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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, JANUARY 27, 2026 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=j1M4-0BvLfw

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:15]: Chair Kathleen Lee called the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 meeting to order at 6:01 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, Dyson Chee (arrived at 6:23 p.m.), Chris Chung, Lori Farinas (arrived at 6:36 p.m.), Quinn Hashimoto, Eduardo Hernandez, Kaili Morala, Kathleen Lee, Sheri Rand, and Dale Vanderbrink.

Board Member(s) Absent: Jeanne Rice.

Guests: Captain Casey Ferreira (Honolulu Fire Department); Mark Yonamine (Mayor Blangiardi); Harry Cho (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART); Sophia Anderson (Councilmember Nishimoto); Representative Ikaika Olds (State House District 23); Malcolm Iwami (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam); Representative Adrian Tam (State House District 24); Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto, Kate Ozawa (State House District 25); Ashton Stallings (Governor Josh Green); Joseph Kopshy (Senator Sharon Moriwaki); Sage Murakami, Pauline Hirohata (Oʻahu Resilience Hub Learning); Alex Beatty (Adopt Sheridan Park); Mike Buck (CORE); Amy Fuller, Anna Giunta, Della Au Belatti, CA Vierra, (Residents); and Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 32 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 -- [0:01:08]

Honolulu Fire Department -- [0:01:10]: Captain Casey Ferreira provided the following:

• December 2025 statistics: 1 structured fire, 3 nuisance fires, 29 activated alarms (no fire), 154 medical responses, 1 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrian, and 9 motor vehicle crash/collisions.

• Safety Tip -- Electrical Safety in the Home: Provided tips to check for electrical hazards in your home.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dy4TWAAMvjr9XEvQeRlBuhXaHMl32Tbx/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:02:45]

1. Pedestrian Accident Location: Member Vanderbrink asked if the pedestrian accident was on Kakaʻako. Captain Ferreira said he was not sure which incident was being referred to and suggested checking the HFD website for specific incident details using their search tool.

Honolulu Police Department -- [0:03:33]: No representative at this time.

3. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:03:44]

CERENE Sustainability Lab (KCC)/O'ahu and regional networks resilience hubs -- [0:03:45]: Sage Murakami (Graduate Student, CERENE Sustainability Lab/UH Manoa), highlighted the following:

• Oʻahu Resilience Hub Learning Community (HLC): A community of practice dedicated to supporting the development of resilience hubs on O'ahu and connecting the ecosystem of resilience surrounding them. Mr. Murakami went over the types of hubs, mission, partnerships, goals, networks, and models. HLC provides support, resources and information that hubs can use.

• Membership and Participation: A QR code was provided for HLC membership signup, and a hub registration form is available for existing or prospective hubs.

• Upcoming 2026 Summit and Seasonal Training Events: The Oʻahu Resilience Hub Summit is scheduled for the first weekend in June 2026, with trainings on basics of being a hub, resources and skills, building community, volunteer management, and next steps. Mr. Murakami also shared upcoming seasonal training events open to the public to attend virtually.

Walk/Bike/Drive: Vulnerable Road User Awareness -- [0:18:00]: Board Member Eduardo Hernandez (Advocacy Director, Hawaiʻi Bicycling League) highlighted the following:

• Context: Shared 2025 was the deadliest year on Hawai'i's roadways in decades, and the Hawai'i Bicycling League works to help people understand road sharing to achieve Vision Zero. The Hawai'i Bicycling League's mission is to enable people to ride bikes for health, recreation, and transportation through advocacy, education, and events (50 years of service). Mr. Hernandez shared HBL's work is based on the law of the splintered paddle and that bicycles are considered vehicles under state law. Mr. Hernandez went over safe practices and road features that all drivers should follow and be aware of when sharing the road with vulnerable road users.

• Contact: Check https://hbl.org/ for information and resources.

Member Chee joined the meeting at 6:23 p.m.; 9 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:26:15]

1. Road Deaths Underreported: Board Member Chung emphasized that road deaths are much more higher than what is reported and shared his first-hand knowledge of losing family members who died from road-caused deaths that took longer than 30 days.

4. BOARD BUSINESS -- [0:28:30]

Board Statements for 2026 -- [0:28:31]: Chair Lee noted that the board did not get to hold their traditional Thanksgiving moment of gratitude due to the power outage in November 2025. The board carried out their tradition by each sharing their gratitude statments.

Member Farinas joined the meeting at 6:36 p.m.; 10 members present.

Approval of the October 28, 2025 regular meeting minutes -- [0:42:03]: [0:42:20] -- Chang MOVED and Hernandez SECONDED to approve the October 2025 minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Chang, Chee, Chung, Farinas, Hashimoto, Hernandez, Morala, Rand, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:42:26].

NB11 Participation in 2026 Legislative Process (including bills) -- [0:42:50]: Board Member Vanderbrink presented bills from Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto and Representative Ikaika Olds for the board to consider formally endorsing, noting these were selected based on what is good for the community and not what legislators wanted pushed. He presented eight bills (four from each representative). Further discussion followed.

• Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_F25AY3dqnGN6MK4ZBng0PcPexwD3G/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

[0:53:13] -- Vanderbrink MOVED and Farinas SECONDED for the Ala Moana Neighborhood Board to formally support these eight (8) bills. Further discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, a roll call vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Chang, Chee, Chung, Farinas, Hashimoto, Hernandez, Morala, Rand, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:57:13].

Consideration of Holding 2026 Candidate Forum -- [0:57:34]: Chair Lee noted this is an election year and the last election year the board was one of the only boards to hold a candidate forum, which allows community members to see who the candidates are. Chair asked if they wanted to hold a forum during or before primary or before the general election, with preference for both if time allows.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:58:06]

1. Congressional Primary Forum: Board Member Vanderbrink suggested considering a forum for congressional candidates, possibly with multiple boards.

[1:01:10] -- Vanderbrink MOVED and Chang SECONDED for the board to hold a future candidate forum. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Chang, Chee, Chung, Farinas, Hashimoto, Hernandez, Morala, Rand, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:01:35].

Consideration of resolution - $35K Bribery Case Involving a State Legislator -- [1:01:57]: Board Member Vanderbrink provided an overview of the scandal and shared the resolution. Chair Lee noted other Neighborhood Boards adopting similar resolutions. Further discussion followed.

• Resolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mx8jbxDY_pMgZsoHf1a9GipqwcRbAkwH/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:07:16]

1. Support for Resolution: Board Member Chang voiced his support for the resolution and need for the community to know. Board Member Chee later added he is in support of the resolution with the included amendments Board Member Hernandez suggested.

2. Amendment in Resolution: Board Member Hernandez requested if the resolution can be ammended to have the Hawaiʻi Attorney General notify the community immediately if the investigated person is a city or state elected official. Board Member Vanderbrink responded that the attorney general does not know who it is and recommended to include the attorney general in the further resolve clause to make sure the resolution is sent to the Hawaiʻi Attorney General.

[1:12:06] -- Vanderbrink MOVED and Chang SECONDED for the board to support the $35K Bribery Case Involving a State Legislator Resolution with an amendment to include the Hawaiʻi Attorney General to the final clause. The motion was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Chang, Chee, Chung, Farinas, Hashimoto, Hernandez, Morala, Rand, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:12:24].

Consideration of resolution -- Relating to Bus Fare Increase -- [1:12:36]: Board Member Vanderbrink provided an overview of Bill 54 that is being introduced at the City Council and shared the resolution. Further discussion followed.

• Resolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KvNbs6frqeST0xif4VzsovvfLs0EUI/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:16:35]

1. Support for Resolution: Board Member Chang voiced his support for the resolution and suggestions he made to DTS of having the bus pass available through phones. Board Member Chung thanked the author for the resolution.

[1:17:50] -- Chang MOVED and Chung SECONDED for the board to support the Resolution Relating to Transit Fares. The motion was ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Chang, Chee, Chung, Farinas, Hashimoto, Hernandez, Morala, Rand, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:18:03].

Attendance/Presence at Other Meetings -- [1:18:50]: Board Member Hernandez shared he attended the State of Hawaiʻi Transportation Summit hosted by the State Department of Health and Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Board Member Vanderbrink shared he attended the Opening Day at the State Capitol.

October-December Action Committee Meeting Recap/Updates -- [1:21:40]: Board Member Vanderbrink highlighted the following key items from the two previous action committee meetings: addressing issues related to Ala Moana Regional Park; and efforts to have an outreach booth at the Keʻeaumoku Sam's Club. Chair Lee shared they will continue to have their outreach booth at the Farm Lovers Farmers Markets.

5. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS -- [1:24:39]

Subdistrict 1 -- Member Chang -- [1:24:41]: Mentioned the streetlights and street signage on Liona St. have all been repaired; the road pavement conditions near the construction site of the Park Development still needs to be improved.

Subdistric 1 -- Member Vanderbrink -- [1:25:55]: Mentioned incidences that took place in his subdistrict: armed robbery that occured on Makaloa St. on January 23, 2026; armed robbery on Ala Moana Blvd on January 24, 2026; armed robbery on Keeaumoku Blvd on January 26, 2026; and an armed robbery for a motor vehicle on January 26, 2026 in Makiki.

Subdistrict 4 -- Chris Chung -- [1:29:34]: Attended the Honolulu City Lights display at Thomas Square Park.

6. RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [1:30:33]:

1. Adopt Sheridan Park Update -- [1:30:45]: Alex Beatty (resident) highlighted the following: recent park clean-up he hosted on Saturday, November 15, 2025 and trees that were planted with the help of the City Department of Parks and Recreation; plans to host another park clean-up around early March 2026; For more information or to sign-up to volunteer, please email adoptsheridanpark@gmail.com.

2. Aviation Noise Disturbance -- [1:32:10]: Amy Fuller requested for community participation to provide comments to the Federal Aviation Association to reroute current problematic flight pathways over the island. Ms. Fuller noted the Diamond Head Neighborhood Board and Kaimuki Neighborhood Board passed resolutions to mitigate aviation noise over their board districts and urged the Ala Moana Neighborhood Board to consider passing a similar resolution relating to the issue. Multiple board members provided comments. Chair Lee noted that the board will consider taking action on a resolution related to aviation noise at the next board meeting.

3. The Park at Keʻeaumoku: Board Member Chang expressed frustrations with the developers who previously stated to the board that the property would be pet-friendly when they requested for a height extension to their original plan; however, he recently noticed around the property near the planting areas and grassy area they have installed "no dogs allowed" signage.

7. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- [1:43:17]

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

• Auto Source Building Owners/Concerns: Mayor's representative answered multiple questions regarding the ownership of the building and staged cars on the concrete pavement.

• Open Soil Area Near Bus Stop in Front of Auto Source: In accordance with the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Section 14-5.1, the property owner whose land abuts the sidewalk shall be responsible for cleaning the sidewalk area. Covering the open soil areas around the existing tree will prevent rain water from permeating into the ground to hydrate the tree. Additionally, installing new concrete sidewalks over the tree roots will eventually lead to the concrete to crack, thereby causing a tripping hazard. Currently, there is a trash receptacle at this bus stop for people to place their trash in.

• Damaged Traffic Signal Cabinet: The traffic signal cabinet was damaged by a hit -- and -- run vehicle who was later apprehended. DTS rechecked the cabinet and it is secure and not in danger of tipping over. DTS will replace the cabinet and concrete footing when funds become available.

• Road Pavement Near the Park Keeaumoku: Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) shared they did conduct a site inspection of the roads and noted the roads are fine and will continue to monitor the road conditions and be sure to notify the contractors to redo the area if settlement or potholes occur.

• Closed Sidewalk Near Kapiolani Blvd/Kamakee St. Intersection: Department of Facility and Maintenance (DFM) completed the sidewalk work at the intersection of Kapiolani and Kamakeʻe St. intersection on Friday, November 21, 2025.

• Request for Pedestrian Safety Presentation: Due to staffing shortage at the Department of Transportation of Services (DTS) they are unable to send a representative and are only able to provide a written project update at this time. Mr. Yonamine shared the written update from DTS. The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) will be attending a future board meeting to share about improvements to Pensacola Street.

• Illegal Left Turns on Kapiolani Blvd: The Department of Transportation of Services (DTS) will be conducting an investigation, which may require research, site inspections, and an analysis of the area's traffic collision history. Upon completion, DTS will take the necessary action to address any identified needs or concerns. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Board Member Chang provided comments. Mr. Yonamine replied that the barriers will be replaced sometime in Q3 this year once the current street light improvements project and paving project is completed.

• Dog Parks: Department of Parks and Recreation has identified the park by the board and DPR supports allowing leashed dogs at the following sites: Ala Wai Promenade, Sheridan Community Park, Pāwaʻa In-Ha Park. Mr. Yonamine shared the next steps and timeline.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B5jB-Gs32B7etARcCwMvySBh7zm65Aps/view?usp=drive_link

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

1. Invite DTS (Pedestrian Safety): Member Hernandez asked how can the board bring to DTS attention intersections that he noted need crosswalks. Mr. Yonamine replied that the board can note the specific areas and DTS can look into the areas and conduct their investigations.

2. Follow-up on S. King Street Crosswalk Project Update: Board Member Farinas requested for a follow-up on the project to reinstall the crosswallk in S. King St. in between One Archer Lane building and Straub Benioff Medical Center. She noted that project was slated to start at the end of 2025, however, there are no signs of the project starting but it was mentioned that the project funds were secured.

3. Metal Plate Noise on the Road: Board Member Vanderbrink reported noise disturbances from metal plates at the Kaheka St. and Kanunu St. intersection. Mr. Yonamine noted that while contractors secure the plates, heavy traffic and uneven pavement can loosen them. He recommended using the HNL 311 app for faster resolution.

4. HNL 311 App Response Times: Board Member Vanderbrink mentioned a delay in follow-up responses when he submits service requests through the app; sometimes waiting over a month for a response back. Mr.Yonamine says that the issues are forwarded to the respected departments and may take time but to keep sending requests. Board Member Chang later echoed the same issue.

State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) -- [2:04:10]: Representative Olds shared legislative bills he is introducing in the 2026 legislative session.

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

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:19:05]

1. Term Limits: Board Member Vanderbrink asked how many legislators have served over 24 years and suggested that the State Legislator could follow the same term limits as the City Council.

2. Directory: Board Member Vanderbrink mentioned that the Hawaiʻi Directory of Public Officials listed the wrong room number for Representative Olds office. Representative Olds mentioned his office moved recently to Room 316 after the directories were printed.

State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) -- [2:20:12]: Representative Iwamoto shared legislative bills she is introducing in the 2026 legislative session.

City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (District 5) -- [2:26:04]: Sophia Anderson highlighted the following:

• McCoy Pavilion: No official opening day yet scheduled; the courtyard is sill undergoing construction; and the pavilion is not yet open to the public.

• Recap of Attendance at Action Committee: Sophia Anderson highlighted the issues that were discussed at the boardʻs last action committee regarding homeless encampments in Ala Moana Regional Park and graffiti on park signages.

• Ala Moana Regional Park Cleanup: Councilmember Nishimoto will be hosting a park cleanup on the Kamakeʻe St. side of the park on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (District 6) -- [2:28:20]: Malcolm Iwami highlighted the following:

• Full Council Meeting: On January 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with notable measures including Bill 54 (transit fare increase bill). Encouraged participation and testimony.

• S. King St. and Kealamakai St. Crosswalk: Due to high turnover at DTS, this project has been delayed. Office staff met with DTS and learned vacancies are the reason for the delay.

• Ward Ave. Crosswalk Consolidation: DTS is consolidating two seperate crosswalks by Blaisdell Center on Ward Ave. between Kapiolani Blvd. and S. King St. The project is still ongoing.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:30:00]

1. Crosswalk Details: Board Member Farinas asked to reiterate the crosswalk project by Blaisdell Center and be more specific about "high turnover" as that was not what was communicated from Deputy Director Nouchi's office. Mr. Iwami confirmed he was not at the meeting, but office staff from Councilmember Dos Santos-Tamʻs met with DTS about district projects and mentioned vacancies as the reason for delay. Regarding the other crosswalk project, "midblock crosswalk" was used for the installation on Ward Avenue between Kapi'olani and King Street. Member Farinas noted she would be following up.

State Representative Adrian Tam (District 24) -- [2:31:30]: Representative Tam shared legislative bills he is introducing in the 2026 legislative session and noted a full list of his bills are available to view on his newsletter or on https://www.capitol.Hawaiʻi.gov/.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_BeY6nf7nqvOHhzSljcbIM6sQuRBPqPS/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:35:00]

1. Support for Condo Bill: Board Member Farinas thanked Representative Tam for the condo bill (HB1940), noting kūpuna who don't have digital access were charged exorbitant amounts for copies by a residential management company.

State Senator Sharon Moriwaki (District 12) -- [2:35:52]: Joseph Kopshy highlighted legislative bills Senator Moriwaki is introducing in the 2026 legislative session.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1azmHxKPlL6Xw1WzD9fGRzeAOP1n8hYQU/view?usp=drive_link

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [2:37:42]: Ashton Stallings highlighted the following from Governor Greenʻs January 2026 newsletter: State of the State Adress; Hawaiʻi Child Wellness Incentive Pilot Program; Green Energy Market Securitization (GEMS) Loans; and Red Hill Survey.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m4DpKnjIN-iHJrikwRwG3oEfywzoYdy-/view?usp=drive_link

8. AGENCY REPORTS -- [2:39:49]

Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA) -- [2:39:49]: Francine Murray highlighted the following:

• HCDA Board Meetings: The next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Agendas are scheduled on the main page of HCDA website.

• Kolowalu Park Hours: New park hours are daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. except Mondays when closed from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for maintenance. Will open earlier than 3:00 p.m. if maintenance finishes early.

• HCDA 2025 Annual Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lYBCKYzI0pxabEIkR_fPOYfT_GM96zrO/view?usp=drive_link

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tcw-Hd3ifp_TZGuWDFq0iAYugcHEesFd/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) -- [2:42:09]: Harry Cho highlighted the following:

• Niuhelewai (Honolulu Community College-Kapālama) Station Flyer: Next workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at HCC Cafeteria.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-v8YWXY8pzXp79v6LZziZTTu9H59Xg9/view?usp=drive_link

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M0tEEZxRYiuN-s3HbW_wwMu-jum0ofS6/view?usp=drive_link

• 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. [2:43:05]

1. Rail Station Seating: Board Member Vanderbrink noted the lack of seating for the public at the waiting platforms. He shared his concern for elderly people having to trek up to the platforms and not having a place to sit while they wait for the rail because there is not enought seats available. He requested for HART to consider installing more seats at the stations for the public.

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:44:09]

Upcoming events -- [2:44:09]

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

Social Media -- [2:44:11]: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlaMoanaKakaʻakoNB11; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alamoanaKakaʻakonb11/

Next Meetings -- [2:44:12]

• Action Committe Meeting: The next meeting will be on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

• Regular Board Meeting: The next regular Board meeting will be on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The ʻŌlelo Broadcasts -- [2:44:18]: Recordings of the meetings are broadcasted 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 -- [2:44:25]: Chair Lee adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO

Finalized by: Kaili Morala, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No.11




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