Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2025 Minutes

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025 at 6:00 P.M.

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

AND VIA WEBEX

Video Recording of Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIe3FUKoP4g

Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JHxLyEI1wm7cUgm9ayIl2Q6OLWSbPBCV

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:01:25]: Chair Kathleen Lee called the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Quorum was established with 8 members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Rodney Chang, Dyson Chee, Emma Davis, Lori Farinas, Caroline Faringer, Kathleen Lee, Jeanne Rice, and Dale Vanderbrink.

Board Member(s) Absent: Lynn Mariano and Karen Cheung.

Guests: Firefighter Hedden (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Mochizuki (Honolulu Police Department); Marissa Gonzales (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART); Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (Council District 6); Sophia Anderson (Councilmember Nishimoto); Jeanette Lum (Representative Ikaika Olds); Colbie (Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto); William Nheiu (Governor Josh Green); Patrick Watson (HART contractor Frank V. Coluccio Construction Company, Inc.); Ronald Higa, Shar Chun Lum, Bruce Lum, Lynne Kobayashi, Michele Opitek, Audrey Lee, James Gieschen, C. Watanabe, Mike Oxmaul, Myoung Oh, Daniel Simonich (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 33 total participants.

Roll Call Attendance -- [0:01:38]: Chair Lee called for a roll call, which was conducted by Neighborhood Assistant Camilia Epa Gomes.

2. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS -- [0:02:35]

Honolulu Fire Department -- [0:02:40]: Firefighter Hedden provided the report and highlighted the following: February 2025 monthly statistics; follow-up responses for questions raised at last month's Board meeting; and the safety tip for the month is regarding smoke alarms.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1orSshVEVmTOQjRyXRrpNxbBlchlE0Fcl/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:04:40]

Honolulu Police Department -- [0:09:57]: Sergeant Mochizuki provided the report and highlighted the following: follow-up responses for concerns raised at last month's Board meeting regarding graffiti statistics; and a chart comparing monthly crime statistics. Sergeant Mochizuki shared safety tips regarding e-bikes and laws for e-bike users to know.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:13:42]

3. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:13:52]

King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade -- Saturday, June 14, 2025: No representative present.

Early Eviction Mediation -- [0:14:11]: Roberta Hickey (Program Manager, Mediation Center of the Pacific) shares the program aims to resolve issues and decisions made between the landlord and tenant to avoid the cost of going to court for both parties. By not going to court, tenants won't have eviction on their record and landlords can maintain their rental income, which preserves the business relationship. Mediation is a private, informal process that provides landlords and tenants with the opportunity to talk with the help of an impartial mediator and negotiate agreements to help restore their business relationship. Mediation is not a part of the legal system and landlords and tenants make their own decisions. The program is free for landlords and tenants to participate in early mediation.

• Program Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QO-hKL6rHxxeCCk4L0d-t2B2n2qywxaz/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:19:44]

4. BOARD BUSINESS -- [0:23:02]

Approval of the Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Meeting Minutes -- [0:23:02] [0:23:12] -- Chang MOVED and Farinas SECONDED approval of the February 25, 2025 meeting minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion to approve the February 25, 2025 meeting minutes as written was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Chang, Chee, Davis, Farinas, Faringer, Rice, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:23:22]

Action Committee Report -- [0:23:25]: Committee Chair Davis provided the report and highlighted the following: discussion for allowance of dogs within parks; thanked members of the Save Ala Moana Beach Park Group and Mālama Moana Group for attending the meeting; and community engagement initiatives to strengthen outreach efforts and plan upcoming events.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:29:09]

Update on Kakaako Makai/SB534 -- [0:33:16]: Chair Lee shared a quick announcement of the update of the Senate Bill that was presented by Friends of Kewalo Group at the last Board meeting. The Senate Bill was deferred in the Senate and will not be pursued this legislative session. Chair Lee shared she is in contact with a Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) respresentative to request a presentation in the near future at a Board meeting to hear their perspective on the matter.

5. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS -- [0:34:04]

Subdistrict 2 Report -- [0:34:13]: Member Vanderbrink shared a safety issue at the intersection of Kalākaua Avenue and Kapiolani Blvd with cars heading West on Kapiolani Blvd backing up in the middle of the intersection and risking the safety of drivers and pedestrians using the crosswalk at the intersection. He suggested if there could be more police directing traffic during event hours at the Hawaii Convention Center or if the timer for the left turn signal on Kapiolani Blvd onto Atkinson Drive could be adjusted.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:37:21]

Subdistrict 1 Report -- [0:39:13]: Member Chang shared he found another dead tree in his sub-district that he is concerned is a safety issue and would like to put a request to have it removed. The tree he identified as a safety hazard is located near 940 Kaheka St. Honolulu, HI 96814.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:40:10]

Subdistrict 3 Report -- [0:44:50]: Member Faringer shared complaints from residents that there are homeless individuals who are using the sidewalk on Sheridan St. directly across the Keʻeamoku Walmart to sleep and keep their belongings, which is causing safety issues for pedestrians. In addition, the storm drains directly under the area of the sidewalk of where the homeless are staying is filled with trash. She also shared that the Hawaiʻi Food Bank is accepting applications for monthly Kupuna boxes.

Subdistrict 4 Report -- [0:46:52]: Member Farinas highlighted the following: follow-up inquiry for a reinstalled crosswalk on S. King St. between One Archer Lane building and Straub Benioff Medical Center; and attendance at a community forum to discuss free school meals for all keiki.

6. RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [0:52:00]:

Allowance of dogs in Ala Moana Regional Park -- [0:52:00]: There were various community members who provided testimony on opposition of allowing dogs in Ala Moana Regional Park. Resident and member of Save Ala Moana Beach Park Hui -- Sharlene Chun-Lum shared that allowing dogs would lead to overcrowding of dogs. The group has also in the past requested for the City to support creating more dog parks in the district to accommodate the increasing number of dogs in the neighborhood. Resident and member of Save Ala Moana Beach Park Hui -- Lynne Kobayashi shared her concern that there will be irresponsible dog owners who wonʻt pick up their dogʻs feces which will raise health issues for people who use the park for excercising on the grass or sitting on the ground to eat or relax. Resident and member of Mālama Moana Group -- Audrey Lee shared there would be confusion in the public if there was a proposed designated area for dogs within the park. She shared there are still people who walk their dogs in the park and disregard the park rules. Resident -- Michele Opitek shared she sees people frequently walking their dogs in the morning and the lack of enforcement for giving out fines to people who break the no dogs rule. She also raised attention to the population of feral cats that live in Ala Moana Regional Park. Resident and co-founder of Save Ala Moana Beach Park Hui -- Bruce Lum offered insight on the personal efforts and group efforts to protect Ala Moana Regional Park. He highlighted issues such as enforcement in the park and confusion of the laws created for the park. Mr. Lum shared he looks forward to further discussion to find solutions.

Issues faced with City Prosecutor's Office -- [1:13:27]: A resident and small business owner -- James Gieschen expressed frustration with his cases that have been dismissed as ʻnoll prosequiʻ at the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney office. He shared that he has submitted over 50 cases to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and only two have been prosecuted. Mr. Gieschen submitted a letter to the Board requesting responses for the questions he has for the Prosecuting Attorneyʻs office and elected officials.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:15:55]

Inspection request for crosswalk pole structure -- [1:17:00]: Member Farinas shared that there are wires hanging out at the base of the crosswalk pole structure that needs attention for repairs. The pole is located at the Kapiolani Blvd intersection at Kamakeʻe St. (McKinley High School side) facing the car wash across the street. She also shared that the tree next to the pole has over hanging branches obstructing the traffic light signal for west bound lanes on Kapiolani Blvd that needs to be trimmed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:19:24]

7. AGENCY REPORTS -- [1:20:00]

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) -- [1:20:00]: Francine Murray provided the report and highlighted the following: a brand-new vessel technology company (REGENT) is pioneering the future of sustainable maritime mobility through the development and manufacturing of all-electric seagliders; and recent vandalism at the Kolowalu Dog Park. The next HCDA Board meeting is on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mIPk2CD-yMkSLH406hg2YUvgkMZzT5hJ/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:21:05]

Honolulu Authority for Rapid 9Transportation] (HART) -- [1:23:06]: Marissa Gonzales (HART's Public Involvement team) highlighted the following updates: The Airport Segment from Pearl Harbor to Middle Street is currently in the testing phase and trial running will be next. After trial running, HART will be transferring the assets to the City's Department of Transportation Services who will determine when it can be open to the public for operations. Mayor Blangiardi announced at the State of the City address that October 1, 2025 is the target date to open the Airport segment. Downtown utility relocation work should be completed by Quarter 2 of 2025 and Dillingham utility relocation work is aimed to be completed in 2026. There will be intermittent lane closures on Nimitz Hwy and Ala Moana Blvd to install utilities, street lights, and traffic signals.

• 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: https://eepurl.com/h1g2W5

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

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:25:37]

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [1:26:07]: No representative present.

8. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- [1:26:10]

State Senator Sharon Moriwaki (District 12) -- [1:26:10]: Charles was present to take back questions or concerns to the office.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:26:30]

State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) -- [1:34:19]: Jeanette Lum provided the report and provided a response regarding the tree on the Kalakaua Homes property that fell on the Handi-Van.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ehNLleqrdKkd3BGu4AazkKnRrO27IFTg/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:35:22]

State Representative Adrian Tam (District 24) -- [1:39:17]: Representative Adrian Tam was present to take any questions or concerns.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/142Qe9VuOE19dVVZygS8sOdO96lXlJEy4/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:39:40]

State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) -- [1:46:45]: Colby shared Rep Iwamoto has two House resolutions that have passed the first committee and will be moving forward.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:47:55]

City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (District 6) -- [1:48:08]: Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam provided the report and highlighted the following: there will be an upcoming briefing for the proposed sewer fee increases on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 and a briefing for the Empty Homes Tax on Tuesday, April 29, 2025; a follow-up response for Member Farina's inquiry on the proposed re-installed crosswalk on S. King St. between One Archer Lane building and Straub Benioff Medical Center; Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam will be hosting a Kakaʻako artist townhall at the end of April 2025 and details will be provided at the next Board meeting.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ja1BCpTrYSn-L9NLQbo4WSPrTXVQs8QH/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:49:37]

City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (District 5) -- [1:52:50]: Sophia Anderson provided the report and shared upcoming lane closures for mutliple utility repairs.

• For questions and concerns please email scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov or call (808)768-5005

• To subscribe to Councilmember Nishimoto's weekly e-blast, please go to http://eepurl.com/dI6xMz

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:54:10]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [1:54:53]: Chair Lee shared that the mayor's representative notified her that he is unable to attend the meeting and has provided a memo in lieu of the report with responses for questions raised at last month's Board meeting.

• Mayor's Memo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18mhn6QbnxLKuh5kNP1ijLvNDfC580kIk/view?usp=drive_link

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-_adm_iXdjfjX5wsAfntHWL8oyB73tTx/view?usp=drive_link

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [1:56:27]: William Nhieu provided the report and highlighted the following: a new online resource was launched to help local residents learn about Hawaiʻi's new tax cuts; the first $1.5 million payment has been issued to the estate of a Lahaina wildfire victim through the One ‘Ohana Fund Disbursement, a key initiative of the Maui Wildires Compensation Program (MWCP); and provided a follow-up response for questions raised at last month's Board meeting regarding efforts the State has taken to bring back Japanese tourism to the islands.

• Website to learn Hawaiʻi's new tax cuts: https://www.taxcuthawaii.org/

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eRKmzYyKFMgjV0_L6jpn6WgNadEgM7ev/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:02:07]

Congressman Ed Case's Representative -- [2:04:14]: No representative present.

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:04:18]

Pole Installation at 842 Ilaniwai Street (Hawaiian Electric): Contact Ricky Honma at (808) 543-4000 or email at community@hawaiianelectric.com

Upcoming events -- [2:04:38]: The Keiki Street Festival will be at Our Kakaako on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Police Week Kickoff will be on Monday, May 12, 2025. The 2025 Shinnyo-en Lantern Floating will be at Ala Moana Beach Park on Monday, May 19, 2025.

• For more information on upcoming events/street closures, visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/dts/2025-events/

2025 Neighborhood Board Elections Timeline [2:05:04]: Chair provided the timeline and website to keep up with the election.

• For more information, please visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/neighborhood-board-elections

City and County of Honolulu and Hawaii Foodbank are Partnering to Fight Against Hunger: Neighborhood Assistant Camilia Epa Gomes will be collecting donated canned goods at the next Neighborhood Board meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

NB11 social media accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlaMoanaKakaakoNB11; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alamoanakakaakonb11/

The next Action Committee meeting will be on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

The ʻŌlelo Broadcasts: Recordings of the 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://www.honolulu.gov/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-sitearticles/1657-board-meeting-video-archive.html

10. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:06:00]: Chair Lee adjourned the meeting at 8:11 p.m

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO

Finalized by: