No 12 Nuʻuanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting July 2026
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12 Nuuanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board Meeting – July 22, 2026
Call to Order, Attendance, and Lack of Quorum
The regular meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. Following initial audio difficulties, Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi conducted the roll call. Seven members were present, one short of the eight required for quorum; Larry Smith, Sylvia Young, and Paula Kurashige were identified as absent. Because the board lacked quorum, it could receive reports and discuss community matters but could not vote, approve minutes, or conduct the election of officers for the July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 term. The chair reminded presenters and participants of the meeting’s time limits for reports, board comments, and public testimony. The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.; at adjournment, the chair referred to the date as July 21, although the meeting title and agenda identify it as the July 22 meeting.
Honolulu Fire Department Activity and Hiking Safety
Firefighter III Emil Mitter of Nuʻuanu Fire Station 25 reported a relatively quiet June 2026. The station responded to three activated fire alarms with no actual fires, 33 medical emergencies, one hazardous-materials incident, and one mountain rescue. In response to the popularity of summer hiking in the Nuʻuanu area, the Fire Department emphasized choosing an official trail appropriate to one’s ability and stamina, checking weather and recent rainfall conditions, remaining on marked routes, and never risking a fall or injury for a photograph or social-media post. Hikers were encouraged to travel with a companion, tell family members the exact trail and expected return time, begin early enough to finish before dark, and call for assistance promptly when in danger. Residents may consult hawaiitrails.org or contact Fire Station 25 for information about official trails and hiking conditions.
District 5 Crime Statistics and Vehicle-Break-In Prevention
Sergeant Cruz presented District 5’s June statistics: three aggravated assaults, two auto thefts, two burglaries, no robberies, no sexual assaults, three simple assaults, 10 thefts, and 10 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, or car break-ins. Although overall incidents were reported as down by 12, car break-ins in the Nuʻuanu area had increased, prompting additional plain or low-visibility patrols without illuminated blue “pilot” lights. Residents were advised not to leave anything visible inside vehicles, including sunglasses, backpacks, reusable shopping bags, Bible cases, or other containers that might appear to hold valuables. Sergeant Cruz also advised people approaching their cars alone, particularly at night or at gas stations, to press the remote unlock button only once so that only the driver’s door opens rather than unlocking every door.
Proposed Police Drone Pilot Program
Districts 1 and 5 have received approval from Police Chief David Lazar to begin developing a joint drone pilot program. The neighboring districts were selected because they share a boundary and regularly coordinate operations. Sergeant Cruz said the program remains in an early stage: drones have not yet been procured, operating policies are still being written, legal issues are being reviewed with the prosecutor’s office, and only specially selected and trained officers are expected to operate the equipment. The intended uses include following a fleeing suspect during a pursuit or searching for a particular person rather than conducting indiscriminate surveillance. Board Member Patrick Smith requested a publicly available policy addressing access to footage, data retention, storage, authorized uses, and privacy safeguards. The chair additionally asked how police drones would be distinguishable from privately owned drones and stressed that recordings should avoid retaining images of uninvolved members of the public. Sergeant Cruz agreed to relay these concerns to the department and noted that drone markings, procurement details, and final operating rules had not yet been determined.
District 1 Police Activity
After resolving microphone problems later in the meeting, Sergeant Brian Sakiya delivered District 1’s June report. Motor-vehicle thefts declined from eight in the previous month to four, burglaries declined from two to zero, assaults fell from one to zero, and vehicle collisions decreased from 23 to 16. Theft cases increased from three to five, while unauthorized entries into motor vehicles rose from zero to four. There were no reported sexual assaults, graffiti incidents, or drug offenses in June; the previous month had included one drug offense. Total calls for service fell from 549 in May to 529 in June, a decrease of 20 calls.
Board of Water Supply System Improvements
Board of Water Supply representative Jimmy Janos reported continued progress on the Dowsett and Weʻewa water-system improvements project. Approval from the State Historic Preservation Division had already been received, and BWS revised its service-lateral design to improve corrosion protection and reduce the likelihood of leaks and water-main breaks while avoiding modifications to the cathodic-protection system. Because this is a new BWS design approach, the agency confirmed component compatibility and sought technical input from suppliers, manufacturers, and consultants. BWS is coordinating a proposed change order with the contractor and anticipates construction beginning by September 2026, barring unforeseen circumstances. Member Hidano requested that future reports state the date on which historic-preservation approval was obtained and asked BWS to confirm the status of the change order before work begins. No water-main breaks were reported in June.
Drought-Tolerant Plant Sale
BWS announced its 2026 Annual Unthirsty Plant Sale at Hālawa Xeriscape Garden, 99-1268 Iwaena Street, scheduled for Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The three-acre garden displays drought-tolerant and native plants in Hālawa Valley’s Central Park Industrial Area. Admission and a shuttle from Iwaena Street are free, while purchases are by credit card only. The family event was expected to feature xeric plants from local vendors, advice from the University of Hawaiʻi Master Gardener Program, rain-barrel catchment information, and free soil conditioner.
Board Vacancies, Officer Elections, and Minutes
The board reported four vacancies in Subdistrict 1, covering the Punchbowl area, and one vacancy in Subdistrict 2, with appointments lasting through June 2027. Members were urged to recruit neighbors because persistent vacancies and absences make it difficult to reach quorum and take formal action. The election of officers for the new term remained pending, as did approval of meeting minutes, because only seven members were present. The board planned to retain these matters for a future agenda when at least eight members attend.
Papakōlea and Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Updates
No Papakōlea community update was available because the expected community reporter was absent, so the item will remain on the agenda. The chair had attended the Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting and placed its newsletter on the board’s shared drive. The meeting largely involved routine business and the introduction of summer interns; no new transportation projects or major neighborhood developments were reported.
Nuʻuanu Valley Park Lighting, Trees, and Property Map
The requested conversion of Nuʻuanu Valley Park pathway lighting from high-pressure sodium fixtures to LEDs remains a capital-improvement project, with no new schedule provided. Parks personnel were expected to trim the parking-lot trees and a hau tree along the property boundary by the end of July if the work had not already occurred. A map showing the boundaries of the park and Queen Emma Summer Palace property had been sent to resident Mike Ellis, resolving that specific information request, and the map item was not expected to remain on the agenda.
Nuʻuanu Valley Park Restroom Renovation
Mayor’s representative Kim Hashiro reported that Parks and Recreation staff pressure-washed, scrubbed, and scraped the Nuʻuanu Valley Park restroom. Despite the deep cleaning, the aging comfort station continued to look dirty and worn because of stained tile and flooring. Fencing was installed around the building on July 16, and a makeover began July 17. The work will replace fixtures, partitions, tile, and flooring and is expected to take approximately two months. The restroom will remain closed throughout construction.
Pacific Heights Road Drainage Repair
The board had no new update concerning the unresolved sidewalk and drainage problem near 2502–2424 Pacific Heights Road, initially raised by resident Beatrice Poo. The board continued to seek information on when the Department of Facility Maintenance or another responsible city agency would repair the area, which residents consider unsightly and potentially problematic. The mayor’s representative agreed to follow up on the repair schedule.
ʻŌhai Lane Sign, Unpermitted Concrete, and Flooding Concern
Resident Peter Lee reported that an ʻŌhai Lane street sign was removed during nearby housing renovations and was never replaced. He also alleged that a renovated property now contains five houses where an earlier state plan showed four, and that approximately five truckloads of concrete were poured throughout the site without a building permit. According to Lee, removal of a small wall and the extensive new paving changed stormwater flow from the Pali Highway area, causing runoff to enter and flood his adjacent yard. Although a building inspector reportedly told him the work was legal, Lee questioned whether the volume of concrete and resulting drainage diversion complied with city rules. The board said it would ask the city to investigate replacement of the street sign and refer the possible building, permitting, and drainage issues to the Department of Planning and Permitting. Member Smith specifically asked the city to explain regulations and possible homeowner responsibility when construction substantially diverts water onto neighboring property.
ʻĀlika Avenue Stream Grate and Duck Safety
The board retained a concern involving a stream grate near 3148 ʻĀlika Avenue, where hybrid ducks and ducklings may fall through, be swept away, or be killed while crossing the roadway. The matter had been raised by absent Member Paula Kurashige on behalf of neighbors. The board hoped city or state representatives could determine which agency is responsible and whether the grate can be altered to prevent small ducklings from falling through. Member Smith suggested that future discussion initiated by a board member should be listed under board business rather than community concerns.
Pali Highway Vegetation and Utility-Pole Tree
Member Hidano thanked the responsible agency or work crew for quickly clearing grass and overgrown hedges from the Diamond Head-side sidewalk along Pali Highway between the town-side Dowsett Avenue intersection and Wood Street. The vegetation had obstructed pedestrians, and the prompt work restored the walkway. A separate concern remains unresolved near Pali Highway and Wood Street, where a large tree is growing from or immediately around a utility pole, raising concern about damage or a possible pole failure. A photograph was shown, and members recommended reporting the condition through the Honolulu 311 application, which allows users to submit photographs and GPS locations. The mayor’s representative also recorded the issue for follow-up.
City Administration and Public-Service Updates
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s newsletter included coordinated efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, the appointment of former Smithsonian National Zoo director John Berry as Honolulu Zoo director, and leadership changes in the managing director’s office. Former Deputy Managing Director Krishna Jayaram became managing director-designate, and former mayoral communications deputy Ian Scheuring became deputy managing director. Other city updates included enclosed trash receptacles in Waikīkī, major infrastructure improvements in Kailua, and a Travel + Leisure ranking placing Honolulu among the leading U.S. public-transportation systems. Hashiro agreed to follow up on the park LED-lighting project, Pacific Heights drainage repair, the missing ʻŌhai Lane sign, the Pali Highway utility-pole tree, and the drainage and permitting questions raised by Lee.
Lower School-Zone Speed Limits
The Department of Transportation Services has lowered, or is in the process of lowering, school-zone speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph on school days between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The city will also install or replace school-zone signs within 1,000 feet of schools when signs are missing, faded, or fail to meet current federal standards. The mayor’s office planned to provide a contact address for public feedback on the sign and speed-limit changes.
City Energy Costs and Household Assistance Programs
Council Member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s office reported that he introduced Resolution 26-158, requesting an assessment of how rising electricity and fuel prices affect city operations. The review would identify vulnerabilities and potential efficiency measures affecting transportation, emergency response, wastewater services, road maintenance, and the city budget. His office also highlighted assistance available as sewer fees and bus fares rise. The Department of Environmental Services CARES program offers credits to eligible residential sewer customers, with applications open through October 31, 2026. The city’s low-income transit program provides eligible households with HOLO fares of $1.25 per ride, a $3 daily cap, a $20 monthly cap, and a $45 annual prepaid fare.
Catch Basin, Tree Trimming, and Complete Streets
The council office requested inspection and repair of a catch basin with exposed rebar at the Diamond Head corner of Pali Highway and Puʻiwa Road. It is also coordinating with the Department of Parks and Recreation’s urban forestry staff and the Department of Land and Natural Resources to trim overgrown trees with heavy branches along Nuʻuanu Avenue between Pauoa and Bates streets. Member Smith asked the council member to determine the status of the long-delayed Nuʻuanu complete-streets work, particularly a promised crosswalk at Bates Street. Earlier temporary paving reportedly removed the ability to retain the former crosswalk under federal requirements, and the city had discussed repaving the roadway and installing a new crossing with a pedestrian refuge or center divider. Representative Jenna Takenouchi later said the Bates Street crossing remains planned and is expected to include a left-turn lane, although it may still take time to reach bidding and construction.
Pauoa–Pali Highway Encampment
Member Easley reported that an encampment has reappeared and is expanding near the ramp from the Pauoa gas-station area to the town-bound Pali Highway. She observed people using a small hibachi and noted mopeds frequently parked there. The location had previously been cleared, but conditions were again worsening. Council Member Dos Santos-Tam’s office recorded the concern for follow-up.
State Wildfire Preparedness
Governor Josh Green’s representative, Taylor Stetzler, announced Operation Hoʻopauahi 2026 in preparation for Hawaiʻi’s dry season. Under the governor’s emergency proclamation, Hawaiʻi National Guard helicopters and firefighting equipment can be pre-positioned around the islands so crews can respond within one hour of a request. The prior year’s operation assisted with four major wildfires and dropped more than 280,000 gallons of water.
State Financial-System Modernization and Trauma-Informed Service
The state is replacing its aging financial-data infrastructure with a new enterprise financial system. The Department of Accounting and General Services described the undertaking as one of Hawaiʻi’s most significant government-modernization projects, affecting payroll, tax refunds, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, federal grants, and other state financial functions. The Office of Wellness and Resilience has also created trauma-informed-care training to help employees understand how trauma can affect interactions with government. The training is available to nearly all executive-branch employees, with possible future expansion to other agencies and community organizations.
Election Deadlines and Voting Procedures
Senator Karl Rhoads reviewed the 2026 election calendar. Primary-election ballots should have arrived by July 22, and voters needing a ballot mailed to another address could request an absentee ballot by August 1. Primary ballots must be received—not merely postmarked—by 7 p.m. on August 8, or voters must be in line at a voter-service center by that time. The general election is November 3, with ballots expected by October 16. Residents may return ballots by mail, use official drop boxes, or vote at service centers open during the 10 business days before an election. For many Senate District 13 residents, Honolulu Hale is the nearest drop box and voter-service center. Voters can use elections.hawaii.gov to sign up for notifications and confirm receipt and processing of their ballots. Rhoads advised using a drop box or voting in person when fewer than seven days remain. Resident Lee questioned the security, cost, and auditability of mail and electronic voting, while Rhoads responded that Hawaiʻi retains paper ballots for recounts, conducts regular audits, and may save costs by avoiding the operation of numerous polling places.
COVID-19 and Wastewater Monitoring
Senator Rhoads reported that COVID-19 activity had again reached a high-risk level, while influenza A and B remained low. He advised older adults and people with underlying health conditions to consult their physicians about vaccination. Residents may review viral trends at wastewaterscan.org, which measures viral material in wastewater and provides community-level disease information without identifying individuals. Rhoads cautioned that COVID-19 can still cause severe illness and long-term complications.
State Capital Funding for Housing and Schools
Fiscal year 2027 appropriations affecting the area include $40 million for the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to support affordable housing and associated infrastructure, $605,000 for maintenance at Pauoa Elementary School, and $1.1 million for maintenance at Nuʻuanu Elementary School. Senator Rhoads credited Representative Takenouchi’s position on the House Finance Committee as likely helpful in securing the school appropriations.
Neighborhood Board Quorum Legislation
Member Smith asked about Senate Bill 2397, which modifies state law governing neighborhood board quorum requirements and is expected to take effect January 1, 2027. Smith was concerned that conference-committee amendments may have left the practical situation unchanged by allowing boards to meet without quorum while still prohibiting votes. Senator Rhoads, who participated in conference but was not the lead negotiator, believed the measure had accomplished its purpose but agreed to review the final language and discuss the matter separately. Representative Takenouchi also understood the legislation to have addressed the quorum problem.
E-Bike and E-Scooter Regulation
Representative Takenouchi reported that the governor signed new statewide e-bike legislation. The law requires minors to wear helmets, clarifies where e-bikes and e-scooters may operate, updates registration requirements, and establishes technical definitions based on factors such as speed and motor specifications. The legislation particularly targets high-speed devices associated with injuries among young riders. The Honolulu City Council is considering how to align city rules with the new state framework.
Senior Affordable Housing on School Street
Applications are being accepted for the first phase of a Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority senior rental project at Lanikila Avenue and School Street. Phase one will provide 250 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, all designed to be accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Eligibility is generally limited to households earning up to 60% of area median income, with anticipated rents ranging from approximately $734 to $2,000 depending on household income and unit type. The development is intended to provide affordable senior housing with connections to senior-center and mixed-use services.
Conservation Grants and Aging Survey
DLNR is making Green Fee-related grant funding available for qualifying restoration, conservation, and reforestation projects. Representative Takenouchi also promoted a Department of Health Executive Office on Aging survey open through August 25. The survey seeks information on service gaps and barriers experienced by kūpuna and family caregivers, particularly resources needed to help older adults remain in their homes and communities. The results are expected to inform future legislative funding decisions.
AT&T Facility at 275 Waialimu Street
Ashley May of Centerline Communications presented AT&T Mobility’s proposed telecommunications installation at the Kamahalo Apartments, 275 Waialimu Street, between the Punchbowl and Pauoa areas. The parcel contains two apartment buildings, with T-Mobile equipment already installed on the lower building. AT&T proposes placing six antennas and 12 radios on the upper building, concealed within radio-frequency-compatible screening that will appear from surrounding streets as a box-like rooftop structure. May said the property owner has executed a lease, notice letters were distributed, and the owner reported informing residents. The proposal requires an additional-use permit from the Department of Planning and Permitting. No formal board action could be taken because of the lack of quorum.
Pali Highway Crosswalk and Safety Projects
No Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation representative attended, but agency representative Ed Nakata indicated that he expects to attend the August meeting or provide written updates. Pending matters include noise associated with the Wood Street crosswalk, a reported four-inch-high curb trip hazard at Pali Highway and Wood Street, and a request for flashing crosswalk beacons. Resident Mark Oyama said he had recently contacted an HDOT specialty team concerning the crosswalk issue and hoped coordinated inquiries from residents and the board would produce a response.
Traffic Delineators and Highway Resurfacing
HDOT recently replaced damaged plastic traffic delineators along Pali Highway after the chair submitted a request. Vehicles continue to strike and tear off the posts. The agency has changed from a thick mounting base to a lower-profile design intended to reduce the chance of vehicle damage when the upright post is missing. The board thanked HDOT for responding quickly but noted that ongoing maintenance will be necessary. An update also remains pending on ADA compliance associated with the Pali Highway resurfacing project.
Pali Highway Rockfall Project
The board continues to await information on the Pali Highway rockfall-safety project near 2004 Pacific Heights Road and the on-ramp by the gas station. Nakata may have an update in August. The board planned either to receive a written status report or hear directly from HDOT at its next meeting.
Punchbowl Cesspools and Sewer Extension
The board discussed Act 204, derived from Bill 1616, which establishes a revolving loan fund to help homeowners replace cesspools with approved wastewater systems. Eligible loans may provide up to $20,000, but Member Mike Lum said that amount is inadequate for homes on the rocky slopes of Punchbowl, where excavation for septic tanks can be difficult and expensive. One neighbor reportedly spent nearly $100,000 on a conversion. Fewer than 20 homes near the 2100 block of Puhawaina Drive, across from the National Memorial Cemetery visitor center, still rely on cesspools. Lum argued that extending the municipal sewer line to approximately 18–20 houses would be more effective and less costly to homeowners than requiring individual septic systems. Funding and studies for a possible extension have been discussed periodically since 1975, and former Council Member Carol Fukunaga previously secured funding, but the project has not advanced. All cesspools must be closed or converted by 2050 under the applicable mandate. The board suggested renewing discussions with the current council member and legislative delegation.
Community Engagement and Board Information
Police Chief David Lazar scheduled a community engagement session for August 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Koʻolau Ballrooms, 45-550 Kionaole Road in Kāneʻohe, with access through Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden. Participants were asked to RSVP by July 31. Board members were also encouraged to review or create their online biographies and submit updated photographs to the Neighborhood Commission Office.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular board meeting was announced for August 18, 2026. The chair emphasized the need for at least eight members to attend so the board can elect officers, approve minutes, and resume formal voting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.