Kakaako - Honolulu, Hawaii
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Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board Meeting SEPTEMBER 2025 Minutes
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ALA MOANA - KAKA‘AKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 11
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 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=S4-Gotl2DDw
Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JHxLyEI1wm7cUgm9ayIl2Q6OLWSbPBCV
1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:05]: Chair Kathleen Lee called the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Quorum was established with seven (7) 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 (arrived at 6:07 p.m.), Lori Farinas, Quinn Hashimoto, Kaili Morala, Kathleen Lee, Jeanne Rice, and Dale Vanderbrink.
Board Member(s) Absent: Chris Chung, Edward Hernandez, and Sheri Rand.
Guests: Firefighter Yoshimura (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Mochizuki (Honolulu Police Department); Ben Sullivan (Mayor Blangiardi); Harry Cho (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART); Sophia Anderson (Councilmember Nishimoto); Joseph Kopshy (Senator Moriwaki); Jeanette (Representative Ikaika Olds); Kate Ozawa (Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto); Kayla Setzler (Governor Josh Green); Ronald Higa (Liliha Neighborhood Board No. 14); Alex Beatty, Myoung Oh, Mel, Mary Ellen Williams, Rose, Mike Buck, ʻImiloa Borland, Abby Jenkinson (Residents); and Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 34 total participants.
Roll Call Attendance -- [0:00:09]: Chair Lee called for a roll call, which was conducted by Neighborhood Assistant Camilia Epa Gomes.
2. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS -- [0:01:10]
Honolulu Fire Department -- [0:01:12]: Firefighter Yoshimura provided the following:
• August 2025 statistics: 4 nuisance fires, 19 activated alarms, 179 medical responses, 4 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, 3 motor vehicle crash/collisions, 2 ocean rescues, and 3 hazardous materials incidents.
• Safety Tip: Highlighted the Charging into Fire Safety™ national campaign which focuses on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries at home, by providing tips on how to buy, charge, and recycle these batteries safely.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaQzQtAPZ7UQeEzeb52IudOHAfRY0TD1/view?usp=sharing
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:03:44]
1. Hazardous Materials Incidents: Member Vanderbrink asked about the nature of the hazardous materials incidents. Firefighter Yoshimura explained these could include gas leaks or suspected hazards that may later be determined non-hazardous. Member Farinas inquired about a specific incident on Kanunu Street, and Firefighter Yoshimura confirmed it involved rotted piping that was leaking gas, requiring street closure and hazmat response.
2. Battery Recycling: Member Rice requested clarification on where to recycle lithium batteries, and Firefighter Yoshimura directed her to https://www.call2recycle.org/.
Member Chee joined the meeting at 6:07 p.m.; 8 members present.
Honolulu Police Department -- [0:05:34]: Sergeant Mochizuki provided the following:
• Monthly crime statistics August 2025 compared to July 2025: 20 motor vehicle thefts (up from 7); 13 burglaries (up from 2); 95 thefts (up from 92); 8 unauthorized entries to motor vehicles (down from 13); 15 assaults (down from 21); 1 sexual assault (down from 8); 0 graffiti cases (down from 2); 4 drug cases (down from 10); and 139 motor vehicle collisions (down from 149). Total calls for service were 3,237 compared to 3,204 the previous month.
• Traffic Safety Tip: Sergeant Mochizuki noted that traffic fatalities are double compared to the same time last year, and officers will be conducting increased enforcement for seat belts, cell phone use, speeding, and pedestrian violations.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:08:00]
1. Police Activity on Roycroft Street: Member Vanderbrink inquired about approximately 10 officers observed on Roycroft Street before the meeting. Sergeant Mochizuki explained they were likely related to the felony arrest case he was currently handling.
2. Elderly Targeted Attacks: Member Vanderbrink asked if the targeted attacks against elderly residents reported in the Downtown-Chinatown area were occurring in the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako district. Sergeant Mochizuki stated he had not observed an uptick in such incidents in this area.
3. Traffic Safety Concerns: Member Rice reported that yellow stanchions preventing left turns from Kapiolani Boulevard onto Sheridan Street have been down for months, resulting in dangerous illegal turns. Sergeant Mochizuki acknowledged the issue, noting he had been citing violators ($97 fine) and would notify the Department of Transportation to replace the stanchions.
3. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:11:10]
Ward Village Community Update -- [0:11:16]: Chair Lee announced that Kaiulani Sodaro could not attend due to an emergency, but a representative was available for questions. The presentation was rescheduled for the next month's meeting.
Hearing no objections, Chair Lee took the agenda out of order to hear Item 7 Elected Official Reports.
7. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- [0:12:03]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative [0:12:13]: Ben Sullivan, Executive Director for the Mayor's Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CCSR) provided responses to previous board inquiries:
• Tsunami Evacuation Routes: The Department of Emergency Management is working with partners including DTS, HART, and HPD to improve planning for tsunami evacuation. Mr. Sullivan offered to share the DEM's upcoming City Council presentation with the board.
• Complete Streets Projects: Mr. Sullivan shared updates from the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) on several projects:
o The City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has started street light upgrades along Kapiolani Boulevard between Piʻikoi Street and Ward Avenue (expected to take about a year).
o DDC is also in final design for the drainage box culvert replacement under Pensacola Street from Kapiʻolani Boulevard to Waimanu Street; this project will install concrete sidewalks and extend the makai-bound bike lane to Waimanu Street.
o Future improvements to Pensacola Street between King Street and Kapiʻolani Boulevard are planned and will be implemented with a future (not yet programmed) roadway rehabilitation project.
o The City has also completed plans for traffic safety upgrades to Keʻeaumoku Street and is waiting for a future roadway rehabilitation project to implement the changes. The plans for both Pensacola Street and Keʻeaumoku Street are on the City's Urban Core Complete Streets webpage.
o The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has just kicked off a planning effort to study safety improvements to seven high pedestrian-injury corridors in urban Honolulu: South King Street, Beretania Street, Young Street, Piʻikoi Street, Kapiʻolani Boulevard, Wilder Avenue, and Kaheka Street; stay tuned for upcoming public engagement opportunities.
o DTS is executing a grant agreement with the Federal Highway Administration for the design and installation of quick-build safety improvements at high-injury intersections and crossings across our island; these installations are planned to be completed in 2028 along Ward Avenue, Kapiʻolani Boulevard, Keʻeaumoku Street, Piʻikoi Street, and South King Street.
• Liona Street Lighting: DTS reported that contractors will restore street lights on Leona Street within the next couple of weeks.
• Ala Moana Regional Park Parking Lot: DPR will review the current striping to see if additional repainting would improve visibility and help discourage illegal parking.
• Parking Enforcement: HPD District 1 and DPR will increase enforcement efforts at Ala Moana Regional Park, particularly during holidays and special events.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ulRn7WpNPnU0GGuQlBrlGae-ulS50Yli/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:18:44]
1. Pedestrian Safety: Member Vanderbrink described a dangerous crosswalk on Kanunu Street behind Don Quijote Honolulu where parked vehicles in no-parking zones obstruct visibility for pedestrians. Mr. Sullivan requested specific location details to follow up with DTS.
2. McCoy Pavilion Repairs: Member Rice expressed concern about the prolonged closure of McCoy Pavilion (nearly five years) and requested the Mayor's Office help identify the issues delaying completion of the $7 million repair project. Mr. Sullivan agreed to follow up.
3. Interactive Parking Game: Mr. Sullivan mentioned that DTS has a partner implementing an interactive parking game to help community members think about parking in their communities and offered to connect the board with this resource.
4. Intersection Line Markings: Member Chee reported faded lane divider lines at the intersection of Piʻikoi and Kona Streets, creating confusion for drivers. Mr. Sullivan suggested this could be addressed by either DTS or DFM and would follow up once provided with the exact location.
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) -- [0:26:28]: The City & County of Honoluluʻs DPR team provided several updates regarding Sheridan Community Park.
• Parking: Bryce Okamoto (DPR Permits Officer) addressed questions about parking changes at Sheridan Community Park. Mr. Okamoto apologized for not providing advance notice to the board about parking changes at Sheridan Community Park. He explained that with 7-10 staff members and multiple permit applicants visiting daily, the department needed reserved parking to ensure smooth operations. He's committed to better communication with the board regarding future changes. DPR is coordinating with HPD to enforce park closure hours and is looking to add more surveillance cameras. Mr. Okamoto emphasized the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:28:43]
1. Community Access: Member Vanderbrink expressed concern that limiting public parking reduces community access to the park. Mr. Okamoto noted that DPR wanted to activate the park and increase more foot traffic to help reduce crimes being made in the park. Member Chang suggested that if DPR wants to activate the park, they should engage with the community through venues like the neighborhood board to gather input rather than reducing parking access.
• Security Measures: DPR is coordinating with HPD to enforce park closure hours and is looking to add more surveillance cameras. Mr. Okamoto emphasized the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.
• Playground Replacement: Puna Crowell (Recreation Specialist) addressed questions about the Sheridan Community Park playground. Mr. Crowell explained that DPR will use a new national contract (NASPO) for design and build of playgrounds. The department is putting its first project out to bid in a few weeks for the playground in the park. While he couldn't provide a firm timeline, he noted that Sheridan has the advantage of an existing concrete pad.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:35:38]
1. Timeline: Member Rice asked about the anticipated completion date. Mr. Crowell explained this is DPR's first time using this contract process and couldn't provide a specific timeline but promised to keep the board informed. He noted that shipping equipment from the mainland can take anywhere from one to six months.
• Community Input: Mr. Crowell confirmed that community input will be incorporated into the playground design once a vendor is selected. He noted that playground equipment typically serves children ages 2-5 and 5-12, but adult fitness equipment could also be considered.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:39:00]
1. Playground Design: Member Rice suggested looking at Kolowalu Park's playground as a model, noting its popularity, colorful design, and heat-resistant surfaces.
• Trash Bins: Brandon Kono (West Honolulu District Manager) shared additional trash bins have been added near the basketball court at Sheridan Community Park.
• Dog Parks: DPR is installing dog parks across the island, including one under construction at Punahou Square Park (1526 Punahou Street). Mr. Kono noted that doggy bags are not currently in the budget, but DPR would help install donated supplies.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:41:50]
1. Dog Park Locations: Member Chang suggested activating the park on King Street between Keʻeaumoku Street and Kalakaua Avenue (Pāwaʻa In-Ha Park) with a dog park to address homeless encampment issues. Mr. Kono explained that DPR worked with the Makiki Neighborhood Board to select Punahou Square for an off-leash dog park but would consider on-leash options for other parks.
2. Vacant Lot: Member Vanderbrink mentioned that there will be a resolution urging a call to action to one of the vacant lots to be acquired by the City and turning it into a recreational area for the community, such as a dog park.
City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (District 5) -- [00:46:11]: Sophia Anderson provided the following updates:
• Bus Stop Safety: Safety concerns at the bus stop in front of H&R Block at 1415 Kapiolani Boulevard have been addressed with two no-loitering signs and repairs to uneven concrete on the sidewalk.
• McCoy Pavilion: DPR informed the office that the earliest update on the opening date will be provided in December 2025.
• 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 -- [0:47:28]
1. HPD Overtime: Member Vanderbrink inquired about oversight of HPD overtime, noting reports of officers logging over 2,000 hours of overtime before retirement. He asked if Councilmember Nishimoto, as vice chair of the budget committee, was providing oversight or asking questions about these issues. Sophia agreed to bring this concern to Councilmember Nishimoto.
2. Vacant Meadow Gold Property: Member Chee asked about the vacant lot that previously housed the Meadow Gold facility. Member Rice provided information from a Pacific Business News article reporting that Tradewinds Capital had acquired the parcels at 1302 Elm Street and 824 Sheridan Street for $17.7 million, though future plans were not disclosed.
City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (District 6) -- [0:51:51]: No representative present at this time.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F5YiBnJM4TU53Jtfxa1_RNIjxxvWcoJJ/view?usp=drive_link
State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) -- [0:52:12]: Jeanette, Office Manager, reported that the Lawmakers Listen town hall meeting was held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 with the recording available on Representative Olds' Facebook page. The office is addressing concerns raised at the meeting, including issues with wild chickens in the area. An updated newsletter is available on the Representative's website.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZvNq39wbImlGf8ncNl8xfs5PCSYPaEBK/view?usp=drive_link
• To sign up for digital newsletters and email blasts, please go to: https://mailchi.mp/capitol/email-sign-up
State Representative Adrian Tam (District 24) -- [0:53:37]: No representative present at this time.
State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) -- [0:53:48]: Kate Ozawa reported that Representative Iwamoto held a Legislators Listen event with Representative Belatti and Representative Chris Todd at McKinley High School. The office is hosting town halls in individual condo buildings and beginning the bill drafting process. Residents interested in proposing legislation are encouraged to email the office at repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov.
State Senator Sharon Moriwaki (District 12) -- [0:54:50]: Joseph Kopshy reported on the following:
• Disaster Preparedness Fair: Senator Moriwaki held a disaster preparedness fair on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 which was well-attended. The office is considering making this a regular event.
• Noise Camera Detection: The Department of Transportation is beginning a noise camera detection pilot program to monitor noise at specific locations and gather data to inform future legislation.
• Rubber Duck Race: The event was held the previous Saturday, though the Senator's office representative's duck did not win.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:56:40]
1. E-Bike Noise: Member Rice asked how noise detection cameras would address the issue of approximately 50-100 e-bikes creating noise disturbances on Ala Moana Boulevard between 10:00-10:30 p.m. on Friday nights. Mr. Kopshy explained the cameras were primarily designed for vehicles but would inquire with DOT about their capabilities regarding e-bikes.
2. Disaster Preparedness Event Timing: Member Vanderbrink suggested holding future disaster preparedness events later in the day (4:00-5:00 p.m.) to allow working people to attend. Mr. Kopshy acknowledged this feedback and explained the recent event was scheduled quickly in response to the tsunami warning.
Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [1:00:50]: Kayla Setzler provided the following updates:
• Tsunami Evacuation Guidance: According to the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HiEMA), people in tall buildings near the shore can shelter in place if they are on a high enough floor. Those on lower levels should move to the fourth floor or higher in buildings of at least ten stories. Full after-action reports are expected to be published in November.
• Land Preservation Grant Applications: Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is accepting land preservation grant applications for fiscal year 2026 (deadline October 13).
• UH Manoa Student Housing: UH Manoa unveiled its newest student housing, Hale Kalanianaʻole, which will benefit students and faculty while easing the rental market
• Operation Hoʻopāwehe: An emergency proclamation signed in July, grants the Hawaii National Guard permission to have an air crew ready to provide aerial firefighting capabilities
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rjaJX-lW0M2YgkXEV8FdiU4ywTh1sZxa/view?usp=drive_link
Hearing no objections, Chair Lee returned to the regular order of the agenda at this time.
4. BOARD BUSINESS -- [1:04:10]
Approval of the August 26, 2025 regular meeting minutes -- [1:04:10]: [1:04:30] -- Chang MOVED and Rice SECONDED to approve the August 2025 minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Chang, Chee, Farinas, Hashimoto, Morala, Rice, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:04:37].
Consideration of Resolutions -- [1:04:38]: The board reviewed the following resolutions:
• Expanding eligibility for the Hawaiʻi Community College Promise Program (introduced by the Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board 15): Chair Lee reviewed the resolution, which urges elected officials to support legislation expanding eligibility for the Hawaiʻi Community College Promise Program to provide financial assistance for qualified students. Discussion followed with Member Vanderbrink expressing support as an LCC graduate, noting how community college reduces costs for students pursuing four-year degrees. Member Chee, a KCC graduate, emphasized the importance of funding local education, especially given challenges at the federal Department of Education level.
[1:10:40] -- Vanderbrink MOVED and Chee SECONDED to accept the resolution with edits to insert "Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board" in place of references to the Kalihi-Pālama Neighborhood Board. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Chang, Chee, Farinas, Hashimoto, Morala, Rice, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:11:22].
• Supporting justice reform, victim protection, and community accountability (introduced by community member James Gieschen): Member Vanderbrink moved to table this resolution until the next board meeting to allow the introducer to be present to answer questions about the six separate pieces of legislation referenced in the resolution. The board agreed to table the resolution.
• Regarding the foreclosure sale of 1370 Kapiolani Blvd. and 710 Sheridan St. (introduced by Second Vice-Chair Dale Vanderbrink): Member Vanderbrink explained the resolution urges the city to acquire or require the development of public benefits at two properties scheduled for foreclosure sale in May 2026. He noted the area lacks dog parks and HPD facilities despite significant population growth. The resolution calls for a publicly accessible recreation area with dog-friendly access and a dedicated HPD facility to enhance policing in the neighborhood.
[1:18:20] -- Chang MOVED and Rice SECONDED to adopt the resolution regarding the foreclosure sale of 1370 Kapiolani Blvd and 710 Sheridan St. The Board conducted a roll-call vote. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Aye: Chang, Chee, Farinas, Hashimoto, Morala, Rice, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:18:53].
August Action Committee Meeting Recap/Updates -- [1:19:04]: Committee Chair Rice and Vice Chair Vanderbrink provided the following updates:
• Ala Moana Regional Park Cleanup: Scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with Howard Hughes Corporation providing assistance.
• Pride Parade: Set for Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Member Vanderbrink reported that the board is registered to participate and is coordinating with other neighborhood boards and NCO staff. He noted public transportation might be free that weekend due to the opening of Skyline segment 2.
• Holiday Lights Parade: The board plans to participate in the parade that kicks off the holiday lights display at Honolulu Hale. Chair Lee is working with Neighborhood Assistant Camilia to get more information.
• Community Outreach: Board members continue to engage with the community at the FarmLovers Kakaʻako Farmers Market. Chair Lee and Member Vanderbrink reported meeting the harbor master and residents concerned about noise on Kapiolani Boulevard during their most recent outreach. Member Rice is awaiting follow-ups from other places to conduct outreach work.
• Dog Survey: Chair Lee reported receiving an email from Emma Davis that may provide access to the dog survey results.
• 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.
NB11 Presence at FarmLovers Kakaako Farmers Market on Saturdays -- [1:28:50]: Chair Lee acknowledged the members who helped at the most recent Farmers Market. She noted that they do not have a set Saturday every month and is solely based on the availability of board members who can help which she encouraged all board members to participate.
Attendance at other meetings -- [1:29:30]: Various Board members shared their attendance at the following meetings:
• Lawmakers Listen -- [1:29:35]: Members Vanderbrink, Morala, and Farinas reported attending lawmakers listen events hosted by Representatives Olds and Iwamoto. Key points included:
o Information about a state graffiti law allowing charges for multiple acts of graffiti.
o Potential special legislative session after the federal budget passes.
o Hawaiʻi State facing a $500 million budget shortfall.
o No current plans to increase road capacity or schools despite population growth in the area.
o Efforts being taken by Hawaii House of Representatives to reserve funds due to the freeze on federal grants.
o Legislative bills regarding cannabis will be revisited in the upcoming legislative session.
• Chairs and Vice Chairs Meeting -- [1:33:53]: Chair Lee reported on the Monday, September 8, 2025 online meeting, which covered joint meeting procedures, avoiding use of the city logo in signatures, and requests for Robert's Rules training.
• Ala Moana Neighborhood Historical Association (AMNHA) Talk Story -- [1:37:06]: Member Hashimoto reported on the inaugural meeting held Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Hawaiʻi Shingon Mission. The association aims to build community connections by exploring the area's history. The meeting included a presentation by Bishop Tsuru and discussions with police representatives about bringing back a substation to the area. Member Farinas commended Member Hashimoto and Bishop Tsuru for promoting civic engagement and strengthening neighborly ties. Chair Lee noted the meeting helped neighbors connect.
• Emergency & Disaster Preparedness Discussion -- [1:40:55]: Member Vanderbrink reported on key takeaways from the event: HPD's evacuation strategy focuses on getting people mauka of Kapiolani Boulevard rather than to distant areas. Vertical evacuation signage is available for buildings to post in lobbies, directing people to the fourth floor or higher during tsunamis.
5. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS -- [1:42:50]
Subdistrict 1 -- Chair Lee -- [1:42:50]: Chair Lee reported that Hawaii State Federal Credit Union opened a branch in the HMSA Center building on Keʻeaumoku Street.
Subdistrict 3 -- Member Vanderbrink -- [1:43:24]: Member Vanderbrink reported on an attack near Sheridan Park on Roycroft Street involving three juveniles who attacked a man in his twenties, resulting in attempted murder charges. He expressed concern that HPD representatives attend board meetings virtually for brief periods rather than in person, contrasting with their in-person participation at the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board meeting.
Subdistrict 4 -- Member Farinas -- [1:46:00]: Member Farnas reported on the year-long Kapiolani Boulevard roadwork for infrastructure upgrades, which started between Ward Avenue and Kamakeʻe Street. Work will occur weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with completion expected by mid-2026. For those who would like further information can contact the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Customer Service line at 808-768-8400. She also announced:
• Young at Heart Expo at the Blaisdell Center offering free health screenings and vaccinations.
• Opening of the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center with youth programs starting in October. More information can be found at https://liliuokalanicenter.org/
6. RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [1:48:06]
Adopt Sheridan Park Update -- [1:48:11]: Alex Beatty reported that his application to adopt Sheridan Park has been approved. He is coordinating with Denny Higa and the Department of Urban Forestry on planning events, likely starting in November. Mr. Beatty noted:
• Tree Planting: About 20 trees could be planted around the park and adjacent streets, providing 15,000 square feet of canopy. Regular watering will be needed, and he is seeking volunteers (adoptsheridanpark@gmail.com).
• Crosswalks: Sheridan Park is within walking distance of many condos, but crosswalks need repainting.
• Community Survey: He is developing a survey for people to note needed repairs while walking around the park
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:51:24]
1. Action Committee Meeting: Mr. Beatty mentioned he would like to attend the next Action Committee Meeting. Chair Kathleen noted he is welcome to attend the action committee meeting which are held on the second Thursday of the month or give a presentation. Member Vanderbrink shared he can pass on any information at the action committee to pass on to the full board or attend the Councilmember's next park clean-up to ask for advice on how to organize park clean-ups.
8. AGENCY REPORTS -- [1:53:26]
Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA) -- [1:53:30]: No representative present at this time.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18i5h_pxGjHUUpen9cGTPhLYpQ8ODHhTm/view?usp=drive_link
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) -- [1:53:40]: Harry Cho has no new updates but was available for questions.
• To sign up for HART's weekly newsletter, please visit: https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001DFTCDgfTjag6k-qOH81D1A%3D%3D=
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:54:10]
1. Free Public Transportation: Member Vanderbrink asked about reports that public transportation would be free the weekend after Skyline segment 2 opens (October 18-19), which coincides with the Pride Parade. Mr. Cho did not have this information but offered to follow up with the Department of Transportation Services.
Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [1:55:30]: No representative present at this time.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [1:55:41]
Upcoming events -- [1:55:39]
• Aloha Festival Floral Parade: Will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Details on the Festival can be found on https://www.alohafestivals.com/.
• Pride Parade: Will be Saturday, October 18, 2025. More details on https://www.honolulupride.com
• For more information on upcoming events/street closures, visit: https://www.honolulu.gov/dts/2025-events/
Liquor Commission public hearings -- [1:55:55]
• Thursday October 16, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
o Amaterasu, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Unit 1298 (restaurant)
o Okdongsik, 1388 Kapiolani Blvd., Unit 3 (restaurant)
• Thursday October 30, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
o Patisserie La Palme D'Or, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., #2240F (restaurant)
Social Media -- [1:56:10]: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlaMoanaKakaʻakoNB11; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alamoanaKakaʻakonb11/
Next Meetings -- [1:56:12]
• Action Committe Meeting: The next meeting will be on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
• Regular Board Meeting: The next regular Board meeting will be on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
The ʻŌlelo Broadcasts -- [1:56:17]: 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 -- [1:56:24]: Chair Lee adjourned the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Finalized by:
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