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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 28, 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=iN_M571bKDI

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:17]: Chair Kathleen Lee called the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Quorum was established with eight (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, Chris Chung, Quinn Hashimoto, Edward Hernandez, Kaili Morala, Kathleen Lee, Jeanne Rice, and Dale Vanderbrink.

Board Member(s) Absent: Dyson Chee, Lori Farinas and Sheri Rand.

Guests: Captain Gibo (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant L. Wakabayashi (Honolulu Police Department); Mark Yonamine (Mayor Blangiardi); Harry Cho (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART); Kaiulani Sodaro (Howard Hughes); Isaiah Sato (R.M. Towill Corporation); Sophia Anderson (Councilmember Nishimoto); Representative Ikaika Olds (State House District 23); Representative Adrian Tam (State House District 24); Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (State House District 25); Ashton Stallings (Governor Josh Green); Steve Davidson (Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club); Ronald Higa (Liliha Neighborhood Board No. 14); Myoung Oh, Ben Sadoski, Mike Buck, Corey Kawai, Joseph Yamaoka (Residents); and Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 38 total participants.

Roll Call Attendance -- [0:00:30]: Chair Lee called for a roll call, which was conducted by Neighborhood Assistant Camilia Epa Gomes.

2. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS -- [0:01:19]

Honolulu Fire Department -- [0:01:20]: Captain Gibo provided the following:

• September 2025 statistics: 1 structured fire, 3 nuisance fires, 1 cooking fire, 18 activated alarms, 150 medical responses, 1 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, 6 motor vehicle crash/collisions, and 1 hazardous materials incident.

• Safety Tip -- Seasonal Decorations: Use fire-resistant, non-combustible decorations; choose UL-approved electrical decorations; follow manufacturer instructions; use lights in good repair; turn off lights before leaving home/bed; do not overload power strips; never leave candles unattended; and keep lighters/matches away from children.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/159WGnb4hcAXAMQEYytVRTWN37iMeWu1x/view?usp=sharing

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:02:42]

1. Activated Alarm Batteries and Assistance: Member Chung asked if HFD coordinates with Easter Seals to replace low batteries on smoke alarms for seniors. Captain Gibo said HFD does not perform battery changes due to liability, but can show residents how to replace them and noted many activations are low-battery alerts.

Honolulu Police Department -- [0:04:20]: Sergeant L. Wakabayashi provided the following:

• Monthly crime statistics September 2025 compared to August 2025: 17 motor vehicle thefts (down from 20); 7 burglaries (down from 13); 115 thefts (up from 95); 9 unauthorized entries to motor vehicles (up from 8); 19 assaults (up from 15); 2 sexual assaults (up from 1); 0 graffiti cases (unchanged); 11 drug cases (up from 4); and 117 motor vehicle collisions (down from 139).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:05:44]

1. Faded "No Left Turn" Signs and Illegal Turns: Member Rice cited illegal left turns from Kapiʻolani Blvd onto Piʻikoi Street and Sheridan Street as well as faded signage and damaged yellow stanchions. Sgt. Wakabayashi will notify DTS to update signs/replace stanchions; put in a request to increase HPD presence in the area.

2. Acting Major Identification: Chair Lee asked who is acting Major for the area. Sgt. Wakabayashi stated Acting Major Henry Roberts.

3. "Coffee with a Cop" Details: Chair Lee (for Member Vanderbrink) requested event info. Sgt. Wakabayashi will send details via NCO (Member Vanderbrink noted signage indicated Monday, November 3, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.).

3. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:10:06]

Ward Village Community Update -- [0:10:11]: Kaiulani Sodaro (Senior VP, Planning & Development, Howard Hughes) highlighted the following in her presentation:

• Open Spaces & Parks: Ulana Park opened; Ulana (697 reserved housing units) opening to residents next week. Victoria Ward Park Mauka Phase 2 targeting Dec/Jan opening (weather dependent), with an all-access playground and large event lawn; new 17-foot trellis seating structures.

• Infrastructure: Repaving and connectivity (Pohukaina Street extension; Ward Ave/Koula realignment; bike lanes on new streets).

• Ceremony: Groundbreaking for Launui Ward Village (Ala Moana Blvd & Ward Ave) with community partners Laukahi Network and Downtown Art Center.

• Construction to Start: Remnant roadway to become a hardscaped public plaza (pop-ups, sculptural seating, embedded kōnane).

• Upcoming Regional Electrical Work: HECO 25 kV project (Waimanu→Queen/Queen Ln/Queen St→Ala Moana Blvd), Mon--Fri 7:00 a.m. -- 3:30 p.m., through Oct 2025 to Jan 2027; 24-hour noise hotline; intermittent sidewalk closures but traffic maintained.

• Development Updates: Ulana (697 reserved housing units) opening to residents next week; Mahana Ward Village (Block N-West) Planned Development Permit Amendment and design plans;

• Newsletters: Kewalo Harbor, Ward Village Construction Newsletter, Village News (events/holiday calendar).

• Contact: communityimprovements@howardhughes.com

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:27:22]

1. Pet-Friendly Policy: Member Chang asked if parks/areas are pet friendly. Ms. Sodaro said pets are welcome on leash.

2. Pop-up Participation: Member Rice asked how to participate in park pop-ups. Ms. Sodaro said email communityimprovements@howardhughes.com; kiosks/carts supported with HCDA.

3. Retail Space Estimates: Member Chang asked about new retail counts. Ms. Sodaro noted Park Ward Village >35,000 sq ft. plus multiple blocks (roughly two dozen across projects), with lists in the Village News.

4. Off-Leash Dog Park: Member Chang asked about off-leash space. Ms. Sodaro said they're participating with HCDA to reprogram Kolowalu Park off-leash; shared spaces require leashes; no off-leash at the event lawn.

1588 Ala Moana Project -- [0:31:00]: Isaiah Sato (Planner, R.M. Towill Corporation) highlighted the following in his presentation:

• Site: Ala Moana Center parking structure at Atkinson Dr & Ala Moana Blvd (Business Mixed Used BMX-3; 4.3 acres).

• Program: 52 affordable rentals (80% AMI, 30-year term), 145 market units, 291 hotel rooms, ~26,000 sq ft commercial. The development is a transit-oriented project envisioning residential diversity, strengthening economic vitality and making Ala Moana walkable.

• Heights: ~200 ft residential; ~400 ft hotel; >300 bicycle stalls; replace ~560 mall stalls and add ~575 project stalls.

• Design: Wide ground-level pedestrian corridor to mall; affordable "liner" units activate Ala Moana Blvd frontage over the garage; rooftop restaurant concept (subject to change).

• Timeline Process: Currently in the City Department of Planning & Permitting (DPP) pre-application phase; agency notification; public hearing; Council resolution; goal mid--Q3 next year for entitlements.

• Contact: isaiahs@rmtowill.com or 808-842-1133

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:39:38]

1. Bikeshare Station: Member Hernandez asked about a Bike share station on-site. Mr. Sato said none is in current plans, but the project provides >300 bike parking stalls and can explore options within the center context.

2. Entry Location & Hotel Management: Member Rice asked about the residential entrance and hotel operator. Mr. Sato said the main corridor is at the Ala Moana/Atkinson corner; hotel management is not yet identified.

3. Pricing and Unit Mix: Member Vanderbrink asked about costs and bedrooms. Mr. Sato said market pricing is TBD; affordables at 80% AMI (DPP-capped rents), primarily 1--2 BR; market units 1--4+ BR.

4. Sidewalk Access, Dog-Friendly, Trees: Member Chang asked about closures, pets, and existing trees. Mr. Sato said sidewalks will be kept open as feasible with phased closures; project is dog-friendly for tenants; trees will be preserved where possible with quality landscaping.

5. Public Stairs/Access: Member Rice asked if Waikīkī pedestrians can access the mall. Mr. Sato said yes--ground-level corridor with vertical connections to mall levels.

6. Affordable Liner & Public Input: Chair Lee asked about affordable units over the garage and engagement. Mr. Sato said liner units front Ala Moana Blvd to avoid blank garage walls; notices go to properties within 300 ft after submittal; DPP public hearing and Council provide testimony opportunities.

7. Condo-Hotel Program: Resident Ben Sadoski asked about "condo hotel" labeling. Mr. Sato said lower condo-hotel units are individually owned but operated as part of one hotel pool.

4. BOARD BUSINESS -- [0:50:48]

Approval of the September 23, 2025 regular meeting minutes -- [0:50:51]: [0:51:09] -- Rice MOVED and Chang SECONDED to approve the September 2025 minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Chang, Chung, Hashimoto, Hernandez, Morala, Rice, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:51:17].

Letter from the Board to the City & County of Honolulu re: allowing leashed dogs in NB 11 parks -- [0:51:19]: Member Chang read a draft letter to DPR supporting leashed dogs with: mandatory leashing, exclusions (playgrounds/active sports fields), waste management/signage, and education/ community stewardship. The letter also provides a list of area city parks within the district that the Board supports on-leash access.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:54:44]

1. Add Ala Moana Regional Beach Park: Member Rice asked to include Ala Moana Park. Chair Lee noted DPR's template omitted it; consensus to proceed as drafted and consider a future resolution for additional specificity.

2. Enforcement and Safety: Member Chung raised concerns about non-existent enforcement and safety for runners/children. Members discussed signage, penalties, and education to improve compliance.

3. Signage and Fines: Member Chung suggested enhanced fines and clear signage to deter off-leash violations. Member Rice noted HPD has issued $300--$500 citations at Magic Island.

4. Off-Leash Enclosures: Member Rice supported exploring a fenced off-leash area at Ala Moana Park. Member Chung agreed distinct spaces could help.

5. Survey Representation: Member Chung cautioned about pet-owner response bias and urged outreach to non-pet owners/parents for broader input.

6. Current Signage Gaps: Member Rice noted "No Dogs" signs at Atkinson/park entrances, but not on bridges; more signage requested.

[1:15:40] -- Chang MOVED and Rice SECONDED to adopt the letter as written. No further discussion. The Board conducted a roll-call vote. The motion was ADOPTED; 6-1-1 (Aye: Chang, Hashimoto, Hernandez, Rice, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: Chung; Abstain: Morala) -- [1:17:03].

October Action Committee Meeting Recap/Updates -- [1:19:04]: Chair Lee shared highlights on behalf of Committee Vice Chair Vanderbrink a resolution that is being drafted regarding property tax surcharge. Committee Chair Rice provided the following updates:

• Community Cleanup at Ala Moana Regional Beach Park: Moved to January (date pending DPR coordination; Member Rice working with Denny Higa).

• Oʻahu MPO: The October and November meetings were canceled; the next meeting is scheduled in December.

• Sam's Club: New General Manager is supportive of an outreach table and will revisit the idea after New Year.

• HPD Community Engagement: Member Rice attended a "meet the major" event with the new HPD District Acting Major Roberts but noted the event was poorly publicized. Member Vanderbrink added that the event was announced on social media at 5:00 a.m. the same day and held at 9:00 a.m., making it difficult for working people to attend.

Attendance at other meetings -- [1:18:25]:

• Chairs and Vice Chairs Meeting: No updates; next meeting will be in November.

• Pride Parade Attendance: Thanked the board members who participated in the parade.

• FarmLovers Market (Oct 2025): Expressed importance of getting engaged with the community.

• Trash Collectors Town Hall in Waikīkī: Member Morala attended the meeting and discussion of potentially changing the trash collection schedule in the morning for specific areas.

NB11 Presence in Upcoming Area Parade/s -- [1:22:23]: Chair Lee confirmed along with other boards on participation in the Honolulu City Lights Parade; encouraged board members to participate and notify her; currently exploring logistics.

5. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS -- [1:23:17]

Subdistrict 1 -- Member Chang -- [1:23:24]: Streetlights on Liona Street remain out; follow-up requested.

Adopt Sheridan Park Update -- [1:23:48]: Chair Lee provided the following updates on behalf of Alex Beatty (resident): the city planted trees along Piikoi Street; first cleanup is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For more information or to sign-up to volunteer, please email adoptsheridanpark@gmail.com.

Voter Access Testimony Opportunity -- [1:24:35]: Member Rice noted there will be an Election Commission Meeting open to the public to participate in to provide input regarding mail-in ballots. The meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at 802 Lehua Avenue, Pearl City, HI 96782. Testimony can be submitted to elections.commission@hawaii.gov.

6. RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [1:25:50]: No concerns at this time.

7. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- [1:26:00]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative [1:26:05]: Mark Yonamine provided responses to previous board inquiries:

• Kanunu Street/Poni Street Crosswalk: DTS investigating (site work/crash analysis); summary expected March 2026.

• Repainting (Kona Street & Piʻikoi Street): Issued Work order #38919 to DFM; For updates contact DFM at (808) 768-3622.

• Repainting Crosswalks near Sheridan Park: DTS investigating; status expected by January meeting.

• McCoy Pavilion Updates: Historic features/exceptional trees required plan revisions; phased turnover to DPR; interior courtyard pending root-sensitive updates.

• Liona Street Streetlights: DFM coordinating with contractor/HECO to restore.

• "No Parking" Sign (Liona St): DFM checking with DTS; to restore if not removed by DTS.

• Roadway Damage from Construction: DPP investigating contractor responsibility.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AdNEfinMEewT3npsh98nb7ZrXKdxhTzX/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:31:23]

1. Leaning Electrical Box and Landscaping: Member Rice reported a damaged electrical box and poor maintenance at Kapiʻolani Blvd/Keʻeaumoku St. (fronting AutoSource). Mayor's Rep will follow up on safety/maintenance.

2. Sports/Open Streets Coordination: Member Chung asked about City sports promotion; Member Hernandez highlighted Kaʻiwi Coast Road closures during Century Ride and suggested more frequent closures. Mayor's Rep noted City's facility support and will share ideas.

3. Sidewalk Closures (Kamaʻkeʻe & Kapiʻolani Intersection): Member Morala asked for project status due to safety impacts. Mayor's Rep will seek an update.

4. Invite DTS (Pedestrian Safety): Member Hernandez requested DTS attend a NB11 meeting on pedestrian safety. Mayor's Rep will relay the request.

State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) -- [1:38:08]: Representative Iwamoto highlighted the following:

• Early morning commercial trash pickup: Send comments to Michael Formby as options are evaluated; Waikīkī constraints could shift schedules to benefit adjacent districts.

• Special Session Advocacy: Urging Governor/Legislature to address immigration guardrails, reproductive and gender-affirming care, and SNAP budget actions; possible release of federal funds for rent/utilities relief.

City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (District 5) -- [1:43:34]: Sophia Anderson highlighted the following:

• McCoy Pavilion: Cafeteria/auditorium opening Nov 1 (phased turnover).

• Honolulu City Lights: Illumination at Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds/Thomas Square Park (Nov 29--Dec 31).

City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (District 6) -- [1:44:48]: No representative at this time.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xUIXfELAERtEhoU8XhEPYFIynadQecEs/view?usp=drive_link

State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) -- [1:45:00]: Representative Olds noted interim surveys requested for 2026 bill priorities. Homelessness Outreach: Post-sweep dispersal trending west from Diamond Head/Old Stadium Park; anticipate impacts in NB11 if congregations form.

• To sign up for digital newsletters and email blasts, please go to: https://mailchi.mp/capitol/email-sign-up

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:47:35]

1. Displacement Toward NB11: Member Vanderbrink asked about Downtown Improvement District effects. Rep. Olds said displacement is likely mobile; report emerging camps to CORE/City/State for rapid service to prevent growth.

State Representative Adrian Tam (District 24) -- [1:49:17]: Representative Tam shared there is an upcoming community townhall meeting in collaboration with Senator Sharon Moriwaki at Jefferson Elementary School on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Multiple state agencies will also be attending to talk about emergency preparedness.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:47:35]

1. Elections Commission Vote-by-Mail Letter: Member Vanderbrink asked about actions on the letter. Rep. Tam said letter was not sent; any change requires statute; he submitted testimony supporting vote-by-mail and urges public testimony.

2. Sports Tourism & Respectful Visitors: Member Chung asked about attracting sports and respectful visitors. Rep. Tam cited HTA's committee work (e.g., Davis Cup bids) and marketing toward Asia/Oceania/Canada/US/Europe, plus support for UH athletics and Convention Center events.

3. Support for Local Sport Events: Member Chung asked about supporting local sports event producers. Rep. Tam is open to ideas to enhance support alongside existing state efforts.

State Senator Sharon Moriwaki (District 12) -- [1:57:18]: No representative at this time.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [1:57:29]: Ashton Stallings highlighted the following from the newsletter (affordable housing across from Pearl Harbor, Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) opened a new West Hawaiʻi Office to better serve Big Island, and Affordable Cars Coalition).

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qg5Iny6rBB-oyWCvqstoUo-dsO1_Jro9/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:58:18]

1. Traffic Safety Executive Order & Act 242: Member Hernandez requested updates on implementation to reduce traffic violence. Ms. Stallings will follow up via email and at the next meeting.

2. SNAP Changes in November: Member Vanderbrink asked about federal SNAP changes. Ms. Stallings will provide details via email and at the next meeting.

8. AGENCY REPORTS -- [2:00:10]

Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA) -- [2:00:11]: No representative present at this time.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a2yZZ2_oUEeGULHdKBMaKZB5rGGBjoON/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) -- [2:00:22]: Harry Cho noted the upcoming Civic Center Station Design Workshop free to the public to attend on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Keʻelikōlani Middle School cafeteria.

• To sign up for HART's weekly newsletter, please visit: https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001DFTCDgfTjag6k-qOH81D1A%3D%3D=

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS): This item was skipped. No representative present at this time.

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:00:52]

Upcoming events -- [1:55:39]

• Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club "Santa Hat" 5K and 1-mile: Steve Davidson shared the Santa Hat Family Fun Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025 4:00 p.m. at Ala Moana Beach Park. To sign up please visit https://mprrc.com/.

• Honolulu City Lights Parade: Will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

• 51st Annual Street Bikers United Toy Parade: Will be on Saturday, December 6, 2025 (Contact: Ray Pagan, onerican@raypagan.com).

• Honolulu Marathon: Will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

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

Social Media -- [2:03:08]: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlaMoanaKakaʻakoNB11; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alamoanaKakaʻakonb11/

Next Meetings -- [2:03:10]

• Action Committe Meeting: The next meeting will be on Thursday, November 19, 2025.

• Regular Board Meeting: The next regular Board meeting will be on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.The board will recess for December 2025.

The ʻŌlelo Broadcasts -- [2:03:20]: 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 -- [2:03:30]: Chair Lee adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO

Finalized by:


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