reported assaults remained at 17 for both months. Drug cases increased slightly from 5 to 6. Thefts recorded a small increase from 25 to 26. Graffiti incidents were 1 in October compared to 0 in September. Motor vehicle collisions decreased from 101 in September to 67 in October. Calls for service dropped from 2,407 to 1,981. Residents and board members voiced concerns that limited police staffing appears to understate true crime trends because many incidents go unreported or are not prosecuted when complainants do not wish to testify.
HPD Community Questions and Enforcement
Board members asked about crime-reporting accuracy and methods for improving how statistics are gathered, noting perceptions that official figures do not always reflect lived experiences. Questions arose about traffic enforcement on Hotel Street over the Halloween weekend, particularly late-night jaywalking citations. Residents also inquired about the overall Halloween weekend outcomes, and HPD observed fewer major incidents downtown due to additional officers patrolling. Some residents and board members commended the department’s restraint while managing crowds. In concluding remarks, HPD representatives encouraged immediate reporting of theft, harassment, and narcotics-related offenses to improve response time.
Detective Presentation on Property Crimes
An HPD detective discussed common property-related crimes, cautioning residents about purses, wallets, and cell phones left visible or loosely carried. The detective noted a majority of incidents go unreported or unprosecuted because victims fear testifying. Many offenses involve stolen credit cards, prompting calls to financial institutions to freeze accounts immediately. The detective emphasized that police rely on timely reports and critiques of neighborhood camera systems. She added that cameras continue to help identify suspects if footage can be efficiently accessed and used.
Motions on Board Rules and Minutes
A proposal to adopt new meeting rules was introduced but did not receive sufficient seconds during discussion. The board then considered approving written summaries of meetings from September 4, 2025, and October 2, 2025. Minor amendments were suggested, but an amendment proposing corrections to dates and timestamps in the draft documents failed to secure a second. A roll-call vote passed the minutes as originally presented, with some members expressing frustration that small factual improvements were not made at this time.
Community Presentations and Events
Honolulu Police Department Crime Trends
HPD extended an update specific to Chinatown, highlighting that repeat offenders heavily impact statistics. Arrests of a few repeat individuals corresponded to decreased crimes against seniors and vulnerable persons. Community members shared concerns about fear of retaliation impeding prosecutions.
Inaugural 2026 Honolulu Hong Kong Festival
A representative announced events spanning late January through March, aiming to celebrate culture, cuisine, and commerce. Activities include a Temple Street Night Market on Fort Street Mall and opportunities for local businesses to share Hong Kong–inspired performances, food, and promotions. Organizers encouraged wider community interest, noting that free admission and tours would be offered.
Downtown Family Christmas
A church spokesperson introduced plans for a free holiday event at Smith–Beretania Park featuring gifts for children, door prizes, and live entertainment. While an original intent to close streets for custom car displays was released due to permit hurdles, organizers still hope for strong attendance and community engagement. Neighbors acknowledged ongoing revitalization efforts in that park supported by local churches, local organizations, and volunteer groups.
Additional Public Concerns
Community members requested more activities and festivity in the district. Representatives from Fort Street Mall Business Improvement District shared upcoming craft fairs and holiday lighting installations. They extended an open invitation to nonprofits seeking a venue for community-oriented events. Discussion included ways to promote and advertise public gatherings effectively.
Elected Officials’ Reports
Governor’s Representative
The Governor’s representative discussed emergency actions taken to protect beneficiaries of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during a government shutdown. Around $42.2 million in state funds was allocated to avert a lapse, affecting approximately 168,000 recipients. Questions arose about military land lease negotiations, with some expressing curiosity over the Governor’s approach and authority when faced with potential federal eminent domain actions. The representative pledged to seek further details.
Mayor’s Representative
The Deputy Director of the City’s Emergency Services Department recounted steps taken by the city to address community improvements. Updates included extended hours for the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) program (a pilot extension until 8 p.m. on weekdays), ongoing reviews of traffic requests near Kamali‘i Mini Park, and follow-ups on cameras, sidewalks, and parks maintenance. Residents voiced confusion about Kamali‘i Mini Park’s jurisdiction and future, particularly since it was transferred to the Honolulu Fire Department but stands under consideration for housing redevelopment. Some felt information was lacking or withheld, prompting repeated calls for clarity.
City Council District 6
A staff representative for Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam reported efforts to clarify signage for bus-only traffic on Hotel Street to mitigate unauthorized vehicle use. Updates on public restrooms in Chinatown and events in the area were also shared. Residents asked for stronger transparency on major initiatives such as potential residential development on city parcels.
State Legislative Delegation
Representatives from the offices of Senator Karl Rhoads and Governor Josh Green described legislative topics, including prospective bills and briefings on social and criminal justice. Queries surfaced about a park’s legal status, newly introduced noise-control cameras, and the possibility of speed cameras near busy intersections. Residents noted the frustration of repeated attempts to obtain certain government records through requests (UIPA) that were denied. Staff offered to relay all concerns to the relevant offices.
Agency and Organizational Reports
Board of Water Supply
Board of Water Supply staff encouraged residents to access updates on main breaks, sign up for emergency alerts, and consult online resources to understand repair schedules. No major local water issues were reported during the month.
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART)
A HART representative emphasized that current station design workshops focus on aesthetics, landscaping, and some finishing details rather than structural changes. Community members who had attended prior sessions questioned the extent to which feedback would influence final decisions, particularly around accessibility enhancements such as bicycle ramps. The next workshop for the Downtown Station was announced for November 19 at Aloha Tower.
Mauna Kea Villages (Mental Health Kūpuna)
A representative announced the closure of the Safe Haven program at Mauna Kea Village due to federal defunding. Over 30 individuals with mental health needs who had been housed at the facility are transitioning to a newly opened 50-bed facility in ʻEwa. Acknowledgments were extended to the board for decades of support serving vulnerable adults in the neighborhood.
Chinatown Business Community Association (CBCA)
CBCA’s president reported a successful Heroes Award Dinner honoring those who have made creative and restorative improvements in Chinatown. She also discussed a security program initiated by the CBCA and Mauna Kea Marketplace. Two private security guards monitor areas around Mauna Kea, Hotel, and Pāua‘i Streets to address sidewalk obstructions and assist visitors. Concern remains that Downtown security teams might push individuals in need toward Chinatown, raising renewed calls for broader solutions and extended sit–lie ordinances.
Neighborhood Citizen Patrol
The patrol invited the public to join active neighborhood walks every second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Departing from Kukui Plaza’s Diamond Head Tower, participants can observe and document conditions for follow-up with city agencies. Community members are encouraged to bring phones or cameras to note issues firsthand.
Board Business
Leaf Blower Noise Complaints
A board member reported early morning leaf blower activity near Nuʻuanu and Vineyard, apparently linked to a vendor contracted with a nearby medical facility. Despite attempts to correct the practice, disruptions persist. Complaints center on public health, noise pollution, and consistency with municipal ordinances limiting early weekday leaf blower use.
Proposed Housing Development at Kamali‘i Mini Park
A significant portion of the meeting focused on Kamali‘i Mini Park, which is small, city-owned, and contains mature trees. Many residents voiced opposition to demolishing green space in favor of housing, regardless of housing type. Petition signers include local and island-wide supporters who argue the area cannot sustain a large structure, and losing trees will affect urban temperature, environmental quality, and neighborhood character. Others expressed support for affordable housing but questioned if this location is practical. Calls arose for better outreach, more transparent site-selection data, and constructive collaboration. Ultimately, a newly introduced resolution seeking board opposition to any housing on the park passed by a roll-call vote (five in favor, four opposed).
Event Notices
The board announced that it will join the Honolulu City Lights Parade on November 29 and invited community members to participate. Additional upcoming activities include a NCO Toys for Tots drive collecting toy donations and craft fairs scheduled throughout Chinatown.
Next Meeting
The Downtown–Chinatown Neighborhood Board plans to convene again on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Keʻelikōlani Middle School, with a virtual option via WebEx. Meetings are also broadcast on ʻŌlelo Channel 49. Members encouraged ongoing public participation, stressing that testimonies on pivotal matters—especially proposed housing near Kamali‘i Mini Park—be presented to the City Council as final decisions approach.