No 21 Pearl City Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting October 2025
Pearl City Neighborhood Board Meeting
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
The meeting began with an HFD representative providing statistics for September 2025. There were two structure fires, one wildfire, two nuisance fires, one cooking fire, and four activated alarms that did not result in any fire. Emergency responses included 131 medical calls, three motor vehicle collisions, and one mountain rescue. HFD explained that a nuisance fire is classified as an outdoor rubbish fire that does not involve a building or vehicle. The representative then offered a safety tip based on seasonal decorations, advising residents to use fire-resistant or non-combustible materials, select only Underwriters Laboratories-approved electrical decorations, follow the manufacturers’ instructions, keep lighters and matches away from children, and never leave candles unattended. Board members asked a few clarifying questions, but no community members had further concerns regarding HFD’s report.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
A lieutenant from HPD presented crime statistics for September 2025 compared to August. Motor vehicle thefts rose from 7 to 13, burglaries decreased slightly from 7 to 6, thefts dropped from 27 to 23, and car break-ins went from 5 to 4. HPD responded to 1,456 calls for service during September in the Pearl City area. The lieutenant highlighted Chief Vanek’s annual community survey, which will gather public input on experiences with HPD and perceptions of safety. The survey runs November 1 through November 30, 2025, and can be accessed via a QR code provided at the meeting.
Board members commended Pearl City for being recognized in a national “Safest Cities” report and thanked HPD for its role in aiding that achievement. However, attendees also noted ongoing burglaries and reminded everyone to remain vigilant. Some board members asked about the broken mobile speed trailer, and HPD explained that the equipment was still awaiting a replacement part, with plans to borrow from another district if possible. The board expressed interest in acquiring an additional speed trailer. A community concern was raised about a large semi-truck blocking road access, and HPD indicated it would look into traffic enforcement to address that issue.
Presentation on Homeless Services and Housing Solutions
The Director of Homeless Solutions for the City and County of Honolulu gave an overview of current strategies to reduce homelessness. The nature of homelessness has shifted in recent years due to legal developments, including court decisions affecting sit-lie ordinances and anti-camping laws. The city aims to reduce homelessness by helping 1,000 individuals per month transition off the streets into shelters or supportive programs and then into more permanent solutions. The director described a “market segmentation” approach that offers different types of shelter beds and services rather than a single, one-size-fits-all method.
Specific programs include HONU (Homeless Outreach and Navigation), a mobile service that sets up temporary tents and averages nine days of stay before residents are transitioned to other shelters. Other services featured were detox facilities, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, family shelters, and specialized medical respite housing that assists those recovering from serious ailments like cancer or kidney disease. Questions focused on tracking homeless individuals, deterring repeated entries into homelessness, funding for out-of-state residents who come to Hawaii, and ongoing improvements to wraparound services. The Director emphasized collaboration with local service providers and case management programs to prevent people from returning to unsheltered status.
Transportation and Traffic Concerns
An extended discussion centered on new traffic patterns near Sam’s Club on Kamehameha Highway, where a bus-only U-turn had been installed. Community members reported confusion and potential safety hazards as vehicles merge from different directions without clear right-of-way signage. Residents expressed worry about speeding and congestion, noting that accident risks have increased. Both the State Department of Transportation (DOT) and city officials acknowledged the traffic buildup along Acacia Road and pledged to review signage, consider installing temporary electronic boards, and coordinate with HPD for enforcement. Questions also arose about homeless encampments near the transit station, and DOT confirmed that multiple agencies, including the police and community services, would conduct simultaneous site checks and enforcement actions when possible.
Proposed Design for a Dog Park at Blaisdell Park
Students and their teacher from Pearl City High School’s architectural design program presented their initial concepts for a proposed dog park. Their first plan featured a fenced, bone-shaped area subdivided for small and large dogs, along with double-gate entries, benches, water fountains, trash bins, and optional covered bleachers for dog shows. After consultations with professional architects, the students revised their design to reduce costs and protect tree roots, centralize the water source, and consider simpler dog play equipment. They estimated a preliminary cost of about $28,000 (excluding installation and utility work) and welcomed board feedback. The board commended the students’ comprehensive work and suggested that future committees refine the designs for potential construction with newly allocated city funds.
Board Resolutions and Legislative Priorities
The board voted on several new resolutions aligned with community safety, governance, and legislative advocacy. First, members approved the updated Legislative Priorities for 2023–2025, an expanded document that tracks ongoing projects and newly proposed initiatives such as safe route plans, e-bike regulations, funding for a Pearl City swimming pool facility, rockfall hazard mitigation, and additional youth and park programs.
Another resolution focused on recommending revised Honolulu City Charter amendments to strengthen the Neighborhood Commission. The board also passed a measure urging the Hawaii State Legislature and Honolulu City Council to improve oversight and enforcement of e-bikes and e-scooters, given the rise in accidents and unsafe driving behavior. Proposals include stronger registration requirements, possible impoundments, stricter fines for violations, and clearer guidelines for safe speed limits.
Planning for Emergency Disaster Preparedness
In place of its regular November meeting, the board agreed to hold a special session on November 25, 2025, at Pearl Ridge Elementary School. Other neighboring boards will join to hear from emergency management organizations such as the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, and local experts. The goal is to identify resources, gaps in preparedness (including shelter capacity), and strategies for better community resilience in events like hurricanes and wildfires. The board aims to collect data from the forum and develop a subsequent resolution urging improvements in local emergency shelter standards and community disaster protocols.
Additional Community Updates
Elected officials at the state level discussed anticipated federal funding challenges due to the government shutdown. Representatives highlighted potential impacts on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and described state-level plans to bridge shortfalls temporarily through alternative funds. Legislators also reported on community events, such as the Pearl City library’s book sale and trunk-or-treat activities for families. Library representatives detailed upcoming closures for holidays, newly launched technology assistance services, and events honoring Nisei veterans. Residents were encouraged to participate in local Neighborhood Security Watch initiatives, including the one revitalizing in the Manana area. Throughout the meeting, government agencies and attendees continued emphasizing the importance of preserving community safety, infrastructure, and quality of life in Pearl City.
The board concluded by confirming that it would recess in December and reconvene for a regular session in January 2026. The meeting adjourned with thanks extended to all presenters, officials, and community members.