No 15 Kalihi Pālama Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Kalihi-Palama Neighborhood Board Meeting
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 1 Report
HPD District 1 provided crime statistics for September 2025, noting a slight decrease in certain offenses compared to the previous month. Motor vehicle thefts dropped to zero from one, burglaries remained at zero, and thefts decreased from five to four. Unlawful entry into motor vehicles rose from zero to two. Calls for service increased from 299 to 320, and there were 14 vehicle collisions this month, up from eight the month before. Officers highlighted ongoing night enforcement at nearby parks, including Ala Park and Beritania Community Park, which helped lower park closure violations. HPD stressed Halloween safety, reminding parents to inspect candy and ensure children wear reflective clothing. The department clarified its jurisdiction boundaries, citing Kalihi Street and Liliha Street, and took questions about restroom closures at Ala Park—indicating that this is managed by Parks and Recreation rather than HPD.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 5 Report
HPD District 5 shared its September crime numbers, with eight aggravated assaults (up from five) and seven auto thefts (down from 12). Burglaries rose to 10, sex assaults went up to four (from zero), and simple assaults decreased slightly to 13. Thefts remained at 32 for both August and September. Unauthorized entry to motor vehicles increased from four to five. Officers fielded questions about private security guards removing people from public sidewalks, clarifying that although anyone can ask a person to leave, legal enforcement rests solely with HPD. They encouraged the community to call 911 if security personnel appear to exceed their authority.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
HFD noted area incidents for September, including two structure fires, two brush fires, and numerous medical emergencies. Their team emphasized homeowner vigilance during Halloween, recommending safe use of decorative lights and caution with open flames. They stressed turning off decorative lights overnight and preventing children from playing with matches or lighters. Community members thanked HFD for their swift response to recent fires, including a riverbed fire near Kalihi Waena Elementary School.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Update
A BWS representative reported on a main break that occurred on September 15 near 2070 North King Street. They encouraged residents to reduce water usage by 20% due to ongoing concerns over reduced rainfall and high demand. Simple conservation tips included turning off taps when not in use, shortening showers, and using garden nozzles to limit wasted water. The representative noted that irrigating in the early morning can lessen evaporation, especially for larger properties such as schools looking to grow grass.
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Briefing
HART announced the opening of Skyline’s second segment, extending service from East Kapolei to Middle Street. Four new stations are operational, and service runs from 4:00 AM to 10:30 PM. They highlighted temporary free rides to celebrate the expansion, explaining that riders must still tap their HOLO cards even though no fare is deducted on certain days. The meeting also covered design workshops for future stations, possible upcoming audits, and the elevated guideway’s necessity for clearance around utility lines and emergency spaces near the airport. HART representatives answered questions on topics such as restroom access in stations, bus routes connecting to Skyline, and ways to submit public comments on station designs.
City and County Homeless Coordinator Presentation
The City Homeless Coordinator shared updates on existing and upcoming housing initiatives and shelter options. The city employs numerous “flavors” of beds—emergency shelter tents, treatment programs for mental illness and substance abuse, and transitional housing. Officials aim to tailor each type of shelter to residents’ needs and noted collaborative programs with IHS and HPD for outreach. Board members voiced concerns about homeless encampments, jurisdictional overlaps in areas with state-owned or private property, and the complexity of mental health intervention. The coordinator emphasized that while enforcement exists, outreach remains vital to encourage individuals to accept services.
Global Preservation Initiative (GPI) Update at Sand Island
GPI representatives detailed their ongoing restoration projects at Sand Island State Recreation Area. Volunteers removed large amounts of trash and invasive species, replacing them with shade trees and native plants. GPI partners with softball foundations, area schools, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources to host community cleanups and tree-planting events. They encouraged the public to attend upcoming restoration days and maintain local green spaces.
Reports from City Officials
City officials, representing both Mayor Blangiardi and Council Members, highlighted recent city projects and legislation. They spoke on the once-per-decade Charter Commission meetings for potential amendments to the city’s constitution, asked for community feedback, and encouraged residents to participate in public discussions. They congratulated all involved in the opening of the Skyline’s second segment and reminded the public of alternative transportation methods and the importance of synergy between bus lines and the new rail service. Other updates included ongoing smoke testing at the Sand Island wastewater system, recently adopted bills to facilitate stream cleaning, and a new pilot program for library vending machines at selected Skyline stations.
Reports from State Officials
State senators and representatives recapped various legislative efforts. Topics included improvements to pedestrian safety on local roads, updates on public school repairs, future expansions of the rail system, and upcoming deadlines and resources for nonprofits applying for state grants. Legislators urged residents to participate in numerous events such as a free legal clinic, community safety task force meetings, and resource fairs. Several offices also reminded constituents of job opportunities at the state capitol, the state’s acceptance of high school seniors into local colleges, and new prison programs designed to rehabilitate inmates through fostering animals.
Resident and Community Concerns
Residents voiced frustration about changes to bus routes, particularly the discontinuation of certain lines that many rely on for direct airport access and easier connections to job centers. Others urged solutions for dangerous intersections through time-specific four-way stops and better pedestrian management. The board also heard calls to address speeding on School Street and concerns about families living on sidewalks or near drainage canals. Multiple participants promoted trunk-or-treat events, holiday parades, and volunteer opportunities in the neighborhood. Members reminded the community that Kalihi-Palama Neighborhood Board aims to hear all concerns and collaborate with government agencies and nonprofits for long-term solutions.
Board Business
The board voted on a pesticide reform resolution, which did not obtain the necessary votes to pass. Members discussed reorganizing the meeting schedule and agenda structure—suggesting an earlier start time, placing community concerns earlier on the docket, and clarifying certificate presentations. The board agreed to revisit these logistical changes at the upcoming meeting. Announcements included reminders of the next meeting date, viewable broadcasts on ʻŌlelo Channel 49, and neighborhood events scheduled for the coming weeks. The meeting then adjourned with members noting pending business for the following month.