No 09 Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting August 2025
Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Meeting
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
Captain Abaya from the Waikīkī Fire Station presented statistics for July, reporting one wildland brush fire, one nuisance call, 24 activated alarms with no fire, 167 medical calls, three motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians, six motor vehicle collisions, and one hazardous materials incident. He followed up on the June inquiry about propane tanks on food trucks located on Cartwright Road. Inspectors from the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Codes East Fire Inspector division, alongside building and electrical inspectors from the Department of Planning and Permitting, visited the private street on June 17 and verified that while mobile food vendors may operate on private property with owner permission, they must still comply with fire code requirements. Inspectors found some propane tanks not secured in the upright position, which poses a fire hazard. Since then, multiple food trucks have relocated, but HFD inspectors continue working with the street owner and any remaining vendors to ensure safety.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
Lieutenant Kenegawa reported District 6 crime statistics for July, including a decrease in robberies from seven to one, an increase in burglaries from ten to twelve, and a moderate rise in thefts from 122 to 133. Assaults increased from 30 to 43, while sex crimes remained steady at four, and bike/skateboard sidewalk citations rose slightly to five. Parking citations saw a substantial jump from 1,808 to 2,332. Park closure citations were recorded at 74, with 22 arrests. The total calls for service were 4,400, and 17 Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVUI) arrests were made. Residents voiced concerns about excessive late-night noise emanating from the Honolulu Zoo parking lot, highlighting its potential impact on zoo animals and neighboring homes. HPD clarified that responding to private property noise often requires cooperation from property owners or security guards who can authorize removal of individuals. Additional community members brought up recurring noisy vehicles, mufflers, motorcycles, and music blasting around Waikīkī. Several residents also urged HPD to maintain patrols at hotspots like the concrete tables in front of the Marriott and portions of Kalākaua Avenue to deter nuisance behavior.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Updates
BWS representative Dominic Diaz provided water system information for Waikīkī, explaining that despite Halawa Shaft’s shutdown, local demand is met by wells in Pearl City and Kalihi. Diaz reiterated that the BWS encourages conservation, pointing to the ongoing drought and explaining how groundwater takes years to recharge fully. He shared the “Water Wisdom” program, which provides water audits and efficiency guidance especially for condominiums, townhouses, and senior homeowners. Diaz discussed progress on a planned desalination facility, noting the permitting, design work, regulatory complexities, and the rationale for seeking additional water sources to supplement existing wells. Residents asked about water quality testing, which can be found online by inputting one’s address into the BWS website.
Community Concerns and Announcements
Several residents raised issues of early-morning trash pickups that regularly start as early as 3:00 a.m., claiming it disrupts sleep and may have adverse health impacts on older adults. Additional concerns included a homeless encampment near the Ala Wai Golf Course that has persisted for months, with residents urging stricter enforcement. On upcoming events, the board noted the Honolulu Century Bike Ride, the Aloha Festivals’ Ho‘olaule‘a and Floral Parade in September, and the Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Fest. Sunset on the Beach events were also announced for late August and September.
Mayor’s Representative Report
Mayor’s Representative Nola Frank shared a short video highlighting city activities, focusing on various improvement projects and events. She confirmed demolition has begun on a vacant property at 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard and that the city is transferring other neglected properties to the Department of Housing and Land Management for redevelopment. Community questions concerned ongoing Kapahulu Avenue homeless clusters, defective sidewalks, and street repairs. Frank noted these concerns would be relayed to the relevant city departments for appropriate action.
City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ Office
Adam Du gave updates on Bill 46, concerning media access to emergency dispatch communications, which passed second reading. The office is collaborating with Representative Tam on resolving issues at 2256 Kūhiō Avenue, a long-vacant property. The council is also exploring a “buskers bill” to address sidewalk performers and noise concerns. Residents emphasized the need for consistent noise enforcement beyond the sidewalk, urging coordination with HPD and the Department of Health.
Representative Adrian Tam
Representative Tam reported on the new condo insurance stabilization law, explaining that the legislation reactivated the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund and extended coverage to condominium associations, with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs now overseeing the implementation. He also provided an update on a pilot project to install noise cameras aimed at curbing illegally loud vehicles, stating that statewide deployment is targeted for January 2026. Tam noted continued discussions with the city about vacant and derelict buildings in Waikīkī, including 2260 Kūhiō Avenue.
Governor’s Representative Report
Yvonne Izu from the Governor’s Office received community feedback about emergency communications during a recent tsunami watch. Residents noted significant traffic congestion when many attempted to leave Waikīkī simultaneously, and requested further clarity on whether people should shelter in place or evacuate during similar advisories. Additional comments centered on prison capacity, potential safety risks with existing correctional facilities, and the need for a new O‘ahu jail. Izu acknowledged the suggestions and stated the Governor’s Office would pass them on to relevant agencies for follow-up.
Waikīkī Improvement Association Briefing
Rick Egged spoke on disaster management in Waikīkī, echoing concerns over how best to communicate evacuation procedures. He suggested that Waikīkī hotels and businesses coordinate improved methods that discourage nonessential driving during warnings. He also mentioned the upcoming Sunset on the Beach events co-sponsored by Southwest Airlines and the City, as well as the return of the Kūhiō Beach Hula shows on Saturday evenings. Egged noted ongoing focus on the Ala Wai Canal’s water quality and stormwater management strategies that may lead to new improvement districts and additional infrastructure funding.
Proposed Redevelopment at 235 Saratoga Road
A representative presented plans to demolish and rebuild a small structure at 235 Saratoga Road. The existing building hosts 18 units and dates to 1984. Plans call for constructing three transient vacation rental units, including a single parking stall and ample new landscaping, along with a pool and contemporary architectural design. The site sits in the Waikīkī Special District and requires an environmental assessment. There are no anticipated zoning variances, and the proposed design stays within district guidelines. The development team intends to begin demolition once utilities are formally disconnected at the property.
Formation of a Public Safety Committee
Board Member Jillian Anderson moved to establish a Public Safety Committee focusing on collaborative problem-solving for Waikīkī’s most pressing safety issues. The committee, meeting bimonthly, will invite HPD, other agencies, residents, and businesses to share crime and nuisance concerns, track statistics, and propose legislative or policy solutions. The motion passed unanimously, with Anderson serving as chair alongside members Lisa Cabanero, Tim Hike, Daniel Jacob, and Jacob Winstock.
Administrative Matters
The board approved minutes from the prior meeting and briefly discussed potential changes to the November meeting schedule due to Veterans Day conflicts. Members were reminded of upcoming events, allowed time to voice minor neighborhood updates, and requested continued board involvement in addressing parking, street repairs, homelessness, and noise issues. The meeting concluded with an invitation for audience members to assist in tidying up the meeting room.