Contact Us Subscribe
  1. Back
  2. Current News
  3. News Archive
With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

ALA MOANA - KAKA‘AKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 11

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024, 6:00 P.M.

MAKIKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH -- 829 PENSACOLA STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96814

IN-PERSON AND ON WEBEX

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywnawdTGgpM

Meeting materials are available online at: https://tinyurl.com/nb11home

I. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:14]: Chair Lee called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Quorum was NOT established with 4 members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires 6 members to establish quorum and to take official Board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access.

Board Members Present: Caroline Faringer, Lori Farinas, Kathleen Lee, Jeanne Rice, Lynn Mariano (arrived 6:12 p.m.), Dyson Chee (arrived 6:24 p.m.), Emma Davis (arrived 6:42 p.m.)

Board Members Absent: Rodney Chang

Guests: Captain R. Gibo (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant A. Sagucio (Honolulu Police Department); Ben Sullivan (Mayor Blangiardi's Representative); Deputy Director Michael O'Keefe (City Department of Environmental Services); Patrick Watson (Honua Consulting for Frank V. Coluccio Construction); Robin Henski (Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam); Councilmember Say, Pua Smith-Kauhane, Janel (Council District 5); Ashton Stallings, Kayla Setcher (Governor Green); Flora (Representative Adrian Tam); Charles Izumoto (Senator Sharon Moriwaki); Taylor Date (Representative Scott Nishimoto); Ronald Higa (Liliha Neighborhood Board No. 14 Member); Spencer Lee (JL Capital); Kim Coco Iwamoto, Roy Howard, Sherry Howser, Dale Underbrink, Christina Conrad, Samantha Dizon, Karen Cheung, Ashley Perreira, Daniel Simonich, William Nhieu, Steve Davidson (Residents); Camilia Epa (Neighborhood Commission Office - NCO). There were 37 total attendees. Note: Names are not included if not legible on the guest sheet.

II. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS [0:01:07]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- [0:01:09]: Fire Captain Gibo provided the report and highlighted the following: monthly incident statistics for September 2024; safety tip for the month is in regards to smoke alarms.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XTLiu0iSA9mCpuzeUnQoa4dRNFTN7ask/view?usp=drive_link

• For more safety tips and detailed information visit: https://www.ready.gov/power-outages

• HFD website: https://fire.honolulu.gov

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- [0:02:30]: Lieutenant Arnold Sagucio provided the report and highlighted the following: the monthly crime statistics for September 2024; there were no criminal breaches for September 2024; details provided for Ala Moana Shopping Center theft case at Lululemon store on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in the morning; follow-up response provided for question raised at last month's Board meeting on illegally parked cars on Auahi St. and Keawe St.; safety tip for the month is in regards to food tampering involving free candies and treats given out on Halloween.

• For more information, visit: https://www.honolulupd.org

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:05:50]

Hearing no objections, Chair Lee took the agenda out of order to hear item V. Presentations at this time.

IV. PRESENTATION [0:07:07]

Changes on Sewer Service Charges Starting Fiscal Year 2026 -- [0:07:10]: Michael O'Keefe (ENV Deputy Director) discussed the proposed changes to the sewer fee charge to residents beginning in July 2025 through 2035. The City Department of Environmental Services was able to keep sewer fees unchanged since 2016. The Capitol Improvement Project and Wastewater Operations and Management have critical projects to fund to meet regulatory requirements and to continue preparing the islands critical infrastructure for climate change/sea level rise. Mr. O'Keefe shared background information on what the City Department of ENV does and how the additional funds will be used to improve the wastewater collection and treatment service for the whole island.

• Sewer Service Charge Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1piZblJSjEPla0hsOJdzqgbu8nymDK7ss/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:18:20]

Chee arrived at 6:24 p.m.; 6 members present.

Davis arrived at 6:42 p.m.; 7 members present.

Hearing no objections, Chair Lee returned to the order of the agenda to hear item III. Board Business at this time.

III. BOARD BUSINESS [0:42:40]

Filling of Vacancies - Two Vacancies for Subdistrict 1 and One Vacancy for Subdistrict 3 -- [0:43:00]: There were no volunteers at this time.

• Board and Sub-District Boundaries: https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/boards-and-sub-district-boundary-descriptions/

Approval of the Tuesday, September 24, 2024 meeting minutes -- [0:44:00]: [0:44:10] Rice MOVED and Lynn SECONDED to approve the September 2024 regular meeting minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 7-0-0 (AYE: Chee, Davis, Farinas, Mariano, Rice, Faringer, Lee; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None.) [0:44:20]

Report from October 10, 2024 Action Committee Meeting -- [0:44:30]: Action Committee Chair Davis provided the report and

highlighted the Good Government Reforms discussion and plans to continue having a conversation to gather input from the community on pickleball and drafting a resolution.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:47:00]

Consideration of Good Government Reforms Resolution -- [0:48:00]: Chair Lee shared the Resolution is requesting the Hawaii State legislature to increase transparency when it comes to information and campaign contributions. Chair Lee read the resolution out loud to everyone.

• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19kqpt4L8U5wI3XAfLXlvnoYm3p2iAy2c/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:49:30]

[0:44:10] Farinas MOVED and Rice SECONDED to adopt the Good Government Reforms Resolution as written. Hearing no objections, the Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 7-0-0 (AYE: Chee, Davis, Farinas, Mariano, Rice, Faringer, Lee; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None.) [0:54:40]

Discussion on Board Representation at HCDA Meetings -- [0:54:50]: Chair Lee shared her and Member Davis attended the most recent Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) meeting and inquired with the Board if someone would be willing to volunteer to attend the HCDA meetings and be a Board representative and share their reports at the Board's regular meetings.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:56:00]

Attendance at other meetings -- [0:57:30]: Member Farinas shared she attended the pride flag raising ceremony to observe Honolulu Pride Month. The special ceremony serves as a reminder that the City and County of Honolulu is inclusive and welcomes all residents and visitors.

IV. PRESENTATIONS -- Continued -- [0:58:10]

Affordable Housing Presentation -- [0:58:10]: Spencer Lee from JL Capital was present to inform the public on affordable for-sale housing. These homes are priced below market rates, making them more accessible to a wider range of residents. The goal is to help local residents enter the housing market when they otherwise might not be able to. These initiatives try to address various segments of the population up to 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xDITxrL5LIJ_zXu85UaqRs551POaVLKg/view?usp=drive_link

Davis left at 7:02 p.m.; 6 members present.

Chee left at 7:03 p.m.; 5 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:11:00]

V. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS [1:26:00]

Sub-District 3 Report -- [1:26:08]: Member Rice shared a recap of the community meeting held by HCDA executive director Craig Nakamoto to share updates on the issues and projects in the Ward Village area. The repairs for the crosswalk connecting to Kolowalu Park near the intersection of Waimanu St./Queen St. is still not fixed and will be further delayed due to the contractor unable to secure an off-duty police officer for the road construction site. The community urges HCDA to address this serious concern immediately because of the safety hazard it poses in this heavily utilized area. The Kolowalu Playground construction is projected to be completed in the first week of November 2024. The Kolowalu off-leash Dog Park is projected to open in January 2024. City Department of Parks and Recreation needs to come up with a fair solution on creating more dog friendly parks for the Ala Moana-Kaka'ako district.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:31:00]

VI. RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS [1:32:11]

Pickleball at Ala Moana -- [1:32:20]: Roy Howard (Ala Moana resident) expressed it is unfair to punish all dog owners for the mistakes made by the few dog owners who do not have proper etiquette of picking up after their dogs. He asked to please allow leashed dogs in Ala Moana Regional Park or create a designated space in the park for dogs to go off-leash and hold violators accountable. Mr. Howard is also in full-support of the idea of repurposing Auahi St. into a pedestrian walkway. Mr. Howard also clarified that the current conditions and data collected support the short-term resolution of converting two tennis courts for pickleball only courts until a more medium to long term solution with multiple pickleball courts is constructed in the Ala Moana District. He also shared that data that was requested by the Board was collected over a 15-day period with over 1200 data points from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., multiple random follow-up visits, and photos and videos.

No Dogs Allowed Rule Enforcement Request -- [1:38:04]: Christina (Ala Moana resident) who is a frequent Ala Moana Regional Park swimmer shared over the last year there has been an increase of people violating the "no dogs allowed" rule in the park and little to no enforcement of the rule. She believes it is unfair because there is no space for people who don't want to be in a space around other people's pets. She is requesting for more law enforcement in the park to ticket violators especially in the afternoon or evening.

Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club Santa Hat 5K -- [1:40:45]: Steve Davidson (Race Director for Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club) shared an announcement that the annual Santa Hat 5K will be on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. and end around 7:00 p.m. The marathon is estimated to have about 400 participants. There will be no road closure or park closures. The route will go around the entire park. This year, the marathon will be adding an additional 1 mile run after the 5k (3.1 miles) for keiki or for those who do not want to do the entire 5k.

• For more information or to register for the marathon, please go to: https://mprrc.com/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:42:25]

Hilton Hawaiian Village Resorts Local 5 Union Strike -- [1:43:00]: Sherry Howser (Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort employee) who has worked for the resort for 18 years shared about the ongoing union strike. Employees are asking for better work conditions and pay. The employees are currently understaffed and over worked which puts their safety at risk. The strike will be reaching their 1-month mark and are asking for support from the public. The public is welcome to join the employees in the picket line to support the employees.

• Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YHgQ546f86r2x8sMRVatpzydLXzZD4iq/view?usp=drive_link

VII. AGENCY REPORTS [1:46:50]

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) -- [1:46:50]: No representative present.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) -- [1:47:12]: Patrick Watson (Honua Consulting, Public Information Management) provided the report on behalf of Frank V. Coluccio Construction. The next City Center Utility Relocation Business and Community meeting will be Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

• For updates on HART's Downtown Utilities Relocation (CCUR III) project information, please sign up for our Frank V. Coluccio Construction Company (FVCCC) weekly e-blast at the link: https://eepurl.com/h1g2W5

• For information on the next City Center Utilities Relocation (Dillingham and Downtown) Business and Community Meeting, please visit the HART website link below: https://bit.ly/HART-bc

• If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, you can reach us via email at: ccur3@honuaconsulting.com

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [1:48:00]: No representative present.

VIII. ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORT [1:48:06]

City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam -- [1:48:09]: Robin Henski provided the report and shared the monthly newsletter for October 2024. The office and the DTS working group are working on classifying e-bikes and other definitions in Bill 52 (relating to electric bicycles).

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VzxdijuZRjWGJJiCBw-oX0OclfHIKj1X/view?usp=drive_link

City Councilmember Calvin Say -- [1:50:00]: Pua Smith-Kauhane provided the report and highlighted the following: on Saturday 21, 2024 the Ala Moana Regional Park tennis practice court was restriped for pickleball; link for the real property tax timeline and important dates for home owners to keep in mind; request on investigative service was submitted to City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for little fire ants in Ala Moana Regional Park; addressing graffiti on the fence on Kapiolani Blvd. with City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP); addressing issue with park tour buses at Ala Moana Regional Park with DPR; repairs beings done on the Honolulu Convention Center rooftop terrace deck; follow up response for concern raised at the last Board meeting.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_2tjkQFnfqag_Jcg7QGyoLT52EEcQGiu/view?usp=drive_link

• Real Property Tax Timeline: https://www.realpropertyhonolulu.com/

• TheBus Routes: https://www.thebus.org/RiderAlerts.asp

• City & County Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17jIXEsST4x1MufjlM1TvhArp86nWuB8_/view?usp=drive_link

Mayor Rick Blangiardi -- [1:54:14]: Ben Sullivan (Executive Director, Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency) shared and highlighted the following: monthly newsletter for October 2024 and follow-up responses for questions and concerns raised at the last Board meeting.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u0AhGKMoDDsqP2uuyEqdKGLRwnxJKHWn/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:56:27]

Senator Sharon Moriwaki -- [2:02:50]: Charles Izumoto provided the report and shared a recap of items discussed at the last HCDA Board meeting; asking for the public to take a community survey to offer input on legislation to introduce in the upcoming session.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MHtypVAj7P0uTaUijjEZtjJD6x9w7-e6/view?usp=drive_link

State Representative Scott Nishimoto -- [2:05:26]: Taylor Date was present to take any questions.

State Representative Adrian Tam -- [2:05:50]: Flora was present to take any questions.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eG9gENEVFxkFZv0E_vyOK55vVyhaBRNs/view?usp=drive_link

State House Speaker Scott Saiki -- [2:07:18]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green -- [2:07:30]: Kayla Setcher provided the report and highlight the following: Governor Green's visit to Japan to strengthen Hawaii and Japan relations; the State increased fundings by 2.3 million to University of Hawaii's Maui Wildfire exposure study; the state facilitated Maui Economic Recovery Commission convened their third and final meeting to discuss plans for Maui's economic recovery; 2024 Governor's Awards honors and recognizes state executive branch employees, managers, and teams for their outstanding work in public service.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kq6zCc7RWwvG6dfXW1b_MY4G8oZn75Ro/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:09:00]

U.S Congressman Ed Case: This item was skipped. No representative present.

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:13:20]

NB11 social media accounts -- [2:13:20]

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlaMoanaKakaakoNB11

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alamoanakakaakonb11/

Honolulu Night Market, Saturday, November 2, 2024 -- [2:13:25]

Next Regular Meeting -- [2:13:25]: The Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board's next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Makiki Christian Church and online via WebEx.

Next Action Committee Meeting -- [2:13:38]: Scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024.

ʻŌlelo Broadcasts: Videotaping of the board meetings are broadcast on ʻŌlelo 49 on the first and third Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., and every second Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

• The full schedule is at: https://olelo.org/tv-schedule/

• Recordings may also be viewed at: https://olelo.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=20

X. ADJOURNMENT [2:13:48]: Chair Lee adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO

Finalized by: Emma Davis, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No.11

  1. Back
  2. Current News
  3. News Archive

Like Our Facebook

  • RELATED LINKS
    Please send questions about this website to
    Copyright© 2014 - 2024 KakaakoHawaii.com. All rights reserved.
    Terms of Use / Legal Disclaimer / Privacy Statement
    Site Designed and Managed by MacBusiness Consulting