No 10 Makiki Lower Punchbowl Tantalus Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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10 Makiki-Tantalus Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 20, 2026
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Char opened the meeting at 6:02 p.m. A roll call confirmed 11 members present, establishing quorum. Several members were present online. Representatives from various city and state agencies were scheduled to present reports throughout the night. The Honolulu Fire Department had to leave for an incident, so their report was deferred, and the meeting proceeded to the Honolulu Police Department’s update.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Sergeant Lee shared January 2026 neighborhood crime statistics, highlighting seven motor vehicle thefts, one burglary, 32 thefts, five assaults, one sex assault, two graffiti incidents, zero drug cases, and 87 motor vehicle collisions. Calls for service throughout January totaled 1,954, which was a decrease from the previous month. The HPD emphasized ongoing efforts to address recurring issues in residential areas, including a building on Davenport Street that frequently generates calls. Residents asked for updates on specific blocks where officers routinely respond to disturbances or suspicious activity. The HPD advised that concerns can be escalated to watch commanders if problems persist.
HPD Surveillance Pilot Project
HPD shared a pilot project involving a mobile surveillance trailer intended for Round Top Drive near the Manoa Lookout. The trailer provides live-feed monitoring with advanced cameras and loudspeaker capability. It can be relocated anywhere, fits in a standard parking stall, and is designed to deter crime in high-incident spots. HPD is finalizing the necessary permits and signatures, and the project aims to discourage car break-ins and other illegal activities. This initiative has been successful in other districts, and many in attendance supported the proposal as a proactive step to enhance security where prior incidents, including carjackings, have occurred.
Community and Board Questions for HPD
Residents asked whether the HPD compiles separate statistics for accidents involving electric scooters or bikes, noting the increased risk in urban lanes. The HPD explained that accident data can be tracked but requires requests through collaboration across multiple districts. Board members also asked about how recorded surveillance footage translates into arrests and asked for clarity on follow-ups when juveniles are filmed committing crimes. HPD reiterated that the department enforces laws but faces restrictions on juvenile cases. Several attendees encouraged contacting sergeants or watch commanders for ongoing issues, and the department invited questions after the meeting for more detailed follow-ups.
Governor's Representative: Updates and Red Hill Survey
Governor Josh Green’s representative, Russell Pang, reported on condominium insurance matters, Round Top Drive’s parking fee implementation at a state park, and ongoing tree maintenance responsibilities. He clarified that proposed “no parking” signs outside park boundaries fall under the city’s jurisdiction and offered to help direct requests as needed. Additionally, he mentioned an online survey concerning community awareness of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility spill. The survey aims to gauge public understanding and inform the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ outreach efforts, with a deadline at the end of February.
Homeless Encampment Cleanup along Round Top Drive
A resident shared progress in addressing a homeless encampment that formed between Round Top Drive and Makiki Stream. DOT and DLNR officers coordinated, posted notices, and returned to remove abandoned structures and trash. The quick resolution was praised as a model for interagency cooperation, underscoring that timely deployments of enforcement and cleanups mitigate broader community impacts.
Legislative Updates from State Representative Andrew Garrett
Representative Garrett outlined key legislative deadlines at the Capitol. He reported that the first “lateral deadline” for bills was approaching, meaning many measures would be set aside until the next session. He stated that ethics reform and fiscal considerations remain at the forefront, particularly in light of social service funding uncertainties. He encouraged community members to contact his office about any legislative concerns, especially proposals relating to housing or community well-being.
Board of Water Supply Report
Michelle Harmon from the Board of Water Supply confirmed no main breaks in the district for the month. She noted the ongoing 2026 Board of Water Supply calendar distribution and encouraged participation in the 2027 poster and poetry contests, open to students from elementary through high school grade levels. She agreed to seek a future presentation on Oahu’s long-term water supply plan, including potential desalination projects, and took note of requests for explanation on quarterly funds transferred from the Environmental Services Department to the Board of Water Supply.
City Administration and Mayor's Representative
Megan Johnson from Mayor Blangiardi’s office provided written responses to past inquiries. She reminded residents about the upgraded Honolulu 311 phone app for reporting infrastructure issues, emphasizing direct routing of complaints to relevant departments. Multiple board members asked about the backlog at the Department of Planning and Permitting for building permits, specifically regarding housing projects on Pensacola and Alexander Streets that remain tied up. The mayor’s representative committed to providing updates on processing times and possible improvements to expedite affordable projects.
Honolulu City Council Reports
Councilmember Scott Nishimoto’s office thanked board members for submitting testimony on Bill 18, which concerns affordable housing parameters. His staff announced an upcoming Ala Moana Park cleanup event and a free community tax preparation clinic in collaboration with other officials. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s representative mentioned pending bills directed at amending the Bill 7 affordable housing program. The councilmember himself arrived later to provide a detailed discussion on the broader issues of zoning reform and how Bill 7 interacts with Honolulu’s tight housing market.
Neighborhood Commission Office Update
Neighborhood Commissioner Patrick Smith explained the commission’s ongoing review of board district boundaries and its commitment to improving the neighborhood plan. He encouraged the board to submit any boundary change requests before April to avoid last-minute conflicts with other boards. He also noted the revised complaint procedures and welcomed input on possible plan amendments if the board finds current rules overly restrictive or lacking clarity.
Community Concerns and Reports
Residents voiced concerns about reduced parking signs on Pensacola Street, with many stating the temporary sign removal coincides with large-scale construction projects. They sought updates on whether parking restrictions would return, highlighting the morning congestion caused by street parking. Another resident described ongoing issues at Archie Baker Park with dogs off-leash and homeless activity, requesting more stringent enforcement from HPD and the Parks Department. The board also heard from a bicycling group leader about the Tantalus Time Trial event scheduled for April 5th, emphasizing traffic control and safety measures.
Comprehensive Discussion on Bill 7 and Affordable Housing
Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam presented on Bill 7’s original goal of streamlining the construction of lower-cost rental units in apartment zones where height constraints, strict floor area ratios, and small lot sizes had previously limited new building. He explained that at least five bills now propose various amendments or repeals. Some measures would expand parking requirements, on-site managers, or deeper affordability provisions. Community members, especially around Ernest Street and Alapai Street, stressed that Bill 7 projects often lack on-site management, adequate parking, or consistent compliance throughout construction. They argued for comprehensive zoning reforms to align new developments with available infrastructure and public transit. The councilmember suggested that formal resolutions from the board specifying desired modifications—such as stricter location rules or mandatory manager units—could shape discussions and lead to more balanced outcomes.
Next Meeting and Announcements
The next regularly scheduled board meeting is set for Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the second-floor room of the old Makiki Community Library and via WebEx. Board and community members may view replays on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 and can track updates via the board’s online portals. A prompt adjournment followed after reminders that budget season at the Council will begin soon and that further Bill 7 discussions may continue in the coming months.