No 10 Makiki Lower Punchbowl Tantalus Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting April 2026
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10 Makiki-Tantalus Neighborhood Board Meeting – April 17, 2026
Opening and Roll Call
Chair Char called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and the board took attendance. Members present included Dela Cruz, Tepico Suwanee, Kawano, Kirchman, Salasa, Stilk, and others. Vacancies and resignations were noted, including the at-large seat left open by Chan’s resignation. Quorum was achieved. The meeting agenda was approved, and the board anticipated hearing from local agencies and discussing community concerns such as traffic safety, noise complaints, and liquor violations.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
HPD announced monthly crime statistics for the neighborhood: 13 motor vehicle thefts (up from 6), 3 burglaries (slightly down from 4), 16 thefts (down from 23), 8 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (up from 4), 8 assaults (an increase from 3), and no sex assaults or graffiti cases. Drug-related incidents rose from 2 to 3, and motor vehicle collisions dropped from 92 to 68. HPD had 1,833 calls for service, compared to 1,744 the previous month. They also followed up on past speeding complaints on the freeway, indicating an ongoing collaboration with other agencies. Officers confirmed that a mobile surveillance trailer is planned for specific hotspots but requires final permitting. The department invited residents to “Coffee with a Cop” events, introduced local command staff, and discussed their short-term district goals, including more outreach for homeless encampments, maintaining public safety in local parks, and targeting parking and speeding violations in problematic locations.
Residents questioned HPD about two violent incidents on Makiki Street in March, expressing concerns about safety in the canals where homeless individuals congregate. HPD plans to continue outreach, coordinate with other city agencies on fencing and enforcement, and ensure thorough coverage of these areas. Additional questions focused on speeding along Tantalus Drive, drifting, dumping of stolen vehicles, and loud mufflers. HPD pledged to increase patrols and enforce traffic laws on Tantalus and surrounding streets, including the Luna Lilo and Pensacola corridors where red light running and speeding remain issues.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
HFD representatives reported zero structure or brush fires in the area for March, five nuisance fires, four cooking-related fire calls, and 21 alarm activations without actual fire. They responded to 126 medical emergencies, two vehicle crashes, and one hazardous materials incident. The department offered evacuation planning tips, recommending residents know two evacuation routes from their homes and keep an updated 14-day disaster supply kit. Board members asked about the single HAZMAT call and the protocols for out-of-service hydrants, which HFD explained they do not directly control. The department also clarified how they handle emergencies involving disabled or elderly residents in high-rise buildings, noting that building managers often keep a list of residents requiring additional help, which HFD can access via a knock box if properly updated.
Liquor Commission and Tipsy Pig Discussion
Residents raised ongoing complaints about the Tipsy Pig establishment, including noise, speeding and drifting vehicles allegedly encouraged by the venue’s event posts, and liquor law violations such as guests or employees carrying open containers outside. Liquor Commission representatives detailed the limited number of verified noise complaints (seven in two years) and about 30 inspections, noting that they must witness a violation directly to cite the licensee. They affirmed that repeated or corroborated evidence (such as official statements from neighbors and verified video recordings) strengthens any enforcement action. Some residents expressed frustrations that fines appear too lenient and that employees have been seen openly transporting liquor, using illegal substances, and ignoring citations. The Liquor Commission acknowledged that multiple documented violations within five years can prompt license revocation but emphasized that final disciplinary decisions come from the Commission itself, not individual investigators. Neighbors called for a more consistent presence from law enforcement and the Liquor Commission, including genuine penalties that might deter reckless behavior. Both HPD and the Commission pledged heightened enforcement and asked the community to continue gathering detailed evidence that investigators can use to prosecute violations.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Update
BWS representatives addressed previous concerns about upcoming water main projects and construction timelines in the Makiki area. They listed three major initiatives either in design or awaiting final funding: the Thomas Square 20-inch Water Main Project (anticipated to start construction in March 2029), the Manoa Various Locations Water System Improvements (set to begin around June 2030), and the Kalakaua Avenue 16-inch Water Main Project (scheduled for March 2030). They reassured the board that their engineering teams are monitoring and adjusting these timelines as needed, particularly if unexpected underground conditions arise. Residents raised questions about prolonged out-of-service fire hydrants due to long-duration construction projects, emphasizing the need for emergency water access. BWS agreed to clarify the steps they take when hydrants are bagged or shut off for extended periods, promising an update at the next meeting.
Reports from Elected Officials
Various city and state representatives—whether in person or via online participation—provided updates on legislation and local projects:
• Governor’s Office: Highlighted repaving projects along the H-1 from Ke‘eaumoku to Ward, tentatively slated for June, acknowledging persistent concerns about damaged roads, off-ramps, and overpasses in need of maintenance.
• City Council: Councilmember offices mentioned upcoming town halls and cleanups, significant traffic disruptions on Nimitz and Dillingham due to rail construction, and the city’s continued collaboration with HPD and Electric Commission to address nuisances in the district.
• State Legislature: Various bills affecting local infrastructure, disaster preparedness hubs, and potential modifications to emergency management funding are still in play. Legislators underscored efforts to secure funding for hazard relief and to coordinate with federal agencies to repair landslides on Tantalus quicker. Residents also advocated for more robust laws around liquor licenses and short-term tourist rentals, as well as transparency around tax dollar use for large construction projects.
Community Concerns
Numerous residents spoke about dangerous speeding, hit-and-run incidents, and reckless driving, particularly along Ke‘evalo Street where a recent fatality occurred. Attendees urged the board and DTS to consider installing speed humps or other calming measures. Several neighbors from the Tantalus area reiterated frustration over drifting and the continued closure of one traffic lane due to unaddressed landslides. Some requested a temporary closure of Tantalus Drive at night to prevent illegal activities and protect local campsites. Others reiterated the need for improved signage and striping to reduce collisions.
Board Business and Actions
• The board filled one vacant at-large seat through a contested vote, ultimately appointing Richard Ching.
• Members voted to cancel a previously planned May recess, restoring the board’s regular May meeting to address ongoing community issues.
• A resolution was adopted to propose boundary adjustments that may move certain Punchbowl areas between Neighborhood Boards 10 and 12, with input to be solicited from residents before the Neighborhood Commission finalizes redistricting.
• The board opted not to take up a resolution opposing SB 2423 since it had failed in the Legislature.
Infrastructure and Traffic Re-striping Updates
The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) described the rationale for narrowing lanes on A‘waile‘imu Street near Lincoln Elementary, explaining that wider lanes had encouraged speeding and informal double-lane stacking. Morning congestion briefly increased, but DTS has lengthened green-light timing for certain turns and continues to observe conditions. They are also exploring whether delineators or slight re-striping near the school’s driveway might further reduce traffic conflicts. DTS emphasized that illegal parking in bike lanes is an ongoing challenge but can be addressed more effectively with community tips on exact problem spots. The department advised that ongoing complete-streets style planning for King Street, Beretania Street, and Yonge Street is underway, with public meetings expected around late summer or early fall. They encouraged residents to attend and share concerns about speeding, pedestrian safety, and general traffic flow.
Next Meeting
The board announced its next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in person at Makiki District Park’s Old Makiki Community Library and online via WebEx. The public is encouraged to attend to discuss further updates on neighborhood safety, infrastructure projects, and community-driven initiatives. Meeting broadcast details were provided, including dates and times for ‘Ōlelo Channel 49 replays and links to the board’s social media and official city website. The meeting adjourned following final announcements and reminders for upcoming events.