No 13 Downtown Chinatown Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting March 2026
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13 Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board Meeting – March 6, 2026
Board Introductions
The meeting opened with the chair welcoming attendees and introducing board members seated at the table. Each member provided their name and a brief welcome message. It was announced that the vice chair was running late, and the board proceeded with the agenda in his absence. The chair reminded everyone of the procedures for both in-person and online participants and invited community members to share their concerns at the designated times.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
A captain from Engine One presented statistics for February 2026, noting one structure fire, one wildland or brush fire, one nuisance fire, and 13 activated alarms that did not involve a fire. There were 135 medical calls, one motor vehicle collision, and one hazardous material incident. The captain shared a monthly fire safety tip on the importance of working smoke alarms. He encouraged residents to install alarms properly, place them near sleeping areas, and test them monthly to ensure they function correctly. Soon after, he fielded questions, but none were offered, so HFD concluded its report and left the meeting.
Honolulu Police Department Report
A sergeant from the Honolulu Police Department presented crime statistics comparing February 2026 to the prior month. Calls for service totaled 2,085, down slightly from the previous count of 2,193. Motor vehicle thefts stood at 4 (previously 3), burglaries were at 0 (down from 3), thefts were at 22 (up from 16), car break-ins at 8 (up from 2), and assaults at 21 (up from 14). There were no sexual assaults or graffiti cases, while drug cases rose to 14 (up from 6), and car accidents were 89 (slightly up from 87). The sergeant answered several questions about foot patrol staffing shortages, drug arrests, and whether current police resources could better address quality-of-life offenses in the area. He acknowledged that significant staffing difficulties continue and that efforts to patrol problem areas persist, although capacity remains limited.
Ala Moana-Kaka‘ako Neighborhood Board Concern
A visitor from the Ala Moana-Kaka‘ako Neighborhood Board reported that HPD representatives had failed to appear at their board meetings for the past two months despite assurances otherwise. This absence was especially troubling because of a rash of armed robberies in the wider Ala Moana and Kaka‘ako areas. The sergeant assured the visitor he would pass the request along the chain of command so that an officer could attend the upcoming Ala Moana-Kaka‘ako meeting.
Kekalike Courtyard Safety Inquiry
Residents from Kekalike Courtyards, who care for a number of senior tenants, sought more regular patrols around Mauna Kea Street and Hotel Street. They shared that their security cameras show repeated late-night trespassing, break-ins, and suspicious visitors loitering in the garage. The sergeant explained that though there are only six patrol beats assigned to the district, additional resources exist through special details and the Chinatown Task Force. He agreed to pass the request for increased patrol coverage to the officers on night shift.
Foot Patrol and Drug Arrest Discourse
Board discussions returned to the importance of foot patrols in deterring crime and encouraging community confidence. The sergeant reiterated that while the department agrees on the effectiveness of foot patrols, staffing shortages interfere with their consistent presence. He clarified that recorded drug arrests typically occur when officers recover illegal substances on suspects or observe actual possession. Paraphernalia alone, or witnessing drug use without finding the controlled substance, is not enough for an arrest. Community members urged more proactive efforts to address illicit drug use and requested regular officer visibility in the downtown and Chinatown corridors.
Noise Ordinances, Realtor Signs, and Substation Repairs
Some board questions focused on enforcing noise laws, particularly for modified car mufflers and loud music from passing vehicles at all hours. The sergeant acknowledged that no special enforcement operations are planned for these noise concerns and that the department would act if officers witnessed violations. Members also asked for a follow-up about realtor signs placed illegally on public sidewalks, as well as an update on repairs to the local police substation’s front door, which remains boarded. The sergeant stated that he would try to follow up with the relevant sections of HPD to see what progress could be made on these issues.
Enforcement Challenges for Houseless Individuals
Several board members reported observing continued street-level crimes, unsanitary behavior, open drug use, and disturbances from houseless individuals who occupy sidewalks and building entrances. Though HPD officers offer services whenever they cite individuals for offenses like obstructing sidewalks, the sergeant noted that many people decline assistance. Frustration stemmed from repeated requests for foot patrol presence in residential and commercial areas, especially during late nights and early mornings. The sergeant underscored that staffing constraints remain the greatest obstacle to consistent patrol coverage.
Board and Community Event Presentations
Representatives for four upcoming downtown and Chinatown activities sought board recognition and support. Each group outlined how they would manage traffic, safety, and any potential disruptions to residents.
Umi on Smith
Organizers described a Friday, May 1st celebration on Smith Street to observe the tenth anniversary of a longstanding local Hawaiian art and culture store. The event would involve street closures from 6:30 p.m. to about midnight, with a free concert, art installations, and a modest beer garden. The presenters emphasized that they have successfully managed similar events, plan to work closely with HPD, and will carry all required permits and insurance. After significant discussion about noise levels, street traffic flow, and security staffing, the board voted in support with no objections recorded.
Doho Night Market
Another group announced their second “Activate Doho” night market on Friday, April 17th, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fort Street Mall and nearby park areas. Organizers plan about 30 to 35 vendors featuring local food, crafts, and musical performances, including student groups from a nearby school. They confirmed that no alcohol would be served, and that restroom facilities, trash bins, and private security will be provided for a family-friendly experience. The board unanimously supported this event.
Heart of Honolulu
The fifth annual Heart of Honolulu Festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nu‘uanu Avenue between Chaplain Lane and King Street. It will feature local vendors, performances, and youth activities. Festival organizers intend to hold a short parade, a choral “flash mob,” and art projects in Sun Yat-sen Park. They have included a plan for portable restrooms, safety corridors, and traffic control. The board voted unanimously in favor of the planned street closure and programming.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
A local business improvement district updated the board on a March 17th St. Patrick’s Day celebration taking place along Fort Street Mall from late afternoon into the evening. Food vendors, live music, and a cordoned-off beer garden are planned, but there will be no full road closures. The organizers will station private security and arrange for HPD presence. Although no formal vote was requested on changes to the city permit process for the mall, the board was made aware of ongoing city rules that treat the mall as a street, requiring extensive applications and liability coverage even for smaller promotional events.
Public Concerns
During the open public comment period, a representative from the Ala Moana-Kaka‘ako Neighborhood Board encouraged the community to join an Ala Moana Park cleanup on Sunday, March 8th. No other major topics arose, though additional board debate on procedure was noted. The chair reminded board members that public concerns are meant for residents rather than sitting board officials.
Chinatown Board Cleanup Efforts
In considering a board-led neighborhood cleanup date, members selected Saturday, April 18th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., coinciding with a Lions Club effort at Smith-Beretania Park and surrounding streets. The chair explained that partnering with this existing event would allow volunteers to maximize resources and streamline the necessary permits. The board agreed to meet at Smith-Beretania Park and encouraged residents to participate.
Elected Officials’ Reports
Several representatives provided legislative and executive office updates:
• The Governor’s Office noted that sit-lie laws do not apply to state capitol grounds and clarified there is no intention to ban cruise ships. They also shared that the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority continues marketing efforts for Chinatown as it remains a popular visitor area.
• The Mayor’s Office representative confirmed ongoing efforts to address short-term rental enforcement and traffic sign usage but acknowledged staffing challenges in multiple city agencies.
• The City Council District 6 representative highlighted a proposal to reform zoning regulations downtown, aiming to encourage more residential development for vibrancy and economic diversity. There is also an interest in clarifying signage and painting to reduce unauthorized vehicles on Hotel Street once it receives scheduled repaving.
• A State Senate staffer discussed upcoming legislative measures, still in session, and encouraged residents to track bills of interest during crossover.
• A State House staffer detailed certain legislation that addresses short-term rentals, property taxes on vacant investment homes, and other measures to ensure accessible housing. Some bills were noted as deferred or “dead” for the current session.
• A question arose about protective measures on capitol grounds and about waiting periods or deadlines for ballots in condominium associations. Legislators promised to gather more details for future board meetings.
Water, Transit, and Local Organizations
Local agencies and associations gave monthly reports:
• The Board of Water Supply reminded attendees that World Water Day takes place March 22nd. They provided updates on existing water shutoffs at certain private residences, emphasizing that if any building experiences a month-long disconnection, BWS can confirm the status with management.
• The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation noted an upcoming station design workshop on March 12th at Kalākaua Middle School and outlined new work starting along Dillingham Boulevard. Lane closures will shift traffic, but one lane in each direction remains open.
• The Chinatown Business Community Association described recent events and large turnouts for Lunar New Year festivities, praising HPD’s involvement but calling for continued improvement in foot patrols.
• The Neighborhood Citizen Patrol gave observations of ongoing litter, open defecation, improvised pallet encampments, and feral roosters. Patrol participants continue to highlight issues such as pigeon feeding and sidewalk safety hazards to relevant city officials.
Meeting Administrative Matters
The board approved the regular meeting written summary by consensus. There was a note that previously amended minutes needed a file title to reflect their final status. The board also encouraged residents to donate canned goods at the next neighborhood board meeting. The group confirmed that the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the same location and time. Members reminded one another that the full meeting video is archived by ‘Ōlelo, making it possible to revisit detailed discussions.
Adjournment
With no further business to discuss, the chair adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:15 p.m. The board thanked residents, presenters, and public service officials for their attendance and participation.