No 09 Waikīkī Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting April 2026
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9 Waikiki Neighborhood Board Meeting – April 15, 2026
Honolulu Fire Department Update
Captain Keoni Abaya from the Waikiki Fire Station provided statistics for March 2026, reporting one structure fire, one nuisance rubbish fire, three cooking fires, 32 fire-alarm activations with no fire, 175 medical calls, one motor vehicle collision, one ocean rescue, and two hazardous material incidents. He emphasized evacuation planning as this month’s fire safety focus, advising residents to develop an emergency preparedness plan, familiarize themselves with multiple escape routes, have a reliable meeting place in case of evacuation, and stay informed through official channels such as hnlalert.gov. Residents were also reminded to prepare a go-bag (including 14 days’ worth of disaster supplies) for both family and pets. He directed those with questions to fire.honolulu.gov and hfdnhb@honolulu.gov.
During the question-and-answer period, a resident named Greg raised concerns about recurring elevator rescues in his condominium building on Keoni Ana Street. He asked if elevator rescues appear in official stats and noted potential unpermitted elevator work in his building. He also detailed ongoing fire alarm deficiencies, with faulty pull stations directly below drain pipes causing repeated false alerts. Captain Abaya agreed to visit the building, speak with management, and assess how to address the underlying maintenance issues.
Honolulu Police Department Update
Major Paulo Komoda presented HPD’s March 2026 statistics for Waikiki, noting three robberies, five burglaries, 166 thefts (an increase from 121 the previous month), 13 vehicle break-ins, 43 assaults (up from 36), and seven sex crimes (up from five). Traffic and safety enforcement included citations for bike/skateboard violations on sidewalks, speeding tickets, parking infractions, and muffler violations. Park-closure enforcement yielded 65 citations and 15 arrests. HPD also recorded 10 DUI arrests. Responding to Board and community questions, Major Komoda explained enforcement strategies around homeless encampments, particularly near Fort DeRussy and the Halekulani area, which is partly managed by the state and possibly under federal jurisdiction. He mentioned ongoing efforts, including a recent cleanup and peddling enforcement near the beach before firework shows.
Major Komoda also shared that enforcement actions on food trucks parked illegally near Liliuokalani Avenue had led to dozens of citations. HPD’s “amplified music” and “peddling” operations on Kalakaua Avenue resulted in multiple citations and a related felony drug arrest. Future plans include partnering with different HPD districts to address tents across from the Kapahulu Library. Residents praised HPD’s work, with some stating Waikiki crime rates were at a recent low.
Several attendees raised questions about where skateboarding is permitted in Waikiki, with confusion around whether riders must be on sidewalks or in the street. Major Komoda promised to bring updated legal statutes at the next meeting. Questions on homelessness included inquiries about referral services, such as the city’s CORE program, which dispatches social workers using refitted ambulances to assist individuals experiencing mental health crises or houselessness. The community voiced support for consistent outreach but noted frequent resistance from those living on the streets. HPD reiterated that services are offered daily, though voluntary acceptance remains a challenge.
Neighborhood Commission and Board Procedures
Patrick Smith, Chair of the Neighborhood Commission, explained the Commission’s function administering the overall Neighborhood Board System. The Commission is reviewing boundary adjustments, complaints procedures, and aspects of the Neighborhood Plan, such as board officer requirements. He invited Waikiki Board members to share concerns or suggestions for improvements, including flexible seating arrangements (to fill vacant seats more easily) or assistance with joint meetings on major proposed projects.
Board Seat Vacancy in Sub-District 2
The Board revisited the vacant seat in Waikiki’s Sub-District 2. Two candidates, Jacob Wensek and small-business owner Anna Bruner, offered background statements. A roll-call vote provided Wensek eight votes and Bruner six, neither reaching the needed nine votes. The Board decided to postpone the decision until the next meeting, inviting both candidates to return. During public comment, some supported Wensek for his prior years of meeting attendance, while others favored Bruner’s business perspective. Neither gained the majority required to fill the vacancy.
Public Concerns and Announcements
Residents brought up several issues not on the formal agenda. One speaker suggested the city enact a vacant property or “blight” tax to encourage owners to renovate or sell deteriorated buildings and empty lots in Waikiki. Another raised concerns about trash truck noise regulations after a legislative bill addressing pre-6 a.m. collections failed to progress. Some reiterated that early-morning “scout trucks” produce consistent disturbances hauling dumpsters out to city streets, and they urged forward-looking solutions despite the proposed legislation’s demise. Additional remarks touched on drainage, city infrastructure, and the risk of flooding from Kona low storms. Residents also asked for more moped parking, since current policy enforcement and ticketing could become problematic if no suitable moped stalls exist.
Street Closures and Upcoming Events
The Board listed upcoming street closures and large events in Waikiki, cautioning residents and businesses about likely traffic impacts. Major events noted include:
• A popular local “Spam Jam” festival.
• The annual visitor-industry charity walk on May 2nd.
• Kanikapila festivals and lantern-floating events around Memorial Day.
• The Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run in early June.
All were discussed with approximate times, possible route detours, and reminders for local residents to expect heavy pedestrian activity.
Liquor License Hearings
Various Waikiki establishments submitted liquor license applications for special or permanent licenses. They include Bacchus Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue, Davies Evolution on Kani Kapolei Street, Capitol Grill on Kuhio Avenue, and the Aloha Amigo Island Mexican Cantina. The Board noted relevant hearings in May for community members wishing to voice opinions.
Legislative Updates
Board member Jillian Anderson, along with fellow board member Luwena Marie, reported on state-level bills they followed and testified for or against on behalf of the Board. Senate Bill 2367, originally targeting redevelopment at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, advanced after being amended to demand public master planning for small boat harbors statewide, including phased development reviews. The Board voted to support the bill in its revised form, referencing earlier community input on preserving shoreline access.
Bill 1588, introduced by Representative Adrian Tam, proposed a statewide noise-detection camera pilot program to address excessively loud vehicles such as cars with modified mufflers. The Board submitted supportive testimony, noting a persistent community desire for stronger noise enforcement. Other measures included towing regulations (now deferred), bail reform (defeated on the Senate floor), and Waikiki-focused garbage truck noise restrictions (which stalled in House committees). Board members stressed the need for improved legislative planning and public outreach next session.
Mayor’s Representative
Nola Frank, on behalf of the Mayor’s Office, addressed follow-up items from the previous meeting. She noted that the Department of Planning and Permitting is merging old records into a new database and encouraged residents with specific permit questions to email or reference application numbers. The Department of Transportation Services also asked the public to document bus-related complaints—like vehicles parking on sidewalks—by filing reports with route and time details. Additionally, the Mayor’s Office acknowledged that overtime and storm recovery work would likely affect the next city budget, potentially constraining funding for non-emergency projects.
City Council Chair Tommy Waters
City Council Chair Tommy Waters presented two community commendations, one to the Aloha Ambassador Program’s general manager, recognized nationally by the Block by Block network, and one to Board Chair Robert Finley honoring his two decades of service. Council Chair Waters then discussed several city initiatives and concerns, including ongoing attempts to regulate street peddlers and unauthorized performers who intimidate or defraud tourists and residents. He mentioned legislative ideas to designate specific performance zones that would make enforcement simpler.
Waters stated that restoring or enhancing Waikiki’s public restrooms remains a priority, especially near the most heavily used segments of Waikiki Beach. He welcomed placing portable restroom trailers near high-traffic areas, although the Board’s input was sought on maintenance and location details. He further addressed repeated requests to fix or upgrade the restrooms near the police substation, noting that partial solutions might prove expensive.
The Council Chair also reviewed city finances and the early damage estimates—between $50 million and $100 million—from a series of recent Kona low storms. He underscored the city’s need to reallocate funds for cleanup and resiliency against extreme weather events. Waters believes each district should develop a designated resilience hub to shelter residents in future catastrophic storms.
Senator Sharon Moriwaki’s Office
A representative for Senator Moriwaki summarized her office’s work as the legislature transitioned from committees to conference sessions. The senator’s team expressed disappointment that the Waikiki morning trash collection bill did not move forward but remained determined to revisit noise issues. They reassured residents that the original scope of the bill included broad discussion of truck weight limits and restricted collection hours, although later amendments narrowed its focus.
Representative Adrian Tam
Representative Tam highlighted the successful legislative drive for a noise-detection pilot program and the continuing push for crosswalk safety along routes used by Ala Wai and Waikiki elementary school students. He thanked the Waikiki Community Center for collaborating on relief efforts for coastal flooding, noting that donated supplies were transported to severely affected areas. He also urged strong local advocacy for raised crosswalk installations and asked residents to stay involved with final conference decisions at the Capitol.
Waikiki Improvement Association
WIA President Rick Egged announced his upcoming retirement after 27 years. He praised the Business Improvement District model that funds the Aloha Ambassador Program and fosters Waikiki’s cleanliness and welcoming reputation. He invited the community to join a beach cleanup on Earth Day, departing from central Waikiki at 7:00 a.m. Egged commended businesses that have voluntarily contributed funds and resources to ongoing projects that maintain Waikiki’s cultural appeal and safety.
Closing and Next Meeting
The Board approved minutes from January and March, noting minor clarifications. Residents were reminded that official meeting minutes are available for review and correction as needed, although some requested improved online posting. The next Waikiki Neighborhood Board Meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2026. In the interim, members and the public were asked to continue emailing the Board or contacting city and state offices for timely updates on urgent community concerns. The meeting adjourned after a lengthy session discussing Waikiki’s evolving infrastructure, safety, and community wellbeing.