No 14 Liliha ʻĀlewa Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Neighborhood Board No. 14 – October Meeting
Administrative Announcements and Attendance
The meeting began with a call to turn off cell phones, instructions for both in-person and online attendees on how to request speaking time, and a reminder of meeting protocols. The chair congratulated a longtime board member for successfully securing a four-way stop at Hala Drive and Kapalama Avenue after efforts spanning two mayoral administrations. A roll call was taken, confirming that 12 board members were present either in person or via the online platform. The board then noted that future questions or comments from online attendees would be recognized by the neighborhood assistant.
Honolulu Police Department Crime Statistics
Representatives from the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 5, Kalihi, presented crime statistics for September. They reported zero aggravated assaults (down from two in August), three auto thefts, two burglaries, zero robberies, and one sex assault. Simple assault decreased from four cases in August to two in September, thefts stood at eight, and unauthorized entry into motor vehicles fell from five to two. Officers responded to 1,257 total calls for service, slightly down from 1,269 in August. HPD emphasized pedestrian safety, urging residents to make eye contact with drivers before crossing and not to assume visibility without clear acknowledgment.
Discussion of Neighborhood Safety Incidents
A board member asked for updates on a fatal pedestrian incident on School Street. HPD reported that the investigation is ongoing and any new information would be shared at a future meeting. Another board member cited concerns over illegal gambling houses and asked about typical timelines for enforcement. HPD explained the multi-step process involving undercover officers, the Department of Planning and Permitting checks, possible building code violations, and citations. They added that, when property owners fail to address these issues, the city may pursue civil actions, citing the success of shutting down seven such establishments and the complexity of fully closing them.
Resident Concerns and Abandoned Vehicles
The meeting moved to resident concerns, with a note that reports on illegally parked cars had been sent to city officials. A board member mentioned abandoned vehicles on various streets, including corners of School Street and Likelike Highway, and shared that details had been provided to the mayor’s representative. The city confirmed it was looking into these concerns and encouraged continued use of the 311 app or the city’s customer service website to report abandoned or derelict vehicles.
Traffic Summit Report and Road Safety Measures
A board member who attended a statewide traffic safety summit submitted a detailed report. She highlighted rising traffic crash fatalities, citing a recent count of 67 on O‘ahu. Major factors include speeding, reckless driving, distractions, and impaired driving. The summit showcased short-term solutions such as “quick builds” for crosswalk improvements, bulb-outs, and raised speed humps, as well as data-driven initiatives like red-light and speed cameras. The board discussed the importance of strengthening laws against repeat traffic offenses, implementing better lighting at crosswalks, and exploring a future racetrack to divert illegal street racing. The written summit report is available upon request from the neighborhood assistant.
Board of Water Supply Conservation Call
A representative from the Board of Water Supply (BWS) asked residents to reduce water use by 20 percent. She cited lower than normal rainfall and increased demand, though the overall supply remains sufficient for now. Suggestions included turning off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving, shortening showers by a few minutes, and irrigating early in the morning. Citizens were directed to the BWS website for more conservation tips.
Mayor’s Representative Updates
The mayor’s representative gave a brief report on the planned city office move to 222 North School Street, explaining that finalization depends on ensuring utilities and network readiness. He summarized a successful Waikīkī music and public safety event, a new Honolulu Ocean Safety Committee meeting, and upcoming rail expansion to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Honolulu Airport. The representative also responded to earlier concerns on abandoned vehicles, confirming some had been removed and reminding the public of the formal reporting process.
Councilmember’s Office and Community Initiatives
Staff from the Councilmember’s office reported that their team was pursuing a waiver for leashed dogs in Pu‘unui Park and asked interested residents to continue reaching out to show support. They were also investigating rodent control near bus stops and exploring whether wider or better sidewalks could be installed on Judd Street when the Waialani overpass has work done. The update concluded with a reminder that the Councilmember’s staff remains available for follow-up on issues like permits and park use.
Legislative Reports and Community Feedback
Several legislators offered updates. One senator announced state funding releases for local improvements and warned of a phone scam in which callers falsely claim to be from the Hawai‘i Supreme Court to collect fines. Another senator noted that higher penalties for reckless driving and repeat offenders could be revisited in future bills. Representatives reminded residents about the upcoming legislative session and invited them to submit any bill ideas, including those related to traffic safety and pesticides. They also highlighted a community resource fair and programs for students, such as direct admission to University of Hawai‘i campuses for those with certain grade point averages.
Vote on Pu‘unui Park Dog Leash Proposal
Residents spoke in favor of allowing on-leash dog walking in Pu‘unui Park. They emphasized the communal benefits of conveniently exercising pets in a nearby area and pledged to pick up any waste. Concerns were noted about irresponsible owners, noise, and possible conflicts with park users. After discussion, the board formally voted to request the city designate Pu‘unui as a dog-leash park. The motion carried, and it was agreed that relevant findings would be sent to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Proposed Resolutions on Hurricane Preparedness and Safe Room Requirements
Two resolutions introduced by a community member addressed hurricane preparedness protocols and recommended building-code requirements for safe rooms in new construction. Board members expressed reservations about the cost of these proposals, potentially making housing less affordable. Unable to gather sufficient support, the board took no action on either resolution.
Maluhia Hospital Parking Expansion Plan
A representative for Maluhia Hospital provided updates on a proposed parking lot at the corner of Keola and Kuakini Streets. Construction requires both a grading permit and a building permit, which have experienced delays. The design features one-way entry from Keola Street and an exit onto Kuakini, with around 16 parking stalls and a retaining wall to address slope and water drainage. Work is estimated to last about four months once permits are secured, and the representative pledged to keep the board informed about construction timelines and closures.
Closing and Next Meeting
The chair reminded everyone that the next monthly meeting is scheduled for November. The board thanked residents, presenters, and government representatives for their continued engagement. The meeting then adjourned, with attendees and officials preparing to follow up on outstanding permits, community fairs, and upcoming legislative proposals.