No 09 Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting November 2025
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Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Meeting
Opening and Housekeeping
The meeting was called to order with a reminder for board members to submit updated contact information to the Neighborhood Commission Office. The board also reaffirmed a two-minute speaking limit for attendees. It was noted the City is shifting away from listing board members’ addresses at City Hall and that members should check their email or contact Anson for the form. The meeting agenda included reports from city agencies and discussions on public safety, community concerns, and new development proposals.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Report
A police representative presented monthly crime statistics, comparing current numbers to the previous month. Robberies held steady at six, burglaries rose from thirteen to nineteen, thefts decreased from 162 to 108, and unauthorized motor vehicle entries dropped from sixteen to six. Assaults declined from 45 to 35, and sex crimes from seven to four. Two citations were issued for bike or skateboard use on sidewalks. Citations and arrests for park closures remained high, though the overall total of calls for service dropped from 5,145 to 4,610. Community members thanked HPD for swift traffic management during recent power outages and requested more active enforcement, including arrests in certain repeat offense situations. HPD encouraged residents to report illicit drug activity to the narcotics division and noted that they will look into allegations of increased encampments near Fort DeRussy. Attendees also thanked HPD for curbing noise disturbances near the Honolulu Zoo. Concerns were raised about homeless encampments, trespassing, and non-permitted vehicles or individuals on private property. Police representatives advised property owners that official trespass warnings allow stronger enforcement options.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Report
A representative from the Waikīkī Fire Station reviewed October statistics, which included no structure or brush fires, one nuisance fire, one cooking fire, and 17 triggered alarms with no fire. The department handled 224 medical emergencies and a small number of motor vehicle collisions. They highlighted holiday cooking risks, urging ongoing kitchen supervision, proper equipment use, the safe handling of combustibles, and keeping children away from hot cooking surfaces. There were no questions from the audience or board members.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report
A BWS representative reported no main breaks and no new construction within Waikīkī during the last month. The public was reminded about checking the BWS website, Facebook, and Nextdoor for notices about main breaks and road-related work. A question was raised about a possible water leak on Hobron Lane; the representative promised to follow up and relay any findings through the board chair. There were no further inquiries.
Community Concerns
Several attendees focused on recently adjusted bus routes with the introduction of the new W line, which replaced Route 20. Suggestions were made to refine its route and stops to reduce congestion on Kapahulu and improve benefits for Waikīkī commuters. Testimony highlighted traffic backups caused by multiple buses parking near the zoo, posing safety problems for drivers and pedestrians. Another attendee praised recent measures taken by city officials to remove problematic picnic tables at a local site and hoped to address ongoing feeding programs that attract large crowds. Another resident shared issues arising from regular street sweeping on the Ala Wai, explaining that towing after sweeping has created challenges for caregivers, deliveries, and essential services. The board encouraged residents to submit specific complaints so the matter could be referred to the appropriate agencies.
Public Safety Committee Update
The committee chair noted progress on earlier community safety recommendations and announced two resolutions for board consideration. The first resolution advocated creating crisis intervention and travel assistance teams at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, aimed at intervening when individuals arrive with no stable plans or are in mental or behavioral distress. Members discussed how major airports on the mainland offer similar teams to connect arrivals to services or voluntarily return them to their home states. After clarifications about training and profiling concerns, the resolution passed with a majority roll-call vote. The second resolution requested that the state join “Reentry 2030,” a Council of State Governments initiative aimed at reducing recidivism by tailoring programs for incarcerated individuals. Members recognized Hawaii’s high repeat-offender rate and the significant costs of imprisonment. The resolution passed by roll-call vote following discussion about available resources, statutory requirements, and current recidivism data.
Mayor’s Representative and City Agency Updates
The mayor’s representative announced extended Skyline rail services and a free holiday concert by the Royal Hawaiian Band at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. The public was reminded of revised sewer rates taking effect in 2026 and efforts to educate residents on ways to reduce associated costs. Responses to prior board requests were addressed: the Kuhio Beach restroom repairs have no timetable due to design and misuse issues, city regulations require street sweeping on Ala Wai Boulevard to meet pollution permits, and DTS provided updates on public outreach for bus route changes. The representative acknowledged district-wide complaints about left-turn signals on Kūhiō and explained plans for traffic studies. It was confirmed that any suggestions for additional red-light cameras on local roads must go through the state, and feedback on bike lanes would be forwarded to DTS for further evaluation.
City Council Updates
A legislative aide for Council Chair Waters gave updates on puddle mitigation at Hobron Lane and Ina Road, plus notice of a Kuhio Beach shower project by the stormwater division. The project aims to address water runoff near the beach and improve the visitor experience. The aide invited questions on other district priorities, and there were no further items raised.
State Legislative Reports
A staff member for Representative Tam informed attendees about a recent town hall meeting focusing on disaster preparedness, insurance concerns, and local transportation. The office urged residents to submit bill proposals promptly ahead of the legislative session. Board members mentioned forming a permitted interaction group (PIG) to address legislation, though a subsequent motion to amend the agenda for this purpose did not secure the required two-thirds vote for consideration.
New Development Proposals
A team presented two prospective affordable housing projects under Bill 7 guidelines, both dubbed “Cardinal” developments, with different color themes for clarity. The first, “Cardinal Ala Wai,” would replace a condemned walk-up at 1615 Ala Wai. Plans call for a six-story structure with 40 apartment units, mostly one-bedroom, featuring an elevator and minimal parking. Intended rents would align with 60–80% of area median income, serving working residents who could easily walk or bike to jobs in Waikīkī. The second, “Cardinal on Kaneloa Road,” at 2533 Kaneloa, would be a six-story project of 32 units with a mix of one- and two-bedroom layouts. Both developments would utilize precast construction to shorten build time, and the presenters explained flood-elevation rules, minimal parking rationale, and timelines. Board members and residents asked about traffic, sewer easements, and overall feasibility. Following extensive discussion, the board voted in favor of both project concepts, with the developers agreeing to return before construction to address final plans and community concerns.
Board Business and Closing
The board approved the prior meeting’s minutes without revisions. Sub-district representatives briefly offered seasonal well-wishes and mentioned ongoing local issues. There was a brief attempt to create a permitted interaction group on legislative matters, but that motion did not attain the necessary two-thirds approval. Attendees were reminded that the board would not meet in December and would reconvene in January. The chair thanked everyone for their participation, encouraged holiday toy donations through various collection points, and adjourned the meeting.