No 08 McCully Mōʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Meeting
Introduction and Roll Call
The meeting opened with acknowledgments of the holiday season and gratitude for strong attendance. Roll call confirmed a quorum of eleven members in person and online. The chair thanked everyone for rearranging schedules during the holiday week and noted that teachers and principals from the Department of Education would be speaking later. The board proceeded to check member attendance, with only one member absent.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 1 Update
Sergeant Tsai presented crime statistics comparing the previous month to the current month. Motor vehicle thefts decreased from four to one, burglaries rose from one to two, theft cases stayed level at seven, and unauthorized entries into vehicles fell from four to one. Assault cases went from zero to three, while sex assaults and graffiti cases remained at zero. Drug cases held steady at two. Overall calls for service rose to 446 from 397 the month prior. Board members thanked HPD for the report and for clarifying that the time frames referred to September into October. No questions were raised regarding the statistics, and the officer extended holiday wishes before leaving.
Fire Department Report
Representatives from the local fire station shared their monthly incident counts, noting no structure fires, one wildland fire, and several small nuisance fires. There were also 104 medical emergencies, five motor vehicle collisions, and one hazardous materials incident. They emphasized cooking safety practices—especially around the holidays—such as not leaving stoves unattended and keeping flammable materials away from heat sources. They responded to questions regarding brush fires, noting that discarded cigarettes can cause them in even small grassy areas. A resident also thanked the fire department for recent assistance in a medical situation. Another attendee asked about extinguishing lithium battery fires and was told that different extinguishers may be effective depending on the fire’s intensity, but major fires require large amounts of water or specialized methods. The meeting briefly discussed fire safety tips around textiles, and the department encouraged quick evacuation in cases of fire.
Vacancy on the Board
One seat remained vacant, prompting an invitation to those interested in joining. A community member, Kealoha Ilani Wong, introduced herself, emphasizing a desire to represent longtime neighborhood families and younger residents. She expressed the importance of preserving important cultural ties while welcoming development in a responsible way. The board asked if there were other candidates; there were none. Wong was nominated, a roll call vote was taken, and she was unanimously appointed to the board. A brief recess was held so she could be sworn in.
Mayor’s Representative and DTS Updates
The mayor’s representative highlighted recent city news, including the opening of the second rail segment known as Skyline, expansion of the city’s press release system, and upcoming special concerts at the Blaisdell. The meeting heard updates on traffic concerns, particularly surrounding Eisenberg Street, where a “road diet” is proposed to add bicycle lanes and pedestrian measures without changing the 25 mph speed limit. The Ala Wai Bridge project was reported to have completed required consultation and environmental assessments; design-build procurement is scheduled for winter 2025. The city explained that certain crosswalks on South King Street were removed due to guidelines aimed at high-volume, multi-lane roads, urging residents to use signalized crossings. The mayor’s representative also relayed that Bill 7 project listings were available for those wanting housing development information.
Council Representative Announcements
A council representative followed up on traffic hazards, in particular a trailer incident on Coolidge Street. She confirmed that illegally parked vehicles during rush hours are being monitored. Another concern was the continued need for streetlight repairs along the Ala Wai canal, and the council staff planned to follow up about inoperable lighting. They also invited the community to a park cleanup at Pāvao Inha Park.
Approval of Previous Minutes
The board reviewed the written summary of the initial meeting minutes from July. A motion was made and no objections were raised. The minutes were approved as amended by the secretary.
Department of Education Presentations
Five principals and one vice principal attended to share data from nearby public schools. They reported enrollment figures, test score trends, and efforts to improve attendance. Many schools are designated Title I, reflecting high-need populations, and they highlighted strategies such as the Leader in Me curriculum and professional development for teachers to raise performance in math, reading, and science. Principals noted that chronic absenteeism remains a battle, intensified by parents who continue to keep children home, feeling they can make up work from the pandemic experience. They have introduced new ways to engage families, including bilingual home assistants and extra after-school efforts. Kaimukī High School’s principal announced that three retired HPD resource officers would join campus security, and the school celebrated new campus upgrades and recognition for academic progress. The board asked how to volunteer, and principals welcomed assistance in areas like cafeteria supervision and campus maintenance.
Private Development Update on Kīmole Lane Apartments
A representative updated the board on a 20-unit apartment building slated for Kīmole Lane near Yonge Street. The project has permitting finalized, is aiming for spring or summer construction, and intends to set rents at rates serving 60–80% of the area median income. The plan includes nine parking stalls, two moped stalls, bike storage, and green landscaping for stormwater absorption. Some board members raised questions about traffic safety, ride share drop-off areas, and whether the new development would increase street parking congestion in an already dense area. The presenter emphasized features designed to improve pedestrian sightlines, including setbacks for a wide walkway.
Proposal for McCully Street Bridge Widening
A board member introduced a resolution to widen the sidewalk and add a bike lane on McCully Street’s bridge over the Ala Wai Canal. Photographs were shown illustrating narrow sidewalks, bus stops that narrow the passage further, and pedestrians forced to relocate into traffic lanes when encountering obstacles. The resolution proposed significant structural work to address pedestrian and bicycle safety. Board members debated whether it might conflict with other public projects, and there were concerns that further studies or an environmental impact review might be necessary before any plans could be supported. The paragraph comparing costs between this widening and a separate new bridge drew varying reactions. Ultimately, the resolution did not gain enough votes to be adopted, with two votes in support, six against, and three abstentions.
Governor’s Representative
The governor’s representative provided an update on the speed and noise camera pilot programs from the Department of Transportation, noting a delay in speed camera citation issuance due to software issues. So far, no tickets had been issued, and new mid-December installation dates were expected. Noise cameras, which are portable, would be placed in ten locations, with data collected to gauge decibel levels. The board was invited to suggest any other sites for temporary camera deployment.
University of Hawai‘i Update
A representative reported on upcoming dates for fall instruction concluding December 11, final exams from December 15 to 19, and a mid-year commencement on December 20. Questions arose over commuter patterns and whether rail’s opening had improved student transit. The university spokesman also mentioned potential federal rule changes for certain professional licensure programs and said these developments are being monitored. Future dialogues with city and state officials on campus planning were mentioned, especially regarding open land proposals.
Legislative Updates
Several legislators and staff offered notes on upcoming bills and community surveys. The focus included public safety, homelessness initiatives, and financing ideas to secure more affordable housing. Survey trends showed support for mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities, plus additional analysis on real estate investment trusts. Concerns regarding local families’ struggles with rising housing costs also surfaced. Legislators promised to use the feedback for guiding session priorities in the new year.
Community Concerns
Community participants reiterated frustrations about open space preservation and ongoing discussions surrounding drainage projects, Ala Wai watershed proposals, and major infrastructure. The board was reminded about the importance of continuing to speak up for thorough environmental processes, safe traffic design, and flood mitigation.
Adjournment
With the next meeting scheduled after a holiday recess, the chair thanked everyone for their presentations and participation and wished the community a pleasant Thanksgiving. The meeting concluded promptly to accommodate the venue’s closing schedule.