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  • Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board Meeting APRIL 2026 Minutes - STAY CONNECTED

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, APRIL 28, 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=v3ikzBBaE-8

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:00]: Chair Kathleen Lee called the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 meeting to order at 6:00 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: Rodney Chang, Dyson Chee, Chris Chung, Quinn Hashimoto, Kaili Morala, Kathleen Lee, Sheri Rand, Jeanne Rice, and Dale Vanderbrink.

Board Member(s) Absent: Eduardo Hernandez and Lori Farinas.

Guests: Major Paul Okamoto, Captain Scott Matsumura, Lieutenant Winston Leong, Lieutenant Henry Lee, Sergeant Aaron Ostachuk (Honolulu Police Department); Mark Yonamine (Mayor Blangiardi); Harry Cho (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation); Sophia Anderson (Councilmember Nishimoto); Representative Ikaika Olds (State House District 23); Malcolm (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam); Representative Adrian Tam (State House District 24); Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (State House District 25); Ashton Stallings (Governor Josh Green); Hannah Mikitowicz (Senator Sharon Moriwaki); Patrick Smith (Neighborhood Commission); Francine Murray (Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority); Bishop Reyn Yorio Tsuru (Shingon Mission of Hawaiʻi); Daniel Sandomire (Office of Hawaiian Affairs); Alex Beatty, Todd Adams, Michele Opiteck, Myoung Oh, Ronald Higa, Patricia Fallbeck (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 -- [0:00:23]: Chair Lee called for a roll call, which was conducted by Neighborhood Assistant Epa Gomes.

2. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS -- [0:00:52]

Honolulu Fire Department -- [0:00:56]: No representative present at this time. A report was submitted.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LuCxgiDRh9Of15pt-4b1DedaUvkTwfch/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department -- [0:01:05]: Sergeant Aaron Ostachuk, along with District 1 command -- Lieutenant Winston Leong, Captain Scott Matsumura, Major Paul Okamoto (Interim District 1 Major and District 6 Major), and Lieutenant Henry Lee (Night Watch Commander) -- presented the following:

• Crime Statistics for April 2026 vs. March 2026: 9 motor vehicle thefts (vs. 13); 8 burglaries (vs. 5); 117 thefts (vs. 67); 9 unauthorized entries to motor vehicles (vs. 5); 22 assaults (vs. 12); 2 sexual assaults (vs. 6); 1 graffiti case (vs. 0); 3 drug cases (unchanged); and 113 motor vehicle collisions (vs. 107). 3533 total calls for service (vs. 3023).

• Safety Tip: Home break-in prevention -- recommended replacing the short quarter-inch screws in door frame strike plates with half-inch or one-inch screws to make doors significantly harder to kick in.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:03:42]

1. Increase in Incident/Homeless Enforcement: Member Chang asked what the significant increase in incidents could be attributed to. Major Okamoto noted that recent heavy enforcement on Kaheka Street (a homeless encampment corridor) was displacing individuals, contributing to call volume. He described an enforcement strategy aimed at connecting homeless individuals with shelter and services, and noted collaboration with CORE to address those with severe mental illness. He mentioned plans for a pilot task force modeled after Chinatown's dedicated deployment program.

2. Armed Robberies and Safety on Makaloa Street: Member Vanderbrink asked about the increase in robberies in the area. Major Okamoto acknowledged homeless-related incidents and committed to addressing the small issues to deter larger crimes. Member Vanderbrink highlighted Makaloa Street from Walmart to Kalākaua Ave. as a particular area of concern.

3. Downed Stanchions at Sheridan/Kapiolani: Member Rice raised ongoing downed yellow stanchions on Kapiʻolani Boulevard near the illegal left-turn onto Sheridan Street. Major Okamoto agreed to follow up with the Department of Transportation Services.

4. Shopping Cart Removal Program: Member Rice asked about shopping cart removals. Major Okamoto explained that clearly branded carts (e.g., Costco, Sam's Club) are collected, cleaned by the Department of Facility Management, and returned to retailers.

5. Reporting: Non-Emergency vs. 911 vs. 311 App: Member Chung asked HPD to address proper reporting channels. Major Okamoto explained: call 911 for active crimes requiring immediate response; use the 311 app for non-urgent issues (addressed next business day); and encouraged residents to speak directly with responding officers. He also encouraged community members to come forward as complainants for prosecutable cases, though anonymous reporting via email or phone is possible.

6. Illegal Gambling at 1237 Elm Street: Member Chee reported a suspected illegal gambling or gaming room at 1237 Elm Street. Major Okamoto agreed to follow up with the Narco/Vice division to the extent information can be shared.

7. E-Bike and Moped Safety: Member Rice raised concerns about a large group of 300+ mopeds seen in Ala Moana Park on a Sunday morning and regular Friday/Saturday night e-bike gatherings along Ala Moana Boulevard. Major Okamoto noted the safety challenges of pursuing these riders and confirmed legislation is moving through the legislature to better regulate e-bikes.

8. Bar Violence on Kona Street: Member Vanderbrink raised concerns about lack of HPD presence outside Kona Street bars at closing time (2:00 a.m.) and requested at least one patrol car in that area. Major Okamoto agreed to discuss with the night watch lieutenant.

9. HPD Recruitment and Community Support: Member Chung invited HPD to speak about joining the force and supporting HPD. Major Okamoto encouraged those interested to visit https://www.honolulupd.org/. HPD has a shortage of approximately 400 officers. He also noted collaboration with the Waikīkī Business Improvement District as a model for community partnerships.

3. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:31:45]

Neighborhood Commission Updates -- [0:31:45]: Patrick Smith, Chair of the Neighborhood Commission, provided the following highlights:

• Changes: The Commission sets policy and oversees all neighborhood boards and is currently revising Chapter 18 of the Neighborhood Plan (complaints process), which is now with the Corporation Counsel for review. Chapter 14, which governs how boards operate (e.g., officers, subdistricts), is also under review. A proposal to eliminate subdistricts and standardize all boards is being discussed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:34:19]

1. Board Compensation: Member Chang confirmed a previous charter amendment to compensate board members was rejected. He requested consideration of a small project budget for community improvements. Chair Smith acknowledged challenges with ethics oversight but suggested reaching out to the Executive Secretary.

2. Term Limits Discussion: Member Vanderbrink raised the upcoming chairs' meeting topic of term limits. Commissioner Smith noted general discussion favoring an 8--10-year term, potentially with a break-and-return provision. Member Vanderbrink expressed opposition, citing that many members ran unopposed due to low civic engagement.

3. Virtual Meeting Equipment: Member Vanderbrink noted inequities in meeting technology resources across boards -- some use conference rooms while others rely on personal hotspots. Commissioner Smith acknowledged the challenge and advised reaching out to the Executive Secretary.

4. All-Board Island-Wide Gathering: Member Chung proposed reviving an island-wide gathering of all neighborhood board members to foster cross-board collaboration and boost recruitment. Commissioner Smith expressed support and noted the Commission is visiting all boards to gather ideas.

2026 Honolulu Night Market on Saturday, July 18, 2026 -- [0:45:00]: Peggy Maxwell Luke from Six Pillars Marketing announced the 2026 Honolulu Night Market will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The annual event in Kakaʻako will feature live entertainment, food, retail shopping, and family-friendly activities, celebrating Hawaiian culture. Member Vanderbrink expressed support and suggested exploring a similar event on the Ala Moana side of the district.

4. BOARD BUSINESS -- [0:47:50]

Approval of the March 24, 2026 regular meeting minutes -- [0:47:53]: [0:48:05] -- Vanderbrink MOVED and Rice SECONDED to approve the March 2026 minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Chang, Chee, Chung, Hashimoto, Morala, Rand, Rice, Vanderbrink, Lee; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [0:48:40].

Three-absence notice: Member Eduardo Hernandez -- [0:48:50]: Chair Lee noted that Member Hernandez had informed her he is resigning from the board. Chair Lee thanked him for his service and advocacy on pedestrian safety. A vacancy now exists for Subdistrict 3. The board will accept volunteers next month.

Request for Public Input from the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) -- 1588 Ala Moana Development: Chair Lee reminded the board and public that the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is seeking public comment on the 1588 Ala Moana development project. Comments are due Friday, May 8, 2026 at https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/public-input/.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:52:15]

1. Visibility: Member Vanderbrink noted that the project may obstruct mountain views from Magic Island, and that Parks & Recreation may seek compensation for affected visitors.

2. Neiman Marcus Closure: Member Rice shared that the project is on the Macy's side of the shopping center, not a Kobayashi development, and suggested the developer consider relocating Macy's into the soon-to-vacate Neiman Marcus space.

NB11 Participation in 2026 Legislative Process (including bills) -- [0:55:00]: Member Vanderbrink reported that of the approximately 20 bills the board supported, four remain alive. A detailed update with a visual tracking chart will be provided next month, and all submitted testimonies will be uploaded to the board's Google Drive folder.

Voter Registration Drive -- [0:56:00]: Member Morala is organizing a voter registration drive, tentatively at the Farmer's Market, aimed at increasing youth civic engagement. He is coordinating with the elections commission on logistics. Member Chang reminded residents to bring required identification and noted that registration information will be available at the event.

Action Committee Updates -- [0:57:25]: Member Rice and Member Vanderbrink highlighted the following:

• Recent Action Committee Discussion Recap: Pāwaʻa In-Ha Park opening to dogs; ongoing coommunity outreach efforts; upcoming participation in the King Kamehameha Floral Parade in June; and discussion of the Queen/Waimanu Street noise issue.

• Discussion to End Zoom Meeting Option: Raised the proposal to end the Zoom option for action committee meetings due to technical difficulties and low participation. Following board discussion, consensus was reached to hold action committee meetings in person only going forward.

Attendance/Presence at Other Meetings/Events -- [1:03:15]:

• 2026 Urban Honolulu Townhall Meeting: Chair Lee, Members Rand, Rice, and Vanderbrink attended a legislators' town hall for the district, where district state legislatures were present. Members praised the event as a valuable cross-section community forum.

• Sheridan Park Cleanup: A cleanup was held the previous week; Alex Bey addressed the community section for more details.

• Summer Kick Off BBQ: The Ala Moana Neighborhood Historical Association invites the community to eat, meet, and learn about the rich history of the Ala Moana area. The bbq will be held at Shingon Missin of Hawaii on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1abBlU2N2Prm93uRY2NGsY2H8le9jvFAH/view?usp=sharing

5. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS -- [1:06:35]: No subdistrict reports were provided.

6. RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [1:06:50]

Queen/Waimanu Street Construction Noise (Super Sucker Commercial Vacuum Trucks) -- [1:07:00]: Resident Michelle Opiteck described ongoing extreme noise from industrial vacuum trucks ("Super Suckers") operating near Queen and Waimanu Streets as part of an HECO/Howard Hughes infrastructure project to lay new electrical infrastructure and sewers in preparation for new Ward Village towers. She reported noise levels far exceeding the 78 dB construction limit -- with readings up to 120 dB outside. She has reached out to multiple agencies but has not received a response from HCDA regarding the permit. HCDA representative Francine Murray (online) offered to look into the permit and connect directly.

Sheridan Park Updates -- Adopt Sheridan Park: Alex Beatty of Adopt Sheridan Park thanked the board for participation in a recent park cleanup and announced a call to action: residents are encouraged to submit online testimony in support of Council Member Nishimoto's CCD2 budget amendment (Bill 23, Council Communication 76) for improvements to Sheridan Community Park before the May 1 budget hearing. He also announced an upcoming light planting program in partnership with the Rotary Club, with summer events to follow. Contact: adoptsheridanpark@gmail.com.

HCDA Oversight of Building Mechanical Systems at ʻIllima at Ward Village: Resident Todd Adams asked whether HCDA has a process to address situations where building mechanical systems in approved developments are not performing as expected -- specifically, a reported issue at Ulana at Ward Village where mechanical systems appear to be transmitting vibrations into residential spaces. HCDA's Francine Murray acknowledged the question and agreed to follow up.

7. ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS -- [1:23:00]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative [1:23:10]: DDC Deputy Director Mark Yonamine highlighted the following:

• Liona Street Shipping Container: HPD observed a non-actively loading/unloading shipping container (Ocean Network Express) and issued a citation. HPD will continue to monitor.

• Kapiolani/Sheridan Intersection: DTS found the "No Left Turn" sign is faded; DFM submitted a work order to replace it. Additionally, the City's Department of Design and Construction has a paving project from Atkinson to Ward that will replace the downed yellow stanchions as part of that scope. A press release will be issued when the project is set to begin.

• Missing Street Signs at Kalauokalani Way/Makaloa St.: City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) indicated the Stop sign location will be re-evaluated and a legal Paint and Sign Work Order will be issued that will include installation of the missing street name signage at Kalauokalani Way and Makaloa St.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:26:50]

1. Crosswalk Timer at Ala Moana Blvd/Atkinson Drive: Member Vanderbrink referenced a Civil Beat article about the short pedestrian crossing timer at Ala Moana Boulevard and Atkinson Street, noting concerns for kūpuna and those with mobility challenges. Deputy Director Yonamine agreed to check with DTS.

State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto (District 25) -- [1:28:46]: Representative Iwamoto highlighted the following: noise issues from construction within the district; April 2026 survey; discussion on legislature's responsibility to fund schools and government operations; update on legislation regarding immigration.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:32:20]

1. Metal Street Plates Noise: Member Vanderbrink noted multiple 311 complaints from residents near Kanunu and Kaheka Streets due to improperly sealed metal plates causing loud rumbling at night.

2. Outstanding Bonds: Member Vanderbink noted that the state carries approximately $2 billion in outstanding bonds (including sewer bonds).

3. Immigration Legislation: Member Vanderbrink inquired on the status of immigration-related bills that are still moving in the legislation. Representative Iwamoto confirmed eight immigration-related bills are moving; Member Vanderbrink publicly called for legislative leadership not to kill those bills in conference without public disclosure

4. E-Bike Legislation: Member Rice asked about e-bike legislation. Representative Iwamoto confirmed the bill has gone through conference (CD1 version) and is heading to a floor vote. A late amendment allows confiscation of bikes, which she noted concerns.

5. House Bill 1713 (Repealing School Impact Fees): Member Morala brought to Representative Iwamoto's attention his concerns about losing a funding stream for school facilities in a development-heavy area like Kakaʻako.

City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (District 5) -- [1:44:00]: Sophia Anderson noted no specific updates but offered to take questions back.

• To subscribe to Councilmember Nishimoto's weekly email blasts for updates, please go to: http://eepurl.com/dI6xMz

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:44:30]

1. Sexual Assault Kit Funding: Member Vanderbrink raised concerns that federal grant funding for contractors processing sexual assault kits (during Sexual Assault Awareness Month) may be cut, and asked whether the city budget has contingencies. Anderson agreed to bring the question to Councilmember Nishimoto and senior policy analyst.

City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (District 6) -- [1:46:27]: Malcolm noted it is committee week for the Council and provided dates for key upcoming items.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yTmGEKPU233_pMPkgslMESHxliTjhRwM/view?usp=drive_link

State Representative Ikaika Olds (District 23) -- [1:47:40]: Representative Olds provided further details on e-bike legislation.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_A-q58sQ2co0TS8hCGwff5B87eHod2OM/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 reported conference week updates:

• House Bill 1588 (Noise Detection Cameras): The bill has not yet secured Senate conferees, but Representative Tam noted he is committed to continuing to work with the State Department of Transportation. If the bill does not pass this session, cameras will continue collecting data and a stronger bill with enforcement will be pursued next year.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mW5-bAEvFRw7ZDbSOHrQBeN1OMFkV1wn/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:52:24]

1. Kawaii Kon Entrance Lines and Scheduling: Member Vanderbrink described extremely long lines at the Convention Center at its opening on Friday, citing heat and safety concerns. He asked Representative Tam to encourage the Convention Center to allow the event organizer for Kawaii Kon to shift to a Saturday--Sunday--Monday Memorial Day weekend schedule to avoid construction conflicts and allow earlier building access. Representative Tam acknowledged the crowd control issue and committed to requesting that the Convention Center require large events to fund extra police services.

2. Jurisdictional Issue -- State Sheriffs vs. HPD at Convention Center: Member Vanderbrink noted that State sheriff's patrol inside the center while HPD is responsible outside, and suggested Representative Tam look into the jurisdictional boundary.

State Senator Sharon Moriwaki (District 12) -- [1:57:10]: Hannah Mikitowicz highlighted legislative bill updates.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i9vx5_i6GN-zc1dGc5XHmieCOT545prC/view?usp=drive_link

• To sign up for Senator Moriwaki's bi-weekly newsletter, please go to: https://www.senatormoriwaki.com/

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [2:01:00]: Ashton Stallings shared highlights from the Governor's April 2026 newsletter: Kona storm recovery continues; a synopsis of housing solutions explored; uptick of film and TV production across all islands; and the Hawaiian Humane Society launched a 12-month foster pet pilot program with the Women's Community Correctional Center.

• Follow-up on State Tax Deadline Extension: Individuals impacted by storms have until July 20, 2026 to file state income tax returns without penalty. A press release was shared.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1suXzPtl7iGd6ne3QSiKDjfqmlbgwGjet/view?usp=drive_link

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

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [2:03:20]

1. House Bill 1875 (Gender-Affirming Care Bill): Member Vanderbrink asked Governor's representative Ashton Stallings to relay the request for a public signing ceremony of HB 1875, ideally during the Pride flag raising in June.

8. AGENCY REPORTS -- [2:04:50]

Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA) -- [2:04:50]: Francine Murray highlighted the following:

• Next HCDA Board Meeting: Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Agendas to be posted Thursday, April 30, 2026.

• Follow-up on Concerns Raised from Residents: Ms. Murray committed to following up on: (1) Ms. Opiteck's request to see the HCDA permit for the Queen/Waimanu construction noise; and (2) Mr. Adams' question about HCDA's process for addressing building mechanical system concerns at Ulana at Ward Village.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bC15ofibcI8OESadb1gWqTooUCteId-F/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) -- [2:07:00]: Harry Cho reported no new updates and shared HART's quarterly newsletter (distributed to the board) with information on construction progress for Segment 3 of the rail project.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10LnDp9gnEhCTz4AZns0FqNb0DmLNbWBo/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=

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:07:40]

Upcoming events -- [2:07:40]

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

• Ala Moana Neighborhood Historical Association (AMNHA) Event: At Shingon Mission of Hawaii on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

• Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii: At Ala Moana Regional Park on Monday, May 25, 2026.

• Festa Italiana Hawaii: On Saturday, June 6, 2026.

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

• 2026 Honolulu Night Market: on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

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

Social Media -- [2:08:21]: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlaMoanaKakaʻakoNB11; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alamoanaKakaʻakonb11/

Next Meetings -- [2:08:22]

• Action Committe Meeting: The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

• Regular Board Meeting: The next regular Board meeting will be on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

The ʻŌlelo Broadcasts -- [2:08:30]: 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 -- [2:08:37]: Chair Lee adjourned the meeting at 8:10 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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