via Public calendar
10. Makiki-Tantalus Regular Meeting
MAKIKI-LOWER PUNCHBOWL-TANTALUS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 10
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026 AT 6:00 P.M.
MAKIKI DISTRICT PARK (OLD MAKIKI COMMUNITY LIBRARY, 2ND FLOOR)
1527 KE’EAUMOKU STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96822 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/tn2vhKmnhhBafkJy5)
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mf66d21b6ef825a3d0e117ed0856d527b
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2500 575 4786
Password: NB10 (6210 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 (United States Toll)
Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE
Purpose: §2-13-101 [Neighborhood Plan of 2008, City Charter] “Purpose. The purpose of this neighborhood plan and the neighborhood boards is to increase and assure effective citizen participation in the decisions of government.”
Community Vision Statement: “A safe and healthy community with a lei of parks connected by roads, sidewalks, and public transportation; where daily life is not interrupted by loud vehicles and other obnoxious noises; where all community members are valued, including the least fortunate; and where residents are proud to live.”
Rules of Speaking and Notes: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under 3 minutes, and those giving reports are urged to keep their reports under 3 minutes. Please silence all electronic devices. The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of this 17-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. No item shall be added to the agenda if it is of reasonably major importance and action thereon by the board will affect a significant number of persons.
Description of Board Boundaries: www8.honolulu.gov/nco/boards-and-sub-district-boundary-descriptions
Subscribe to Receive Meeting Agendas via Email: www8.honolulu.gov/nco/newsletter-subscription
Subscribe to Receive City News Updates via Email: www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter-signup
1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Nathan Char (nathanielchar@gmail.com)
2. ROLL CALL – Neighborhood Assistant Curtis Hayashi (curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov)
3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) (HFDNHB@honolulu.gov)
4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) (www.honolulupd.org/contact-us)
A. Discussion of Tipsy Pig II with Liquor Commission Representatives – Anna Hirai (liquor@honolulu.gov)
5. BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) – Michele Harman (www.boardofwatersupply.com/contact)
6. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi (www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/contact-the-mayor) – Megan Johnson
B. Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-scott-nishimoto) – Taylor Date
C. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-6-dos-santos-tam) – Robin Henski
D. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Russell Pang (russell.wk.pang@hawaii.gov)
E. State Senator Carol Fukunaga (District 11) (senfukunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov)
F. State Representative Della Au Belatti (District 26) (repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov)
G. State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) (repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov)
H. State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) (repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov)
I. State Representative Andrew Garrett (District 22) (repgarrett@capitol.hawaii.gov)
7. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
Questions for HFD, HPD, BWS, city officials, and state officials should be asked after their respective reports. Residents, not board members, can share comments and concerns that are not listed on the agenda. Per the “Sunshine Law” (HRS 92), concerns not on the agenda may be presented, but the Board cannot take action.
8. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS
A. Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, April 16, 2026
(Draft Written Summaries: www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-11258)
B. Adopting the Resolution in Support of Funding and Construction of a Perimeter Fence for the Makiki Community Garden – Amanda Kirby
C. Discussion of Traffic Safety in Wake of Hit and Run Traffic Death on Kewalo Street
D. Discussion of Cleaning Canals of Makiki
E. Establishing a Candidate Forum PIG (Permitted Interaction Group)
9. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS (Limited to 3 minutes each)
A. Nice Neighborhoods Committee – Harris Nakamoto (junfour@gmail.com)
Committee Agendas: www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-15372
B. O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – Adam Kirchmann (adamkirchmann@gmail.com)
Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC): oahumpo.org/citizen-advisory-committee
10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Makiki District Park (Old Makiki Community Library, 2nd Floor) and online via Webex.
B. Broadcast, Social Media, and Board Info: The meetings can be viewed on ʻŌlelo FOCUS 49 on the first Friday at 9:00 p.m. and third Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (https://olelo.org/tune-in). Follow us at http://www.facebook.com/MakikiNB and visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/nb10 for Makiki Neighborhood Board info.
11. ADJOURNMENT
A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or emailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda documents and minutes are also available online at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.
All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov, or complete the form on https://www.honolulu.gov/nco/board-testimony.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received with fewer than three (3) business days remaining before the meeting, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but it may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 AT 6:00 P.M.
MAKIKI DISTRICT PARK (OLD MAKIKI COMMUNITY LIBRARY, 2ND FLOOR) – 1527 KE’EAUMOKU STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96822 AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX
Meeting Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWbIwbnj_I4&list=PLfqRwVpRrookChkQxjZlnB_r8en78zV4Q
Meeting Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE
1. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:00]: Chair Char called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL [0:00:00]: Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted roll call. Quorum was established with 14 members present. This 17-member Board requires nine members to establish quorum and to take Board action.
Members Present: Nathaniel Char (Chair), Linda Dela Cruz, Nancy Depicolzuane, Grant Dubyak, Arthur Eberhardt, Janel Fujinaka, Kimberley Gallant, Richard Kawano, Amanda Kirby, Adam Kirchmann, Chuck Lee, Samuel Mitchell (joined at 6:56 p.m.), Eric Salassa, and John Steelquist (Vice Chair).
Members Absent: Harris Nakamoto and Bronson Silva (Secretary).
Guests: Firefighter Youth (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Wakabayashi and Major Paul Kumorō (Honolulu Police Department); Jimmy Yanos (Board of Water Supply); Anna Hirai, Seth Nerry, and Glen Nishigata (Honolulu Liquor Commission); Robin Henski (Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Taylor Date (Councilmember Nishimoto); Russell Pang (Governor Green); Hector Venegas (Senator Fukunaga); Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto; Grace Kim (Representative Olds); Renee Espiau and Kelly Akasaki (Department of Transportation Services); Ian Ross, Claire Santos, Dr. Wayne McClellan, Tana Cambe, Richard Chan, and Tom Heinrich (Residents/Guests); Mike Buck (C.O.R.E.); Curtis Hayashi (Neighborhood Commission Office). Names were not included if not legible or stated for the record. About 55 participants joined the meeting.
3. HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) [0:05:37]: Firefighter Youth (Engine 3, 3rd Platoon) presented March 2026 statistics: 0 structure or wildland/brush fires, 5 nuisance fire calls, 4 cooking-related fire calls, 21 activated alarms with no fire, 126 medical incidents, 2 motor vehicle collisions, and 1 hazmat incident. Fire Safety Tip: Evacuation Planning — establish at least two home escape routes, plan a neighborhood evacuation path, designate a meeting place, prepare a go-bag, and sign up for alerts at HNLalert.gov. More information at fire.honolulu.gov and honolulu.gov/DM/buildalit.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:07:39]:
1. Hazmat Incident Details: Member Dela Cruz asked about the hazmat call. HFD stated the exact report was unavailable but noted it was likely an odor or reported gas leak.
2. Bagged Fire Hydrants: Member Kirby asked about three out-of-service hydrants on Pensacola Street. HFD confirmed it has no control over hydrant shutdown duration; fire engines carry onboard water and use hose lays to the nearest available hydrant.
3. Assistance for Disabled and Elderly Residents: Attendee Claire Santos asked how HFD identifies residents needing evacuation assistance. HFD recommended building managers maintain a resident assistance list in the knox box. During a fire, HFD’s priority is fire control; residents should shelter in place, block door cracks with wet towels, and call 911 to relay their unit number.
4. HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) [0:01:29]: Sergeant Wakabayashi presented March 2026 crime statistics compared to February 2026: motor vehicle thefts 13 (up from 6), burglaries 3 (down from 4), thefts 16 (down from 23), UEMV 8 (up from 4), assaults 8 (up from 3), sex assaults 0 (same), graffiti 0 (same), drugs 3 (up from 2), motor vehicle collisions 68 (down from 92). Total calls for service: 1,833 (up from 1,744). Old business: freeway racing forwarded to command for interagency action; mobile surveillance trailer permit in progress, planned for Tantalus area; Young Street/1125 complaint addressed. Coffee with a Cop: April 17, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Nordstrom Ala Moana EBAR. Major Paul Kumorō introduced as acting District 1 commander through July.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:12:22]:
1. Canal Area Safety: Member Gallant raised concerns about homeless encampments in Makiki canals following an attempted murder and a murder in March. Major Okamoto committed to aggressive outreach and enforcement in canal corridors, coordination with city agencies for vegetation clearing, and removal of canal access ladders where possible.
2. King Street Crosswalk Signal: Member Eberhardt reported a malfunctioning crosswalk signal on King Street. Major Okamoto noted this falls under DTS jurisdiction and offered to follow up.
3. Tantalus Drive – Drifting, Dumping, and Vagrant Vehicles: Member Dubyak requested increased HPD presence on Tantalus Drive to address drifting, illegal dumping, and vagrant vehicles, citing a stolen U-Haul that sat with campers for a week. He also requested professional officer conduct at drifting scenes. Major Okamoto agreed to direct lieutenants to step up patrols and reinforce conduct expectations.
4. Tantalus/Roundtop Drive – Loud Exhausts and Racing: Member Salassa described nightly racing and drifting with illegally modified exhaust systems between 9:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Major Okamoto confirmed officers can cite loud muffler violations and committed to increased enforcement and beat maintenance on Tantalus/Roundtop Drive.
5. Lunalilo/Pensacola Red Light Running: Member Lee reported persistent red light running and near-miss pedestrian incidents at Lunalilo and Pensacola Streets. Major Okamoto committed to citation enforcement projects targeting the intersection.
6. HPD–DTS Red Light Camera Collaboration: Member Fujinaka asked about expanding red light cameras at smaller intersections. Major Okamoto explained that a private contractor processes camera data for HPD’s traffic division; smaller intersections are not compatible with the camera system. He suggested inviting DTS to discuss expansion.
7. Beretania Street Late-Night Racing: Member Lee reported weekend motorcycle and car racing on Beretania Street, with vehicles running red lights at Ward/Beretania at high speed. Major Okamoto committed to enforcement action and will report statistics at the next meeting.
8. 1617 Alapaʻī Construction Parking Violations: Attendee Claire Santos reported construction workers at 1617 Alapaʻī illegally parking and blocking the narrow street with deliveries. Major Okamoto agreed to speak with the contractor (Island Structural Contracting/SealPro) about compliance.
A. Discussion of Tipsy Pig II with Liquor Commission Representatives [0:30:30]: Anna Hirai (Assistant Administrator), Seth Nerry (Chief Investigator), and Glen Nishigata (Enforcement Supervisor) attended. Neighborhood Board No. 10 has 37 active liquor licenses: 16 restaurants, 14 retail, 5 dispensers, and 2 small craft producer pubs. In 2024–2026, the commission received 7 complaints and conducted 30 inspections of the Tipsy Pig premises. Violations cited: employee identification cards (fined) and liquor brought onto premises from outside. Noise, rubber burning, and motorcycle revving fall outside Liquor Commission authority. Investigators must personally observe a violation to issue a citation. Progressive discipline applies: a third violation of the same type within five years typically results in a suspension or revocation recommendation.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:36:00]:
1. Ongoing Violations and Lack of Consequences: Member Depicolzuane described five years of issues at the Tipsy Pig, including an employee found stashing a liquor bottle on her property on March 21, 2026, and managers regularly smoking marijuana outside. She cited an officer present for 25 minutes during an incident who took no action. She expressed frustration that liquor removal violations have not resulted in fines.
2. HPD Documentation Commitment: HPD committed to more aggressively documenting all police activity attributable to the Tipsy Pig and sharing documentation with the Liquor Commission to build an enforcement case.
3. Inviting the Licensee to the Board: Member Fujinaka asked about the threshold for license suspension and suggested inviting the Tipsy Pig to present to the board. Anna Hirai confirmed that repeated refusals to appear can be included in enforcement documentation. She offered additional information at liquor@honolulu.gov.
4. Advertised Events and Proactive Enforcement: Member Kirby noted the Tipsy Pig is advertising a JDM car night on April 25 and an electric fight night in June on Instagram. She asked about a proactive HPD plan and whether Liquor Commission investigators work covertly. Major Okamoto agreed to coordinate with patrol sector sergeants. Glen Nishigata confirmed investigators use uniforms for standard visits and conduct covert operations for suspected violations such as employee alcohol consumption or sales to minors.
5. Video Evidence and Complaint Documentation: Member Kirby asked whether resident video can support enforcement. Glen Nishigata confirmed third-party video, paired with a signed sworn statement submitted to the commission, can support an investigator’s report. Each complaint receives a complaint number. Business cards and the hotline (liquor@honolulu.gov) were made available.
6. Resident Testimony: Dr. Wayne McClellan (1255 Young Street) described weekly noise from the Tipsy Pig from 10:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, including a management vehicle with no muffler, and asked the board to address the noise ordinance.
7. Complaint Receipt and Documentation Process: Chair Char asked how complainants can confirm reports are received. Glen Nishigata confirmed each complaint is assigned a complaint number. Video submissions require a sworn statement on a Liquor Commission form.
8. Licensee Symposium: Member Mitchell asked whether board members may attend the Licensee Symposium on April 29, 2026 (7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.). Anna Hirai confirmed the event is designed for licensees but invited interested board members to email liquor@honolulu.gov to request accommodation. Topics include new ID verification requirements, body camera updates, and licensing pitfalls.
9. Liquor Law Stringency: Member Fujinaka asked whether stricter liquor laws should be pursued at the council or legislature. Anna Hirai noted recent focus has been on DUI penalties and recommended contacting area legislators to gauge interest in stricter licensee accountability legislation.
5. BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) [1:04:43]: Jimmy Yanos represented BWS. Follow-up from March: a long-term water supply presentation will be scheduled; CIP project maps were distributed for three district projects (Thomas Square 20″ watermain – construction March 2029; Water System Improvements in Mānoa – June 2030; Kōlowalu Avenue 16″ watermain – March 2030). Kolowalu/Pensacola watermain project is 54% complete; new estimated completion June 2027. The bike lane will remain open where work is not active. No main breaks in March. Fix a Leak Week (April 12–18): free toilet leak detection dye tablets available at BWS lobby, City Mill locations, satellite city halls, and at a Kahala Mall outreach event on April 18 (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.).
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:08:50]:
1. Bagged Fire Hydrants – BWS Leverage: Member Kirby asked whether BWS can require contractors to restore hydrant service when a project runs significantly over schedule. Jimmy Yanos agreed to check with the capital projects division. Chair Char noted only one hydrant is available for the entire Pensacola corridor from Wilder to the freeway.
2. Hydrant Shutdown Procedures: Member Kawano requested a summary at the next meeting of BWS procedures and safety considerations when taking a stretch of hydrants out of service. Jimmy Yanos agreed to report back.
6. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [1:11:39]
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative [1:11:39]: Megan Johnson was unable to attend. Chair Char noted that questions for the Mayor’s office may be directed to Councilmember Nishimoto’s or Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam’s offices, or submitted to Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi for forwarding.
B. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (District 6) [1:12:24]: Robin Henski represented the office. The April newsletter was shared in the chat. Two town halls: April 20 at Kapalama Elementary School and April 22 at Washington Middle School. Regarding Member Fujinaka’s prior question on OTS hazard pay, the City Council passed a resolution on the matter the prior Wednesday; negotiations are concluded. Robin is seeking additional distribution details.
C. Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (District 5) [1:26:26]: Taylor Date represented the office. Upcoming events: Palolo Cleanup (April 19, 9:30–11:30 a.m., co-hosted with Representative Jackson Sayama); Sheraton Park Cleanup and Plant Party (April 19, 10:50 a.m.); Baseball Field Cleanup (April 25, 9:00–11:00 a.m.).
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:15:45]:
1. Tantalus Cleanup: Member Dubyak announced a Tantalus Drive cleanup on May 2 (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) and requested promotion through the office’s e-blast.
D. Governor Josh Green’s Representative [1:13:54]: Russell Pang shared the April newsletter in the chat. The Department of Transportation is tentatively targeting June 2026 to begin repaving the Lunalilo Street corridor and the Ward and Keeaumoku overpasses, pending finalization. The Mānoa off-ramp/on-ramp repaving is a separate project under review.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:15:45]:
1. Left-Turn Signal at Ward Avenue Overpass: Member Eberhardt asked about a left-turn signal at the Ward Avenue overpass. Russell confirmed DOT engineers determined the intersection’s size and lane configuration do not support a left-turn signal at that location.
2. DOE Superintendent Salary and Student Performance: Member Lee asked Russell to obtain information from the Department of Education on the superintendent’s recent salary increase and request for two additional assistant superintendents, and on the department’s plan to improve student performance. Russell agreed to follow up with DOE on both items.
E. State Senator Carol Fukunaga (District 11) [1:18:43]: Hector Venegas represented the office. Following the Kona low storms, Senator Fukunaga convened a working group of state and county officials, first responders, and community resiliency organizations. Two resulting bills: HB 2581 (amended – coordinated statewide community resiliency hub planning, including partnerships, outreach, accessibility, and funding opportunities) and HB 2443 HC1 SD1 (disaster services; passed the Senate on April 14, pending conference). State budget (SB 1800) includes funds to address road repair concerns in the district.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:22:01]:
1. Weather Analysis Request: Member Lee asked whether a comprehensive scientific analysis of increasingly severe weather in Hawaii has been requested from weather experts beyond attributing it to climate change. Hector Venegas noted the Senator’s office had responded citing first responders’ attribution to climate change. Member Lee asked the question be raised more broadly with other elected officials.
2. Mayor’s Attendance and Town Hall Cancellations: Member Dubyak expressed concern that the Mayor did not attend and has indefinitely postponed town halls, preventing residents from raising concerns about drainage, rail, and Tantalus. He asked the Senator’s office to engage the Mayor about fulfilling commitments to neighborhood boards. Chair Char acknowledged the absence appeared to be an exception. Hector agreed to pass the request along.
F. State Representative Della Au Belatti (District 26) [1:25:51]: No representative was present.
G. State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) [1:29:29]: Representative Iwamoto attended in person and presented her annual April district survey, covering: state building funding (bonds vs. cash vs. both); Aloha Stadium funding; military expansion funding; UH athlete name/image/likeness compensation; publicly funded elections; and ICE safeguards. Printed surveys were available at the meeting table.
H. State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) [1:32:48]: Grace Kim represented the office and offered to accept questions. No questions were raised.
I. State Representative Andrew Garrett (District 22) [1:33:31]: No representative was present.
7. COMMUNITY CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS [1:33:50]
Hit-and-Run Fatality on Kewalo Street: Ian Ross reported that Cruz Ochoa was struck and killed in a hit-and-run on Kewalo Street the prior week, the 13th traffic fatality on Oʻahu in 2026. A community vigil was underway at the time of the meeting. He asked the board to consider working with DTS and the community to install speed humps on Kewalo Street, citing the Ala Moana-Kākāʻako board’s successful advocacy following the death of Sarah Yara on Kapiolani Boulevard.
Punchbowl Redistricting and Development Concerns: Attendee Claire Santos urged the board to consider reunifying the Punchbowl area under Neighborhood Board No. 12 (Nuʻuanu-Punchbowl) as part of boundary discussions. She cited developer interest in the area’s low-rise properties and the potential abuse of Bill 7 (referencing 1617 Alapaʻī) and called for a unified front to protect the historically significant neighborhood.
8. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS [1:38:02]
A. Filling of Vacant At-Large Seat [1:38:02]: Two candidates came forward. Richard Ching (1099 Green Street), lifelong Makiki resident since 2004, Scoutmaster and Cubmaster for Troop/Pack 10 Makiki, active in Bill 7 project issues. Tana Cambe, Makiki resident since 2007, former board member, former Kaiser High School teacher, currently teaching at Halau Kumana Public Charter School. Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi conducted a roll call vote. Richard Ching was APPOINTED; 10-4 (Ching: Depicolzuane, Dubyak, Eberhardt, Fujinaka, Kawano, Kirchmann, Lee, Mitchell, Steelquist, and Char; Cambe: Dela Cruz, Gallant, Kirby, and Salassa). Richard Ching took the oath of office; 15 members present.
B. Approval of Written Summary for Video Record: Thursday, March 19, 2026 [1:44:26]: One correction noted: a misspelling of “Nehoa” in the draft. Chair Char agreed to follow up with Neighborhood Assistant Hayashi. The written summary for March 19, 2026 was approved as corrected.
C. Vote to Cancel the Recess of the May 2026 Neighborhood Board No. 10 Regular Meeting [1:44:39]: Mayor Blangiardi’s Town Hall scheduled for May 21, 2026 has been indefinitely postponed due to the recent Kona low storms. Member Steelquist moved to cancel the previously approved recess and restore the regular May 2026 meeting. No objections were raised. The motion was ADOPTED; 15-0-0 (Aye: Ching, Dela Cruz, Depicolzuane, Dubyak, Eberhardt, Fujinaka, Gallant, Kawano, Kirby, Kirchmann, Lee, Mitchell, Salassa, Steelquist, and Char; Nay: None; Abstain: None). The May 2026 regular meeting is reinstated for Thursday, May 21, 2026.
D. Resolution to Inform the Neighborhood Commission and Neighborhood Board No. 12 (Nuʻuanu-Punchbowl) of Proposed Neighborhood Board No. 10 Boundary Amendments [1:45:59]: Chair Char MOVED and Member Fujinaka SECONDED to adopt a resolution indicating the board’s interest in potential boundary amendments.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:46:15]:
1. Community Engagement Reminder: Member Fujinaka requested that the commission allow ample time for community input on specific boundary proposals, particularly from residents in the Punchbowl area.
2. Process Clarification: Member Kawano asked about next steps. Chair Char explained that this resolution communicates interest; specific boundary changes will be developed and formally petitioned separately with community engagement.
3. Boundary Deadline Context: Tom Heinrich clarified that submitting the resolution preserves flexibility for implementation in the next election cycle; missing the deadline would delay action until the next commission review.
4. Resolution Availability: Resident Melie asked for a public copy of the resolution. Chair Char provided a copy when requested.
Without objection, the resolution was ADOPTED; 15-0-0 (Aye: Ching, Dela Cruz, Depicolzuane, Dubyak, Eberhardt, Fujinaka, Gallant, Kawano, Kirby, Kirchmann, Lee, Mitchell, Salassa, Steelquist, and Char; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
E. Walk the District PIG (Permitted Interaction Group) Report [1:50:26]: Member Kirby reported on two walks. Walk 1 (February 1): Makiki District Park area, dog park, and Makiki Street canal — topics included homeless encampments, debris, park use, and the underutilized underpass. Walk 2 (March 22): Wilder/Pensacola corridor, noting the Makiki Banyan Bill 7 building, downed cemetery trees, stalled Bill 7 project at 1411 Pensacola, bagged fire hydrants, bike lane and trash issues, faded Piikoi Street striping (causing wrong-way drivers), upcoming DTS restriping on Auwaiolimu Street, and improved pedestrian safety at Stevenson Middle School’s Prospect Street entrance.
F. Discussion of and Feedback on Auwaiolimu Street Restriping with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) [1:53:19]: Renee Espiau (Complete Streets Administrator) and Kelly Akasaki (Chief Traffic Engineer) presented. Auwaiolimu Street has a documented history of speeding. DTS issued a work order in 2018 to restripe the roadway to 10-foot lanes and add school zone signage, notified the board in 2019, and implemented the work in early 2026 following follow-up by Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam. Initial congestion occurred because makai-bound drivers had informally used two lanes past the Lincoln Elementary driveway, which the roadway does not legally accommodate. DTS lengthened the Nehoa Street signal phase, which has improved traffic flow. Parking along the curb is permitted provided it does not encroach into the striped travel lane. Updates: King Street bike lane permanent striping and delineators anticipated by early June; new red light cameras being rolled out through a state DOT–city partnership; King Street flashing beacon near Times Supermarket is being replaced.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:00:26]:
1. King Street Bike Lane – Cars Parking in Lane: Member Depicolzuane reported vehicles frequently parking in the King Street bike lane. Renee Espiau requested specific locations via email and confirmed a contractor is responsible for cone maintenance.
2. Tantalus Drive – Traffic Calming and Landslide: Member Dubyak asked DTS to inspect signage and an ongoing landslide near the hairpin turn on Tantalus Drive, where two cars have gone over the shoulder. Kelly Akasaki explained that speed humps require a maximum 8% road grade and are unsuitable for steep, winding sections; specific flat segments can be evaluated with a block address. Richard Chan (Papakōlea) noted FEMA indicated emergency road repairs can bypass normal permit processes and urged swift action to restore Tantalus Drive to full use.
3. Auwaiolimu Restriping – Vehicles in Shoulder Lane: Member Kawano referenced prior testimony about trucks mounting the curb near Papa Kōlea School. Kelly Akasaki confirmed DTS observations during peak drop-off (7:20–7:40 a.m.) found backup reaching past the Lincoln light, clearing in one to two cycles. DTS observed some vehicles driving in the striped shoulder lane and is evaluating delineator placement.
4. Community Inclusion in Future Decisions: A resident requested that DTS include the Papakōlea community in future discussions related to the restriping.
5. Roosevelt High School Event Parking: Member Lee raised concerns about unsafe parking on Auwaiolimu Street during school events. Kelly Akasaki agreed to coordinate with HPD for enforcement during large events.
6. Pensacola Street Bike Lane Delineators Missing: Member Mitchell reported all bike lane delineators above the freeway on Pensacola Street are missing, allowing wrong-way moped and motorcycle use. Renee Espiau offered to explore whether the contractor can install temporary cones similar to King Street.
7. Dillingham and Nimitz – Construction Lane Blockage: Member Dubyak reported Nan Inc. vehicles blocking lanes on Nimitz Highway near Aloha Tower and on Dillingham Boulevard for rail construction. Renee Espiau asked for a specific location and agreed to pass the concern along.
8. Speed Humps on King and Beretania Streets Near McKinley High School: Chair Char referenced a prior board resolution requesting speed humps on Beretania and King Streets. Renee Espiau noted a federally funded high-injury corridor planning study covering seven urban corridors, including King, Beretania, Wilder, Peʻepeʻe, and Young Streets. Community meetings are planned for late summer or early fall 2026; speed humps near schools would be considered.
9. Tantalus Drive – Nighttime Access Restriction: Member Kawano asked whether Tantalus Drive could be closed between 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. to deter drifters. Renee Espiau agreed to discuss the possibility with her team.
G. Motion to Adopt a Resolution to Oppose Senate Bill 2423 Relating to Zoning [2:19:08]: Tom Heinrich confirmed SB 2423 was recommitted on March 10, 2026 and did not cross over to the House. HB 1734 has had no action since mid-February. As neither bill is currently moving, no action was taken. The item was set aside.
9. BOARD/COMMUNITY REPORTS [2:19:08]
A. Nice Neighborhoods Committee [2:19:08]: Member Nakamoto was not present.
B. Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) [2:19:08]: Chair Char reported no significant updates since the March report. No changes to previously reported planned projects.
10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:19:27]
A. Next Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Makiki District Park (Old Makiki Community Library, 2nd Floor) and online via Webex.
B. Broadcast, Social Media, and Board Info: The meetings can be viewed on ʻŌlelo FOCUS Channel 49 on the first Friday at 9:00 p.m. and third Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (https://olelo.org/tune-in). Follow us at http://www.facebook.com/MakikiNB and visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/nb10 for Makiki Neighborhood Board info.
11. ADJOURNMENT [2:20:06]: Chair Char adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)
Finalized by:
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