No 14 Liliha Puʻunui ʻĀlewa Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2026
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14 Liliha-Alewa Neighborhood Board Meeting – October 30, 2026
Call to Order and Quorum
The regular meeting opened with reminders to silence cell phones and raise a hand, either in person or through Webex, before speaking. A roll call found 12 board members present, establishing a quorum, with one member identified as absent. The board later approved the September 14, 2026 meeting minutes as circulated without objection and adjourned after announcing its next meeting for Monday, November 9, 2026.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
Firefighter Danny Lento of Kukini Fire Station, Engine 4 First Watch, delivered the Honolulu Fire Department’s September 2026 statistics. The district recorded no structure, wildland or brush, nuisance, or cooking fires, while two alarms activated without an actual fire. HFD responded to 117 medical emergencies, no pedestrian collisions, no mountain or ocean rescues, and no hazardous-material incidents; the stated motor-vehicle collision figure was unclear because the report referenced both three collisions and one collision. With the holidays approaching, HFD advised residents to use electrical decorations and devices certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, follow manufacturers’ instructions, remain present and alert while cooking indoors or outdoors, keep combustible materials away from heat and flames, and be especially vigilant while walking or driving between dusk and dawn. Board members congratulated Lento on graduating with HFD’s 120th recruit class.
Burned Vehicle and Heavy Bus on Halona Street
A resident asked about a burned-out truck still located on Halona Street, including what caused the fire and when the vehicle would be removed. HFD said the incident occurred during another watch and directed residents to the Fire Response Search Tools at fire.honolulu.gov for incident details. HPD later clarified that it was aware of a large bus or heavy vehicle on Halona Street and had already attempted to remove it, but the initial tow truck could not handle its weight. Police were working with a towing company to obtain a larger vehicle capable of completing the removal.
Honolulu Police Department Crime Statistics
Sergeant King, accompanied online by Lieutenant Yamashita, presented HPD’s September 2026 figures for the area extending from Likelike Highway above the freeway toward Pali. Aggravated assaults rose to one from zero in August. Auto thefts fell from seven to four, burglaries remained at two, robberies remained at zero, sexual assaults declined from two to zero, simple assaults fell from four to two, thefts declined from 12 to seven, and unauthorized entries into motor vehicles remained at four. Total calls for service decreased from 1,333 in August to 1,249 in September.
Requests and Formal Complaints to HPD
The board sought clarification on whether neighborhood boards must submit a formal complaint before HPD will act on concerns such as speeding or parking, or whether an ordinary request is sufficient. HPD explained that either method is acceptable. A concern raised during a board meeting can be recorded in HPD’s after-action report and followed by enforcement during the relevant times, while a formal complaint routed through a council office may move through the chief’s office and return to the district as an official assignment. HPD cited earlier speeding concerns along Kapalama Avenue and Hala Drive as an example of a request that had resulted in enforcement. The officers emphasized that neighborhood-board requests will not be disregarded simply because formal complaint paperwork was not filed.
Parking Enforcement and Government Vehicles
Resident Fetu Goliu described a vehicle parked in a no-parking area at 1900 Bachelot Street where TheHandi-Van needs curb and ramp access. The responding officer first walked through the area trying to identify the owner and issued a citation only after no owner could be found. HPD said officers are not required in every case to search for a driver, but many do so as a courtesy because repeated $35 citations can create financial hardship. If a vehicle creates a safety problem, blocks an easement, or prevents necessary access, it may be cited and towed. Emergency vehicles responding to urgent calls may sometimes need to stop outside legal spaces, but off-duty police vehicles, personal vehicles used by government employees, and ordinary government vehicles are not exempt from parking laws. HPD stated that officers’ vehicles have been cited in the past and that no one should receive different treatment merely because of government or police affiliation.
Water Service During Power Outages
The Board of Water Supply explained that electricity is needed to pump water from wells into reservoirs, so widespread or extended power outages can reduce pumping capacity. Residents were asked to limit water use during outages to essential cooking, drinking, hygiene, and bathroom needs. Conservation should continue even after electricity returns because reservoirs need time to refill, and low reservoir levels can reduce neighborhood water pressure. BWS has portable generators and deploys them to affected areas, but the representative could not provide the number of generators or how many wells could remain operational during an islandwide outage. She agreed to obtain that information for a later meeting and said BWS continues seeking additional generators and possible federal or other governmental assistance.
Board of Water Supply Finances and Equipment
Board members questioned why BWS might lack enough generators while appearing to purchase newer trucks. The representative explained that BWS is not profit-driven and uses rate and facility-charge revenue for water-system purposes, including pipeline replacement, reservoirs, transmission, treatment, granular activated carbon systems in areas with legacy contamination, vehicles, and generators. Vehicles are replaced when needed, and retired equipment has historically been disposed of through public auction, although the representative agreed to confirm current procedures. Members continued to express concern that emergency pumping should be prioritized so residents do not lose water during electrical outages.
Emergency Water Storage Guidance
BWS provided detailed instructions for storing tap water in emergency containers. Containers should be disinfected, filled to the top with minimal air space, capped, and kept in a cool, dark location. For storage of less than four weeks, the guidance called for one drop of mild liquid bleach per gallon. For storage of four weeks or longer, it called for one-half capful of unscented bleach per gallon and advised waiting at least four weeks before drinking so chlorine levels can dissipate. Residents were specifically warned not to use Clorox Splash-Less bleach because it does not provide the required disinfection. Water that develops an unusual taste or smell should not be consumed and may instead be used on plants or for toilet flushing. Additional preparedness information and handouts were made available through boardofwatersupply.com/prep.
Bachelot Street Accessible Loading Area
Goliu asked the board to place the situation at 1900 Bachelot Street on a future agenda so the Department of Transportation Services could address it directly. The curb near the Care Center of Honolulu had been painted, but he said the existing no-parking designation should be changed to a tow-away zone because illegally parked vehicles interfere with TheHandi-Van’s lift and ramp access. Mayor’s representative Edward said DTS Director Roger Morton had indicated that staff would contact Goliu, but no contact had occurred. Edward agreed to follow up, establish a point of contact, and report back. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s office and Senator Karl Rhoads had also contacted or agreed to work with DTS on the requested tow-away designation.
Damaged Fences Near Solanakila and Kuakini
The board revisited knocked-down fencing near the intersection by Solanakila Elementary School, Oak Manor, and the Department of Health facility, described as the southwest or makai-Ewa corner where the street alignment transitions near Kuakini. A member reported that there are two damaged fences, apparently involving both city and state property, meaning a coordinated response may be necessary. The mayor’s representative said the issue had remained on his list for several months without a response and agreed to continue leading coordination with the relevant city and state offices.
Alewa Heights Burglary
A board member reported community concern over a recent burglary near the top of Alewa Heights that occurred on a Sunday morning while the homeowners were reportedly inside. HPD was said to be aware of the incident. The discussion emphasized residents’ need to remain alert even in an area that has not experienced frequent burglaries recently, especially because the crime occurred during daylight hours and while the home was occupied.
Nuuanu Avenue School Crosswalk
The board requested a traffic and safety review of the crosswalk in front of 1728 Nuuanu Avenue near SEEQS Charter School. Residents had reported near misses involving vehicles and students, including children from more than one nearby school. A board member asked for preventative signs or other warning devices. The mayor’s representative said the crossing at Nuuanu Avenue and Kawila Street was already scheduled for a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon, providing enhanced visibility for drivers approaching the school crossing.
Charter Amendment Information
A member who attended Charter Commission meetings distributed information concerning the 20 Honolulu Charter questions appearing on the general-election ballot. Because the wording and effects of the proposals were considered difficult to understand, residents were urged to review the materials before voting. An online informational briefing was announced for 6 p.m. the following evening through honolulucitycouncil.org/chartercommission, where the public could hear a presentation and ask questions.
Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization
The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization reported on a new technical transportation-planning tool intended for government and professional planners. Unlike current software, it is expected to integrate all travel modes and traffic signals and model how motorists shift to alternative routes during construction or other disruptions using historical data. The board also heard about Oahu Transit Riders, a grassroots organization formed within the previous six months to expand public participation in transportation issues. The group currently operates largely through social media, intends to incorporate and establish a website, and may complement existing advisory and transportation-advocacy organizations.
Skyline Extension to Chinatown
An update from the HART website indicated that Chinatown is part of Skyline Segment 3, which will extend from Middle Street to Civic Center and include six stations completed together. Construction was reported as scheduled for completion in 2030, with passenger service anticipated in 2031 following testing. The Civic Center remains the planned terminal, and an extension to Ala Moana is not currently included. Residents were directed to honolulutransit.org for HART meetings and public-comment opportunities, including a business and community meeting announced for November 19 at 1 p.m.
HPD Drone as a First Responder Program
Lieutenant Scott Nakasone and Sergeant Souza of HPD’s Major Events Division presented the Drone as a First Responder program. HPD uses Skydio X10 unmanned aircraft equipped with cameras and thermal imaging to respond to selected high-priority 911 calls. Staff at the main station include pilots, a communications officer, and a supervisor. Once launched, a drone can assess a scene, locate possible suspects, identify entrances and exits, warn responding officers of hazards, and transmit video or radio updates before patrol units arrive. HPD said drones currently reach scenes an average of about four minutes before officers and hopes to improve that advantage to four-and-a-half or five minutes, reducing risky emergency driving and giving officers more information for de-escalation and tactical decisions.
Drone Coverage and Operating Limits
The drone program currently serves portions of District 1 in central Honolulu and District 5 in the Kalihi-Liliha area, including parts of Neighborhood Board 14’s district, although practical coverage is centered around the main police station. The aircraft generally operate at approximately 200 feet under the current waiver, can fly at up to roughly 400 feet in other permitted circumstances, and have a battery life of about 30 minutes depending on wind, weather, speed, and time spent on scene. Staffing currently focuses on daytime and selected evening hours, sometimes until approximately 8 to 11 p.m., rather than continuous coverage, although HPD’s goal is eventually to operate 24 hours a day. Drones can also be transported elsewhere, launched remotely, and controlled from the main station over cellular networks. The recommended wind limit discussed was approximately 27 miles per hour.
Identifying Police Drones and Airspace Safety
HPD drones use red and blue lights, similar to a police vehicle, while many recreational drones use red and green navigation lights with a strobe. Recreational operators are restricted from flying over crowds, parks, events, and certain controlled areas, and HPD may locate and educate operators who violate those restrictions. Police coordinate with air-traffic control when necessary, monitor nearby aircraft, and receive alerts when aircraft approach so drone pilots can avoid conflicts with military helicopters and other air traffic. Officers described unauthorized hacking as highly unlikely, technically difficult, and subject to serious federal and aviation enforcement.
Drone Privacy, Records, and Department Policy
HPD said its drones do not continuously record throughout an entire flight. Recording begins when the aircraft reaches the incident area and captures the relevant scene. Non-evidentiary footage is retained for approximately 30 days and then erased, while material connected to a criminal case is tagged and preserved for the applicable statute-of-limitations period. Residents may seek records through Hawaii’s public-records process, although release would be reviewed by HPD’s legal staff and processing time would depend on workload. A resident concerned about a drone apparently looking into a home was told to contact 911 so dispatchers can determine whether it belongs to HPD; officers said distance and camera direction can make a drone appear to be looking into a residence when it is focused on another location. HPD also said flight routes and related program information are posted publicly for transparency. When a member noted that HPD’s website still described the DFR policy as forthcoming after an August 31, 2026 notice period, HPD said the policy was already in effect and promised to correct the web link. An annual report was being prepared and would include newly added drones.
Other Drone Uses
Beyond suspect searches and crime response, HPD has used or considered drones for missing-person searches, traffic incidents, storms, fires, large events, and parade traffic management. During major Waikiki events, aerial views have helped the Department of Transportation Services identify congestion and adjust traffic-signal timing without waiting for officers to report conditions from the ground. The aircraft can support an optional speaker for live audio messages. HPD also cited public videos showing apprehensions and other deployments as examples of the program’s results. Officers characterized the technology as a force multiplier for a short-staffed department rather than a replacement for police personnel.
H-1 Freeway Cap Park Planning Study
A planning team presented a federally funded Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program study covering approximately one-half mile of H-1 between Liliha and Queen Emma Streets. The study is examining whether a park or public space could be constructed over the sunken freeway to reconnect communities divided by H-1 construction. Goals include improving mauka-makai walking, bicycling, transit, and other non-automobile connections; recognizing the area’s ahupuaʻa, cultural, and historical context; reducing environmental pollution; expanding access to open space; and restoring links among neighborhoods and important destinations. Comparable projects in Dallas, Phoenix, and Boston were discussed, including parks operated through public-private or nonprofit arrangements.
Cap Park Community Concerns and Next Steps
Early outreach through stakeholder meetings, a community and agency walk, and an open house found support for safer multimodal connections and community gathering space, but also concern about security, homelessness, long-term maintenance, operating costs, and competition with other needed projects. Members pointed to a nearby park and stream area where unsheltered residents have remained for years and warned that a larger park could worsen an unresolved problem. Others questioned whether the city could maintain another large park when existing restrooms, landscaping, and park facilities already face maintenance difficulties. The planning team said neither a final design nor an operating entity has been selected; possibilities include a nonprofit or public-private partnership. The location was chosen partly because the freeway is sunken, making a cap more feasible, and because H-1 historically divided the surrounding community. Concepts will be developed using community input and presented at a second public meeting anticipated in early 2027. Members also renewed a request to remove the long-standing electronic message sign on the Liliha bridge, which they described as an eyesore blocking views toward Punchbowl.
Green Recycling Organic Waste Program
The Department of Environmental Services introduced the Green Recycling Organic Waste, or GROW, program. After an April-through-September pilot, the program expanded islandwide on October 1, 2026 for households receiving automated curbside collection. Oʻahu households generate approximately 60,000 tons of residential food waste annually, and the program supports the city’s goal of diverting 95% of waste from landfills by 2030. Residents may now place fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy, leftovers, loose coffee grounds, and tea leaves in green carts with grass, branches, leaves, and other yard waste. Collection schedules remain unchanged.
Green Cart Rules and Odor Control
Plastic and paper bags, liners, glass, metal, liquids, pet waste, takeout containers, and products labeled biodegradable or compostable are not accepted in green carts. Food should be placed loosely in the cart because plastic contamination can be shredded into the finished compost. The city recommended collecting scraps in a sealed reusable container, refrigerating or freezing them, and transferring them to the cart the night before or morning of collection. Baking soda, coffee grounds, and layers of dry green waste may help control odor and absorb moisture. Food and yard waste may also be dropped off free at Hawaiian Earth Recycling in Wahiawa. The contractor processes the material into compost that is sold to residents, landscapers, and agricultural users.
GROW Moisture, Contamination, and Processing Concerns
One member reported that frozen food scraps melted while the cart sat in the sun awaiting an afternoon pickup, leaving liquid in the cart and requiring water for washing and deodorizing. The city acknowledged the concern but primarily recommended layering yard waste beneath and over the scraps and setting the cart out as close to collection time as possible. Another member asked how biological or toxic contaminants are prevented from entering compost sold to the public. The presenter said Hawaiian Earth Recycling inspects incoming loads and uses staff and machinery to remove unsuitable material, while the city’s contract recognizes that some contamination may occur. Extra charges could arise for severely contaminated loads, but ordinary incidental contamination is generally handled within the contract. Compostable bags remain prohibited because the Department of Health is still evaluating potential PFAS “forever chemical” concerns.
Mayor’s Office Report
The mayor’s newsletter highlighted expansion of the MH-3 program, a joint effort involving HPD and mental-health personnel to evaluate people in crisis and, when legally justified, arrange an involuntary hold and referral for psychiatric care. A neighbor’s allegation alone is not sufficient; an evaluation must occur. The mayor also appointed Parker Brody and Brandon Nakazato as new HPD deputy chiefs. Other city updates included renovated penguin and hippopotamus exhibits at the Honolulu Zoo, with the penguins identified as endangered animals in the zoo’s care.
Abandoned Vehicles and Alewa Neighborhood Park Wall
The mayor’s representative reported that an abandoned vehicle on Waihee Street had been towed. A resident noted that it apparently was removed without first being tagged after its registration and safety check expired and an unsheltered person began living in it. On the Alewa Neighborhood Park wall project, the Department of Design and Construction remained awaiting State Historic Preservation Division action and related Department of Planning and Permitting approvals. Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s office separately reported that the park project might be completed by June 2027 and that the basketball courts will remain closed until the retaining wall is finished because of safety concerns.
Nuuanu Avenue and Bates Street Changes
DTS reported no current plan for a rapid-flashing beacon at Nuuanu Avenue and Bates Street. The department is prioritizing such beacons at wider, four-lane crossings, including Nuuanu at Iliʻahi and at Kawila, while evaluating whether lane reductions, paint, and temporary barriers have made the Bates crossing safer. The chair raised concern that an uphill driver in the left lane may unexpectedly encounter a left-turn-only movement into Bates and cut into the right lane to continue on Nuuanu, creating near collisions. The mayor’s representative agreed to investigate. Members also requested trimming low trees near the intersection because branches obscure pedestrians and may threaten power lines during storms, and they continued to advocate for a flashing beacon based on visibility concerns. The speed-display sign approaching Bates was understood to be temporary.
Transit App and Complete Streets
Residents questioned why the city’s new transit application appears to require a paid subscription for complete bus-arrival and tracking information when the previous app provided broader schedule details without a fee. The mayor’s representative had no immediate information and agreed that the matter should return on a future agenda. Another resident asked how current street changes are being coordinated with the Complete Streets policy approved several years earlier, arguing that recent corrections appeared piecemeal and did not adequately integrate pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle safety. A board member agreed to research the issue and report back.
Emergency Preparedness Meeting
Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s office announced an emergency preparedness and resilience community meeting, co-hosted with Representative Jenna Takenouchi, at Kawananakoa Middle School on October 22 at 6 p.m. The meeting was to address storm planning, emergency planning, and practical household preparedness. The announcement was included in the councilmember’s newsletter.
Nuuanu Community Garden Proposal
A resident asked about converting the gated property where a former building, described during discussion as an old Alzheimer’s center, had been demolished near Nuuanu into a community garden. Council staff said they were seeking clarification from the Department of Parks and Recreation and Director Laura Thielen because responsibility may instead belong to the Department of Facility Maintenance. The office promised an update at the next meeting, while the chair observed that Parks had previously shown reluctance to assume responsibility for the site.
Senator Karl Rhoads’s Final Report
Senator Karl Rhoads delivered his final official report to the board after approximately 20 years of public service and roughly 10 years representing much of the district. The board later recognized him formally and took a group photograph. Rhoads discussed a proposed state constitutional amendment that would extend the Senate’s period to confirm or reject judicial nominees during the legislative interim from 30 to 60 days. The change would allow multiple nominees to be considered in fewer special sessions, reducing the cost of bringing neighbor-island senators to Honolulu. He noted that at the state level an uncast vote on a constitutional amendment effectively counts against passage, a rule he had unsuccessfully sought to change.
Utility Claims and Health Update
Rhoads reminded residents that they may file claims with Hawaiian Electric for losses caused by power outages, potentially receiving repair costs or the depreciated value of damaged property, although the utility has discretion to reject claims when it determines the outage was not its responsibility. He also reported that the recent COVID-19 surge was declining but that influenza season had begun unusually early. Residents were encouraged to consider both COVID and flu vaccinations, especially because COVID cases often rise again during winter.
Election and Mail Ballot Guidance
Rhoads advised voters to watch for general-election ballots and contact the Honolulu clerk at 808-768-3610 if a ballot did not arrive promptly. Because of potential postal delays, he recommended returning ballots quickly or using an official drop box. Receiving a ballot addressed to someone else, including a deceased household member, is not itself illegal, but voting another person’s ballot is a Class C felony carrying up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He explained that ballots may occasionally be mailed to deceased voters because of the time required for death records to move from the Department of Health to election officials.
Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto’s Update
Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto emphasized that the H-1 cap park remains a federally funded planning study in the stakeholder-engagement stage and has no construction cost attached. She reported that equipment stored under the Vineyard ramp belongs to a private contractor working on resurfacing from Miller Street to Kapiʻolani Street, with work expected to continue into early 2027. She also announced a Huiki Senior Living grand opening and building dedication, with housing-lottery applications open through October 31 and names to be drawn November 10.
Mayor Wright Homes Redevelopment
Iwamoto announced the October 22 groundbreaking for Phase 1A of the Mayor Wright Homes redevelopment. The first phase will produce 308 affordable rental homes, while the overall project is expected to replace or expand the existing approximately 256 homes with roughly 2,500 units across 11 towers over about 15 years. She also announced a November 19 community meeting at Kaumakapili Church with Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam concerning Palama-area construction, including new sidewalks and Mayor Wright work. A board member questioned whether the elevators in 11 towers would be reliably maintained, citing past state maintenance problems at high-rise public housing. Another member warned that the redevelopment and cap park could significantly change neighborhood traffic and character.
Legislative Ethics and Campaign-Finance Proposals
Iwamoto said she was developing her package for the upcoming legislative session and thanked the board for its September 2025 resolution on good-government reform. She intends to introduce measures addressing a contractor-related loophole, extending restrictions to family members, and strengthening safeguards on campaign contributions. She also reminded voters that the general election includes two state constitutional amendments and 20 Honolulu Charter questions and encouraged advance review.
Other Legislative Representation
Representative Della Au Belatti’s office was not reported as present, while Representative Terez Amato Hasegawa joined by phone, said there were no major updates, and remained available for board questions. No questions were raised. No reports were received from the governor’s representative, Senator Donna Mercado Kim’s office, Representative Jenna Takenouchi’s office during the designated report period, or U.S. Representative Ed Case’s office.
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center
The board thanked residents who supported the October 7 show-and-sell event, which raises funds for senior-center clubs and their activities. Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center and Catholic Charities were still waiting for the release of state grant-in-aid funds after an administrative transfer involving state agencies, and Catholic Charities was using other resources to keep the center operating. The center’s “MediMedi” program offers regular help with Medicare and Medicaid questions, enrollment, and changes in coverage. A Christmas fair was announced for December 4 from 8 to 11 a.m., with sales supporting the center and its programs.
Liliha Parade and Closing Announcements
The annual Liliha parade was announced for November 26, described as the day after Thanksgiving in the meeting. Board members were invited to participate in the approximately one-and-a-half-mile downhill route, with return transportation and a meal to be provided. After confirming there were no further announcements or objections, the chair adjourned the meeting and asked attendees to help put away the seating.