No 14 Liliha ʻĀlewa Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting August 2026
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14 Liliha-Alewa Neighborhood Board Meeting – August 11, 2026
Meeting Administration
The meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m. with nine board members present, establishing a quorum. The acting chair asked participants to keep agency reports within three minutes and questions and testimony within one minute per speaker, with no more than two comments on each subject. The chair initially hoped to finish by 8 p.m., preferably closer to 7:30 p.m., although the meeting ultimately adjourned at approximately 8:16 p.m.
Honolulu Fire Department Activity
The Honolulu Fire Department reported July 2026 activity within the neighborhood board area. Fire-related incidents included one structure fire, no wildland fires, one nuisance fire, one cooking fire, and five activated alarms. Nuisance fires can include rubbish and vehicle fires. Emergency responses included 106 medical calls, no pedestrian-related motor vehicle collisions, no other motor vehicle crashes, no mountain or ocean rescues, and three hazardous-material incidents. HFD explained that the hazardous-material calls involved relatively minor situations such as fuel or oil leaking from vehicles, which crews addressed with absorbent materials. Responding to a question carried over from the previous meeting, HFD confirmed that it does not charge patients for mountain rescues or any other emergency response service. A resident near Kuakini Hospital asked whether narrow lanes and parked vehicles had interfered with access during any of the 106 medical calls; HFD said it was unaware of any access problems during the reporting period.
Emergency Alerts and Preparedness
HFD encouraged residents to understand how official emergency information is distributed. Residents can enroll at HNLAlert.gov to receive text or email notices, although these opt-in alerts are sent to registered users rather than automatically based on location. Official city, state, and trusted-partner social media accounts may also distribute information. During an immediate threat, authorities may activate the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, outdoor warning sirens, or a combination of those systems. Additional preparedness information is available through Honolulu government and HFD websites.
Police Activity and Crime Statistics
The Kalihi Police Station reported generally lower crime totals in July 2026 than in June. Aggravated assaults declined from three to two, burglaries from three to two, simple assaults from five to one, thefts from 12 to eight, and unauthorized entries into motor vehicles from eight to six. Auto thefts remained at three, while robberies and reported sexual assaults or rapes remained at zero. Total calls for service increased slightly, from 1,246 in June to 1,251 in July.
School-Zone and Vehicle Safety
With students returning to school, HPD urged drivers to remain attentive around campuses, obey posted speed limits, avoid using phones, and watch for children who may unexpectedly enter crosswalks. HPD also warned motorists to remove covers from vehicle license plates because a plate cover can now result in a $787 citation. The city later reported that a recently adopted ordinance will lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Because more than 200 schools are affected and thousands of signs must be produced and installed, full implementation is expected to take approximately two to three years.
Parking Enforcement and Police Staffing
HPD advised residents to report parking violations through the non-emergency 911 system and clearly identify whether a vehicle is blocking a driveway, fire hydrant, sidewalk, or emergency access. Sergeant King explained that officers cannot station a patrol vehicle at one location around the clock because of staffing and vehicle limitations. Only about four officers typically patrol the broad area from Likelike Highway to Pali Highway above the freeway and toward the tunnels, making community reports essential. A board member thanked HPD for recent enforcement against vehicles parked on the sidewalk along Nalakila Avenue, noting that clearer sidewalks are especially necessary for students, parents with strollers, pedestrians, and late-night commuters.
Kapalama Avenue Speeding
A board member asked HPD to monitor speeding at Kapalama Avenue and Hala Drive. The station had not yet received an official complaint, but Sergeant King agreed to notify patrol officers. The mayor’s representative said the request would be raised directly with HPD, particularly because school had resumed and traffic through the area was expected to increase. It was also noted that requests submitted through city channels may take time to reach the responsible police district.
Water Main Breaks
The Board of Water Supply reported six water main breaks in the neighborhood during July. These occurred on July 1 near 1218 North School Street; three incidents on July 8, including locations near 726 Wyllie Street and within the 701–707 Wyllie Street block; July 12 near 1215 North School Street; and July 30 near 1047 Maluna Drive. The unusually high number of breaks was noted without further discussion of causes or repair schedules.
Imagine a Day Without Water
The Board of Water Supply announced the free “Imagine a Day Without Water” event scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arc of Safety at Waianae Mall, 86-120 Farrington Highway. Organized with Representative Chris Muraoka’s office and more than 25 state, city, nonprofit, and community organizations, the event will include interactive exhibits, educational displays, games, prizes, a rain-barrel workshop, and food for purchase. The program will emphasize the “One Water” concept, under which water is understood as a connected resource requiring coordinated management.
Accessible Loading at 1900 Bachelor Street
Resident Fetu Kolio again asked the city to strengthen parking controls outside a medical facility at 1900 Bachelor Street. He said vehicles continue to occupy the loading area, preventing people who use wheelchairs, TheHandi-Van, and emergency medical transportation from reaching the curb ramp. In his view, citations do not solve the immediate access problem because cited vehicles can remain in place. He requested that the curb area be painted clearly and designated as a 24-hour no-parking tow-away zone, arguing that dependable access is required for people with disabilities and should not be rejected because of cost or administrative difficulty.
City Response on Bachelor Street
The mayor’s representative reported that HPD’s District 5 community policing team inspected the loading zone on four separate days in May at different times. Officers observed the area being used as posted by medical personnel transporting equipment and by vehicles loading or unloading patients. Existing signs identify it as a no-parking, three-minute loading zone. The Department of Transportation Services issued paint and sign work order 40995 to the Department of Facility Maintenance to repaint the faded red curb. DTS did not recommend a general tow-away designation because such zones are normally reserved for major thoroughfares. Mr. Kolio maintained that a medical facility requires stronger controls regardless of street classification and suggested removing three parking spaces to protect access. Board members proposed an alternative: formally marking the location as a designated TheHandi-Van pickup and drop-off point, similar to a public transit stop where unauthorized vehicles could be towed. The city agreed to return the accessibility issue to DTS, which also oversees TheHandi-Van.
Alewa Drive Sewer Lateral
Resident Robert Lau requested help repairing a cracked sewer-lateral cap at 1203 Alewa Drive. He described earlier city smoke testing, a delayed inspection, and an unannounced sewer scope in December during which workers had difficulty removing the original cap and replaced it with a thin plastic one. That replacement has cracked, creating concern that sewer fumes could escape. Mr. Lau said calls and messages to the responsible department had not produced a response. The mayor’s representative agreed to follow up and also suggested using the city sewer service line, which may be able to dispatch an after-hours crew, although Mr. Lau said he had already tried calling without success.
Regional Street-Safety Planning
The board’s representative to the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization reported that the Citizens Advisory Committee met on July 1 but canceled its August meeting. She also attended a workshop led by Washington State’s complete-streets director. The presentation emphasized that eliminating roadway deaths is achievable, citing Hoboken, New Jersey, and Somerville, Massachusetts, as recent examples of cities reaching zero annual traffic fatalities. The workshop also addressed the growing safety risks associated with large SUVs and other tall, heavy vehicles. Their higher front ends and larger blind spots can make children, shorter pedestrians, people using strollers, and bicyclists more difficult to see, particularly during turns. Residents who own or are considering such vehicles were encouraged to exercise additional caution in residential and pedestrian-heavy areas.
Complete Streets and Right Turns on Red
Board members expressed frustration that complete-streets improvements discussed for Nuuanu and Liliha several years ago remain incomplete. One member renewed a request for no-right-turn-on-red restrictions, saying residents have reported near-collisions caused by turning drivers who failed to watch for pedestrians. The city previously declined the request after conducting a traffic analysis, but the member questioned whether a serious injury or death would have to occur before restrictions were approved. It was suggested that broader restrictions might require a change in state law. The board asked for a future report on complete-streets work in Nuuanu and Liliha and requested that right-turn-on-red policy be included as a separate agenda item.
Nuuanu Avenue Improvements
The mayor’s representative said traffic work on Nuuanu Avenue was expected to begin on the day of the meeting, weather permitting. The project includes a new crosswalk at Nuuanu Avenue and Bates Street, repainting the existing crosswalk at Nuuanu Avenue and Judd Street, and lane-striping changes intended to reduce makai-bound speeding below Oahu Cemetery. A resident asked whether bicycle symbols or other bikeway markings would be included because the road is being reduced to one lane and bicyclists may have difficulty climbing the hill; the representative agreed to verify the design.
Missed Nuuanu Complete-Streets Construction
A remote participant recalled that plans developed seven or eight years earlier called for physical complete-streets improvements after completion of the Nuuanu sewer project. Those plans included narrowing the roadway, sharpening intersection corners, and constructing curb extensions or “bulb-outs” at Nuuanu and Judd to shorten pedestrian crossing distances. The city confirmed that only paint and striping are initially planned and that permanent bulb-outs will have to wait for future funding. Officials acknowledged that the city missed the opportunity to build the improvements when Nuuanu Avenue was repaved after the sewer work. The earlier transportation spokesperson had indicated that the project might now have to wait until the next repaving cycle, prompting residents to describe the delay as a major lost opportunity for the neighborhood.
Driver’s License Redesign
The mayor’s representative explained Hawaii’s first driver’s license redesign in 17 years. The new license includes more than 50 security features, including raised lettering, laser-etched artwork, black-light elements, and a black-and-white photograph intended to be easier for law enforcement to view in low-light conditions. The design is intended primarily as a secure government identification document rather than a conventional photo card. Residents do not need to replace an unexpired license and are encouraged to wait until their normal renewal cycle to avoid adding to current DMV backlogs. Those who still want the redesigned card may request a replacement through the DMV.
Energy-Efficient City Parks
Four city park projects received a 2026 Environmental and Energy Leader Award. The recognition was tied to efficiency upgrades such as LED lighting, water-saving plumbing, weather-based irrigation controls, and other systems designed to reduce energy, water use, and taxpayer operating costs.
Footpath Maintenance
The city reported that work had been performed on the footpath listed on the agenda, including restoration and replacement of sections in problem areas. Vegetation adjoining the path is generally the responsibility of neighboring landowners. Residents were asked to notify the city when growth obstructs the route so the Department of Planning and Permitting can contact the responsible property owners.
Parking Near Liliha Bakery
The Department of Transportation Services is studying whether four parking stalls in front of Liliha Bakery should be removed. The agenda apparently referred to “Liliha Longs,” but the city clarified that the location is Liliha Bakery. DTS will review traffic flow and parking utilization and expects to return with findings in October 2026.
Former Longs/CVS Building
The former Longs Drugs/CVS property at the corner of Kuakini and Liliha has been purchased by 7-Eleven Hawaii. Renovation work has begun under building permit A2025-06-1183, and the property is expected to reopen as a 7-Eleven. Separately, the Pizza Hut in Liliha is undergoing renovations, with permits under review.
Wyllie Street School Signs
The city reported progress on damaged and missing school-safety signs along Wyllie Street near Maemae Elementary School. A crosswalk sign had been replaced, and a service request and paint/sign work order were issued to inspect and replace signs damaged or flattened by vehicles. The signs were back in place by the day before the meeting. HPD was also expected to resume speed and crosswalk enforcement now that school was in session.
Bulky-Item Pickup Problems
A board member described difficulty scheduling bulky-item collection for a vacant home on Judd Street. The Opala.org website would not recognize Judd Street as a valid address and instead offered only “Judd Hillside.” Calls placed during listed business hours went unanswered, and a voicemail had not been returned. The mayor’s representative agreed to raise both the website-address problem and the lack of telephone response with the responsible city department.
Alewa Neighborhood Park Retaining Wall
The board asked about the long-delayed retaining-wall work at Alewa Neighborhood Park, where the condition has affected use of the basketball area. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s office later reported that the Department of Parks and Recreation was reviewing draft drawings. An earlier schedule showed completion in the third quarter of 2027, but an updated estimate moved completion to the second quarter of 2027. Board members emphasized that residents have waited years for the repair.
Peter Buck Mini Park
Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s office reported that work at Peter Buck Mini Park should be completed by the end of October 2026. The project includes reconstruction of the basketball and volleyball court, rehabilitation of the open field, ADA-compliance improvements, two drinking fountains, and an accessible walkway connecting the transit stop to the park.
Aala Park Restrooms
The council office reported that the old restrooms at Aala Park had been demolished and were expected to be replaced. There was also discussion of installing a plaque recognizing the historical significance of the former restroom building.
Napueo Park Community Garden
A resident renewed a request for a community garden at Napueo Park, saying many nearby residents want the small site put to productive community use. The proposal has apparently been delayed by uncertainty over which agency owns or controls the land. Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s office agreed to investigate and report back.
City Council Election Clarification
A board member asked why Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam had campaign signs displayed despite not appearing to face a primary contest. His representative explained that he remains a candidate in the November general election because the number of candidates did not require a primary contest for the seat.
COVID-19 and Election Information
Senator Karl Rhoads warned that COVID-19 transmission was again at a high-risk level and advised residents to consult their physicians about vaccination or other precautions. He congratulated candidates who prevailed in the recent primary and acknowledged the effort of those who ran but did not win. General-election ballots were expected to reach voters no later than October 16, 2026.
School Meals Eligibility
Representative Mike Lee’s office reported that recent legislative changes allow a family of four earning less than $113,000 annually to qualify for free school breakfast and lunch. With school back in session, families were encouraged to determine whether they now meet the expanded eligibility threshold.
Lanakila Multipurpose Senior Center Design
Representative Lee’s office reported on preliminary planning for redevelopment of the Lanakila Multipurpose Senior Center. The current concept is a three-story facility with 108 parking spaces, an atrium, a multipurpose room that can open into the lobby, garden and yard areas, and larger classrooms with dedicated storage for instruments, arts supplies, and other program materials. Representative Lee is working with Susie Chun and community partners, and Ms. Chun recently submitted feedback to the design team. Because the project remains in an early phase, residents were encouraged to review the concepts and submit suggestions.
Capitol Construction and Office Access
Representative Lee’s office advised that construction will make many rooms at the State Capitol inaccessible for several months. His office was expected to close for physical access beginning the week after the meeting, but staff would remain available by telephone and email.
Police Drones as First Responders
Representative Lee’s office announced the launch of HPD’s Drone as First Responder program for 911 calls in Police Districts 1 and 5, including Liliha. The program is authorized by the state, operated by FAA-certified HPD pilots, and conducted in partnership with the state Department of Law Enforcement.
Contractor Donation Loophole
Representative Della Au Belatti’s office reported that a group of legislators had asked the governor and House and Senate leadership to convene a special session as soon as possible to close the state’s “pay-to-play” contractor loophole. Current law allows individuals or entities receiving government contracts to make political donations. The request was framed as a response to corruption concerns and recent indictments involving public institutions, with supporters seeking a timely statutory change rather than waiting for the next regular session.
School Street Senior Housing
Representative Jenna Takenouchi reported that applications remained open for the lottery for the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s senior housing project at Lanakila and School Street. The 15-story building will contain 250 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units for seniors earning between 30% and 60% of area median income. Monthly rents are expected to range from $734 to $1,975, depending on household income. The lottery is planned for October 2026, and occupancy could begin in January if construction and leasing proceed as expected. Another report stated that applicants must be at least 55 and that the maximum qualifying income for a single person is approximately $64,684.
Future School Street Housing Phases
Community representatives clarified that the first 250-unit School Street building is the initial part of a larger development planned to total approximately 850 units over three phases. The schedule for the second and third phases will depend partly on how quickly the first building is leased. The Lanakila Senior Center is now planned as a separate, stand-alone facility rebuilt on its existing footprint rather than being incorporated into later housing phases. One board member questioned whether the project should be described simply as affordable housing rather than senior affordable housing, but others stated that it has consistently been planned for residents age 55 and older.
Electric Bicycle and Scooter Laws
Representative Takenouchi summarized new state requirements for electric bicycles and scooters. The legislation includes helmet requirements for minors, clearer rules on where the devices may operate, vehicle definitions based partly on speed and capability, registration requirements, penalties for noncompliance, restrictions on illegal modifications, and manufacturer labeling and safety disclosures. The changes respond to concerns that some electric bicycles operate at speeds more comparable to motor vehicles than conventional bicycles.
Green-Fee Community Grants
The Department of Land and Natural Resources was accepting applications through August 17 for community-based grants supported by the state’s green-fee revenue. Eligible work may include wetland restoration, removal of invasive species, restoration of native habitat, conservation projects, and related activities on or near state lands. Community groups in the neighborhood were encouraged to investigate the funding opportunity.
Kupuna and Caregiver Survey
The Department of Health Executive Office on Aging was conducting an anonymous community survey through August 25. The survey seeks information from kupuna and caregivers about service gaps, barriers to aging in place, long-term care needs, and the kinds of government programs or funding that would better support family caregivers and older residents.
H-1 and Palama Underpass Construction Yard
A board member asked about a newly established construction yard near the H-1/Palama underpass, including which project it serves and how long it will remain. The site has reportedly been used as a staging area for at least five previous projects, with one occupation continuing for years after the associated work appeared finished. Concerns included heavy-vehicle traffic, dust, damaged screening, graffiti, and the loss of land that could potentially be used for traffic improvements. The matter was referred for follow-up at a later meeting.
Proposed U-Turn at H-1 and Palama
The board revisited a proposal to create a median U-turn near the H-1 and Palama interchange. A member argued that if heavy construction vehicles can maneuver through the area, the road could likely be designed to accommodate ordinary vehicles. Senator Donna Mercado Kim said the Department of Transportation had reviewed the concept and estimated a cost of more than $2 million. DOT did not believe the improvement would sufficiently reduce congestion, given the existing traffic signal and turning patterns, to justify that expense.
Public-Housing Community Gardens
Board members asked for renewed attention to proposed community gardens at Kuhio Park Terrace and Kalihi Gardens. Earlier concerns reportedly involved liability and access to water. A member suggested that participants could sign liability waivers, as residents sometimes do for volunteer public-street work, and emphasized that young residents are eager to participate. Senator Kim agreed that liability alone should not be an insurmountable obstacle and said she would follow up with the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.
Approval of Minutes
The board approved the prior meeting minutes without objections or requested corrections.
Treasurer Election
The board held an election for treasurer. Cora Yamamoto and Loy Kuo were initially nominated. On the first ballot, Kuo received six votes and Yamamoto received three, but seven votes were required for election. Yamamoto then withdrew, and the board conducted a second roll-call vote. Kuo was elected treasurer unanimously with nine votes and agreed to provide monthly financial reports.
Alewa Park Hours Proposal
A new-business item concerning a proposal to change the hours at Alewa Park was called, but no member or presenter claimed the item. The board therefore moved on without discussion or action.
Liliha-Palama Christmas Parade
The Kamehameha Lions Club announced that the Liliha-Palama Christmas Parade will take place Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving. Parade organizers appeared as part of the public-outreach process required for the permit and asked to return in September so residents could provide additional feedback. The parade will begin in the United Church of Christ parking lot on Judd Street and end at the Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery parking lot. Organizers explained that city rules require both the starting and ending points to be in parking lots; ending on Kokea Street, as occurred in the past, is no longer permitted. The board expressed unanimous support for the parade.
Parade Safety and Fundraising
A mandatory safety meeting for parade participants will be held Thursday, November 19. Organizers said the meeting ensures that participants understand city and state rules and supports the event’s insurance coverage through Lions Clubs International. The Lions Club needs to raise approximately $5,000, including about $3,000 for candy distributed to children and approximately $900 for a trolley carrying candy and volunteers. Additional expenses include support for participating groups such as the Corvette Club, which transports pageant representatives. Donations should be made to the Kamehameha Lions Club Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Organizers prefer monetary donations because candy is purchased through a supplier offering a discounted rate.
Lanakila Senior Center Programs
A community representative encouraged residents age 60 and older to participate in Lanakila Senior Center activities. In addition to regular classes, the center offers frequent programs involving brain health, computer assistance, Medicare and Medicaid navigation, museum and park outings, movies, and social activities. The August 6 show-and-sell fundraiser was also recognized as a successful event featuring goods made by participants.
Maluhia Parking Project
A board member asked whether there had been progress on a previously discussed parking lot near Maluhia, at the base of Kuakini and Mamakila. Although plans had been presented earlier in the year and the project had reportedly been expected for several years, no one had a current construction update, and the site appeared likely to remain unchanged for the immediate future.
Community Organization Reports
The Friends of Liliha Library had no report. No other nonprofit or community organization offered an additional report.
Next Meeting and Broadcast Schedule
The next regular meeting was announced for Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the same meeting location. Neighborhood board meetings can also be viewed on Olelo Channel 49 on the first Saturday of each month at 9 p.m. and on the second and fourth Thursdays at 2 p.m. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:16 p.m.