No 34 Makakilo Kapolei Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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34 Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 29, 2026
HPD Crime Reports and Community Policing
HPD personnel provided statistics on thefts and stolen vehicles in the district. They noted an increase in thefts at local stores, with some incidents involving homeless individuals taking basic goods. However, they also highlighted that many retailers opt to trespass suspects instead of pursuing arrests, which can hinder complete data on how many offenders are prosecuted. Board members asked whether perpetrators are local or coming from outside the area, noting concern about rising thefts and auto break-ins. HPD agreed to gather more detailed data for a future meeting. They also encouraged residents to form Neighborhood Security Watches, share information with neighbors, and use camera footage collaboratively to deter and solve ongoing theft problems.
Makakilo Emergency Access Road
Board members revisited the concern over a gated access road intended for evacuation purposes. A question arose about whether HPD or HFD has a key to open the gate in true emergencies or if another party is responsible. An HPD representative offered to investigate whether they can legally hold a key in instances where private property is involved. This discussion reaffirmed the community’s priority to have a safe exit route during wildfires or other serious emergencies.
Makakilo Drive Completion and Environmental Reports
Residents and board members reiterated their longstanding wish for the completion of Makakilo Drive. Some expressed frustration over stalled progress, pointing to frequent accidents on the existing roadway. The board heard that previous city and state efforts have not materialized, with some representatives indicating that the project is being omitted in current regional transportation plans. Board members plan to contact city and state officials to revive discussion on finalizing environmental impact reports and creating a viable plan for finishing the roadway to alleviate traffic and improve emergency access.
Board of Water Supply Absence
The Board of Water Supply did not attend the meeting. No report was offered, and no new updates were provided regarding ongoing water infrastructure or maintenance matters. The neighborhood board acknowledged the absence and plans to follow up on any pressing water-related topics in future sessions.
Mayor’s Representative Updates
The mayor’s representative covered numerous issues raised in prior meetings. There was a focus on the condition of trees along Makakilo Drive, which residents describe as dead or deteriorating. The city’s Division of Urban Forestry has investigated and contends they have not found dying trees but invited specific addresses of problem spots. For pickleball enthusiasts, the Department of Parks and Recreation has declined adding permanent pickleball lines to the Makakilo Community Park tennis courts, citing the need to preserve tennis, basketball, and volleyball usage. Regarding sidewalk safety and ADA standards, especially near light posts installed in the 1970s, city departments are investigating a plan to widen certain portions of walkway rather than relocate streetlights. The representative also reviewed crosswalk placement decisions, referencing city policy of installing markings only where pedestrian traffic is sufficiently high. Illegal dirt bike activities behind Royal Ridge subdivision are being monitored by HPD, with periodic patrol checks. Finally, the city reaffirmed it is in early stages of planning for an affordable housing project on Kapolei Parkway, acknowledging concerns about traffic, emergency access, and infrastructure that remain under review.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Legislative Priorities
An OHA advocate explained the agency’s 2026 legislative package. Several bills address strengthening Island Burial Council resources, refining historic preservation regulations, and appointing a water-management expert to the Land Use Commission. Another proposed measure would ban commercial aquarium collection, with exceptions for subsistence fishing or scientific needs. Additional bills include placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot to prohibit destructive live-fire military training on state-leased lands and a measure capping rent increases at 3% annually to help protect renters. OHA underscored the importance of these proposals in tackling the housing crisis, cultural preservation, and responsible resource management.
Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization / Citizen Advisory Committee Update
A board delegate to the OahuMPO reported that ongoing regional transportation plans set goals through 2050. Though many capital projects are carried over, Makakilo Drive completion is currently absent from the plan—a concern since it has been part of the area’s vision for decades. The group also discussed a university study on street design and walkability. Roundabouts, speed-limit reductions, and narrower lanes were suggested strategies to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce crashes. The board intends to continue urging OahuMPO to consider Makakilo Drive improvements in future updates.
Prince Kūhiō Parade Plans
Organizers from the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs invited the community to the parade honoring Prince Kūhiō, scheduled for March 28, 2026, in Kapolei. The event previously shifted from Waikīkī to Kapolei to highlight the Prince’s connection to Hawaiian Homestead communities. Participants can register online before March 7, and the route will run from Kapolei Hale to Ka Makana Ali‘i. Board members expressed unanimous support for the event and encouraged community involvement.
Kobayashi/Ahe Group Housing Project
Representatives from Kobayashi Group and Ahe Group discussed plans to build approximately 800 affordable rental units over six years along Kapolei Parkway. They addressed prior board questions about building materials, hurricane resilience, parking structures, and green space. While they noted cost constraints in achieving hurricane-proof standards and fully concrete construction, they emphasized the importance of remaining competitive for financing and keeping units affordable. The developers also addressed community calls to include more recreational amenities and better traffic measures. Ongoing concerns included impacts on schools, safety, and the need for multi-bedroom units for families.
Public Input on Campaign Signs on Private Property
A resident raised a concern regarding political campaign signs installed without consent on her family’s fence, allegedly by a local elected official. The issue escalated when attempts to remove the signs were met with confrontation. The board and community members discussed legalities and possible remedies, noting that while public land signage can often be removed as abandoned property, private property disputes may require police involvement or official complaints. Participants urged respect for landowners’ rights and transparent communication.
Public Input on Makakilo Bluffs
A Makakilo resident informed the board of a proposed development on agricultural land near a cul-de-sac off Ko‘o‘lale Street. He noted new permit applications for grading and a state land use boundary amendment, indicating the project is moving forward. He maintains many neighbors oppose conversion of agricultural land to urban use. The board agreed to schedule a future agenda item to explore potential positions or comments during the permitting phase.
Public Input on Villages of Kapolei Infrastructure
A resident shared frustration over unattended palm trees, irrigation problems, and a lack of transparency in the Villages of Kapolei Association (VOCA). She reported that some trees have died because water flow was cut off for months, and that project planning is proceeding without clear financial disclosures. Board members offered to coordinate with state officials, noting that proper oversight of infrastructure transfers from the state to the city remains vital to improve road maintenance and address neglected landscaping.
Legislative Updates
Representatives Diamond Garcia and David Alcose discussed their bills and policy priorities at the Capitol. They noted that the 2026 session has introduced thousands of potential measures, but only a fraction will pass. Topics include stricter taxes on foreign buyers, investigations into previous unethical conduct by legislators, changes to farmland tax rates, and building new schools to meet population growth. They recognized local frustrations about infrastructure delays, road repairs, and the high cost of living, confirming that legislative committees will continue focusing on solutions to these issues. Both legislators also touched on the unresolved problem of Makakilo Drive completion and explained recent appropriations for local education and environmental impact studies.
Board Business: Meeting Minutes, ADA Resolution, and Announcements
The board approved its December 2025 meeting minutes, making a small correction to a member’s name. They then adopted a resolution urging the city to meet federal ADA compliance standards by addressing sidewalk obstructions—particularly light poles placed in narrow walkways. Members expressed ongoing concern that the city has neither relocated utility poles nor sufficiently widened sidewalks, creating hazards for wheelchair users and pedestrians. Finally, the board announced its plan to hold a future special meeting to address pending legislative items, including a formal stance on potential Category 3 to 5 hurricane shelter solutions, a Kalāeloa public-private partnership proposal, and further zoning matters. The regular February meeting is set for February 25, 2026, at Kapolei Hale.