No 06 Pālolo Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting December 2025
December Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Meeting
Honolulu Fire Department Report
Captain Kehau Lau from the Pololo Fire Station reported that in November 2025 there were two nuisance fires and two activated alarms in the area, along with 28 medical emergencies, two motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians, and five other motor vehicle collisions. The department hopes these numbers do not increase during the holiday season. The captain reiterated December fire safety tips involving dried holiday trees and wreaths, which pose a significant fire risk if not disposed of properly and in a timely manner. Residents were also urged to leave fireworks to the professionals or use permitted firecrackers only, guided by official instructions at firesafehonolulu.com. One board member recounted an incident of heavy smoke observed over Thanksgiving, which was later discovered to be caused by an imu or luau fire. The Fire Department explained that permission must be obtained for such fires and dispatch is notified to differentiate planned events from emergencies.
Honolulu Police Department Report
Lieutenant Taro Nakamura shared November crime statistics, noting six motor vehicle thefts (down from eight the previous month), five burglaries (down from seven), nine thefts (down from 17), and four thefts from autos (up from two). HPD received a total of 5,540 calls for service in the district. The lieutenant highlighted holiday safety concerns, urging drivers to remain patient and observant during increased congestion. Shoppers were advised to conceal valuables or use trunks when parking to deter theft. A community member raised ongoing concerns about speeding on 10th Avenue near the Palolo Chinese Home, specifically around a sharp curve posted at 15 mph. Police encouraged the resident to call 911 if wanting an officer to monitor the area’s speed or discuss adding signage. The lieutenant added that community policing could work on an educational sign-waving initiative, and any permanent signage changes would be addressed by the city’s roadway division.
Board of Water Supply Update
Board of Water Supply representative Dominic mentioned no main breaks were reported in November. The conclusion of the Waimanalo Homestead Road 8-inch Waterline Project is pending final chlorination and connection, with all repaving essentially complete. The Palolo Water Systems Part 3 project will not begin until the Waimanalo work is fully finished. Residents were reminded to remain vigilant against scams, as the Board of Water Supply will never request payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or nonstandard methods. Employees also only contact residents during normal business hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and always wear official gear with proper identification. One resident asked about the installation of a new fire hydrant on 10th Avenue near Makanu Place, which will be part of the upcoming Palolo Water Systems project. Dominic assured the board that he would provide updates once schedules and phases are firmly set.
Board Business
The board discussed approving the meeting notes, and members swiftly moved to adopt them. Vacancies for one at-large seat, one subdistrict one seat, and two subdistrict two seats were announced, with no immediate volunteers coming forward in person or online. The board reminded attendees that those interested should come forward or speak to the board staff.
Resident and Community Concerns
A resident named Liz Totola raised serious concerns over the proliferation of new cell towers, emphasizing fears that 5G and millimeter wave technologies may pose health risks and contribute to vegetation damage. She noted an increase in reported side effects such as headaches, anxiety, and hair loss, and cited instances where trees lose leaves near strong radiofrequency sources. She urged the board to consider a resolution against federal legislation she believes would further deregulate tower and antenna placement without sufficient environmental review. Additionally, she expressed worry over HECO’s grid capacity and the possibility of dirty electricity as solar panels and electric vehicle usage rise.
Another resident, Joanne, reported ongoing issues with albizia and dense overgrowth on a forest reserve behind Narcissus Street, as well as a cement canal that remains uncleared. Multiple city agencies have taken up and then deferred responsibility over the years, including the Board of Water Supply and the Department of Parks and Recreation. The most recent update noted that DPR is researching safe methods for pruning and removal, especially since the location presents vehicular access challenges. Residents remain concerned that winter rains could exacerbate any flood risk.
Some members also repeated longstanding sidewalk concerns along 10th Avenue, specifically where the fencing and path are incomplete near a ravine. They described it as a hazard for pedestrians and asked for clarification on which department will address it. Officials noted that sidewalk upkeep is a municipal function, though resolution often entails coordination with both city departments and landowners.
Elected Officials’ Reports
City Council Member Scott Nishimoto’s representative, Kylie, informed the board that the city’s Department of Design and Construction had not yet received the design plans for the long-awaited court lighting project, although a draft contract has been processed. She confirmed continuing contact with DPR regarding the albizia and canal overgrowth issue behind Narcissus Street, acknowledging resident frustrations and promising to request a fresh status report. Kylie also thanked community members who participated in the recent Kaimukī parade.
Governor Josh Green’s representative, Kealii, briefly confirmed that federal SNAP benefits continue without interruption. She noted that the governor’s office would look into questions around radiation and the electrical grid but did not have immediate data or a monitoring framework to share. She offered to follow up with more detail at a future meeting.
State Senator Les Ihara visited in person, introducing new staff and explaining that state legislators reconvene on January 21. He pointed out that 5G regulations largely fall under federal purview, yet the state may look into any concurrent health implications. He also clarified that sidewalk maintenance belongs to the city, although agencies often coordinate on state land boundaries.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
With January designated as a recess, the board announced its next regular meeting will be held on the second Wednesday of February. Members and attendees extended holiday greetings and reiterated shared commitments to addressing these open issues when the board reconvenes. The meeting was then adjourned.