No 12 Nuʻuanu Punchbowl Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Nuʻuanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board Meeting
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Ray G opened the meeting at 7:00pm, requesting Neighborhood Assistant Zoidel to conduct a roll call. Members announced their presence, establishing quorum. The chair noted that the agenda and reports were available via a shared drive. After verifying attendance, the meeting officially proceeded.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
A captain from the Honolulu Fire Department based at the Nuʻuanu station provided incident statistics for September, including one nuisance fire, three activated alarms, 36 medical calls, five motor vehicle crashes, and one mountain rescue. The representative emphasized seasonal fire safety tips relating to the upcoming holiday season, advising residents to use fire-resistant decorations, inspect electrical wires for damage, and never leave candles unattended. A board member asked for assistance with overgrown grass at a specific residential property, citing fire risk for the neighbors. The captain said he would follow up, noting that certain community groups might also help address tall grass and trash issues to mitigate fire hazards.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 1 Report
A sergeant from District 1 shared crime numbers for September in their area: three motor vehicle thefts, two burglaries, four theft cases, two unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMVs), one assault, three drug-related cases, and 24 motor vehicle collisions, totaling 557 calls for service. HPD continued uniform and plainclothes operations to increase visibility. Board members thanked the officers and asked questions about traffic enforcement, community policing efforts, and potential distribution of neighborhood watch shirts. The sergeant confirmed HPD enforcement actions, explained that free shirts were not generally provided unless specifically funded, and highlighted the importance of ongoing operations.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 5 Report
Officers from District 5 reviewed similar monthly statistics. They noted zero aggravated assaults, zero auto thefts, one burglary, no robberies or sex assaults, zero simple assaults, five thefts, and one UEMV. Total calls for service dropped from 843 to 797 compared to previous months. They explained ongoing federal grant programs aimed at enforcing speed limits, excessive speeding, and other violations. Officers have issued a substantial number of speeding and cell phone citations, particularly along the Pali Highway. Both a sergeant and a lieutenant reassured the community that there have been multiple arrests for excessive speeding and that overtime projects focusing on traffic enforcement will be sustained. Board members voiced continued concerns about speeding, unsafe pedestrian conditions, and overgrown vegetation that might conceal homeless individuals. The HPD members stressed manpower challenges and encouraged residents to report problems directly.
Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) Report
The NSW representative noted ongoing community worries about speeding on side streets. She mentioned a repeat offender vehicle, YAB 246, that seemed linked to illegal activity. Residents also asked about T-shirts for walking groups, clarifying that free shirts are typically not given without attending official NSW meetings. Concerns were expressed about seniors struggling to cross busy roadways near schools, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and public education.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report
A BWS representative updated the board on the Puʻipa and Dowsett Water System Improvements Project. The project gained State Historic Preservation Division approval, but additional delays arose from design changes related to cathodic protection. He assured the board that once these design details are resolved, the project will proceed, and a construction schedule will be shared. There was one six-inch main break in September on Papuʻo Road. The BWS official reminded everyone of the need to reduce water usage by 20%, citing high demand and lower rainfall.
Board Vacancies
Four positions remained open in Sub-District 1. No volunteers came forward to fill these vacancies during the meeting. A suggestion arose to consider making the seats at-large if the board continues to have difficulty filling them, since vacancies adversely affect quorum. The issue will be placed on a future agenda.
Community Concerns
One participant highlighted an overgrown banyan tree near a bus stop on Pacific Heights Road, describing a hazard from dead branches. The board voted to send a polite letter encouraging the residential owner to take remedial action. Another ongoing concern was a suspected car rental operation on Henry Street, with vehicles repaired in the roadway and transient renters arriving at all hours. Despite previous investigations by the Department of Planning and Permitting, the issue recurred. The board designated a member as a primary contact to coordinate with city inspectors and neighbors, gather evidence, and keep the investigation open. Traffic concerns around Pali Highway were repeated, including noise and a desire for more consistent enforcement.
Government Officials’ Reports
Representatives of the Mayor, City Council, Governor, and various legislative offices gave updates on local programs. Mayor’s staff highlighted the expansion of the Skyline rail service, new city policies, and continuing efforts to address property concerns like vegetation encroachments. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s office reiterated opposition to raising bus fares and supported amending an ordinance so not all transit costs rely heavily on farebox recovery. The Governor’s office reported statewide efforts to boost affordable housing, tackled digital accessibility, encouraged COVID-19 safety precautions, and sought measures to address healthcare needs. Senator Karl Rhoads’ office cautioned residents about phone scams involving false Supreme Court threats. Representative Jenna Takenouchi summarized a successful Community Resource Fair, reminded people about testing for little fire ants, and explained upcoming drug take-back events.
Approval of Minutes
Draft minutes for the previous meeting were accepted as distributed, with no substantive corrections made. One board member had not received a copy but chose to move forward in everyone’s interest.
Presentation: Wireless Facility Modification
A Network Connex representative explained plans to replace a flagpole-type wireless facility at the Honolulu Central Seventh-day Adventist Church on Nuʻuanu Avenue. The new structure would be camouflaged as a faux pine tree to accommodate multiple carriers. Board members raised questions about aesthetics, preservation of the area, and the potential removal of the flag. The presenter noted the existing pole was aging and the new design would be safer and better capable of co-locating antennas.
Board Business and Miscellaneous Updates
The previously scheduled presentation on Pali Highway transportation projects was postponed due to the absence of the speaker. Residents reiterated ongoing concerns about Pali traffic, noise, and overgrown vegetation. Plans surfaced to explore a future in-person meeting, potentially at a local school or community venue such as Queen Emma Summer Palace or Nūuanu Elementary. Park issues arose, including inadequate lighting, tree canopies blocking light, and potential homeless activity at Nūuanu Valley Park. The matter will be brought to City officials for resolution. The board also noted that the Charter Commission is currently accepting amendments, with a November deadline for formal proposals. Members reminded the public about neighborhood holiday events like the dog parade on Dawson Circle and emphasized continuing collaborations with HPD to ensure seasonal safety.
Adjournment
With no further business, the chair brought the meeting to a close at approximately 9:34pm. The next regular board meeting was announced for the prevailing date and time in November, subject to final confirmation. Members and attendees were reminded to stay safe during Halloween festivities, remain vigilant about speeding, and continue reporting any community issues to appropriate agencies.