No 09 Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting January 2026
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9 Waikiki Neighborhood Board Meeting – January 14, 2026
Board Member Introductions and Meeting Procedures
Chair Bob Finley opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and board members, each of whom introduced themselves, their sub-districts, and their roles on the Waikiki Neighborhood Board. The Chair reminded the public that there is a two-minute comment period for community members to address the Board on any subject, with time monitored by a timer. He also recognized that some board members were present via WebEx and that the Neighborhood Commission Office’s policies guide how public comments are heard. The intent was to ensure transparency, encourage participation, and set orderly procedures for addressing neighborhood issues.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Monthly Report
Captain Shoma of the Waikiki Fire Station presented statistics for December 2025, reporting one structure fire, one nuisance fire, one cooking fire, and 14 alarms with no fire present. HFD responded to 229 medical incidents, eight motor vehicle collisions, and two ocean rescues. The Captain provided an electrical safety tip, stressing that major appliances like stoves, dryers, and refrigerators should be plugged directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords or power strips to reduce the risk of short-circuits and potential fire hazards. He also answered a question about why extension cords are discouraged for major appliances, explaining that differences in cord gauge can cause overheating and lead to fires. The Board thanked HFD for its service and encouraged the community to email hfdnhb@honolulu.gov for any follow-up questions.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Updates
Newly assigned Major Paul Okamoto introduced himself as the Waikiki District commander, with a plan for a more proactive approach. He highlighted increased bicycle patrols, the use of utility task vehicles (UTVs) on Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues, and a focus on individuals who repeatedly commit crimes. Acting Lieutenant Jared Spiker reviewed December 2025 crime statistics, stating there were six robberies, 16 burglaries, 85 thefts, seven car break-ins, 37 assaults, and three sex assault cases. Officers issued nearly 1,600 parking citations, 24 speeding citations, and made 25 DUI arrests. HPD addressed questions about noisy activities at the Honolulu Zoo parking lot and illegal parking near crosswalks, pledging to maintain enforcement. Residents also praised HPD’s traffic direction and fireworks enforcement efforts over the New Year, while asking for proactive action on reckless scooters and bikes on sidewalks. A concern was raised about the strict beach closure immediately after midnight on New Year’s Eve, and HPD noted it was part of a strategy to prevent fights and public disturbances.
City Administration and Kapiʻolani Park Trust Proposal
Managing Director Michael Formby presented a proposal for removing two Leahi Avenue parcels from the Kapiʻolani Park Trust while adding 2.21 acres of city-owned land at the entrance to Kapiʻolani Park to the Trust. He explained that the Leahi site houses Ocean Safety’s current facility, which is considered unsuitable for long-term use and inconsistent with the Trust’s purpose. The City would swap out 0.35 acres at Leahi for 2.21 acres by Kalakaua, yielding a net gain in park acreage. Formby emphasized that once Ocean Safety relocates to a new base—possibly in Ke‘ehi or Kewalo Basin—those Leahi parcels could be reintroduced into the Park Trust. Questions focused on whether the City might build additional facilities away from possible tsunami zones, how the swap would expand park supervision, and how the public would benefit from the extra acreage at the park’s entrance. The Board agreed to take time to study the draft resolution and placed further discussion on a future meeting agenda.
Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and Towing Concerns
Residents described repeated instances of cars being towed from the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor for minor parking violations, noting that many individuals were charged cash-only fees of about $165 to $200. They contended that only a handful of citations are issued each year, even though more than 2,500 vehicles may have been towed. Community members urged a shift from towing to ticketing, suggesting a system like the Honolulu Zoo’s or other city lots, and they requested the Board’s support for official inquiries or letters to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR). The Board plans to invite state officials to a future meeting to address signage, equitable enforcement, and collaborative solutions for fair parking management. Attendees voiced frustration with a lack of transparency and the negative effects on local recreational users and visiting surfers.
Community Announcements and Neighborhood Concerns
Several residents and board members commented on changing speed limits along Ala Wai Boulevard, citing 35 miles per hour as too high for a dense urban setting. Another priority mentioned was dealing with amplified street performers on Kalakaua Avenue, which continues to generate noise issues for residents and visitors. The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade is scheduled for January 19, temporarily closing Kalakaua Avenue in the morning hours. Liquor license applications for two new Waikiki establishments, the Poké Bar Waikiki and Capitol Grill, were also noted, to be heard by the Liquor Commission on January 29.
Mayor’s Representative Report
Mayor’s representative Nola Miyasaki highlighted the Mayor’s 2026 goals for accelerating project execution, citing “better has no limits” as a guiding principle. She announced that the Honolulu Board of Water Supply doubled its rebates for Energy Star washers, WaterSense toilets, and smart water monitors to encourage water conservation. Miyasaki introduced the newly upgraded Honolulu 311 app, which centralizes non-emergency city service requests—ranging from reporting potholes to illegal dumping—and explained how residents can submit requests and track their status. She also conveyed updates from the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) about left-turn signal studies, bus routing changes on Kapahulu Avenue, and the denial of new delineators on Nohonani Street. A concern was raised about ambulance response times, and Miyasaki noted that she would refer it to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services for more details.
City Council Chair Updates
A representative for Council Chair Tommy Waters conveyed details of Bill 76, which proposes a public database of city revenues and expenditures, along with a resolution enabling a $1 million community benefit from a timeshare tower builder to go toward Kuhio Beach Park improvements. Questions persisted about the speed limit on Ala Wai and how council-driven changes might be enacted. The Board also underscored the ongoing noise issues from street performers and asked when solutions would be forthcoming.
State Senator and State Representative Briefings
Senator Sharon Moriwaki discussed budgetary challenges due to diminished federal funds, underscoring a possible need for spending cuts rather than eliminating previously enacted state tax relief. She affirmed her ongoing work on legislation for caregiver tax credits, dementia training for first responders, and harbor management improvements, especially for the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Representative Adrian Tam outlined his limited number of bills for 2026, which will include noise camera enforcement, business transparency, and further measures on climate resilience and illegal vacation rental enforcement. Both legislators encouraged the public to track bills online, submit testimony, and attend the January 21 opening of the legislative session.
Governor’s Representative Comments
Irena Shu provided remarks on state efforts to bolster economic competitiveness, adapt to federal spending uncertainties, and advance renewable energy and climate resilience initiatives. She noted that the administration anticipates robust legislative debates around affordable housing, infrastructure, and social services, and she welcomed community input on statewide matters.
Waikiki Improvement Association Update
Rick Egged from the Waikiki Improvement Association confirmed that the association sponsored this year’s New Year’s fireworks show, which was extended to ten minutes and followed by an HPD measure to clear beaches after midnight to mitigate potential disturbances. Egged also recapped a recent Visitor Public Safety Conference, highlighting collaboration between HPD, hotel managers, and local businesses to strengthen safety preparations for emergencies. He noted that many building managers continue to encourage residents and visitors to shelter in place during potential tsunami alerts, reducing the risk of traffic gridlock.
Hawaii Energy Efficiency Programs
A representative from Hawaii Energy explained the public benefits fee program and highlighted incentives for small businesses, nonprofits, and restaurants to install energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and air conditioning. The speaker underlined the organization’s partnerships with vetted contractors and the availability of grants or subsidies so that facilities can reduce electric costs while contributing to the overall resilience of O‘ahu’s power grid.
Gachon University Student Housing Development
Project representatives presented preliminary plans for a nine-story student housing facility along Kalakaua Avenue, on a parcel currently used as a parking lot and food truck area. The conceptual design would accommodate 33 units, mostly small studio or one-bedroom spaces, aiming to house around 34 Gachon University students traveling to Honolulu. Plans show a single vehicle entrance from Kuomao Street, a shared courtyard, bicycle stalls, common areas, and a maximum height of 130 feet. Board members and local residents raised questions regarding parking availability, student conduct, potential viewplane concerns, and the project’s timeline. The team stated it will submit an environmental assessment and a Waikiki Special District Permit application, allowing for further public review and formal comment periods.
Proposed Beach Closure Time at Duke Kahanamoku Beach Park
Because most Waikiki beaches close at midnight, the Board considered changing the closure hours for Duke Kahanamoku Beach Park to match the midnight-to-5 a.m. window. Citing public safety considerations and requests from nearby hotel security, the Board voted to approve adjusting the official park closure time from 2 a.m. to midnight, aligning it with other beachfront parks in Waikiki. The change is expected to help law enforcement and hotel staff maintain consistent safety enforcement across the entire shoreline.
Meeting Conclusion
The Board voted to approve the November draft minutes with minor administrative corrections. They thanked community members, city staff, and elected officials for their active participation. Sub-district representatives noted continuing transportation challenges, noise complaints, and the desire for more uniform signage around Waikiki. The meeting was adjourned with an announcement that the next session is planned for mid-February 2026 at the same location. Attendees were reminded to check the Waikiki Neighborhood Board website or consult the Board’s Google Drive for agendas, meeting materials, and submission deadlines for proposed legislation or community concerns.