No 08 McCully Mōʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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8 McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 24, 2026
Opening Remarks, Roll Call, and Announcements
Chair Lee began the meeting by welcoming everyone and acknowledging recent holidays and observances. Board members were present for roll call; one member was absent, and the Board established quorum. The Honolulu Fire Department was unable to attend due to an emergency call. The Honolulu Police Department was present to deliver monthly statistics and updates from District 1 and District 7. Attendees were informed that the next meeting would be held on March 30, 2026, instead of March 23.
District 1 Police Report
Sergeant Choi reported data for January and mid-February 2026. Motor vehicle theft decreased from six cases in January to four in February. Burglary rose from one to two, theft rose from six to seven, and unauthorized entry into motor vehicles decreased from two to one. District 1 covers Chinatown, Kaka‘ako, Ala Moana, and adjacent areas, including the Convention Center vicinity. Officers have been enforcing sit-lie laws and offering individuals services such as the HONU shelter program. The Board inquired about the time range for the February statistics and was informed they reflect data from February 1 through February 23.
District 7 Police Report
Lieutenant Nishimura provided January 2026 statistics for East Honolulu. Motor vehicle theft totaled eight, burglary three, theft twenty, and unauthorized entry into motor vehicles nine, with 5,804 total calls for service. The Lieutenant emphasized that recent scams have targeted residents through phone calls and text messages, sometimes impersonating law enforcement or the DMV. The public was reminded to verify any suspicious claims by contacting authorities or calling 911. The Board requested more current monthly statistics in future reports, and the Lieutenant confirmed that District 7 would work toward sharing up-to-date data.
Chick-fil-A Presentation
A Chick-fil-A owner-operator described a new location at 1837 Kapi‘olani Boulevard, scheduled to open in early April 2026. The restaurant will not have a drive-thru but will include a large dining room with around 200 total seats across indoor, patio, and event space sections. It will hire approximately 100 new team members and continue Chick-fil-A’s community programs such as food donations through Aloha Harvest and scholarships for employees. The owner detailed plans to manage traffic and parking. The business hopes to secure 50 on-site parking stalls and an additional 37 in a nearby lot, with parking attendants assisting in directing cars and ensuring only right-hand turns in and out. The Board asked about local sourcing and traffic flow strategies, and Chick-fil-A indicated it would adjust to community feedback.
Resolution on Bill 17 (Affordable Housing)
Board member Justin presented a resolution opposing City Council Bill 17, which would alter or restrict existing Bill 7 incentives for affordable rental housing. He described how Bill 7 has enabled the development of low- to mid-rise affordable structures in urban Honolulu. Bill 17 would remove certain tax exemptions and height flexibility that developers currently use to keep rents affordable. Other Board members noted concerns with infrastructure, parking shortages, and capacity for water and sewer systems. After discussion, the resolution received five votes in favor, four opposed, and three abstentions. Because the resolution did not secure a majority, it was not adopted.
Resolution for McCully Street Bridge Widening
Board member Daniela reintroduced the concern that the McCully Street Bridge sidewalk is too narrow and presents safety hazards for pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices. The resolution called for compliance with Complete Streets principles, including wider sidewalks and improved bike lanes. Additionally, there are obstacles such as utility poles on the existing walkway. The Board discussed issues such as water and sewer lines on the bridge but focused on the possibility of redesigning the sidewalk and adding safer bicycle facilities. On a vote of ten in favor and two opposed, the resolution was adopted.
FAA Hawaii Airspace Modernization
A representative from a neighboring board presented on the FAA’s ongoing plan to modernize flight paths over Hawai‘i. He noted that flight corridors converge heavily over several urban Honolulu neighborhoods, generating noise from inbound, outbound, interisland, and tour flights. The FAA is seeking public comment through March 15, 2026, on ways to minimize noise impacts. A proposal suggests rerouting aircraft farther offshore and limiting lower-altitude flight paths over residential zones. The Board unanimously supported a resolution asking the FAA to consider shifting routes away from densely populated areas and restricting tour helicopters from circling close to the coastline. The resolution passed with eleven ayes and one abstention.
Resolution Supporting Shopping Cart Legislation
Chair Lee introduced a resolution supporting pending legislation that empowers counties to address shopping carts taken from stores. Representative Ikaika Woods explained this House measure would allow counties to impound stray carts, fine businesses if carts leave their property, and offer a process by which stores can recover carts after paying fines. Several Board members asked why businesses themselves are not installing automatic wheel-locking devices and questioned whether customers who remove carts should also face penalties. Despite debate, the Board adopted the resolution by a vote of seven ayes, two nos, and three abstentions.
Maintenance of Ala Wai Park Fields
Chair Lee noted that the City had closed portions of the Ala Wai neighborhood parks' athletic fields for several weeks this winter to address patchy grass, irrigation issues, and hazards such as holes. The Board observed that the promised re-seeding and fencing did not materialize. Large areas remain bare, and the park needs more substantial repairs to maintain safe recreational standards. A resolution passed by voice vote urging the Department of Parks and Recreation to produce a written plan with a timeline for fully restoring the fields and installing any necessary fencing or irrigation to prevent repeated deterioration.
Community Concerns and Updates from Elected Officials
Community members reported homeless activity at bus stops, abandoned cars parked near underpasses, and repeated issues with sidewalk obstructions and sanitation. The City administration’s representative shared that HPD patrols have been increased in certain areas. The Board and residents discussed expanded methods for reporting city problems via the HNL 311 smartphone app. Officials from various offices, including City Council and Hawai‘i State Legislature, explained ongoing legislation and projects regarding homeless outreach, public safety, and public infrastructure. Some residents expressed frustration at repeated incidents of homelessness, limited parking, and lack of consistent policy enforcement.
Both Representative Della Au Belatti and Representative Jackson Sayama introduced themselves, highlighting their backgrounds and legislative emphases. Senator Les Ihara briefly attended, describing ways the community could voice concerns to local lawmakers. Senator Sharon Moriwaki’s office and Senator Carol Fukunaga’s office submitted updates focusing on CIP funding for schools and legislative proposals to manage rising condominium premiums.
Adjournment and Next Meeting Date
Chair Lee thanked community members, presenters, and elected officials for their time and input. The next meeting for the 8 McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board is scheduled for March 30, 2026. The Board encouraged further public involvement and stressed the importance of regular attendance and testimony to address pressing neighborhood issues.