No 08 McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting March 2026
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8 McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board Meeting – April 1, 2026
Opening Remarks and Roll Call
Chair Morgan Lee welcomed attendees, noting the improved weather since recent storms and expressing hopes that anyone affected by storm damage has access to assistance. Board members signed a get-well card for a fellow member, Paul Robotti, who is in rehabilitation. Eleven board members were confirmed present, establishing quorum. Regular agenda items followed shortly after.
Honolulu Police Department Reports
Sergeant Tsai from District 1 reported on February crime statistics, clarifying that “last month” referred to January. Motor vehicle theft decreased from four to two incidents, burglaries rose from two to four, thefts declined from seven to four, unauthorized entries into motor vehicles went from one to zero, assaults rose from three to five, while sex assaults, graffiti cases, and drug cases remained at zero. The total calls for service went from 439 to 407. Questions from the board focused on threshold amounts for theft-related offenses; Sergeant Tsai explained that stealing under $250 is theft in the fourth degree and that higher amounts can elevate theft charges to misdemeanors or felonies.
Lieutenant Nishimura from District 7 covered February’s statistics for East Honolulu, noting 11 motor vehicle thefts, 5 burglaries, 18 thefts, and 5 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, with 5,229 total calls for service. The lieutenant offered ATM safety tips, cautioning residents to be extra mindful of surroundings and to avoid resisting if confronted by a robber. Board members also raised concerns about cars failing to signal at certain intersections, which impacts bicyclists’ safety; officers mentioned available enforcement tools and community education efforts.
Presentation by Honolulu Fire Department
Firefighter Yusaya provided statistics for February in the McCully-Moiliili area. There were 2 structure fires, 5 nuisance fires, 1 cooking fire, 5 activated fire alarms, 96 medical calls, 4 auto collisions, and 2 hazardous material incidents. He emphasized smoke alarm safety, advising replacement of alarms older than 10 years and monthly testing of units. When asked about storm-related rescues, HFD described an incident in which individuals sheltered under a bridge near Kaimuki High School were rescued during heavy flooding.
Community Safety, Traffic, and Signal Concerns
A board member raised concerns about right-hand turning lanes and the difficulty bicyclists face when drivers fail to signal, especially around intersections such as Kamoku Street and nearby five-point junctions. HPD representatives said patrol officers can issue citations for failing to signal. They encouraged community members to contact police if certain intersections repeatedly experience problems. Board members also discussed recurring problems with smoke alarms in some buildings erroneously activating during heavy rains. Residents brought up visibility issues caused by poor lighting or tall grass at intersections, while the city’s representative, in other parts of the meeting, reminded the public that HNL 311 can log such concerns for quicker response.
Historical and Cultural Presentation by Board Member
Board member Kealohe Lani Wong offered a detailed overview of the Moiliili area’s history, place names, and Hawaiian vocabulary attached to local rains and springs. Displaying maps and archival photos, she highlighted the former fishponds, rice paddies, and springs that once fed the region, referencing areas such as Kaili‘uwoa and Kalei Mau. She also described the older Kamo‘ili‘ili Church and the transformations of the local landscape over time. Her presentation prompted attendees to discuss how local culture and place names might be honored in new developments and shared stories of mo‘olelo, including references to mo‘o (water guardian spirits) that many families believe still occupy the region.
Proposed Antenna Height Waiver at ‘Ilani Court Plaza
A representative from Planning Solutions, on behalf of Hawaiian Electric Company, presented a plan to install newer and taller antennas atop ‘Ilani Court Plaza. While the building already hosts multiple communication devices, a new configuration would involve four cellular-type antennas, one taller radio antenna, and a small microwave dish. A height waiver is required because the antennas extend above the existing parapet, though all installations would be secured to the structure and not accessible to the public. Some board members questioned whether prior antennas on the roof had gone through a similar permitting process. The presenter explained that the new work is partially aimed at modernizing and expanding communications capacity for Hawaiian Electric’s operations.
Large-Scale Native Hawaiian Housing Project
Representatives from Stanford Carr Development provided an update on the redevelopment of the former Bowl-O-Drome site at 820 Isenberg Street. Their project, now named Keola Hou, is intended as a 23-story affordable rental for Native Hawaiians meeting the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) 50% blood quantum criterion. The structure, due for completion in early fall, features a 278-unit tower, a seven-unit townhouse section fronting Stadium Park, and ground-floor retail along Isenberg to activate the sidewalk. The developers have emphasized cultural elements by featuring a large mural by local artist Kamea Hadar. Residents asked about parking concerns as construction crews have taken up metered stalls. The development team agreed to discuss relinquishing some parking spaces as the project nears completion, acknowledging that fewer workers would be needed on-site in the coming months. Community members raised questions about cultural research and naming decisions, requested more external community input on design themes, and asked for clarity on project timelines. The presenters reiterated that future residents in this DHHL-sponsored high-rise remain on the homestead waitlist, even while renting at Keola Hou. They also confirmed no possibility for leasing to non-Hawaiians under 50% blood quantum, given federal restrictions tied to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.
Neighborhood Commission Update
Neighborhood Commission Chair Patrick Smith introduced himself and explained the commission’s role in setting policy for O‘ahu’s 33 neighborhood boards. He mentioned potential updates to the overall neighborhood plan, including a streamlined procedure for handling complaints and reconsidering certain mandatory positions, such as board treasurers, that may no longer be practical. The commission continues seeking input on any boundary changes boards might want. Some boards have indicated no desire for boundary alterations, though population variances among districts remain large.
Proposed Vacant Lot Property Tax Surcharge
A board member from the Ala Moana-Kaka‘ako Neighborhood Board presented a resolution requesting a new city surcharge on vacant lots. He argued that O‘ahu’s low property tax rate encourages owners to leave urban or transit-oriented parcels undeveloped for long periods. His resolution suggests a tiered tax rate for each additional year a lot remains vacant, ultimately seeking to discourage such prolonged inactivity. Board members and residents debated whether the measure would inadvertently harm local families lacking resources to build, rather than the large-scale landowners allegedly speculating. Others recommended further data collection to better understand ownership patterns. The McCully-Moiliili board decided to defer any vote on supporting or opposing this resolution to a later meeting, allowing additional time for questions and potential revisions.
Board of Water Supply Update
A Board of Water Supply representative confirmed that there were no water main breaks in the neighborhood during February. He highlighted the upcoming Detect-A-Leak Week scheduled from April 12 to 18, reminding the public that leaky toilets are a common cause of water waste. Residents can attend outreach events at two shopping centers if they need more information or want leak-detection supplies. Another representative explained that recent storms did not breach the water supply system, though areas of the North Shore lost water pressure because electricity outages shut down pumping stations. Water buffalo transport and boil-water notices were used temporarily until full service was restored.
City Administration and Department Updates
City representative Daniel Brick shared highlights from the Mayor’s newsletter, including announcements of town hall meetings, affordable senior housing developments, and a new composting initiative. He reiterated that HNL 311 remains the preferred tool for reporting maintenance or safety concerns. The city continues to address the aftermath of Kona Low storms, particularly on the North Shore. Several road and signal issues were discussed: University Avenue’s pending striping and repaving, potential new transit priority lanes as Skyline rail segments open, and HPD’s efforts to enforce rush-hour parking rules along South King Street. The city is also reviewing requests for more frequent bus route 1L service but is constrained by current budgets.
Legislative Reports
State Senator and Representative offices recapped ongoing legislative priorities, including proposed bills that would address traffic safety near schools, tightened condominium insurance oversight, and improved support for at-risk youth. Officials at the capitol urged public participation in online testimony for a range of proposals that remain alive after crossover deadlines. Local legislators also detailed volunteer cleanups in the areas struck by flooding and encouraged further donations of supplies or services. University of Hawaiʻi and federal office representatives gave overviews of campus storm preparedness, international student visa issues, and upcoming Congressional measures. A staff member from Congressman Ed Case’s office noted the continuing push for comprehensive disaster declarations following the storms, as well as the open Congressional Art Competition for high school students.
Adjournment
Chair Morgan Lee reminded attendees that the next neighborhood board meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2026. She thanked everyone for their updates, community service, and input throughout the evening. The meeting concluded with reminders that the board welcomes public testimony on pressing neighborhood concerns, legislative proposals, and ongoing developments affecting McCully-Moiliili residents.