Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2026 Minutes - <font color="red"><b>STAY CONNECTED</b></font>

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Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2026 Minutes - STAY CONNECTED
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 4/28/2026.

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, MARCH 24, 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=_nuN0sPT4sM

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:09]: Chair Kathleen Lee called the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Quorum was established with nine (9) members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Dyson Chee, Chris Chung, Lori Farinas, Quinn Hashimoto, Kaili Morala, Kathleen Lee, Sheri Rand, Jeanne Rice, and Dale Vanderbrink.

Board Member(s) Absent: Eduardo Hernandez and Rodney Chang.

Guests: Captain C. Ferreira (Honolulu fire Department); Sergeant G. Mochizuki and Corporal J. Saniatan (Honolulu Police Department); Mark Yonamine (Mayor Blangiardi); Harry Cho (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART); Sophia Anderson (Councilmember Nishimoto); Representative Ikaika Olds (State House District 23); Peggy Mierzwa (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam); Representative Adrian Tam (State House District 24); Janel Fujinaka (Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto); Ashton Stallings (Governor Josh Green); Hannah Mikitowicz (Senator Sharon Moriwaki); Bishop Reyn Yorio Tsuru (Shingon Mission of Hawaiʻi); Zach DiIonno (Festa Italiana); Mike Buck (CORE); Remy Kakutani, Susan Gibson, Daniel Sandomire, Jade Hakutani, Lynn Mariano, Todd Adams, Michele Opitek, Jonathan Kersten, Tiffany G., Myoung Oh, Scott, Jerry (Residents); and Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 35 total participants.

Roll Call Attendance -- [0:00:25]: Chair Lee called for a roll call, which was conducted by Neighborhood Assistant Epa Gomes.

2. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS -- [0:01:03]

Honolulu Fire Department -- [0:01:10]: Captain C. Ferreira highlighted the following:

• February 2026 Statistics: 2 structured fires, 1 cooking fire, 34 activated alarms (no fire), 148 medical responses, 1 ocean rescue, and 1 hazardous materials incident.

• Safety Tip: Smoke alarms -- provided tips to check and install smoke alarms in your home.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U8Zioun7Xi7s6LE9EiNktzuR9oM_NuoF/view?usp=sharing

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:02:15]

1. Hazardous Materials Incident Details: Member Vanderbrink asked for further details on incident. Captain Ferreira stated he did not have specifics but directed the board to the Honolulu Fire Department website, which has a search tool for fire incidents.

Honolulu Police Department -- [0:02:56]: Sergeant Grant Mochizuki highlighted the following:

• Crime Statistics for February 2026 vs. March 2026: 13 motor vehicle thefts (vs. 10); 5 burglaries (vs. 3); 67 thefts (vs. 83); 5 unauthorized entries to motor vehicles (vs. 6); 12 assaults (vs. 15); 6 sexual assaults (vs. 3); 0 graffiti cases (unchanged); 3 drug cases (vs. 2); and 107 motor vehicle collisions (vs. 113).

• Safety Tip: Robbery prevention and situational awareness - urging residents to stay off phones, observe surroundings, and document descriptive details (height, weight, clothing, vehicle, license plates) when witnessing an incident.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wdj5oN2huNu2zbxh7BWCLdhcdNrrGo5w/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:04:45]

1. Dog Attack Incident at Hele Gas Station: Member Farinas described a recent incident in which a neighbor walking a leashed dog was attacked by an unleashed Pitbull belonging to a houseless individual near a Hele gas station, resulting in significant injuries to both the neighbor and her dog. She asked what HPD can do and whether the individual had been found. Sergeant Mochizuki confirmed the individual was issued a citation and the dog is no longer in the owner's custody.

2. Stanchions Down on Sheridan St./Missing Street Signs: Member Rice asked for a follow-up on downed stanchions at Sheridan Street and Kapiʻolani Boulevard and a missing street sign at Kalauokalani Way and Makaloa Street. Sergeant Mochizuki agreed to notify dispatch and route the street sign issue to the appropriate city division.

3. Armed Robberies and Wedding Ring Shop Smash-and-Grab: Member Vanderbrink raised a series of armed robberies in late January on Makaloa Street, near Kamoku/Cartwright Park, and near Ala Moana Boulevard, and a subsequent smash-and-grab at a jewelry store. Sergeant Mochizuki recommended businesses hire security officers, use surveillance cameras, and take photos of suspects. He also agreed to speak with the community policing sergeant about business outreach and foot patrols.

4. Drag Racing and Homeless Nuisance: Member Rand raised concerns about nightly drag racing near Ala Moana Boulevard and an uptick in aggressive homeless incidents in Kakaʻako. Sergeant Mochizuki stated he would notify the night-watch lieutenant to increase patrols in the area and encouraged residents to continue calling even non-emergency situations in, noting that HPD enforces sit/lie and camping violations for houseless individuals.

5. Illegal Gambling Room at 1237 Elm Street: Member Chee reported neighbors observing suspected illegal gambling activity at 1237 Elm Street, with heavy vehicle traffic blocking streets and fire hydrants at night. Sergeant Mochizuki was unaware of any active operation but directed the board to the public narco/gambling tip line at (808) 723-3933 for reporting suspicious activity.

6. Residential Security Assessment: Member Chung asked about HPD's residential security assessment services through Community Policing. Sergeant Mochizuki was unsure if the program is currently offered but agreed to check with the CPT sergeant.

3. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:22:43]

Police Week Kick-off and Memorial March -- [0:22:43]: Corporal Joel Saniatan from HPD Community Affairs Division was present to share about the Memorial March on Monday, May 11, 2026. He provided the details of the route for the memorial march and road coning that will be required from Ward Avenue to just prior to Punchbowl from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Ala Moana Neighborhood Board Historical Association (AMNHA) Updates -- [0:24:21]: Bishop Reyn Yorio Tsuru of Shingon Mission of Hawaiʻi announced a summer kickoff barbecue event on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at Shingon Mission. The event will invite legislators, city council members, and neighborhood board members to connect with community members and address pressing issues such as vagrancy, homelessness, and the impact of business improvement districts in Waikīkī and Chinatown pushing populations into the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako area. The association aims to educate the community on the legislative process and amplify community voices. Board members expressed support and offered to hand out flyers.

Festa Italiana Hawaiʻi -- [0:35:07]: Zach DiIonno, board member of Festa Italiana Hawaiʻi, presented plans for the annual Italian festival. The free public street festival will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 4:00--10:00 p.m. with street closures. The festival features food vendors, Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Hawaiʻi , Hawaiʻi Opera Theater, film screenings by Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, childrens activities, and a celebration of Italian culture. Road closures and parking details were provided. The liquor license application is before the Liquor Commission with a hearing on April 2, 2026.

• For more information, please visit the website: https://www.festaitalianaHawaiʻi .org/

4. BOARD BUSINESS -- [0:44:37]

Approval of the February 24, 2026 regular meeting minutes -- [0:44:37]: [0:44:57] -- Farinas MOVED and Rice SECONDED to approve the February 2026 minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Chee, Chung, Farinas, Hashimoto, Morala, Rand, Rice, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:45:17].

Three-absence notice: Member Sheri Rand -- [0:45:21]: Chair Lee noted that Member Rand had reached three absences, triggering a board review. Member Rand addressed the board online, apologizing for her absences due to an unexpected flight delay and current recovery from pneumonia. She expressed her desire to remain on the board. Member Farinas, Member Rice, and Chair Lee all expressed support for her continued service, noting her active participation in community events outside formal meetings. No motion to vacate was made and Member Rand will remain on the board.

NB11 Participation in 2026 Legislative Process (including bills) -- [0:50:25]: Member Vanderbrink reported on the board's legislative engagement. He noted that at the next meeting, he will provide a full update on the status of all bills the board has previously endorsed. He introduced the following bill for board action:

• House Bill 1588 HD1 Relating to the Department of Transportation: Member Vanderbrink provided details on HB 1588, which would establish a noise detection camera program in the Department of Transportation to enforce noise control laws. Similar to speed cameras, these cameras would detect illegally loud mufflers or modified vehicles, capture license plates, and issue tickets reviewed by HPD. Representative Tam confirmed the bill grew from a 2023 pilot program he co-passed with Senator Moriwaki; cameras are currently in testing and data collection mode. The pilot has sunsetted and this bill would make the program permanent.

[0:56:05] -- Vanderbrink MOVED and Chee SECONDED for the board to support HB1588. No further discussion followed. A roll-call vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0. (Aye: Chee, Chung, Farinas, Hashimoto, Morala, Rand, Rice, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:57:12].

Attendance/Presence at Other Meetings/Events -- [0:57:24]:

• Kakaʻako Makai Community Visioning Workshop (March 7): Members Morala and VanderBrink attended the HCDA workshop at SALT at Our Kakaʻako . Approximately 100-150 attended, including Senator Moriwaki. To see the presentation slides, please visit https://dbedt.Hawaiʻi .gov/hcda/

• Community Clean-up at Ala Moana Beach Park: Member Rice led the clean-up event organized with Councilmember Scott Nishimoto's office. Member cleaned the park from the L&L Drive-In to Kamakeʻe Street.

• Sara Yara Remembrance: Member VanderBrink reported a good turnout at the rescheduled memorial honoring Sarah Yara, a student killed by an unlicensed driver, with several board members in attendance.

• HPD Ride-Along (District 6, Waikīkī): Member Vanderbrink reported completing an HPD ride-along.

• Hawaiʻi Health Harm Reduction (H3RC) Monthly Food Distribution: Will be held on Wednesday, March 25 at 1:00 p.m., across from Salt at the former Gold Bond Building, 677 Ala Moana, Honolulu, HI 96813 (HCDA-sponsored).

• Creative Mornings: Will be on Friday, March 28, doors open 8:00 a.m., Salt at Our Kakaʻako. Guest speaker: Chef Kealoha Domingo, featuring traditional Native Hawaiʻi food practices. Free event; registration at https://creativemornings.com/.

• DOT Public Workshop on Skyline Bus Integration: Will be held on Saturday, March 28, 1:00--2:30 p.m. at the Blaisdell Center, Pikake Room. Community input sought on Skyline Segment 3 (Kalihi/Middle Street to Civic Center/Kakaʻako).

• Storm Relief Donation Drives: (1) Waikīkī Community Center -- March 26, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; (2) Capitol Modern -- Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Earth Day Expo: Will be held on April 25--26 at Blaisdell Center.

• Sheridan Park Pickup & Plant Party (Hosted by Adopt Sheridan Park): On Saturday, April 18, 10:00--11:00 a.m. at Sheridan Park. Posted on NB11 Instagram.

• Farmer's Market: No market this month due to weather; a date in April will be scheduled.

5. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS -- [1:12:00]: No subdistrict reports were provided. Chair Lee shared that she appeared on KHON approximately one week prior as part of a series on the neighborhood board system, representing NB11.

6. RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [1:12:44]

1. Super Sucker Commercial Vacuum Truck -- [1:13:00]: Resident Michelle Opitek raised concerns about extreme noise levels from a "Super Sucker" industrial vacuum truck operating near Queen and Waimanu Streets -- related to infrastructure work connected to HECO, Ward Village, HCDA, and HART in preparation for Skyline expansion. Ms. Opitek is not asking the operation to stop but is requesting noise mitigation measures such as acoustic shrouding, temporary sound walls (echo barriers), and vibration dampening. The operation runs daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and has a one-year renewable permit. She reported decibel readings of 86 inside her bathroom and 120 decibels outside -- exceeding the Hawai'i Administrative Rules construction limit of 78 dB. Board members asked clarifying questions for the record to assist HCDA in responding. HART representative Harry Cho confirmed HART has activity within the construction yard but noted work on the street itself at Queen/Waimanu is likely related to HECO, not HART. Second Vice Chair VanderBrink suggested Representative Iwamoto's office look into it since it falls in her district.

2. Noise Complaint for the Gatsby Bar: Chair Lee also shared a separate noise complaint email from resident Mary Ellen Williams regarding the Gatsby bar, which has been shared with HPD, Council Member Dos Santos-Tam, Representative Iwamoto, and Captain Lynn.

7. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- [1:24:00]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative [1:24:03]: DDC Deputy Director Mark Yonamine highlighted the following:

• Upcoming Mayor's Town Hall Meetings: Full schedule is available at https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter/.

• King Street Crosswalk Update: City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and their consultants are finalizing an estimated schedule to submit with the appropriate documents that initiate the contract amendment. DTS estimates a year from the execution of the contract amendment to advertise for construction.

• Autosource Building Concerns: City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) investigated March 6 and found no violation for the bare landscaping strip, as having no landscaping is not technically a violation.

• Keʻeaumoku St. Parking Lane Obstruction: Honolulu Police Department (HPD) monitored March 5--11 and observed no illegal parking. DTS identified a missing tow-away sign and faded lane striping; a work order was submitted to the Department of Facility Maintenance to replace the sign and restripe the lane.

• Delivery Trucks on Lion St.: HPD monitored March 5--11 and found no violations. DTS confirmed that per ROH Section 15-14.5A, active loading and unloading is allowed in no-parking zones for commercial vehicles.

• Homeless Presence on Makaloa St.: HPD found no encampments during March 5--11 monitoring but will continue. DCS conducted outreach on March 9 and found three individuals behind the old Heald College, contacting the Institute for Human Services to offer shelter. No encampments were found on March 13.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NOh28_jwY-RZMH_vEKnl9EN-XibFbQcW/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:29:20]

1. Autosource Building Frontage: Member Rice pressed for deeper investigation into the building owner's responsibility for the landscaping strip and the leaning traffic box.

2. Delivery Truck Parking on Liona Street: Member Chee questioned how long containers may remain parked, noting shipping containers appear to sit in place for 2--3 days. Deputy Director Yonamine recommended escalating to an HPD sergeant if patrol officers are uncertain about enforcement authority.

3. King Street Crosswalk Project: Member Farinas requested advance notice to the neighborhood of upcoming road closures once construction is scheduled.

4. Post Storm Repairs for Potholes: Member Vanderbrink inquired if the city has scheduled any maintenance repairs for the roads such as Kapiolani Blvd and Pensacola St. after the damage caused from the recent heavy rain and storm. Deputy Director Yonamine noted at this time Department of Facility of Maintenance resources are shifted towards assisting the North Shore, Waialua, Mānoa, and Pālolo communities that have larger scale issues due to the Kona Low Flood. He mentioned DFM crews are desperately needed in those areas at this time and crews are spread thin but recommended to submit a request throught the HNL 311 app and DFM will address it as soon as they can.

State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) -- [1:39:55]: Janel Fujinaka highlighted the following: Representative Iwamoto will release an updated newsletter with new survey questions on legislative priorities; legislative bill updates; and plans of additional community outreach and town halls. Ms. Fujinaka noted concerns raised by residents -- including the Super Sucker noise issue and street racing -- to bring back to the representative.

City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (District 5) -- [1:42:22]: Sophia Anderson highlighted the following: thanked the board for their partnership in the Ala Moana Beach Park cleanup; and invited the community to the upcoming Makīkī Easter Egg Hunt and Food Drive on Saturday, March 28 at 9:00 a.m. at Makīkī District Park. She noted Councilmember Nishimoto has been actively assisting with flood restoration in Mānoa and Pālolo Valley. A community hub at 2646 Ānuenue Street in Mānoa was accepting donations for storm-affected residents.

City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (District 6) -- [1:45:25]: Peggy Mierzwa highlighted the following: reminded residents to use the 311 app to report potholes, tree trimming, and stream cleanouts. She noted concerns raised by residents -- including the Gatsby bar noise complaint and noise detection camera bill.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JJq_a6VbmxF9yvbWmvDLvh-3XerdteHA/view?usp=drive_link

State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) -- [1:47:05]: Representative Olds provided legislative bill updates.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vYj0Lir0-j13dLOxuN2lhikqiz0wx8bW/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) -- [1:49:00]: Representative Tam thanked the board for supporting House Bill 1588 and shared legislative bill updates. Representative Tam also announced a storm relief donation drive at the Waikīkī Community Center on Thursday, March 26, 8:30 a.m.--12:00 p.m. (drive-through drop-off via Kapiʻolani Avenue parking lot entrance).

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h3w6tcb_9Vi8YEC-gHJBE3E4s4VhJ7bc/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:53:22]

1. House Bill 1919: Board Member Vanderbrink asked Representative Tam about his no vote on HB 1919 (parking minimum ban); Representative Tam explained he opposes removing parking minimums until public transit is meaningfully improved and bus fares are not being raised.

2. Tourism During Disasters: Member Morala asked about maintaining tourism during disasters; Representative Tam noted global tourism is down and referenced HB 1950 as a tool to fund marketing efforts.

State Senator Sharon Moriwaki (District 12) -- [1:58:40]: Hannah Mikitowicz highlighted legislative bill updates and noted the city-county damage report form is available via the senator's board report. A legislative testimony tutorial is available through the Legislature's Public Access Room on YouTube.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vuoWmElMy6YDxtmqU5kMqUThtdJjifzx/view?usp=drive_link

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [2:05:15]: Ashton Stallings shared highlights from the Governor's March 2026 newsletter: AG Anne Lopez is leading a 40-attorney general coalition urging Congress to strengthen federal online child safety protections; and applications are open for Hawaiʻi's free public pre-K program through the Executive Office on Early Learning. A time-sensitive tax filing reminder was shared regarding USPS new postmark procedures.

• To sign up for digital newsletters, please go to: https://governor.Hawaiʻi .gov/newsletter/

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MgLg1EqKYBfTm92bSG9FqIgnNw5x9KZp/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:07:10]

1. Hotel Rates for Storm Displaced Residents: Member Vanderbrink asked why are storm-displaced residents being directed to Waikīkī hotels at $99/night rather than utilizing the $1.4 billion emergency fund. Ms. Stallings noted question to follow-up on. Chair Lee later noted that the $99 rate reflects the hotels' own pricing decisions.

2. State Tax Filing Deadline: Member Vanderbrink asked whether the governor is considering extending the state tax filing deadline for storm-affected residents. Ms. Stallings noted question to follow-up on.

8. AGENCY REPORTS -- [2:46:50]

Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA) -- [2:46:50]: No representative present at this time.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AX2TKJEthjWoGGuUmoFVnlI6jqc3Olz0/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) -- [2:48:20]: Harry Cho shared construction updates and also noted an upcoming community meeting co-hosted with Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam's office will be held at 215 North King Street on Wednesday, April 1 at 6:00 p.m., open to the public.

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

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:11:11]

Upcoming events -- [2:11:11]

• Hapalua -- Hawaiʻi's Half Marathon: On Sunday, April 12, 2026, start at 6:00 a.m. (starts in Waikīkī/finishes at Kapiolani Park)

• Police Week Kick-off and Memorial March: On Monday, May 11, 2026

• Festa Italiana Hawaiʻi : On Saturday, June 6, 2026

• 109th King Kamehameha Celbration Floral Parade: On Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (ʻIolani Palace to Kapiʻolani Park, via Ala Moana Blvd)

• For more information on upcoming events/street closures, visit: https://www.honolulu.gov/dts/2026-events/

Social Media -- [2:11:29]: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlaMoanaKakaʻakoNB11; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alamoanaKakaʻakonb11/

Next Meetings -- [2:11:30]

• Action Committe Meeting: The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

• Regular Board Meeting: The next regular Board meeting will be on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

The ʻŌlelo Broadcasts -- [2:11:40]: 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 -- [2:11:47]: Chair Lee adjourned the meeting at 8:14 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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Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2026 Minutes - STAY CONNECTED

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