No 12 Nuʻuanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting May 2026
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12 Nuuanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board Meeting – May 22, 2026
Meeting Opening, Roll Call, and Quorum
The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. with the chair welcoming attendees and introducing Neighborhood Assistant Melissa Rubio, who conducted roll call. Initial attendance showed seven members present, which was not enough to establish quorum, but quorum was achieved shortly afterward when an additional member rejoined, bringing attendance to eight. The board proceeded with reports and community issues once quorum was established. Later in the meeting, quorum was lost again, which prevented formal action on the draft meeting minutes and any board votes that would have required a quorum.
Honolulu Fire Department Report
A representative from the Nuʻuanu Fire Station reported April 2026 incident statistics and shared wildfire preparedness guidance. In April, the station recorded no structure fires, wildland fires, or cooking fires, one nuisance fire, and four activated alarms with no fire. Emergency calls included 43 medical emergencies, one motor vehicle collision, two mountain rescues, one hazardous materials incident, and no pedestrian collisions or ocean rescues. The fire safety message focused on wildfire prevention as Hawaiʻi enters a drier, higher-risk season, emphasizing the removal of dry brush around homes, avoiding parking on dry grass, and refraining from spark-producing activity during hot, windy conditions. A board member raised a neighborhood concern about adjacent properties with heavy dry vegetation and unmanaged fuel loads near homes. Fire personnel said they would research what options may exist when the hazard is on private property and follow up through the Neighborhood Assistant.
Honolulu Police Department District 1 Report
The District 1 representative, covering areas including downtown Honolulu, Liliha, School Street, Punchbowl Street, Round Top Drive, Ala Moana Beach, Honolulu Harbor, and Pali Highway, reported April 2026 crime and traffic statistics. Motor vehicle thefts totaled three, burglary one, theft four, unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle one, assaults zero, sex assaults zero, graffiti one, and drug offenses one. Motor vehicle collisions dropped to 14 from 23 in the previous reporting period, while total calls for service were 579, slightly down from 585. The police safety message centered on graduation season, summer break, and impaired driving, with a reminder to slow down, watch for pedestrians, avoid cellphone use while driving, and designate a sober driver during celebrations. A board member also asked about scams targeting seniors. The officer advised residents to call 911 when scam calls occur, particularly in cases where callers falsely claim to be law enforcement or demand money over supposed warrants, and said police can document such incidents.
Honolulu Police Department District 5 Report
The District 5 representative, whose service area includes Nuʻuanu and Liliha along with other nearby communities, presented April 2026 statistics showing shifts in several categories. Aggravated assaults fell to zero from two in March, auto thefts rose to four from one, burglaries remained at one, robberies increased to two from zero, sex assault cases dropped to zero from two, simple assaults increased to three from two, thefts rose to 10 from eight, and vehicle break-ins decreased to one from three. Total calls for service rose to 855 from 779, an increase of roughly 80 calls over the prior month. Safety reminders focused on seat belt and child restraint use, mobile electronic device violations, and safe conduct during graduation season. The district also announced a “Coffee with a Cop” event scheduled for June 12 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. at the Kamehameha Shopping Center Starbucks, intended as an opportunity for residents to meet officers serving the area.
Ongoing Theft and Speeding Complaints in Upper Nuʻuanu
A board member combined her comments with the police discussion to describe an ongoing pattern of nuisance and suspected theft activity in upper Nuʻuanu, particularly involving people entering yards and stealing flowers and plants. She provided updated vehicle information, including license plate numbers and a distinctive plate frame design, and said neighborhood residents believe multiple vehicles may be connected. The discussion clarified a recurring obstacle for enforcement on private property: officers generally need a complaint or signed statement from the homeowner or property representative in order to pursue criminal enforcement when a suspect is on private land. The same board member also raised ongoing speeding concerns in the Pelikani area and near schools, arguing that traffic remains too fast for a neighborhood with children, seniors, ducks, and other pedestrians. The District 5 officer said he would check whether the 15 mph speed limit shown on signage is correctly reflected in the city’s enforcement speed map and would have officers conduct additional traffic observation and checks.
Pali Highway Speeding, Traffic Cameras, and Enforcement Debate
Residents and board members returned repeatedly to the problem of speeding on Pali Highway and nearby residential streets. One resident asked whether enforcement activity had increased because speeding remains highly visible despite occasional police presence. District 5 stated that detailed camera-related statistics were not immediately available and noted that speed cameras are handled through other units and agencies rather than the district patrol command. Representative Jenna Takenouchi then provided a legislative update, explaining that the State Legislature had just expanded the Department of Transportation’s authority to grow the speed camera pilot program and move toward a permanent program. She said she has been in contact with Department of Transportation leadership to advocate for Pali Highway as one of the next sites for a speed camera installation. She also noted that HPD has recently increased citation activity on the highway, but permanent automated enforcement would help improve consistency. Residents countered that cameras already appear to exist at some locations along Pali Highway, while the representative clarified that some roadside devices are not speed cameras but may instead be traffic sensors or other equipment. A further comment from a board member warned that any future camera program should include strong privacy protections, clear data retention rules, and avoidance of “Flock” camera systems.
Board of Water Supply: Lower Nuʻuanu Water System Improvements and Rebate Program
The Board of Water Supply representative returned to unresolved questions from the prior month regarding the Lower Nuʻuanu Water System Improvements Project, also referred to during the meeting as the WEPA project. He clarified that the project is not a “new design” but a “revised design,” and that the revision concerns the water service lateral detail and certain fittings connecting new water mains to residential water meters. The changes were made to improve corrosion protection and were based on lessons learned from other projects, operational input, and technical review. He stated that the revision was not caused by an error by engineers or architects and was unrelated to State Historic Preservation Division or Department of Planning and Permitting requirements. He also explained that the Board of Water Supply may consult suppliers and manufacturers directly for technical information, but does so through multiple suppliers and with consultant support in order to maintain fairness and identify cost-effective solutions. The representative also clarified that stream grates are not maintained by the Board of Water Supply but by the city’s Department of Facility Maintenance. He reported that there were no water main breaks in the district during the month. He also promoted the WaterSensible toilet rebate program, under which Oʻahu residents may receive up to $200 per WaterSense-labeled toilet. These toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less and can reduce water use by 20 to 60 percent, saving as much as 13,000 gallons annually.
Water Utility Concerns: Pipe Noise and Pacific Heights Tank Vegetation
Board members and residents raised several operational concerns for the Board of Water Supply. One member described loud recurring roaring sounds in and under her home on Wood Street, especially between midnight and 4:00 a.m., and asked whether changes in water flow or pressure might be causing the disturbance. The representative said he would take that location-specific complaint back for follow-up. Another board member followed up on an earlier concern about vegetation at the Pacific Heights water tank, saying the area now resembles a field of tall weeds rather than maintained grass. The representative said he would again check the status of regrowth and maintenance at the site. A resident also asked about access to dye tablets for leak detection, and the Board of Water Supply confirmed that these are available at its public service building on South Beretania Street and that the representative had also brought supplies to the meeting.
Neighborhood Board Vacancies and At-Large Seat Discussion
The board reviewed current vacancies and discussed whether vacant subdistrict seats should be converted to at-large positions. There were four vacant positions in Subdistrict 1, which covers Punchbowl, and one vacant position in Subdistrict 2, all with terms through June 2027. No candidates came forward at the meeting. The board then held a broader discussion about whether unfilled seats should remain tied to specific geographic areas or be converted to at-large seats that could be filled by residents from anywhere within Board District 12. A board member explained that at-large members represent the entire district rather than one subdistrict, and that boards may request either temporary or permanent conversion through the Neighborhood Commission. Another board member expressed concern that Papakōlea already struggles to fill seats and that converting vacancies to at-large could leave that community even less directly represented. No action was taken, but the discussion reflected an ongoing challenge in maintaining neighborhood-specific representation while also trying to fill open seats.
Nuʻuanu Valley Park Tree, Lighting, and Safety Issues
The chair reported on follow-up with the city regarding the longstanding issue of large monkeypod trees and related lighting concerns at Nuʻuanu Valley Park. According to a written response from the Department of Urban Forestry, an arborist inspected the city tree in question and concluded that no branches posed an immediate public safety threat, but that maintenance work is warranted. Routine pruning is expected to be completed by the end of July 2026, and the city hopes that trimming will improve lighting conditions in the park. The department also said tree removal is not justified at this time because the tree is not dead, dying, diseased, decayed, or otherwise unstable. The city will also coordinate with the Daughters of Hawaiʻi regarding ownership and maintenance practices for the nearby hāu tree. Resident Mike Ellis said some trimming issues have improved, but he warned that other trees still appear dangerous, especially a large monkeypod with roots visibly lifting and leaning makai near the parking lot and Weaver Road. He also described a recent treefall in the park during windy weather and continued concern about overgrown tree areas creating cover for drug use and encampments. The issue remains active, though some progress has been made.
Pacific Heights Road Erosion, Drainage, and Slope Safety Concerns
The board revisited a serious erosion problem along Pacific Heights Road near the 2400 block, following written testimony from a nearby resident concerned about worsening runoff and slope instability after recent Kona low storms. The testimony described an erosional gully and possible tension cracking above 2407 Pacific Heights Drive, raising concerns about safety for parked cars, potential added pressure on a retaining wall below, and risk to homes downhill if heavy rain continues. Board members discussed the area in detail and shared photos showing severe washout and gullies near a place where cars park. They noted that Pacific Heights lacks sidewalks there and debated whether the problem is connected to runoff from earlier Board of Water Supply work, road repaving, stormwater path changes, or a prior slope stabilization project. One member recalled that after underground work and repaving, water runoff increased because drains may have become blocked and pavement modifications altered flow patterns. Another suggested that gravel left after a nearby stabilization project may have worsened washouts during heavy rain. The board said it had asked whether the issue could qualify for a capital improvement project and plans to continue pushing the matter with the Department of Facility Maintenance or other relevant agencies until a permanent drainage and safety solution is identified.
Pacific Heights Road Trash Truck Noise Issue
A recurring complaint involving loud early-morning dumpster truck activity near 1912 Pacific Heights Road led to a review of possible enforcement options. The chair reported that the Department of Environmental Services said the matter did not fall under its jurisdiction because the issue is noise rather than permitting. The chair also noted that former Councilmember Calvin Say had introduced a bill in 2022 to restrict operating hours for private refuse companies from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., though that bill did not advance. Representative Takenouchi then said a resident had separately contacted her office and that she had been working directly with the company involved, including West Oʻahu Aggregate and other disposal operators. According to her update, the company changed its internal operations and significantly reduced the frequency of trucks arriving at around 4:00 a.m. The resident reportedly observed that the problem was no longer occurring daily and had become more manageable, limited mainly to regular morning pickup activity. Based on that update, the board agreed the matter could be removed from the agenda unless the problem returns.
Mayor’s Office Report and Storm Recovery Updates
The mayor’s representative said city departments remain heavily focused on recovery from recent Kona low storms and directed residents to the One Oʻahu recovery website for information on home damage, safety guidance, and assistance resources. Cleanup efforts remain underway across Oʻahu, especially on the North Shore, and residents may bring storm debris to city transfer stations and convenience centers open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The H-POWER facility continues to accept commercial municipal solid waste, and Waimānalo Gulch accepts residential construction debris such as dirt, rocks, and concrete. Previously planned mayor’s town halls were postponed because departments are prioritizing storm response and mitigation. The representative also highlighted the mayor’s newsletter, including the Honolulu Zoo regaining accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the State of the City address, Chinatown housing expansion, and the city’s annual sustainability report. During questions, residents raised several issues for city follow-up, including a traffic sign on Puʻupaka Drive that rotated in softened ground after the storms, the unresolved jurisdictional question of duck protection in Nuʻuanu, poor conditions in the restrooms at Nuʻuanu Valley Park, and feral chicken problems around Booth Park.
Nuʻuanu Valley Park Restroom Conditions
Resident Mike Ellis described the restrooms at Nuʻuanu Valley Park, especially the men’s side, as a serious health and usability problem. He said the restroom is dirty, foul-smelling, poorly maintained, and sometimes lacks toilet paper, making it unacceptable for families and community groups using the park. He noted that a church group that traditionally holds Easter activities there was disturbed by the condition, particularly because children using the nearby playground have no other public restroom option. The mayor’s representative said the Department of Parks and Recreation had already been made aware of the issue but had not yet responded, and she agreed to report the concern again. The discussion underscored broader concerns about routine park maintenance and whether basic facilities are being kept at a usable standard for neighborhood recreation.
Feral Chickens and Possible Disease at Booth Park
A board member raised concerns about dead feral chickens appearing around Booth Park, saying the pattern resembles the previous year’s outbreak that dramatically reduced the local feral chicken population. He reported picking up three dead chickens from the roadside and suggested there may again be a virus affecting the birds. The mayor’s representative said the city’s feral chicken mitigation program remains active. On city property, the city can send a contractor to assess the site, set and monitor traps, and remove chickens. On private property, the city can still help coordinate removal with a subsidy to offset costs. The member said the live chicken population has expanded again this spring, while dead birds suggest another disease outbreak may be underway. Another board member added that people appear to be feeding chickens near the park and warned that feeding contributes to the problem. She also urged proper disposal of dead birds using gloves and trash bags, especially around areas used by children.
City Council Office Report: Budget Priorities, Preparedness Fair, and Graffiti Reporting
A representative from Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s office said the council is in budget season and highlighted two amendments submitted by the office: funding for 10 additional prosecutors to reduce case backlogs and restoration of $2 million for the Office of Economic Revitalization to support small businesses and quality-of-life initiatives. The office also promoted a free Kūpuna Preparedness Fair scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, at Hāle Wailāʻau in Chinatown, intended to connect seniors, families, and caregivers with emergency preparedness information and services. The office also provided an update that a Pacific Heights Road rockslide mitigation improvement project had advanced from “out to bid” to “pending award,” although the exact address for the site still needed to be confirmed. On graffiti, the office reminded the board that HPD operates a graffiti hotline and website through its Community Affairs Division so residents can report graffiti on public or private property for district follow-up.
Governor’s Office Report: State Storm Response and Quality of Life Survey
The governor’s representative shared highlights from the state newsletter, especially the State of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi National Guard’s response to the recent Kona low storms. Those efforts included rescues, evacuations, clean water distribution, debris removal, road repairs, and disaster recovery support. The newsletter also includes links to state disaster assistance programs such as emergency tax relief, insurance claim assistance, case management, and health and infrastructure support. The representative also announced the launch of the 2026 Hawaiʻi Quality of Life Survey by the University of Hawaiʻi and the Office of Wellness and Resilience. The survey is designed to collect public input on health, cost of living, education, and well-being to inform future policy decisions. During questions, the board again raised concerns about the Hawaiian duck population in Nuʻuanu streams and near Pelikani. The governor’s representative said the last update from the Department of Land and Natural Resources was that its primary conservation effort remains focused on Kauaʻi’s purebred koloa population, with future reintroduction to other islands still in pilot stages. She agreed to seek an updated response.
State Legislative Report: Tree Removal Funding, School Projects, and Summer Meals
Representative Jenna Takenouchi gave a legislative update after the close of the 2026 session and highlighted several district-specific appropriations. She announced $175,000 for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract for removal of dangerous trees on state land adjoining residential property, an issue she said became urgent after a tree that had been awaiting removal fell on a home during the recent storms. She also reported that Kūlia Nā Mamo O Pāpakōlea, a Native Hawaiian-serving organization in Pāpakōlea affected by federal funding cuts, received $750,000 in state operating support. Nearby public schools also received targeted funding. Kūhiōnui? No—based on the transcript, Kawaiahaʻo? Actually the named schools were clearly identified as Kauluwela area schools: Kūlanihakoi was not mentioned. The schools named were Kawananakoa Middle School, which received $1.1 million for a security fence; Nuʻuanu Elementary School, which received $1.1 million for air conditioning replacement and re-roofing covered walkways; and Pauoa Elementary School, which received $605,000 for ceiling fan replacements and railing maintenance. She also reminded residents that the Department of Education’s summer meals program will run from June 9 through July 17, excluding holidays, and will offer free breakfast from 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. to noon for anyone age 18 or younger at participating schools, regardless of where the student is enrolled. She identified nearby participating schools including Maʻemaʻe Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Kaʻuluwela Elementary, Keʻelikōlani Middle, Stevenson Middle, and Roosevelt High.
Draft Minutes Deferred After Quorum Was Lost
When the board reached the agenda item to approve the February 17 and April 21, 2026 draft meeting minutes, the Neighborhood Assistant informed the chair that the board had lost quorum. As a result, no formal approval could occur, and both sets of minutes were deferred to a future meeting. This was one of the few agenda items directly affected by reduced attendance late in the meeting.
Presentation on Proposed Church Property at 322 Oahu Avenue/Wailimu Street Area
A representative of the District of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga in America presented plans related to tax map key 2-2-13:54 at 322 Owaiolimu Street, a property near the Chinese cemetery by Punchbowl. The organization is based in California but has congregations in Honolulu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. In Honolulu, it currently rents multiple facilities for worship and related activities. The representative explained that the church had initially considered using the property as a meeting or community facility for midweek services, choir practice, youth fellowships, and church functions. After visiting the site, however, she now believes the property is better suited as a parsonage, meaning a residence for the minister serving the Honolulu congregation. She said the church still wanted community feedback on both the immediate residential use and the possibility of a future community-center type use, though no such use is imminent. She acknowledged that a meeting facility would require extensive permits, studies, cost analysis, and likely parking solutions. During discussion, board members and residents raised significant concerns about access and parking. The site appears to rely on a route associated with the adjacent cemetery, and the representative acknowledged that access and parking arrangements would need formal agreement. Questions were also raised about whether the R-5 zoning description truly permits five units on the site and about the sensitivity of building or expanding activity next to a historic cemetery. No action was taken, but one board member said the proposed parsonage use seemed appropriate, while others emphasized that any future assembly use would need much closer examination.
Pali Highway Transportation Project and Punchbowl Cesspools Project
Under board business, the chair noted there was no update available on the Pali Highway Transportation Project because the invited project representative did not respond. The chair said the board would continue trying to reach staff and would keep the item on a future agenda. There was also no report on the Punchbowl Cesspools Project because the vice chair, who normally reports on that issue, was absent. Both items remain active but unresolved.
Oʻahu Water and Streams Committee Announcement
Before adjournment, a board member announced that the Oʻahu Water and Streams Committee would meet that Thursday at 5:00 p.m. at Queen Emma Summer Palace. She invited board members and residents interested in streams, water systems, and watershed history to attend, noting that the meeting would also include a free tour of the Summer Palace. The announcement linked the committee’s work to longstanding neighborhood concerns about stream health, irrigation channels, and stewardship of Nuʻuanu’s water resources.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m. The next regular meeting was announced for June 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.