No 10 Makiki Lower Punchbowl Tantalus Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Makiki Neighborhood Board Meeting – October 2025
Call to Order and Roll Call
Board leadership officially started the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Quorum was confirmed after attendance was taken, with several members absent or arriving late. The chair noted that absent members could be recognized later if they arrived, and the group moved quickly to begin official business. Ensuring a quorum enabled discussion of community issues, city agency reports, and upcoming events relevant to neighborhood morale and safety.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
HFD representatives shared the September 2025 incident statistics, including one structure fire, five rubbish fires, twelve activated alarms with no fire, 137 medical calls, one pedestrian-involved collision, and three motor vehicle crashes. They also completed a mountain rescue. Firefighters emphasized home safety tips relating to holiday decorations, urging residents to use fire-resistant materials, avoid overloading electrical outlets, and keep matches and lighters away from children. In response to questions, HFD reiterated that they track overall incident numbers but do not always have immediately available details on the specific location or cause of each false alarm. Some attendees inquired about repeated false alarms and how to address possible violations, while others raised concerns regarding fire code compliance in condominiums with decorative displays in lobbies.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
HPD provided crime statistics for the local area: eight motor vehicle thefts, five burglaries, thirty-one thefts, two car break-ins, eleven assaults, zero reported sex assaults, no graffiti cases, five drug-related cases, and a reduction in vehicle collisions (seventy-nine compared to eighty-three the previous month). Board members voiced concerns about increased incidents of youth violence near local schools, especially involving a large group of teenagers intimidating younger students. HPD responded that while the department’s resources are limited, they will prioritize presence in areas where children walk to and from school. The meeting also covered ongoing traffic issues near Chick-fil-A, where police said they can enforce safety violations but stressed that a single officer may be limited in how effectively they can alleviate significant roadway congestion. Attendees noted that officer visibility alone would often help deter some infractions, though a permanent fix requires broader collaboration between the business, the city, and local residents.
City and Board of Water Supply Reports
City agencies were invited but some representatives arrived late or were unable to attend. The Honolulu Fire Department presented on schedule, while the Honolulu Police Department arrived after responding to a call. The Board of Water Supply could not be present, and their update was deferred in case a representative joined later. The mayor’s representative, Megan Johnson, submitted her office’s October newsletter link and written updates from the prior month’s meeting. With major concerns around water usage and infrastructure in older neighborhoods, residents expressed interest in hearing more details on pipeline upgrades and water main repairs, pending any future attendance from BWS staff.
Mayor’s and City Council Offices
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s representative highlighted key updates, encouraging residents to read the October newsletter on city initiatives. Councilmember Scott Nishimoto’s office, through staffer Taylor Date, reported progress on a fencing project at Makiki Park, anticipating that new fence construction could be completed by May 2026, subject to contractor requests for proposals (RFPs). Additional improvements were noted for a new dog park along Punahou Street, which awaits final signage. Several attendees hoped for broader recreational and safety enhancements to keep pace with neighborhood growth.
Governor’s Representative: Speed Cameras and Road Repairs
Governor Green’s representative, Russell Pang, announced the formal transition from speed camera warnings to actual citations beginning November 1. The program had issued over 30,000 weekly warnings since March and now aims to deter speeding with monetary fines. He clarified that citations can be triggered if a vehicle exceeds the posted limit by at least five miles per hour, though police discretion may allow some latitude before a ticket is finalized. He also reported on ongoing contract finalizations to repave portions of major roadways such as Lunalilo Street from Piʻikoi to Ward Avenue—a long-awaited improvement beset by bid protests that have now been resolved. Residents urged the state to address tricky intersections, most notably the Ward and Lunalilo intersection, where glare or lane confusion can lead to dangerous collisions.
State Legislative Updates
Staff from Senator Carol Fukunaga’s office shared encouraging news about Cartwright Field, highlighting that volunteers and community groups plan to host a historical vintage baseball season opener on November 8 and 9 in an effort to reclaim the area from past illegal activities. The senator emphasized the importance of cultural and recreational events to enhance community identity. Meanwhile, Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto’s office offered to schedule small town halls in any building within the district and reminded residents of the legislative bill-drafting process. Representative Ikaika Olds noted that his office’s survey, with roughly six hundred responses, ranks homelessness and public safety as top concerns. Attendees were informed they could apply for open staff positions at the State Capitol, and further outreach is expected in coming weeks.
Community Concerns and Property Redevelopment
Residents voiced ongoing frustrations over stolen shopping carts accumulating under freeways and near sidewalks. One attendee asked for a formal resolution to address cart theft and disposal, noting that supermarket property left on streets often devolves into trash or personal storage for unhoused individuals. Concern was also raised over the removal of a large banyan tree on private property along Pensacola and Wilder Streets. The city confirmed no protective ordinances applied because the tree stood on private land, leaving neighbors disappointed that heritage trees receive limited defense if not formally listed.
Honolulu Fire Department Follow-Up and Education
An extended discussion involved HFD’s role in preventing fire code violations in high-rise lobbies and instructing condo managers and boards on safe electrical practices. This evolved into broader questions about lithium battery hazards, the need for improved guidelines to reduce condo fire risks, and the potential for scheduling presentations at buildings to raise awareness. HFD officials affirmed their willingness to provide classes, handouts, and building inspections, but pointed out that such safety visits often rely on local property managers formally inviting them.
Makiki Community Garden Fence Project Resolution
Board members revisited a resolution urging the Department of Parks and Recreation to expedite installation of fencing around the Makiki Community Garden. They underscored that released funds should swiftly translate into action to secure the garden, reduce trespassing, and deter illicit activity. After some clarifications and an amendment expanding the list of officials to receive the resolution, the measure passed. Attendees noted that this project is especially important given the ongoing popularity and educational value of urban gardens.
Comprehensive Pesticide Reform Resolution
Another resolution, introduced the previous month, passed unanimously, calling on the legislature to consider more stringent regulation, disclosure, and monitoring of pesticide usage. Speakers emphasized the need for consistent soil and water testing, better record-keeping by applicators, and robust community oversight to protect neighborhoods from harmful runoff. The resolution encourages agencies to collaborate in order to protect residents while also supporting responsible agricultural and pest-control operations.
Bill 7: Affordable Rental Housing Discussion
A major focus was Bill 7, which incentivizes the development of small apartment complexes on underused parcels in the urban core. The city’s Director of Housing Policy, Gavin Thornton, acknowledged that although Bill 7 increases the supply of units, it poses challenges related to parking, neighborhood character, open space, and long-term affordability. Residents expressed concern over 15-year affordability requirements, the role of international financing, and the ability of certain developers to leverage city incentives without meaningful community engagement. Thornton recognized that some projects fail to respect neighbors during construction and that careful amendments to the policy are under review to boost accountability and preserve true affordability over time. Attendees stressed the importance of transparency, design guidelines, and consistent enforcement in ensuring Bill 7 units benefit local residents rather than outside investors.
Special Meeting on Traffic Safety and Chick-fil-A Makiki
Participants recapped a recent special meeting on congestion around Chick-fil-A Makiki, which can spill onto Beretania Street, block nearby residential driveways, and create potential hazards. Although residents pressed for a resolution to request a formal traffic study, the measure failed to gain the necessary votes. Concerns persist that the restaurant frequently disregards its preapproved traffic management plan, creating nighttime gridlock and unsafe lane changes. Some board members called for more direct accountability and enforcement options, while others hoped that heightened HPD presence or special paid duty might relieve immediate gridlock. The meeting closed with an intent to invite the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to the next regular session for a deeper discussion of potential infrastructure improvements, including expanded turn lanes and stricter compliance.
Thomas Square Park Discussion
A board member requested extended time to address varied issues at Thomas Square Park. These include concerns about underutilization, ongoing drug activity, homelessness, and the general upkeep of a historically significant public space. Due to meeting constraints, only brief remarks were shared, and members indicated an interest in scheduling more focused discussion at a future meeting. Some cited recent city announcements promising seasonal activities and lights in the park to deter illegal camping.
Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OʻahuMPO) Participation
A representative reminded attendees that the board is entitled to seats on the OʻahuMPO Citizen Advisory Committee, the group that influences city and state transportation funding and planning. One board member agreed to fill a vacant slot, pledging to gather community feedback about congested intersections, street maintenance, and alternative transit solutions for the neighborhood. Involvement in OʻahuMPO is expected to yield insights into how federal and state dollars might be channeled to upgrade infrastructure throughout Makiki.
Nice Neighborhoods Committee Update
The Nice Neighborhoods Committee announced that it will reconvene in mid-November, continuing a partnership with the Honolulu Museum of Art. Members aim to pilot a “Resilience Hub” concept for community-building and emergency preparedness. The initiative focuses on how to handle evacuations, protect vulnerable residents in high-rise condos, and coordinate resources during disasters. The committee will also promote events encouraging neighborly cooperation and cultural engagement in the district.
Cultural Events and TUKA Announcements
The United Korean Association of Hawaii (TUKA) shared two upcoming events: a community movie night on October 25 and a Kimchi Day Festival scheduled for November 22, 2025. The Kimchi Day celebration will include cooking classes, contests, performances, and appearances by city and state officials. Organizers encouraged volunteers to participate, highlighting how cultural festivals strengthen neighborhood unity and local business.
Adjournment
After covering extensive ground on public safety, infrastructure, housing, park maintenance, and cultural programming, board members voted to adjourn. The meeting ended with reminders about the November 20, 2025 session and the importance of wide community participation to ensure effective solutions. Residents, board members, and government officials departed with ongoing commitments to address the neighborhood’s pressing concerns, pursue timely projects, and foster a spirit of collaborative problem-solving.