No 30 Kāne‘ohe Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2024
Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Meeting
Filling Board Vacancies
The meeting opened with a focus on board vacancies, specifically in two subdistricts. Members noted that quorum requirements needed to be met before an appointment could be made, so they awaited a ninth board member’s arrival. Prospective candidates were asked to share their background, express their desire to serve, and confirm their address within the relevant subdistrict. The discussion emphasized the importance of reliable representation for every area, with attendees encouraged to participate actively in board matters and community outreach.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
A representative from the Honolulu Fire Department provided detailed incident statistics for the previous month, noting one structure fire, one wildland or brush fire, two nuisance fires, one cooking-related incident, and six false alarms. They also recorded 96 medical emergencies, zero collisions with pedestrians, five motor vehicle crashes, one mountain rescue, no ocean rescues, and no hazardous material incidents. The department shared smoke alarm safety tips emphasizing the importance of installing alarms in every bedroom, testing them monthly, and replacing devices every 10 years or when malfunctioning. Residents were reminded that current and detailed reports, including mapped incident data, can be found on the Honolulu Fire Department’s official website.
Honolulu Police Department Update
An HPD representative presented the latest crime statistics, highlighting a minor increase in thefts from 17 to 23 cases, while robberies, burglaries, break-ins, and vehicle thefts remained comparatively low and mostly unchanged. They mentioned ongoing enforcement against trespassing incidents on local hiking trails, including the recent arrest of multiple hikers at a restricted site. HPD also spoke about recent speeding enforcement activity where numerous warnings were issued, underscoring continuing efforts to address public safety on major roadways.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii Announcements
A spokesperson from Marine Corps Base Hawaii referred to efforts to curb light pollution to protect endangered birds and to address resident concerns about speeding on nearby highways. Enforcement involving military police and HPD led to dozens of warnings for speeders. Upcoming base activities included the Special Olympics in November and an educational Hokule‘a visit to allow schools in the district to learn about voyaging traditions. Additionally, a preview was given of an interactive sea level rise website intended to help local stakeholders understand and plan for climate change impacts, with community feedback welcome via online forms.
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Brief
A guest presentation explained the threat of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), outlining the pest’s life cycle and the potential damage to palms and other plants. The speaker described how adult beetles damage palms by boring into crowns, while larvae breed in decaying green waste, compost, and moist organic material. Extensive trap data showed fewer detections in the area in earlier years followed by a sharp increase recently, indicating the infestation is in a growth phase. Residents were urged to manage green waste responsibly, inspect mulch or compost for potential infestations, and consider protective treatments for palm trees. Emphasis was placed on community-wide collaboration because isolated measures are less effective; property owners were also advised to explore netting or pesticides for additional defense against beetle outbreaks.
Resident Concerns
Community members raised several issues, beginning with the challenge of abandoned or inoperable vehicles affecting business operations and neighborhood parking. Concerns included illegally parked cars, reduced visibility at intersections, and the difficulty of clearing vehicles that accumulate tickets without being removed. Residents also stressed the problem of excessively loud cars and music, which disrupt daily life and pedestrian safety. Other topics included an alleged unauthorized wedding and events business in a residential zone. Neighbors reported excessive noise, parking overflow, solid waste accumulation, and uncertainty regarding catering and boat tour regulations from this property. Complaints had been filed with city agencies, and residents hoped for stronger enforcement and potential judicial measures to address zoning, safety, and neighborhood peace.
Reports from Elected Officials
Representatives from various offices provided updates on government actions and community programs. The Governor’s liaison outlined preventive data security measures taken after a Department of Health data breach, ongoing efforts to protect highways, and intentions to gather more information on local park management. The Mayor’s representative gave updates on continuing tree and stream maintenance as well as pending roadwork projects, noting that improvements in certain high-traffic areas would not be completed until the new year. A councilmember discussed the upcoming committee schedule for several bills, including measures focusing on property tax matters and speed limits near schools. They also mentioned investigating illegal commercial activity in residential areas and explained that new zoning amendments would help clarify the rules for property owners and businesses.
Discussion on Bill 46 (Empty Homes Tax)
Board members and attendees debated a proposal for an empty homes tax designed to disincentivize leaving local properties vacant. Sentiments ranged from sympathy for kupuna or families holding properties until children can inherit them, to strong support for taxing investment owners who keep housing off the market. Some proposed exemptions for local residents, while others pointed to ways the measure could be bypassed or harm longtime residents unwilling or unable to rent out vacant homes. The conversation reflected the tension between alleviating a housing shortage and safeguarding private property rights.
Neighborhood Board Committee Updates
No significant formal reports were delivered aside from reminders about upcoming meeting dates and local volunteer initiatives. Attendees were urged to participate in Neighborhood Security Watch programs, graffiti paint-outs, and the national pharmaceutical take-back day. A demonstration exercise for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was also announced, showcasing rescue, triage, and recovery training open to anyone interested in preparedness training.
Next Meeting
The meeting concluded with final remarks on upcoming deadlines, including entry forms for a holiday parade and possible grants-in-aid workshops. Neighborhood board members stressed the importance of continued community input on enforcement issues, infrastructure improvements, and state or municipal legislation. The board planned to return for its next monthly meeting on November 21, with members hopeful that ongoing concerns about traffic safety, property enforcement, and environmental risks would see further resolution. The session then adjourned.