Waikiki Neighborhood Board Meeting APRIL 2025 Minutes

WAIKĪKĪ COMMUNITY CENTER -- 310 PAOAKALANI AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96815

AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDaM3EaMA1E&t=2699s

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1U5LqhO7cjTWUAsZeSiesn99MJa87ouZE

I. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:12]: Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Quorum was established with 13 members present. Note -- This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access.

Board Members Present: Jillian Anderson, Robert Boyack, Katherine Li, Lisa Cabanero, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Kathryn Henski, Daniel Jacob, Ken Jacob, Jeff Merz, Greg Misakian, Chad Snater, Sarah Worth, and Shotaro Dabbs (6:35 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Stephanie Easley and Melissa Filek.

Guests: Fire Captain K. Abaya (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Stephen Keogh (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Director Nola Miyasaki (Mayor Blangiardi); Department of Community Services Director Anton Krucky and Director Homeless Solutions Roy Miyahira; Kevin Imanaka (Councilman Chair Tommy Waters); Senator Sharon Moriwaki; Flora (Representative Adrian Tam); Yvonne Hunter (Governor Josh Green); Rick Egged (Waikīkī Improvement Association); Renee Espiau (Honolulu Complete Streets) and Roger Morton (Department of Transportation Services); Laura Ruby, Jacob Wiencek, Jay Pineda, S. Pope, Michael Brestovanish. Pam Walker, Patrick Smith, David Chung, Grace Benson, Keoni Abayan, Lynne Wood, Bob, Wes Frysztaeki, Rendall, Roy Miyahira, Kevin Imanaka, Kevin Imanaka, Midori Trent, Germaine Lim, Daniela Minerbi, Nathan Serota, Tim F., Justin Limasa, Mr. Chin, Allison Schaefers, Daniela Minerbi, Daniel Simonich, Michelle Katchuck, and Daisy Murai (Residents); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 55 total participants.

[0:00:37] Chair Finley asked for a moment of silence of the passing of Representative Gene Ward.

II. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:01:12]

Honolulu Fire Department -- [0:01:12]: Fire Captain K. Abaya provided the statistics for the month of March 2025 and the safety tips for April 2025 regarding Evacuation Planning.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xM7k3sHlPxnCFbwtG6e8xIfrXI06eBLt/view?usp=drive_link

• For more information: https://fire.honolulu.gov/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:02:53]

Honolulu Police Department -- [0:04:04]: Lieutenant Stephen Keogh provided the statistics for the month of March 2025 and responses to questions asked in the previous meeting.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t6jiCOyIY-qN98WgDeZxQRUG3W5AxeR6/view?usp=drive_link

• Crime statistics: the statistics can be found here: https://www.crimemapping.com/map/agency/165#;

• For more information¬: https://www.honolulupd.org/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:06:21] .

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [0:35:20]: Dominic Dias provided the report and highlighted the following: no main break for the month of March of 2025; no construction; and Detect-A-Leak Week & Events.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N77YK2mxmdqC0Z24M-80Wpg-2xKWdIJx/view?usp=drive_link

Dabbs arrives to the meeting at (6:35 p.m.). 14 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:37:36]

III. CITIZENS CONCERNS NOT COVERED IN REGULAR AGENDA -- [0:38:18]

Neighborhood Board Elections [0:38:37] -- Resident Wiencek reminded the community about Neighborhood Boards Elections and recognized Chair Finley, Katheryn, and Merz.

Ala Wai Bridge Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) -- [0:40:35] -- Resident Ruby presented her resolution requesting the project to do an EIS and asked for the boards support.

Damaged Storm Grate -- [0:43:21]: A resident raised concerns of a damaged drain grill fronting 222 Kaiulani Avenue.

IV. FILLING OF VACANCIES -- [0:46:33]

Sub District 3 -- [0:44:54]: This item was skipped, was revisited at a later time.

V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -- [0:44:54]

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, regular meeting written summary for video record -- [0:45:17]: Member Worth voiced her correction regarding the vote counts for the minutes.

Sub District 3 -- [0:46:30]: No volunteers.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, regular meeting written summary for video record (CONTINUED) -- [0:47:01]: [0:47:32] Hearing no objections the Tuesday, November 12, 2024, regular meeting written summary WAS adopted as amended; 14-0-0 (AYE: Anderson, Boyack, Li, Cabanero, Dabbs, Erteschik, Finley, Henski, D. Jacob, K. Jacob, Merz, Misakian, Snater, and Worth; NO: None; ABSTAIN: None) -- [0:47:41].

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, regular meeting written summary for video record -- [0:47:51]: Member Misakian voiced his correction regarding the voting process to Bill 50.

[0:48:32] -- Hearing no further discussion and objections the Tuesday, January 14, 2025 regular meeting minutes summary WAS adopted with amendments; 14-0-0 (AYE: Anderson, Boyack, Li, Cabanero, Dabbs, Erteschik, Finley, Henski, D. Jacob, K. Jacob, Merz, Misakian, Snater, and Worth; NO: None; ABSTAIN: None) -- [0:48:55].

Tuesday, February 11, 2025, regular meeting written summary for video record -- [0:48:56]: Hearing no objections the Tuesday, February 11, 2025, regular meeting minutes WAS adopted as written; 14-0-0 (AYE: Anderson, Boyack, Li, Cabanero, Dabbs, Erteschik, Finley, Henski, D. Jacob, K. Jacob, Merz, Misakian, Snater, and Worth; NO: None; ABSTAIN: None) -- [0:49:15].

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, regular meeting written summary for video record -- [0:49:20]: [0:49:56] -- Henski MOVED and Cabanero SECONDED to adopt the Tuesday, March 11, 2025, regular meeting written summary with amendments. The board conducted a roll call vote, the motion WAS adopted; 13-0-1 (AYE: Anderson, Boyack, Li, Cabanero, Dabbs, Erteschik, Finley, Henski, D. Jacob, K. Jacob, Merz, Misakian, and Snater; NO: None; ABSTAIN: Worth) -- [0:50:04].

VI. PUBLIC EVENTS 2025 -- [0:51:30]

• Saturday, May 3, 6:00 a.m. -- noon, 45th Annual Visitor Industry Chairity Walk

• Sunday, May 12, 5:30 -- 6:30 p.m., Honolulu Police Week Memorial March -- Downtown

• Saturday, May 17, 2:00 p.m. -- Midnight, Hawaii Life Festival

• Sunday, May 18, 3:45 -- 9:00 a.m., Honolulu Triathlon Race- Ala Moana Park Area

• Sunday, May 25, 3:30 -- 9:00 a.m., Hibiscus Half Marathon -- Kapiolani Park Area

• Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) 4:30 -- 9:00 p.m., Shinnyo-En Lantern Floating, Ala Moana Park

• Saturday, May 31, 2:00 p.m. -- Midnight, Leahi Festival

VII. APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSES -- [0:53:43]

• Thursday, May 1, 2025, Kuhio Corner, 208 Kapuni Street, Restaurant General (Cat 1)

VIII. ELECTED OFFICIALS OR OFFICIALS' REPRESENTATIVES -- [0:54:17]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [0:54:19]: Director Nola Miyasaki provided the report and highlighted the following: Mayor Blangiardi's town hall meetings across Oʻahu return for the third year in a row; Neal S. Blaisdell Center Concert Hall reopens after back-of-house renovations; The Department of Parks and Recreation begins annual push to hire staff for the City's Summer Fun program; and responses to questions asked in the previous meeting.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17zRpsHzH9kGu9h6fo-unlpjdzW5wW7dM/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:06:38]

Erteschik left the meeting at (7:14 p.m.) 13 members present.

Council Chair Tommy Waters -- [1:22:25]: Kevin Imanaka provided the report and highlighted the following: Bill 61 CD1 prohibiting wheelies on public roads was passed in April 2025; Council adopted resolution 2548 CD1 urging the city to create an Oahu tourism strategic plan at the last council meeting; Bill 50 was signed limiting the number of closures along Kalakawa Avenue; and the council is contemplating on limiting the sewer increases to 4%.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zicr_PHw9ssRmHUcNCrrfaH0bmG5TCR2/view?usp=drive_linkn

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:24:22]

Senator Sharon Moriwaki -- [1:28:33]: Senator Sharon Moriwaki provided the report and highlighted the following: the House of Legislature is preparing for conference; Senate Bill (SB) 1216 regarding noise from vehicles is still alive and will be in conference; they are still observing the federal cuts; and response to a question asked in the meeting.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16or9-grpftavWQlm0bPx9UHbpQb9mqTw/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:34:03]

Representative Adrian Tam -- [1:38:45]: Flora provided the report and highlighted the following: conference on Bills and a confirmed case of the Measles on Oahu.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:41:35]

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [1:41:47]: Yvonne Hunter provided the report and highlighted the following: the state is in session; new initiatives in housing; and awards from the Department of Hawai'ian Homelands (DHHL) to Native Hawaiʻians.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UKvH44gn4Uur5tYMMQ8ITEqySzLge0oq/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:42:50]

IX. WAIKĪKĪ IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATION -- [1:45:36]

Presentation to update Waikiki Neighborhood on Commercial Events that impact the community -- [1:45:45]: Rick Egged provided an update on the eroded walkway on Waikīkī beach; a new rock groined project; and the passing of Bill 50 regarding the limitation of street festivals.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:51:45]

X. NEW BOARD BUSINESS -- [1:55:23]

City Department of Transportation -- Proposed additional Bus Lane on Kuhio Ave -- [1:55:26]: Renee Espiau from Honolulu Complete Streets provided a presentation on the updates to the Kūhiō Avenue Transit-Priority Lanes Project. Phase 1 of this project has reduced TheBus travel times to 2-5%, an increase in cyclers using the bus lane instead of the sidewalk, and only 2% of vehicles have been shown to be non-compliant with the new law. Phase 2 of the project is planned to be installed in late April/May 2025 and will be on the eastbound route from Kaʻiulani Avenue to Kapahulu Avenue.

• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12AA2b5PIfh0Sdu1dK233Xqvmuahys-2K/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:04:09]

Waikiki Beach Lockers -- [2:14:41]: Postponed to the next agenda.

The City HONU Program and Homeless Update -- [2:12:55]: Department of Community Services Director Anton Krucky and Director Homeless Solutions Roy Miyahira provided a presentation on the updates on the Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered (HONU) program. The goal of the HONU program is to provide 24/7 short-term shelter services and navigation to connect homeless individuals and families to longer-term shelter and other housing options. The current location at Kapolei "Musubi Lot" has assisted 455 people and 282 people have navigated to more permanent living arrangements. From 2019 to 2025, HONU has assisted 4,550 people and 2,490 people have navigated to more permanent living arrangements.

• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KUvdqsyfMhJmzRLbM7fdmkSMqGWL0eek/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:25:11]

City Department of Transportation. Bus Route proposed changes and transportation update: Postponed to the next agenda.

Honolulu City Council, - Bill 50 CD1, Relating to parades, street festivals, and other activities. Public and board discussion, concerns, followed by a vote by the Board to support or not support, or provide suggested amendments to Bill 50 CD1 -- [2:47:53]:

[2:48:26] Carbanero MOVED and Henski SECONDED to support Bill 50. The board conducted a roll call vote, the motion WAS adopted; 10-1-2 (AYE: Anderson, Boyack, Cabanero, Dabbs, Finley, Henski, D. Jacob, K. Jacob, Merz, and Snater; NAY: Worth; ABSTAIN: Li and Misakian) -- [2:48:43].

Three Absent Letter: Lisa Cabanero, Jeff Merz, Shotaro Dabbs, and Melissa Filek -- [2:50:01] Boar Member Cabanero, Merz, Dabbs, and Melissa Filek will remain on the board.

Ala Wai Pedestrian Bridge Project -- Public and Board comments, concerns, and resolution proposals regarding the Department of Transportation Services project and bridge design renderings shown at the Ala Wai Elementary School in November 2024. -- G. Misakian -- [2:50:48]: Discussion followed. Due to time, this item was postponed to the next agenda.

XI. REPORTS

Sub District 1: Due to time, this item was postponed to the next agenda.

Sub District 2: Due to time, this item was postponed to the next agenda.

Sub District 3: Due to time, this item was postponed to the next agenda.

Chair's Report: Due to time, this item was postponed to the next agenda.

XII. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS

The next regular meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the Waikīkī Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Avenue and Via WebEX

XIII. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:58:10]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy Director, NCO

Finalized by: