No 03 Waiʻalae Kāhala Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting February 2026
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3 Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board Meeting – February 20, 2026
Honolulu Police Department Update
Lieutenant Miura provided crime statistics for the previous month, noting six motor vehicle thefts, four burglaries, ten thefts, and six unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, all amounting to 5,804 total calls for service in the district. He reminded residents of flash flood safety and the importance of properly stocking a 14-day disaster kit with water, medications, and first aid provisions. Meeting attendees sought clarification on whether concealed-carry legislation had increased gun incidents, but Lieutenant Miura reported no discernable rise in such crimes based on his observations. Questions also arose regarding how the police handle the thousands of monthly calls, prompting Lieutenant Miura to explain that, although no AI system is currently in use, HPD employs a call center for simpler reports and dispatches officers for more complex incidents.
Board of Water Supply Report
Ms. Lorna from the Board of Water Supply announced that there were no main breaks in the past month. She shared details of the 2026 poster and poetry contest, which encourages water conservation awareness among youth. Entries for the poster contest (open to grades K–6) and poetry contest (open to grades 7–12) are due by February 27, with the theme “Everyday Conservation.” Board members commended the Board of Water Supply’s helpful staff, praising their knowledgeable and patient guidance when reconnecting old water lines in the area.
Department of Transportation (State Highways) Report
Mr. Casey Abe from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) Highways Division reported that recent wet weather caused new potholes, many of which his crews have already patched. He highlighted issues with homeless encampments and graffiti near state rights-of-way and noted that crews will continue efforts to keep these areas clear and safe. Casey confirmed that the Waialae Viaduct Seismic Retrofit Project remains ahead of schedule and within budget, with steel plates removed from Waialae Avenue and only restoration work left before anticipated completion by July. However, he also explained that funding to cap the planter boxes was not secured in the current budget cycle and will have to wait until July, although weed barriers have been installed in the interim.
Filling Board Vacancies
A vacancy in Sub-District 4 was filled by community resident John White, who introduced himself by noting his history of volunteering with a neighborhood security watch effort and his 35-year career in the local oil industry. The board held a roll call vote approving John’s candidacy. Sub-District 1 remains vacant, but no new candidates expressed interest at this meeting.
Mayor’s Representative and City 311 Updates
Mayor’s Representative John Nouchi presented updates on the new and improved Honolulu 311 website and mobile app, which allows residents to submit service requests more efficiently and receive timely status reports. He also provided responses to items from previous meetings, such as efforts by multiple city departments to address an unhoused individual in Wilson Community Park and routine checks for homeless encampments. Concerns persisted regarding speeding vehicles near Kahala Towers and general road safety in the neighborhood, prompting the city to consider traffic studies, increased enforcement, and potential quick-build infrastructure improvements. Board members congratulated Mr. Nouchi on his recent promotion to Director of Transit for the city and asked him to brief his successor thoroughly on ongoing neighborhood concerns to maintain continuity.
Council Member Waters’ Office
Legislative Aide Tasha Luke reported that the City Council approved a resolution urging the administration to explore acquiring the Queen Theater property in Kaimukī, though the city administration found numerous challenges, including structural issues and limited parking. She confirmed the councilmember’s commitment to discovering ways to preserve the theater. Attendees also learned that police officers inspected an abandoned property at 4041 Waialae Avenue but did not find individuals on site. Residents questioned the thoroughness of those checks, given frequent sightings of trespassers and potential hazards. Other major concerns included the impact of bus fare hikes on students and neighbors struggling with affordability.
Updates from Representative Mark Hashem
Representative Hashem joined the meeting while still at the Capitol, where legislative deadlines were in full swing. He announced the completion of a harbor dredging project in Hawaii Kai that was funded with $6.5 million allocated approximately three years prior. The representative acknowledged the intensifying homeless crisis and discussed the state’s Housing First funds, rental housing developments, and possibilities for more direct interventions. A detailed conversation arose concerning potential legislation allowing authorities to remove vulnerable individuals from public spaces if supportive housing or medical resources could be guaranteed, prompting suggestions that Hawai‘i look to mainland models that have proven both effective and legally sound.
Persistent Homelessness Concerns
Members of the public and the board emphasized the daily challenges of homeless encampments and public disturbances in the Waialae-Kahala area, including recent assaults and open defecation in bus stops and sidewalks. Attendees called for stronger legislative measures, more assertive enforcement, and immediate provisions such as triage centers and safe zones. Discussions referenced relevant federal court rulings, with community members expressing frustration over the gap between items already budgeted—like affordable housing—and the urgent need for solutions for those who present an imminent threat to themselves and others. Calls for closer collaboration between all levels of government underscored a shared desire to adopt new strategies proven successful in other states.
Traffic, Roads, and Public Safety
Multiple residents brought forward requests for improved road surfaces and traffic calming measures. One concern involved traffic lights at Pueo and Kilauea, where a once-functioning countdown timer no longer aligns with vehicle detection, causing long wait times and impeding drivers. City authorities will also look into speeding along Kilauea Avenue and potential crosswalk upgrades near Malia Street and Kilauea, including possible curb extensions or flashing beacons to increase pedestrian safety. Attendees reported disrepair at ADA warning pads near key intersections and asked for a review of existing infrastructure.
Board Recess Schedule and Permitted Interaction Group
The board discussed its annual recess schedule and voted to shift the traditional June recess to May, synchronizing with a mayoral town hall meeting. The board also approved creating a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) focused on long-term sustainability components in regional planning documents such as the Primary Urban Center and East Honolulu plans. This group aims to gather ideas on how to enhance sustainability and resiliency at the neighborhood level and report its findings in a coordinated, legally compliant manner.
Additional Announcements and Meeting Adjournment
The board reviewed ongoing concerns about Shangri-La’s event permits, noting that the Department of Planning and Permitting had reduced the allowable number of nighttime events and prohibited music on the lower lawn to address community objections to noise, traffic, and other disturbances. Following final reminders, the chair confirmed that the next regular meeting will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The meeting was then adjourned, concluding an evening filled with extensive dialogue on public safety, homelessness solutions, infrastructure maintenance, and community-driven growth.