No 10 Makiki-Lower Punchbowl-Tantalus Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
Makiki Lower Punchbowl Tantalus Neighborhood Board Meeting
Call to Order and Disclosure
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM. The chair announced a conflict of interest, noting a current run for political office and the need to recuse from any campaign-related issues. A request was made to enter this disclosure into the official minutes, and it was confirmed that quorum was present after roll call.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
HFD representatives presented the monthly statistics for October, including one structure fire, 20 activated alarms, 123 medical calls, 20 motor vehicle crashes, and two pedestrian-related collisions. They offered a fire safety tip emphasizing cooking safety, stressing the importance of staying alert near stoves, using timers, monitoring heated appliances, and keeping flammable items away from cooking areas. A resident raised concerns about repeated false alarms at 1427 Green Street; HFD explained their on-site actions and recommended building management coordinate with the alarm company. Another attendee displayed a small object resembling a possible bullet, but it was determined to be a battery or car part. A brief recess was called to address concern from the police who examined the item.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
An HPD sergeant presented crime statistics from October 25 through the end of the month: 10 motor vehicle thefts (up from 8 previously), 6 burglaries (up from 5), 30 thefts (down from 31), 2 car break-ins, 11 assaults, no sex assaults, 1 graffiti case, and 4 drug cases (slightly down from 5). HPD asked the public to submit feedback via a digital survey and reminded everyone that 911 is the proper channel for emergency response. Residents thanked HPD for stepped-up enforcement around local bars such as Tipsy Pig. Questions were raised about crashes on highways passing through Makiki and about traffic control at an upcoming parade at Thomas Square and trolley lights around the holiday season.
Council Office Updates
A representative from Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s office shared news on a service request for seeding and irrigating Dole Community Park to address brown turf. The suggestion was made to extend similar maintenance to Makiki District Park, which many say is more than half dead. Another board member asked for the councilmember to attend a future meeting to share more about Bill 72 regarding affordable housing. A question was raised about a large-scale cleanup on Nuʻuanu Pali Drive and whether the city’s Department of Environmental Services had inspected an area where heaps of trash were discovered under a thin layer of soil.
Governor’s Representative
The Governor’s representative reported on recent graffiti removal efforts along the H-1 Freeway near Ward Avenue and Ernest Street during partial lane closures. Additional cleaning is scheduled for upcoming early-morning hours. They also highlighted Crash Responder Safety Week and reminded drivers to slow down and move over when passing road incidents. No definitive updates were provided on proposals for traffic changes at Ward Avenue overpasses, although engineers have been reviewing concerns raised by the board.
Approval of Minutes and Other Motions
The board approved written summaries for past meetings and discussed redistricting questions for the 26th District. A motion was adopted supporting the H.E.R.T. 100 trail run scheduled for January. Organizers described the 36-hour event looping through Makiki, Tantalus, Manoa, and Nuʻuanu, emphasizing parking management at Makiki Nature Center, Paradise Park, and a strict no-parking policy at the Nuʻuanu trail station.
Traffic Safety Resolution for Chick-fil-A on South Beretania
The board revisited a resolution urging the city to study and address traffic and safety issues on South Beretania Street near Chick-fil-A. A previous miscalculation of votes was corrected, resulting in the resolution’s formal passage. Residents from Queen Victoria condominiums reiterated safety concerns regarding congestion, pedestrian hazards, and blocked driveways. There has been ongoing frustration over the restaurant’s high-traffic volume, especially at peak times, and requests were made for more active traffic management on Chick-fil-A’s property.
Traffic Concerns: Five-Way Intersection and Neighborhood Congestion
The board welcomed Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Roger Morton, Chief Traffic Engineer Kelly Akasaki, and Complete Streets Administrator Renee Espiau to address a variety of longstanding neighborhood traffic problems. A five-way intersection on Prospect, Iolani, and adjacent streets continues to raise safety worries, as many vehicles reportedly roll through stop signs, creating hazards for pedestrians. DTS explained there have been no major crashes documented but acknowledged close calls. They listed possible remedies such as adding flashing signage, reconfiguring angles, or installing pedestrian-triggered beacons. Residents noted the complexities of uneven terrain, steep slopes, and limited space pose difficulties for installing roundabouts or other larger-scale solutions.
Additional Roadway and Infrastructure Topics
DTS clarified that double-turn lanes requested at Kīnāu and Pensacola, or Pensacola and South Beretania, may not be feasible due to turning radii, potential congestion issues, and pedestrian safety risks. They indicated the city is planning major roadway rehabilitation for Beretania in the coming years, including possible changes to improve pedestrian and bicycle access. Meanwhile, King Street is undergoing a resurfacing project, with multiple localized concerns about insufficient signage, noise, temporary closures, and potential impacts on emergency responses. DTS encouraged residents to call 311 or share real-time issues with the department so they can coordinate immediate solutions with work crews. Residents also discussed confusion over the current two-way King Street protected bike lane, with some advocating a single-direction approach on King and another on Beretania. DTS noted they are planning a broader corridor study to identify viable improvements.
Community Concerns and Future Updates
Members of the public voiced concern about suspected illegal activities at houses lacking on-site supervision. Several neighbors requested thorough checks and faster permitting to demolish or rehabilitate properties that have become known trouble spots, including addresses on Piʻikoi and Lunalilo Streets. The board noted that these matters often require multi-agency coordination. Further updates were requested regarding ongoing Bill 7 affordable housing proposals near Alapaʻi. It was also mentioned that Kimchi Day festivities would occur at Makiki District Park on Saturday, with an invitation extended to the community.
Adjournment
The meeting ended at 8:18 PM. The next regular board meeting is scheduled to convene after the board’s planned recess, with details available on the Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office website, HITV bulletins, and the neighborhood board’s social media.