No 14 Liliha ʻĀlewa Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting April 2026
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14 Liliha-Alewa Neighborhood Board Meeting – April 14, 2026
Opening Announcements
Chair Fong welcomed attendees in person and on WebEx, reminding everyone to silence their cell phones and digitally raise hands if participating virtually. The Board confirmed quorum and briefly explained standard meeting procedures, including the requirement to be recognized before asking questions. These preliminary matters aimed to ensure an orderly discussion benefiting both in-person and remote participants.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
A Bukini Fire Station firefighter presented the March incident statistics, noting that there were zero structure, brush, nuisance, and cooking fires, six activated alarms, 110 medical emergencies, one motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian, one other vehicle collision, zero mountain rescues, one ocean rescue, and one hazardous material incident. He emphasized evacuation planning and urged families to familiarize themselves with at least two escape routes, maintain a go-bag, and leave early if evacuation is necessary. The Board asked about the frequent 100-plus monthly medical calls, and the firefighter explained these are spread across many areas, especially locations serving seniors where health emergencies can arise more often. The Board and public expressed gratitude to the Fire Department for its services, highlighting the assistance they provided to a March 10 incident on Hillcrest Street in collaboration with Honolulu Police Department (HPD) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Honolulu Police Department Discussion
While HPD representatives were briefly unavailable at the start, a traffic concern was later raised regarding a vehicle lacking a valid safety check involved in a collision. HPD explained that citations for expired checks total $70 and that whether the vehicle is towed depends on each incident’s circumstances and the vehicle’s condition. Questions emerged about consistent enforcement for vehicles without safety checks, with residents noting they often see such cases in neighborhood parking lots. There was also mention of repeated speeding complaints on various streets, including Judd Street, Nuuanu Avenue, Kapalama, and Hala Drive, prompting the Board and residents to request more regular enforcement to safeguard pedestrians and residents.
Board of Water Supply Update
A BWS representative announced a water main break on March 30 near 1218 North School Street. She then promoted Detect-A-Leak Week (April 12–18) and described the importance of checking for and fixing leaks to reduce water waste. There were recent outreach events at Kahala Mall and other locations, offering free toilet leak detection dye tablets. Attendees heard about available rebates for water-saving fixtures. The Board thanked BWS for providing resources, with special appreciation for bringing dye tablets that help households detect and prevent high water bills.
Resident and Community Concerns
Several residents raised a variety of issues. One resident reported graffiti (marked “THAL”) along Wiley Street and worried it could be gang-related, prompting the Board to request HPD attention to remove or cover the markings. Another concern focused on the longtime vacancy of the former Long’s Drugs/CVS building at the corner of Liliha and Kuaikini. Its historical significance and potential condition deterioration brought worries that the building might be demolished. Community members expressed the hope that it could be reused in a way that preserves neighborhood character. Another resident discussed National Good Neighbor Day on September 28, encouraging everyone to strengthen bonds with neighbors and reduce isolation. There was also a pressing safety issue regarding the crosswalk at Nuuanu and Judd, where cars often speed and fail to watch for pedestrians. The Board promised to follow up with the City’s Department of Transportation Services to address possible improvements to sidewalks and signal timing.
Candidate Forum Preparations
Board members discussed plans for an upcoming candidate forum to be held on July 13, noting that candidate filing closes in early June. The Board voted to create a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) tasked with finalizing the forum’s format, rules, and questions so that interested candidates and community members can have a clear outline of what to expect. The PIG will deliver its recommendations for Board approval prior to the candidate forum. Candidates were asked to contact the designated Board members in charge of organizing the event.
Mayor’s Representative Report
The Mayor’s Representative, Ed Los Banos, provided updates on City operations, particularly focused on extensive cleanup and recovery efforts after consecutive severe storms, which necessitated postponing scheduled Town Hall events. He noted that the Department of Transportation Services is developing conceptual plans to improve Liliha Street intersections and is coordinating with other departments to address faded crosswalks and missing signage. He also reported recent homeless outreach along Liliha Street, near Puakini and School Street, but noted that no encampments were found during a sweep. Some sidewalk and canal maintenance in Kapalama continues, with the City prioritizing flood mitigation. Residents and Board members requested stricter speed enforcement, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian foot traffic or near schools. The Mayor’s Representative promised to follow up on multiple concerns, including illegal parking and homeless encampments near Liliha Library.
Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s Office Update
A staff member provided District 6 news, explaining that ADA and play court improvements at the Peter Buck Mini Park are on track for completion in late 2026. The Alavia Neighborhood Park retaining wall improvements recently went to bid, and the contract award marks progress toward addressing safety issues. The office also confirmed that the crosswalk at Bates and Nuuanu is expected to be restored by summer, pending administrative approvals. Residents thanked the Councilmember’s office for its dedication to park enhancements and for following up on proposed road safety changes.
Legislative and Government Representatives
Various state lawmakers or their staff gave final legislative session updates. Many mentioned the progression of bills through key deadlines, with some measures advancing to conference committees. Senator Donna Kim reported that her push for tighter nepotism restrictions died again, a recurrence of House Committee resistance. She also noted that measures to bring prisoners back from the mainland are still under discussion, amid ongoing debates about building new prison facilities. Representative Jenna Takenouchi highlighted the outcomes of her well-attended traffic safety town hall, where data was shared on speeding, crosswalk issues, and the criteria for installing speed humps on dangerous roads. Meanwhile, Representative Sonny Ganaden’s staff noted ongoing efforts to address recent flood damage along Kalihi Stream and urged the community to use the City’s 311 app to report issues. A further legislative highlight concerned a bill exploring income-scaled traffic fines, an idea aimed at a fairer penalty system for speeding or other driving infractions.
Governor’s Representative Update
The Governor’s Liaison announced that federal aid was approved for local storm damage after the Governor reported over a billion dollars in assessed losses. Ongoing repairs along various highways, including near Waimea Bay following boulder falls, continue as safety precautions are implemented. The liaison also discussed the process for community garden proposals at Hawaii Public Housing Authority properties, explaining that undeveloped land is often limited by federal safety inspection rules. While some sites such as Kuhio Park Terrace and Kalihi Valley Homes have not found suitable in-ground garden space, certain properties like Kalakaua Homes successfully accommodate trough or potted-plant gardens managed by volunteers. The Governor’s Representative offered to follow up directly with those interested in expanding such efforts.
Neighborhood Commission Chair’s Visit
Patrick Smith, the Neighborhood Commission Chair, attended to clarify rules for board vacancies triggered by extended member absences. He explained the necessity of a formal call to vacate, allowing members to state reasons for missing multiple meetings. The Board duly reaffirmed a member’s seat after hearing that medical and family emergencies had prevented attendance. Smith voiced support and praise for the Board’s work on a range of community matters, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to orderly oversight of the neighborhood board system.
Closing Actions and Adjournment
In the final portion of the meeting, the Board approved the previous month’s minutes without objection and confirmed that no changes were required to park hours at Alewa Park after a brief check on neighborhood preferences. Representatives of local senior centers and libraries expressed thanks for the Board’s continuing attention to community resources and events. With no further business, the Board adjourned, inviting attendees to help organize the room and reminding everyone of upcoming opportunities for community engagement at future gatherings.