No 08 McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Macaulay-Mōʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board Meeting – October 27, 2025
Roll Call and Opening Procedures
The meeting began with a roll call confirming which members were present in person and online. Four board members were confirmed, establishing quorum for business. Several members were absent or joined virtually. Following confirmation of attendance, the board moved to official reports from city agencies, community representatives, and other stakeholders.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
An HFD officer from the Makaliʻi Fire Station Third Watch provided statistics for September 2025, noting zero structure and wildland fires, six nuisance fires, three cooking fires, and five activated alarms. The department responded to 104 medical emergencies, one motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian, four other vehicle collisions, and zero mountain or ocean rescues. Fire safety guidance was offered in advance of the holiday season, recommending non-combustible decorations, turning off extra lighting before bedtime, not overloading cords, never leaving candles unattended, and keeping fire-starting materials away from children. HFD was asked about water usage and disposal after training exercises but reported that further information was pending from its Community Relations Office.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Reports
Two HPD districts—District 1 (covering parts of the area including Waikīkī’s outskirts) and District 7 (East Honolulu)—submitted monthly crime statistics. District 1 reported an increase in vehicle break-ins from one to four and a small rise in motor vehicle thefts while noting decreases in assault, sex assault, and overall thefts. Calls for service decreased slightly, and officers provided data on recent vehicle accidents, including one fatality on the freeway. District 7 offered statistics that showed eight motor vehicle thefts, seven burglaries, five vehicle break-ins, and 20 general theft cases for the month. Both districts reminded the public of upcoming Halloween safety measures such as reflective costumes, adult supervision for trick-or-treaters, and regular checking of collected candy before consumption. Officers affirmed that detailed statistical information is available online through the HPD website. These representatives also agreed to remain until the board’s homelessness discussion to share policing perspectives.
Board Vacancy Notice
The board announced there was one at-large seat vacant, with an invitation for interested community members to volunteer. The board encouraged members to recruit prospective participants so that the open seat might be filled by November. It was noted that the board would not meet again until after the holiday season if the seat remained unfilled.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Update
A BWS representative detailed two main breaks during September 2025: an 8-inch break at 2131 South Beretania Street and another 8-inch rupture at 1711 Citron Street. He again urged residents to continue voluntary water conservation efforts, citing reduced rainfall and high demand that could strain local resources. Suggestions included using a nozzle on hoses, cutting shower times, and turning off the tap while brushing teeth. Updated conservation tips are available on the BWS website.
Department of Parks and Recreation Update
A DPR district manager and a plumbing supervisor explained ongoing improvements to Ala Wai Community Park and Ala Wai Neighborhood Park, including irrigation repairs, replacement of sprinkler heads, timers, and water lines. They outlined different irrigation methods used around the parks—some automated, some manual—and emphasized challenges in maintaining consistent greening of the fields. Recent bathroom refurbishments with new flooring and fixtures were highlighted. Plans to aerate, fertilize, and re-level the fields will require a closure of the playing fields at both parks from December 18 to January 31. Residents were asked to respect these closures to allow grass to recover. The department showed photos of current conditions, including playgrounds, comfort stations, and newly repaired benches along the promenade. Community members inquired about fences or other means to strictly enforce the field closures so the renovation work would not be undone. Parks personnel indicated they would consider installing temporary barriers and stated that other grassy areas within the park would remain open during the field maintenance period.
Homelessness Discussion and City Strategies
A city representative shared developments in the Honolulu indoor sheltering approach, focusing on a site temporarily located at the old stadium. The presentation included reference to a continuum of care model and specialized “beds of many flavors” such as emergency shelters, detox centers, transitional housing, and medical respite. The effort aims to move unsheltered individuals into programs that address their specific needs and, in some cases, reunite them with family or assist them in finding permanent housing. The speaker described the multi-step pathway from street outreach to shelter, emphasizing that although some who try shelters eventually return to homelessness, the city views each placement as progress. The HPD lieutenant present noted that more robust crisis intervention training helps law enforcement better handle mental health and substance use disorders. Community members voiced concerns about illegal dumping, tents in observed spots around the district, shopping carts left on private property, and frequent rummaging through trash bins. Some suggested more short-term work or volunteer opportunities, along with storage or lockers for personal items to help homeless individuals more easily enter job markets and secure identification. The representative for homeless initiatives invited further collaboration and said he would continue refining data on successes, recidivism, and specialized services.
Mayor’s Representative Report and City Charter Update
A mayor’s office representative covered crosswalk safety, upcoming road improvements, and updates to the Ala Pono project (the planned Ala Wai Bridge). Discussions touched on the timeline of procurement for the bridge, scheduled for winter 2025, and the city’s approach to traffic investigations. Residents asked questions about crosswalk removals, “road diets” that reduce vehicle lanes and speeds, and potential conflicts where on-street parking and lane reductions occur simultaneously. The representative also presented a summary of the city charter revision process, outlining how residents can submit proposals to shape Honolulu’s governing document. The Charter Commission will collect public input and proposals, with a final set of amendments to appear on the ballot in November 2026. Attendees were encouraged to share feedback and suggestions before the upcoming November 7 submission deadline.
Honolulu City Council Office Update
A staff member for the City Council reported a partnership with the board for a community cleanup at Pāwa‘a In-Ha Park on December 6. Parking limitations, ongoing speed camera developments, and the new transitions from warning periods to citations were mentioned. The Council staff also fielded questions about a stalled private construction project, confirming they would check into contractor permitting and whether conditions for street usage were fulfilled.
University of Hawaiʻi (UH) Liaison Remarks
A UH representative described continuing efforts to coordinate with Kamehameha Schools on a property transition and possible relocation of the College of Education. He stressed that certain discussions remain ongoing and that official announcements will be made once details are finalized. He also addressed questions regarding campus parking rates, explaining that UH commuter services relies on non-general funds for upkeep and that fees are assessed annually. The university is monitoring a potential federal government shutdown that could affect thousands of employees across UH campuses.
Legislative Updates
Various legislative offices offered community news. The Governor’s representative urged residents to provide feedback about military training lands through an online portal and noted that the Board of Land and Natural Resources had previously rejected certain Army training land extensions. A member of the House of Representatives recounted firsthand outreach efforts to homeless individuals in local parks, highlighting families encountered at Old Stadium Park and soliciting volunteers for a prospective “citizens patrol” to help address growing problems such as graffiti, theft, rubbish accumulation, and trespassing. Another legislator announced an upcoming Waikīkī town hall covering topics such as insurance, emergency readiness, and local transportation issues. She reminded residents that a legislative survey was in circulation for District 24. Several attendees asked representatives to increase attention on repeat offenses, community safety, and enforcement of parking or campsite rules.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The board reminded attendees of the neighborhood’s upcoming events, including the city’s holiday parade and a December 6 park cleanup. Information regarding dog park rule changes and expansions within the district was reiterated, with public feedback sought by November 21. The chair noted future scheduling items, including efforts to have the Department of Transportation Services attend a meeting in early 2026, and reminded all present of the board’s next monthly gathering in late November. The meeting concluded with thanks to the community, elected officials, and agency representatives for active participation and dialogue on the area’s pressing concerns.