No 10 Makiki-Lower Punchbowl-Tantalus Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting March 2026
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10 Makiki-Tantalus Neighborhood Board Meeting – March 20, 2026
Meeting Opening and Roll Call
Chair Char called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and initiated a roll call with Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi confirming attendance. Twelve board members were present, establishing quorum. Several members attended online, and a few were noted as absent. The Chair welcomed everyone and proceeded to departmental reports without delay.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
Captain Goh introduced firefighter Hano Hano Hong to present monthly statistics. During February, HFD responded to eight nuisance or rubbish fires, 14 activated alarms, 129 medical incidents, four motor vehicle collisions, and one hazardous materials call. HFD emphasized the importance of installing and maintaining smoke alarms in all bedrooms and home levels, testing them monthly, and promptly replacing any alarm older than 10 years. Captain Goh addressed a question about staffing vacancies, stating there were around 80 firefighter vacancies. He noted HFD’s ongoing recruitment efforts and highlighted the elevated 911 call volume during severe weather incidents. The department is also evaluating lithium-ion fire blankets for smaller battery fires and exploring larger-scale uses for electric vehicle fires.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Sergeant Wakabayashi presented statistics for February 2026 within the board’s jurisdiction. Motor vehicle thefts increased from six to seven, burglaries rose from one to four, thefts dropped from 32 to 23, unauthorized entries into motor vehicles remained at four, assaults decreased from five to three, and graffiti dipped to zero from two. Drugs incidents rose from zero to two, and motor vehicle collisions increased from 87 to 92. HPD shared continued enforcement at Davenport Street, where four vehicles were towed, 24 citations issued, and multiple disorderly conduct and property damage cases involved five juveniles and one adult. Traffic fatalities island-wide totaled 11 so far this year, down from 18 at the same point last year. Board members reported ongoing illegal racing on the freeway at late hours and loud motorcyclists and vehicles near bars such as the Tipsy Pig. HPD encouraged immediate calls to report racing, noise violations, and related safety issues. They also noted that the mobile surveillance unit on Tantalus at Puu Ualakaa is under review, with updates to follow at a future meeting.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Update
BWS spokesperson Michelle provided follow-up on requested presentations about water-related matters, including details on money transfers from the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) to BWS. ENV transfers approximately $1.36 million per quarter to cover billing and postage costs along with follow-up collections. There was one main break in February, involving a four-inch pipe on Mauna Loa Road. BWS recognized World Water Day throughout March and encouraged the community to visit their website for more information. Construction at the Pensacola and Moanalua intersection was reported as 54% complete; although the projected 720-day timeline has extended, BWS remains focused on repairs and upgrades there. A community member inquired about Red Hill water concerns, and BWS pledged to provide an update at the next meeting.
Mayor’s Representative
Mayor Blangiardi’s representative, Megan Johnson, referenced a written report containing responses to board questions from February. She highlighted the mayor’s town hall meetings scheduled in May, including sessions at Mission Memorial Auditorium and the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse, inviting residents to share concerns and learn about city initiatives. She encouraged reporting severe potholes to the HNL 311 app and offered to work with the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) on tracking large developments within the neighborhood that might require board oversight.
City Council Reports
Councilmember Scott Nishimoto’s office, represented by Taylor, announced an annual Easter egg hunt at Makiki District Park. The event, hosted in collaboration with Representative Della Au Belatti, was scheduled for late March, subject to weather conditions. Taylor also mentioned a rescheduled tax clinic to be held on April 4, providing tax assistance to local residents.
Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s office, represented by Russell, followed up on traffic studies requested by Nancy regarding the King Street corridor, as well as ongoing coordination with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) on the Papakolea restriping near Awailumano Street. Questions arose about OTS hazard pay, and the office was awaiting further details from DTS. The councilmember’s office acknowledged general frustrations about persistent road issues but encouraged continued dialogue for possible enforcement strategies and signage improvements.
Senator Carol Fukunaga’s Office
Hector Venegas highlighted three condominium insurance reform measures moving through the Senate designed to strengthen consumer safeguards for unit owners, encourage transparency, and diversify insurance options. He also referenced two measures related to traffic safety: one to appropriate funds for all-way crosswalks near schools and another allowing the impoundment of vehicles under specific traffic violations. The senator’s office continues to monitor any proposals to improve traffic conditions around Makiki and to support broader legislative initiatives that benefit condominium associations and motorists.
Additional Legislative Updates
Representative Della Au Belatti shared information about rescheduling community events such as her tax clinic (moved to April) and the joint Makiki Easter egg hunt. She also discussed a legislative briefing on community resiliency hubs, citing the potential for neighborhoods to organize preparedness networks. Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto’s office manager, Kate, announced the district survey due by month’s end, focusing on topics such as the future of the stadium and public safety concerns. A staff member for Representative Ikaika Oh’s office, Grace, mentioned ongoing monitoring of bills related to homelessness and welcomed feedback from constituents. Representative Andrew Garrett’s newsletter was made available, although no staff member appeared at the meeting.
Community Concerns
A resident on Tantalus Drive raised urgent worries over drifting and speeding, sharing incidents in which his family was nearly struck by reckless drivers. He noted that calls to HPD often result in limited enforcement action despite repeated requests for speed bumps or other traffic calming measures. Board members pointed to similar ongoing discussions about fast-driving vehicles, gunpoint robberies near scenic lookouts, and the proliferation of watchers who warn the drifters of approaching law enforcement. The concern remains a priority as HPD continues to respond to safety challenges.
Vacancy and Board Actions
A vacant at-large seat drew two candidates: a Makiki resident active in local concerns and a Tantalus Drive resident seeking to address reckless driving issues. After brief statements, the board voted, and the seat was filled by Grant Dubiak. Soon after, sitting board member Kahanu Chen offered to resign in favor of the other candidate, initiating a process to confirm that forthcoming vacancy. Board members also elected Adam as the board’s treasurer, a largely symbolic position but necessary for the board’s official structure.
Board Boundaries Discussion
The board discussed potential changes to its map boundaries to better encompass schools and communities that regularly interact with Makiki issues. Stevenson Middle School and Lincoln Elementary currently lie outside Board 10’s technical boundary despite frequent collaborations. The board agreed to consider a formal request to the Neighborhood Commission by April 27 to explore boundary adjustments, with members expressing interest in aligning the board’s area with community patterns and major landmarks such as Ward Avenue and Awailumano Street. Plans included outreach to affected residents to determine consensus on moving boundaries.
Kinau Community Hub Event
Board member Harris reported on a planned outreach event for residents bordering Kinau, Alapai, Pēkoi, and King Streets. Scheduled for April 7 at the Honolulu Museum of Art, the event aims to inform residents about safety issues, offer updates from local agencies, and introduce a community resilience hub concept to assist in emergencies. Collaboration with local businesses has secured donated food and refreshments, while a small registration fee for attendees will be donated to the Hawaii Food Bank. The gathering will also showcase ongoing efforts by the Nice Neighborhoods Committee to unite neighbors, especially during urgent situations such as fires or evacuations in high-rise buildings.
Future Plans, Voting, and Recess
The board voted to recess its May meeting in order to attend Mayor Blangiardi’s scheduled town hall at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse. Next steps included monitoring legislative timetables for major housing measures and continuing to address local traffic, infrastructure, and security concerns. The board briefly discussed state-level proposals on housing development (SB 2423 and HB 1734) but recognized the legislative calendar may move faster than the board’s ability to finalize positions.
Next Meeting
The board will reconvene on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Makiki District Park’s Old Makiki Community Library and online via WebEx. Video of the board meetings can be viewed on Ōlelo Focus 49 during set times, and information is regularly posted on the board’s website and Facebook page. The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m. with members and residents encouraged to stay informed about ongoing neighborhood projects and concerns.