No 14 Liliha-Puʻunui-ʻĀlewa-Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
November 2025 Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Meeting
Opening and Administrative Notes
The meeting opened with a welcome and reminders that any attendees wishing to speak should raise their hands. Members and audience participants were asked to silence cell phones. It was announced that the Board would not convene in December, as that month is taken as recess, making this the final meeting for the year. Best wishes were extended for the holidays, and the Chair thanked all in attendance for contributing to neighborhood affairs. Roll call established quorum, and it was noted that two presentations regarding an Exceptional Tree Program and a Lanakila Pacific update needed to be postponed until January. Members then briefly discussed the importance of local events and holiday celebrations before moving to departmental reports.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
A captain from Engine 4, stationed near Liliha Bakery, presented statistics for October, highlighting one structure fire, one brush fire, eight triggered alarms with no fire, and 122 medical emergencies within the Board’s area. Motor vehicle collisions, rescues, and hazardous material incidents were minimal. The captain emphasized cooking safety with tips to stay alert, remain near the stove, and keep combustible items away from heat. He noted that cooking mishaps constitute the majority of home fire responses, especially around the holiday season. Board members humorously acknowledged that unattended cooking is a common issue, and they thanked the Fire Department for bringing safety information to the community and for hosting preschool visits at the fire station.
Honolulu Police Department Report
An officer began with statistics on local crime for October, noting a total of 1,255 calls for service in the district. He reported small month-over-month changes in categories such as auto theft, burglary, robbery, and theft. Although such incidents sometimes fluctuate, the officer encouraged residents to remain vigilant and to immediately report suspicious activities. The Board thanked HPD for ongoing efforts to address speeding, pedestrian safety, and community outreach, particularly around schools and corridors known for accidents.
Board of Water Supply Update
A representative stated there was one main break in the area in early October and reminded residents that the Board of Water Supply’s website provides detailed information and real-time updates on water main breaks of four inches or greater. She encouraged everyone to look online for maps that show response locations and to sign up for city alerts regarding potential service disruptions. She also explained how to contact the Board of Water Supply with questions or requests and wished the neighborhood happy holidays until the January meeting.
Resident Concerns
Several issues from residents underscored local needs. The Liliha-Palama Christmas Parade was announced, scheduled for November 28, with staging at the United Church of Christ and a call for more donations to cover event costs. Residents also raised concerns about flooding and debris at the end of Pu‘unui Avenue, where responsibility for clearing a clogged stream remains unclear between the city, county, and a nearby golf course. Another resident followed up on a West Honolulu property that is under scrutiny for possible zoning code violations, sometimes referred to as a “monster house.” Questions about traffic light timing at Kuakini, pedestrian crossing signals, and homeless encampments near a former medical building on School Street also surfaced. Board members pledged to refer these concerns to city departments for resolution.
Department of Community Services Presentation
The Director of the Department of Community Services described the various divisions under his purview, including job training, public housing assistance, federal grant administration, elderly affairs, and the city’s office for homelessness. He announced that DCS has acquired a building on School Street to house the department’s primary offices, bringing centralized services into the neighborhood. The new site will serve as an Aging and Disability Resource Center, offering in-person assistance, caregiver training, computer access, and a space for multi-generational gatherings. A homeless command center will be established there as well, aiming to connect individuals to shelter or other more specialized resources as quickly as possible. The Director emphasized that his department’s strategy focuses on creating “beds of many flavors,” acknowledging that every individual experiencing homelessness has unique needs, whether medical, rehabilitative, or simply related to temporary shelter.
Department of Transportation Services Overview
A DTS representative outlined ongoing Complete Streets initiatives on major roadways such as Nu‘uanu Avenue and Liliha Street. She explained that the city coordinates new striping and traffic-calming measures with repaving schedules to be cost-effective. One chief update concerned reestablishing a crosswalk at Bates Street and Nu‘uanu Avenue. Previously removed due to safety concerns for pedestrians crossing four lanes, DTS proposed a “quick build” approach involving restriping and a delineated median. The design aims to allow one lane mauka-bound, maintain two lanes makai-bound, and install a safe refuge for crossing once the project is bid out and constructed. The representative noted the city’s challenges with installing flashing beacons due to funding, regulatory approvals, and tree canopy obstructions, but assured the Board that the new crosswalk could be in place in the coming months. Many on the Board posed questions about turn restrictions, speed hump geometry, and balancing traffic flow with pedestrian safety near schools, hospitals, and senior housing. DTS urged the Board to submit specific intersection concerns, including requests for right-turn-on-red prohibitions and all-way pedestrian lights.
Mayor’s Representative and Related Updates
A deputy director appeared as the Mayor’s representative, highlighting city developments such as Skyline rail expansions, relocation of the early education center, and new sewer rate structures projected for 2026. Holiday concerts and light displays at Thomas Square were announced. He also addressed concerns about contractors using excessive street parking near Lanakila, promising enforcement against the overreach. Planned improvements at School and Kuakini Streets include a future rapid flashing beacon, though installation is set for 2026. Questions were raised about traffic sensor timing at intersections near schools, and the representative confirmed adjustments are underway.
City Council and State Legislature Reports
A staff member shared that the Council office is continuing to explore an off-leash dog park initiative and coordinating with the parks department for suitable locations. At the state level, senators and representatives noted ongoing financial and construction developments, including releases for housing projects, efforts to maintain firebreaks on Kamehameha Schools property, and possible expansions of programs helping families with utility or food assistance. Legislators also discussed the new red-light and speed-camera program, which now levies fines to reduce infractions and encourage safer driving. Several lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing community outreach at parks, addressing homeless matters, and exploring legislative solutions to the state’s high cost of living and shortfalls in tax revenue.
Closing and Future Activities
Before adjournment, the Board unanimously approved its previous meeting’s minutes. Discussion turned to the Liliha-Palama Christmas Parade, scheduled for November 28, and participants were encouraged to join. Members shared enthusiasm about holiday festivities around the city and reiterated that the Neighborhood Board would not meet in December. It was clarified that residents with unresolved stream or flooding issues, and those with traffic concerns, should coordinate closely with respective sub-district representatives. The meeting concluded with well-wishes for all to enjoy the winter season, and the Board confirmed it will reconvene in January to follow up on pending matters.