No 10 Makiki-Lower Punchbowl-Tantalus Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
Listen to this article:
10 Makiki-Tantalus Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 20, 2026
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM, confirming that twelve members were present in person or online, thereby establishing quorum. Several board members were noted absent, and others arrived later or connected remotely. After roll call, the board briefly acknowledged prospective agenda items, including public safety staff who would provide updates when they arrived.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Update
A fire captain and firefighter presented statistics for December 2025 within the district. They reported several rubbish fires and cooking fires, along with fifteen motor vehicle collisions. They also shared an electrical safety tip, underscoring the importance of safely installing appliances, avoiding using surge protectors for large devices, and inspecting electrical cords for damage. HFD representatives answered questions about potential fire incidents over New Year’s Eve, clarifying that they did not respond to major firework-related fires in Makiki but had heard of minor incidents elsewhere. The board thanked HFD and congratulated them on celebrating their 175th anniversary, noting that an upcoming public celebration might take place in the neighborhood.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Update
A sergeant from HPD reviewed crime statistics for December 2025 compared to November 2025. Motor vehicle thefts decreased from eleven to seven. Burglaries remained at sixteen. Thefts increased from thirty-three to thirty-six, while unauthorized entries into motor vehicles remained at seven. Assaults dropped from nine to six, and graffiti cases went from two to zero. Drug cases were one compared to two, and motor vehicle collisions stood at ninety-eight compared to ninety-two. HPD also updated the board on efforts to address abandoned vehicles, illegal parking, boats and trailers on local roads, and traffic concerns in high-violation areas. The sergeant noted that although their teams have issued many citations—fifty to seventy each time they do focused enforcement—illegal behaviors continue. HPD acknowledged resident concerns about public marijuana smoking near specific bars and said that officers must witness an offense in person to take action. Residents asked about fireworks activity on New Year’s Eve, the potential use of drones to identify illegal firework discharge, and compliance with marijuana regulations. HPD offered to follow up directly with an individual who suspected harmful emissions from the unit below her residence, taking a brief moment during the meeting to discuss her concerns privately.
Elected Officials’ Reports
Governor’s Representative
The governor’s representative gave a summary of executive branch priorities. He noted four traffic fatalities on O‘ahu so far in 2026, with three involving pedestrians and one involving a motor vehicle occupant. The representative announced that Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a State Wayside (Tantalus Lookout) had a new parking management and fee system in place: $7 per vehicle for non-residents, while local residents may park for free. He also mentioned a fee schedule for commercial vehicles ranging from $15 to $50. All fees raised will go toward park improvements. He mentioned that Governor Green proclaimed 2026 the “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana,” promoting coastal preservation efforts, and invited the public to view educational materials and volunteer opportunities. Work on repaving Ward Avenue, Kīna‘u, and the Lunalilo area is still awaiting a finalized contract. Residents asked about Tantalus Drive repaving concerns and how parking near new state park fee areas might be managed to avoid congestion.
Senator Fukunaga’s Office
A legislative aide relayed that the senator was busy drafting bills ahead of session deadlines. Her written newsletter had been distributed digitally and included information about a proposed 30% drop in New Year’s Eve fireworks incidents, as monitored by state enforcement. She encourages input on condominium governance, especially regarding fixed-income owners. Board members raised questions about condo insurance rate increases, requesting the senator monitor any related hearings or legislative proposals.
Representative Della Au Belatti’s Office
A legislative aide for Representative Au Belatti highlighted the representative’s continued interest in good governance measures and handling of ongoing federal investigations into political corruption. The office has focused on speaking out about immigration issues in collaboration with the O‘ahu Rapid Response Coalition, seeking to support legal protections for residents during enforcement actions. The representative also chairs the House Committee on Public Safety, working to improve conditions related to solitary confinement and other correctional reforms. Residents inquired about the Makiki District Park radioactive material concerns from months prior, hoping for further follow-up. The aide collected contact information to address those specific questions.
Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto’s Office
A staff member noted that Representative Iwamoto is introducing bills on anti-bribery measures, requiring timely disclosure of a legislator who allegedly accepted substantial cash illegally. She is proposing a millionaire surtax, drafting legislation regarding oversight of federal immigration enforcement in the state, and expanding condominium stakeholder protection to include directing funds from condominium education trust funds toward primary unit owners. She shared a resolution from the Kailua Neighborhood Board regarding legislative inquiries into corruption and invited Makiki board members to consider passing a similar resolution.
Representative Ikaika Olds
Participating briefly online, Representative Olds outlined several homelessness and public space proposals he intends to introduce, including a “safe entranceway” bill to prohibit encampments within ten feet of business or residential entrances, a “safe bus stop” bill limiting encampments around bus stops, and a “safe waterway” proposal aimed at protecting streams and canals from encampments that could lead to water pollution.
Representative Andrew Garrett’s Office
A legislative aide for Representative Garrett invited the community to opening day at the Legislature and noted that the office would distribute a district newsletter highlighting newly introduced bills. They asked the board for an opportunity in February to provide a fuller update on the representative’s session priorities.
City Officials and Community Reports
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
A representative was unable to attend this meeting but indicated an intention to return next month.
Mayor’s Representative
The mayor’s office submitted a written report and addressed updates on previously raised issues, such as concerns about specific abandoned or vacant properties where trespassing and fires were reported. DPP had been apprised of demolition permits status and any attempts to streamline resolution for residents. Residents requested clearer instructions on accessing records from DPP, stating they had encountered contradictory guidance about requesting permit documents in person or via email. The mayor’s representative said she would follow up for clarity.
Honolulu City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto
A staff member for Councilmember Nishimoto announced that the off-leash dog park at Punahou Square had opened. Questions arose about fencing, landscaping, and shade trees, as board members pointed out that many dog owners still frequent other parks or mention difficulty with unshaded, dirt-only surfaces. The councilmember’s office agreed to convey these improvements ideas to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Honolulu City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam
Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam joined to discuss legislation affecting housing and apartment development, primarily Bill 7 and related items. He provided background on Honolulu’s housing shortage, the aims of Bill 7 to spur affordable apartment construction, and the city’s guidance for setbacks, parking requirements, and multi-family zoning. Participants raised concerns about reduced setbacks increasing fire risks, limited community input, inadequate parking in heavily populated streets, and the use of Bill 7 by developers seeking tax exemptions without providing long-term affordability. The councilmember explained how affordability guidelines are determined by federal benchmarks and acknowledged concerns that Bill 7 might attract investors while not fully meeting true affordability targets. Residents requested stronger oversight, a requirement for building managers to maintain safe conditions, and better transparency during construction planning. Due to the depth of questions, the councilmember agreed to address them more fully at the February meeting, inviting written concerns from board members ahead of time.
Neighborhood Concerns and Other Community Input
Several residents spoke about neighborhood issues not listed on the agenda. One person described suspected harmful machine usage in the apartment beneath her unit, mentioning odd vibrations and potential carbon monoxide dangers. HPD and board members advised her to speak with the sergeant present for possible follow-up. Others stressed the need for more robust enforcement around illegal drug activity and fireworks and voiced continued dissatisfaction with Bill 7 developments that offer small units at high “affordable” rents. Community members reiterated the importance of inclusive design and firm oversight if further relaxing of building codes is considered.
Board Business
The board filled an at-large vacancy by considering two interested candidates. Both introduced themselves, describing their residency in Makiki and community involvement. After discussion and roll call voting, the board appointed Janelle Fujinaka to the vacant seat. The board next approved written summaries for October and November 2025 meetings, correcting minor attendance discrepancies. A presentation on the Exceptional Tree Program followed, highlighting processes for nominating historically or culturally significant trees. The presenter noted the requirement that property owners agree to the designation and explained the tax deduction for maintenance.
Committee and Other Updates
The board briefly addressed the next meeting for the Neighborhoods Committee. The O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizen Advisory Committee representation was also mentioned, with a promise of a fuller update at a future meeting. Members noted the importance of staying active in shaping transportation and infrastructure plans across urban Honolulu.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The board announced that it would convene again on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM, both in person at Makiki District Park and online, with plans to further discuss Bill 7 and other affordable housing proposals. Details for watching meeting replays on ‘Ōlelo and links for official neighborhood board resources were provided. The chair thanked everyone for a productive session, and the meeting adjourned.