Contact Us Subscribe
  1. Back
  2. Current News
  3. News Archive
With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

WAIKĪKĪ NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 9

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.

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

AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4Af6lm2VNs

Reports and other meeting materials can be found at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1U5LqhO7cjTWUAsZeSiesn99MJa87ouZE?usp=drive_link

I. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:09]: Chair Pro-Tem Robert Finley called the Waikīkī Neighborhood Board No. 9 regular meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.

Quorum was established with 15 members present. Note -- This 17-member Board requires 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: Reine Ah Moo, Rolf Nordahl, Lisa Cabanero, Jacob Wiencek, Cory D' Orazio, Louis Erteschik, Melissa Filek, Robert Finley, Tim Huycke, Daniel Jacob, Ken Jacob, Jeffery Merz, Nate Serota, Shannon Smith, Sarah Worth, and Kathryn Henski (arrived 6:25 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Jillian Anderson.

Guests: Captain Shiroma (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Omerod and Major Okamoto (Honolulu Police Department); Council Member Tommy Waters; Senator Sharon Moriwaki; Representative Adrian Tam; Trevor Abarzua (Waikīkī Improvement Association); Tessa Munekiyo Ng and Gregory Magofra (Munekiyo Hiraga); Karen Seddon (EAH Housing); Geisa (via WebEx), Johnnie-Mae L. Perry (via WebEx), Sharon Gi (via WebEx), Midori Trent (via WebEx), Laura Ruby (via WebEx), Lisa (via WebEx), Caroline Brimblecombe (via WebEx), Sara Katherine Goldsmith (via WebEx), Richard Byron, Denise Boisvert, Jason Liang, John Deutzman, Tim Garry, Bulla Eastman, Tara Malia Gregory (Residents); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 51 total participants.

II. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:01:49]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- [0:02:14]: Captain Shiroma provided the June 2026 statistics and July 2026 safety tips.

• June 2026 Statistics: 1 structure fire; 0 brush/wildland fire; 2 nuisance fires; 1 cooking fire; 23 activated alarms with no fire; 196 medical emergencies; 1 mountain rescue; 1 ocean rescue; and 2 hazardous materials incidents.

• July 2026 Hiking Safety Tip: Plan ahead and choose a trail matching one's skill and fitness level; check the weather, including rain, wind, and swell forecasts; stay on the trail; bring a companion and inform someone of your plans; and watch the time to return before dark.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tTNhdWHfM_r23-GuSuxE7N9UwKv4hpw2/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:03:32]

1. Pool Chemical Incident: Member Serota asked what chemicals were involved in a chemical incident at a pool last month. Captain Shiroma explained that pool chemicals are typically sodium hypochlorite or sodium bicarbonate (chlorine-based), and that in this instance a hazmat team responded alongside engine and ladder companies to assess and mitigate a granular chemical spill.

2. Fire Station Capital Improvement Line Item: Member Merz asked about a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget line item for Waikīkī fire station improvements. Captain Shiroma was not certain of the specifics but described ongoing work orders addressing older building conditions (flooring, apparatus bay doors, asbestos-era tile), and said he would follow up and suggested Merz to follow up with the Chair.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- [0:07:09]: Lieutenant Omerod (District 6) provided the June 2026 statistics and Major Okamoto provided the responses to questions asked in the previous meeting.

• June 2026 Statistics: 0 robbery; 8 burglaries; 156 thefts; 16 Unauthorized Entry Motor Vehicles (UEMV); 37 assaults; 5 sex crimes; 2 bike/skateboard-on-sidewalk citations; 14 speeding citations; 1,534 parking citations; 10 loud muffler/prohibited noise citations; 41 park closure citations with 6 arrests; 4,554 total calls for service; and 7 Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVUI) arrests.

• Responses to Questions: Major Okamoto also reported that a targeted enforcement operation at Ala Moana Beach Park addressing illegal e-bikes/e-motorcycles resulted in 20 citations, recovery of one e-motorcycle, and subsequent additional 3 citations and 2 arrests for driving without a license and reckless driving; enforcement remains an ongoing challenge as riders disperse. He also reported a successful, low-incidents with the past Waikīkī events, with only one fireworks-related call for service and one citation issued for illegal fireworks.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:11:24]

1. Four-Way All-Red Crosswalks on Kalākaua Avenue: Member Merz observed that new four-way, all-red pedestrian crossings on Kalākaua Avenue appear to be discouraging cruising and improving pedestrian safety. Major Okamoto agreed.

2. Unexpected Parking Citations: Member Huycke asked about vehicles that were unexpectedly ticketed for parking violations. Major Okamoto did not have an immediate answer and agreed to follow up.

3. E-Bike Wheelies and Jaywalking on Kalākaua Avenue: Resident Garry described a near-collision caused by e-bike riders performing wheelies on Kalākaua Avenue and raised concern about frequent jaywalking near the same corridor, suggesting a brief, visible police presence to discourage the behavior. Major Okamoto the department would look into it.

4. Five-Year Study on Chronic Offenders Leaving Waikīkī: Resident Deutzman presented figures from a five-year personal study tracking why repeat offenders left Waikīkī: 76 (57%) left due to felony arrests, 28 (14%) for unknown reasons, and 19 (14%) died on the street; he stated outreach programs showed only about a 7% success rate. Major Okamoto responded that outreach remains necessary to give individuals an alternative to the cycle of enforcement and incarceration.

5. Rideshare Vehicles Stopping in Traffic Lanes: Resident Weber raised concerns about rideshare drivers stopping in the mauka lane of Kalākaua Avenue near the police station. Major Okamoto explained that of a no-stopping sign is not posted, such stops are generally not cited, and that rideshare vehicles are treated the same as taxis for enforcement purposes.

6. Consistency of Monthly Crime Statistics: Vice Chair Pro-Tem Erteschik asked whether the zero robberies reported for June 2026 reflected genuine improvement, underreporting, or chance. Major Okamoto said he had no specific explanation but noted that addressing minor offenses tends to correspond with reductions in more serious crime.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [0:19:28]: No representative was present at this meeting; a written report was not provided.

Henski arrived to the meeting at 6:25 p.m. 16 members present.

III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS -- [0:19:33]

Chair -- [0:19:42]: [0:19:56] -- Ken Jacob NOMINATED Finley. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Finley was elected as Chair; 13-1 (FINLEY: Ah Moo, Cabanero, Wiencek, D' Orazio, Erteschik, Filek, Henski, Huycke, Daniel Jacob, Ken Jacob, Merz, Serota, and Smith; ABSTAIN: Worth) -- [0:20:18].

Vice Chair -- [0:22:15]: [0:22:18] -- Daniel Jacob NOMINATED Erteschik. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Erteschik was elected as Vice Chair; 15-0 (ERTESCHIK: Ah Moo, Cabanero, Wiencek, D' Orazio, Erteschik, Filek, Finley, Henski, Huycke, Daniel Jacob, Ken Jacob, Merz, Serota, Smith, and Worth; ABSTAIN: None) -- [0:22:18].

Subdistrict 1 Chair -- [0:24:01]: [0:24:43] -- Cabanero NOMINATED Merz. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Merz was elected as Subdistrict 1 Chair; 14-1 (MERZ: Ah Moo, Cabanero, Wiencek, D' Orazio, Erteschik, Filek, Finley, Henski, Huycke, Daniel Jacob, Ken Jacob, Merz, Serota, and Smith; ABSTAIN: Worth) -- [0:24:58].

Subdistrict 2 Chair -- [0:26:01]: [0:26:31] -- Henski MOVED and Cabanero SECONDED to leave the position open until Anderson is present. Hearing no discussions and objections the motion WAS adopted; 16-0-0 (AYE: Ah Moo, Nordahl, Cabanero, Wiencek, D' Orazio, Erteschik, Filek, Finley, Henski, Huycke, Daniel Jacob, Ken Jacob, Merz, Serota, Smith, and Worth; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None) -- [0:27:01]

Subdistrict 3 Chair -- [0:27:09]: [0:27:18] -- Cabanero NOMINATED Henski. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Henski was elected as Subdistrict 3 Chair; 12-3 (HENSKI: Ah Moo, Cabanero, Erteschik, Filek, Finley, Henski, Huycke, Daniel Jacob, Ken Jacob, Merz, Serota, and Smith; ABSTAIN: Wiencek, D' Orazio, and Worth) -- [0:27:38].

Secretary -- [0:28:50]: [0:28:54] -- Daniel Jacob NOMINATED Filek. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Filek was elected as Secretary; 14-1 (FILEK: Ah Moo, Cabanero, D' Orazio, Erteschik, Filek, Finley, Henski, Huycke, Daniel Jacob, Ken Jacob, Merz, Serota, Smith, and Worth; ABSTAIN: Wiencek) -- [0:29:14].

Treasurer -- [0:30:25]: [0:30:41] -- Henski NOMINATED Cabanero. Hearing no other nominations, nominations were closed. Roll call vote carried with no dissent. Cabanero was elected as Treasurer; 15-0 (CABANERO: Ah Moo, Cabanero, Wiencek, D' Orazio, Erteschik, Filek, Finley, Henski, Huycke, Daniel Jacob, Ken Jacob, Merz, Serota, Smith, and Worth; ABSTAIN: None) -- [0:30:50].

IV. MEETING TIME AND PLACE/RULES OF SPEAKING -- [0:32:03]

Determination of Recess Schedule -- [0:32:05]: Chair Finley asked the Board if they would like to continue the December 2026 recess.

[0:32:41] -- Ken Jacob MOVED and Wiencek SECONDED to have the meeting end at 8:30 p.m. Discussion followed.

1. Support Conditioned on Agenda Management: Member Worth stated she recalled that the meeting time was extended to 9:00 p.m. because the Board could not finish its agenda, and said she would support returning to 8:30 p.m.

2. Committees Absorbing Agenda Items: Member Wiencek supported the change, noting that with committees now handling more topics, less time is needed in the main meeting.

3. Opposition -- Meetings Still Run Long: Resident Misakian opposed the change, arguing the Board still frequently runs late, that ending early is already possible when a meeting concludes ahead of schedule, and that removing the extra half hour could prove counterproductive.

4. Early Stop Time Efficiency: Member Merz questioned if the 8:30 p.m. would make the meeting more efficient. Ah Moo noted of having responses from residents claiming that the meeting runs too long. Erteschik noted that he is not opposed going back to 8:30 p.m. and noted the constant unnecessary conversation that occurs at the meeting. Erteschik also questioned if 8:30 p.m. will be the hard stop for the meeting. Chair Finley believes that Roberts Rules will allow the Board to take a vote to extend the meeting.

5. Hard-Stop / Facility Contract Clarification: Member Worth asked whether the cutoff remains a hard stop because the venue must be vacated, rather than something the Board could extend by vote. Chair Finley confirmed the venue contract requires the room be cleared by 9:00 p.m. regardless of the Board's chosen end time, though the Board can vote to extend discussion of a critical item within that limit.

6. Concern over Displacing Presentations: Member Henski opposed the change, citing a recent meeting where a lengthy presentation from a Council Chair used up time that would have displaced other presentations under an 8:30 p.m. limit; she recommended keeping the 9:00 p.m. end time and adjourning early when possible.

[0:40:29] -- Hearing no further discussion the Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion WAS adopted to end the meeting at 8:30 p.m.; 10-4-2 (AYE: Ah Moo, Cabanero, Wiencek, D' Orazio, Erteschik, Filek, Finley, Daniel Jacob, Jen Jacob, and Smith; NAY: Nordahl, Huycke, Serota, and Worth; ABSTAIN: Henski and Merz) -- [0:40:32]

[0:42:18] -- Hearing no objections the Board will continue to have the recess for the month of December 2026. The motion WAS adopted; 16-0-0 (AYE: Ah Moo, Nordahl, Cabanero, Wiencek, D' Orazio, Erteschik, Filek, Finley, Henski, Huycke, Daniel Jacob, Ken Jacob, Merz, Serota, Smith, and Worth; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None)

V. CITIZENS CONCERNS NOT COVERED IN REGULAR AGENDA -- [0:42:37]

Rental E-Scooter Reduction -- [0:42:56]: Resident Deutzman followed up on a prior complaint about rental scooters left throughout Waikīkī, reporting that most have since disappeared and speculating city or enforcement action was responsible.

Cumulative Speaking Time Limit Proposal -- [0:43:37]: Resident Deutzman suggested the Board consider a cumulative, rather than per-turn, time limit for repeat speakers, noting that a small number of recurring commenters speaking at length is a major contributor to meetings running late.

Objection to Meeting-Time Vote Process -- [0:44:29]: Resident Misakian objected that the Board had just voted to change the regular meeting end time without first asking for public input and without the item being posted on the agenda, recommended the Neighborhood Commission review the practice, and suggested to cut off elected officials who speak over their time limit.

Ala Wai Canal Ferry Transit Proposal -- [0:46:24]: Resident Ruby proposed a future presentation on low-cost ferry transit across the Ala Wai Canal to reduce vehicle congestion from visitors traveling to the convention center, and updated the McCully Neighborhood Board on a passed resolution to make the McCully Bridge more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly and on the Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration, a $2.8 million state/city-funded flood-mitigation planning effort.

Paki Avenue Lane Striping Restored -- [0:48:55]: Resident Garry reported that the City restriped lane markings on Paki Avenue within 14 days of his prior request, calling it unusually fast turnaround.

Kūhiō Beach Bathroom Status -- [0:49:32]: Resident Garry reported speaking with the Managing Director, who agreed to elevate the long-closed Kūhiō Beach bathroom as a priority.

Beach Sand Migration onto Kalākaua Avenue -- [0:50:03]: Resident Garry raised concern that sand blown from the beach was accumulating on Kalākaua Avenue and not being cleared, and urged the City to find a permanent solution rather than periodically spending millions to replace lost beach sand.

Hazard Preparedness and Tax Deadline Announcements -- [0:51:10]: Resident Liang shared information on hurricane-season hazard-preparedness resources and training available through the State Department of Defense (dod.hawaii.gov), a Civil Beat online forum for the City Council district on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 is the deadline to apply for the real property tax credit.

[0:52:22] -- Hearing no objections, Chair Finley took the meeting out of order to allow Vice Chair Huycke to report on recent committee activity, an item not listed on the printed agenda.

Public Safety Committee -- [0:52:49]: Member Huycke announced the next Public Safety Committee meeting for Monday, July 27, 2026, 6:00p.m.--7:30 p.m., at the Waikīkī Business Improvement District (WBID) office (2270 Kalākaua Avenue), focused on prosecution, with representatives from the Prosecutor's Office and HPD expected to attend. The meeting will be held in person with WebEx access; an agenda will be sent about a week in advance.

State and City Legislation Engagement Committee -- [0:53:34]: On behalf of Chair Jillian Anderson, Member Huycke read her written report: the committee held its inaugural meeting on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at the WBID headquarters, with a nearly two-hour discussion. Council Chair Tommy Waters' staff presented on a planned busking (street performer) ordinance addressing noise, timing, and location, which the committee hopes to bring back to the Board for a vote of support once finalized. The committee also discussed an idea from WBID's Trevor Abarzua on addressing stolen/abandoned shopping carts, pending further input from the Prosecutor's Office; and brainstormed other topics including Ala Wai Canal dumping and fishing enforcement, increasing floor-area ratios in Waikīkī, an additional residential property tax tier for properties valued above $10 million, and capping low-income housing rents at 20% of gross income. The committee remains in a brainstorming phase and will be meeting again in the near future.

VI. OʻAHU SCHEDULE OF MAJOR PARADES AND STREET EVENTS -- [0:56:40]

Chair Finley reviewed the upcoming schedule (times approximate):

• Sunday, July 26, 2026, 6:00 a.m. -- 10:00 a.m.: Nā Wāhine Festival (Kapiʻolani Park)

• Sunday, August 9, 2026, 6:00 a.m. -- 10:00 a.m.: Norman K. Tamanaha 15K (Kapiʻolani Park)

• Saturday, August 15, 2026, 6:30 a.m. -- 10:00 a.m.: 2026 Heart Walk (Kapiʻolani Park)

• Sunday, August 2026, 06:00 a.m. -- TBD, Dick Evans Memorial Bike Ride (many locations)

VII. APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSE -- [0:57:53]

• Genki Sushi, 280 Beach Walk, Suite 105, Special License Friday, July 17, 2026 -- Friday, July 16, 2027

VIII. ELECTED OFFICIALS OR OFFICIALS' REPRESENTATIVES -- [0:58:21]

Mayor's Representative -- [0:58:25]: No representative present, a memo was provided that highlighted the following: lower speed limits in school zones, Beach Boy surf chair and umbrella permits, hurricane preparedness, the Kūhiō Beach shower, 'no playing' sign installation, street light repairs, road repaving, discarded scooters, HPD information, and Ala Wai Bridge stipends, costs, and profile.

• Memo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YO4OhKeJJBWPzTkOvb_vY9-otYPIYvcN/view?usp=drive_link

Council Member Tommy Waters -- [0:59:37]: Council Member Chair Tommy Waters provided his report and highlighted the following: he congratulated Shannon Smith on her mayoral appointment to the Real Property Tax Appeal Board, unanimously advanced by the Budget Committee and pending full Council confirmation. He reported introducing Bill 51, raising fines for unpermitted street peddling; said the busker ordinance still needs a city department willing to administer it; and said the shopping cart bill banning carts outside retail establishments is nearly finalized, pending HPD comment. He also described Bills 45, 46, and 47: Bill 45 raises the homeowner exemption for all owners; Bill 46 raises it further for kūpuna 65 and older; and Bill 47 reduces vehicle registration fees by about 20%. He urged residents to apply for the homeowner exemption to avoid higher Residential A tax classification.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:07:20]

1. Home Exemptions Application: Member Merz asked if residents who already applied to the Home Exemptions has to reapply or is it automatic. Chair Water explains that it will be automatic if the bill passes. He urged residents to apply for the homeowner exemption to avoid higher Residential A tax classification.

2. Restricted Parking Near Trailheads: Member Serota asked about a bill restricting parking near a hiking trailhead. Waters clarified the bill instead addresses red-curb no-parking zones within four feet of driveways on certain streets (citing Kuliouou-area complaints about blocked driveways), and does not restrict trail access itself.

3. Homeowner Exemption Effective Date: Member Ah Moo questioned if there were any discussion of the homeowner exemption taking effect based on the date of recording. Chair Waters agreed the idea has merit and offered to work on the language together.

4. Trash Pickup Noise Update and Managing Director Attendance: Resident Liang asked for an update on the noise caused by early-morning trash pickup and asked whether the new Managing Director could attend next month's Waikīkī Board meeting. Chair Waters said he could not speak for the Managing Director but would ask, adding that he had been copied on a letter the Managing Director wrote to the community and felt an update was better coming directly from him.

5. Shopping Carts, Tax Assessments, and Restroom Follow-Up: Resident Gary thanked Chair Waters for supporting the shopping cart bill; described being assessed at a higher Residential A tax rate for a full year after purchasing a home from an out-of-state owner; and pressed for progress on the long-closed Kūhiō Beach restroom, mentioning a planned rally with news media to draw attention to the issue. Chair Waters noted of talks within hid office of giving the building boards or the Real Property Tax (RPT) board of appeals some discretion and confirmed a temporary bathroom is funded in the budget.

6. Outstanding Citations and Registration Fee Reduction: Resident Perry asked whether the proposed 20% vehicle registration fee reduction would apply to vehicle owners with outstanding parking citations. Chair Waters confirmed the reduction would apply to everyone, with outstanding citations will be addressed separately.

7. Muffler and Garbage Truck Noise Enforcement: Member Worth pressed Waters for concrete progress on chronic complaints about loud mufflers and early-morning garbage truck noise. Chair Waters described a community meeting held with the Mayor, Managing Director, the Department of Transportation Services director, and refuse haulers, noting worker safety is the reason for early collection times; he floated requiring haulers to phase out metal trash cans in favor of quieter plastic containers, and said muffler enforcement depends on HPD enforcing existing law.

8. Vendor Dispute Incident: Resident Deutzman noted a recent dispute among street vendors had escalated, with one individual assaulted.

Filek left the meeting at 7:21 p.m. 15 members present.

Senator Sharon Moriwaki -- [1:20:57]: Senator Sharon Moriwaki provided her report and highlighted the following: bills recently signed into law: the Hānai Memory Network Act, placing dementia specialists statewide and expanding public education and early diagnosis for Alzheimer's and dementia patients and caregivers; a bill (referred to as the 'Kupuna Aloha' bill) assisting older adults with health costs who lack Medicare or Medicaid coverage; and continued study of long-term care financing given insufficient nursing home and assisted-living capacity statewide. She also noted Act 24 (continuing a 2024 tax increase on couples earning over $1 million), Act 31 (funding affordable housing construction along the rail transit line), and Act 59 (protections for certain reproductive health care services). On the Ala Wai Canal, she explained that Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) oversees the canal and small boat harbor while the City is responsible for the streams feeding it (including Mānoa, Makiki, and Pālolo streams); asked for support of an enforcement bill allowing the City to close hazardous streams stalled in conference committee this session and will be reintroduced. She noted a $7 million for beach and groin restoration at Waikīkī Beach and $8 million for the Ala Wai Regional Park.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:29:02]

1. Act 31 Infrastructure Funding Clarification: Member Merz asked for an example of the kind of transportation or other infrastructure Act 31 would fund, and who championed the legislation, noting he assumed such infrastructure was typically paid for by developers. Senator Moriwaki explained the funding supports public infrastructure tied to building requirements (such as electrical and plumbing work) needed before development can proceed, provided to developers as grants or contracts.

2. Live-Aboard Boat Harbor Permits: Resident Gregory asked for an update on live-aboard boat harbor permits. Senator Moriwaki said she was unaware of any plan by DLNR's Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to expand the permit count. Resident Gregory asked who would be the best person to receive more information. Senator Moriwaki suggested the DLNR and the Division of Boating and Recreation.

3. Small Boat Harbor Management: Member Serota asked about a Senate bill enabling private management of state small boat harbors for leasing. Senator Moriwaki confirmed it passed. Member Serota asked if there were any companies that expressed interest. Senator Moriwaki noted that if the bill is not vetoed the bill take effect after July 2027, with a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a harbor management company expected to follow, covering fee collection, maintenance, and capital improvements.

4. Public Reporting on Ala Wai Watershed Funding: Resident Ruby asked that funded Ala Wai watershed mitigation projects and contracts be published for public visibility. Senator Moriwaki said appropriation information can be shared, but noted that contracting and execution are functions of the executive branch agencies, not the Legislature.

5. Garbage Truck Noise Legislation: Resident Misakian argued that early-morning trash and 'scout truck' noise remains unresolved, linked chronic sleep deprivation to Alzheimer's risk, and urged a stronger, permanent bill next session. Senator Moriwaki said the Legislature continues to refine and reintroduce such bills, noted a prior version was narrowed to populations under 900,000 to gain support, and encouraged continued public testimony.

Representative Adrian Tam -- [1:42:39]: Representative Adrian Tam provided his report and highlighted the following: he reported that the House has established a Stream Task Force, on which he serves, focused on Mānoa-area stream flooding into the Ala Wai Canal, and said a proposal is advancing to transfer the Ala Wai Boat Harbor from DLNR to the Department of Transportation, which has a larger special fund for debris cleanup and maintenance. He also highlighted Act 190, requiring hotel operators to provide human-trafficking-awareness training, describing it as the state's largest human-trafficking-related bill to date and noting hotel-industry support this year after past opposition.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:45:47]

1. Chamber of Commerce Recognition: Member Huycke congratulated Representative Tam for his recognition by the Chamber of Commerce

2. Stream Task Force Support: Member Wiencek supports the Stream Task Force and looks forward having the board and the legislative committee work with him.

3. Stream Task Force Community Input: Resident Ruby asked that community groups, including the Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration and the Mōʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board's stream committee, be included in Task Force discussions before decisions reach the RFP stage, when community input becomes difficult. Representative Tam said several stakeholders, including DLNR, attended the Task Force's first meeting, with more expected to be invited.

4. Live-Aboard Housing and Harbor Jurisdiction Transfer: Resident Gregory asked Representative Tam to keep live-aboard boat residents in mind if harbor jurisdiction transfers to the Department of Transportation, and offered to send a list of related questions.

5. Restoration of Live-Aboard Permits: Member Henski asked Tam to help restore approximately 132 live-aboard boat permits she said were arbitrarily cancelled by a former state administrator, arguing that allowing live-aboard residents would lower harbor living costs.

IX. WAIKĪKĪ IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION -- [1:51:12]

Trevor Abarzua, now President of the Waikīkī Improvement Association (WIA) following the retirement of Rick Egged, provided his first report and highlighted the following: he called the Fourth of July fireworks and Sunset on the Beach events (held with Southwest Airlines) highly successful, with record attendance and no major public safety incidents. He announced WIA is hiring an in-house urban planner, Kylie Yonamine (starting Monday, August 3, 2026), to lead transportation-management work with the City and Department of Transportation Services; announced a planned WIA rebrand to be more community-facing.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:54:50]

1. Graffiti Cleanup Response Time: Chair Finley thanked Abarzua for WBID's fast response after he flagged a resident report of graffiti along the Ala Wai, noting the crew resolved it within days. Abarzua thanked him for the feedback, said WBID's goal is a 24-hour response, and noted that around $170,000 being redirected to WBID under the WIA/WBID management alignment would fund additional street ambassadors and power-washing.

2. WIA/WBID Administrative Transparency: Member Worth welcomed Abarzua but raised concern that combining WIA (a private nonprofit) and WBID (a quasi-governmental, tax-funded entity) administration could reduce financial accountability and itemization of expenses. Abarzua committed to following up with her directly.

3. New Hire Family Connection: Member Serota asked whether incoming hire Kylie Yonamine is related to Mark Yonamine. Abarzua was unsure but said she could answer the question once she starts.

4. Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration Grant: Resident Ruby asked about the details of a reported $50,000 WBID grant to the Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration. Abarzua confirmed the grant, explaining it funds convening stakeholder meetings and upstream research, with further specifics to follow as the partnership develops.

X. NEW BOARD BUSINESS -- [2:01:48]

426 Ena Road Affordable Housing Project -- [2:02:14]: Tessa Munekiyo Ng representing the Department of Housing and Land Management and developer EAH Housing presented plans to redevelop 426 Ena Road into affordable rental housing. The team cited a University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) finding that 58% of Waikīkī residents are rent-burdened (32% severely so) and noted over 28,000 people commute into Waikīkī for work. The project would serve households earning 30-80% of Area Median Income (AMI), averaging 60% AMI, with an estimated 75-125 studio, one, and two-bedroom units. The 6,000-square-foot site's constraints, together with a 95-out-of-100 Walk Score and strong transit access, led the team to plan no on-site vehicle parking, though secured bicycle parking, and shared amenity space are planned. A pre-development agreement with DHLM is being negotiated, with a public hearing expected in August 2026 and construction estimated for 2029-2031.

• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18vsqshmRbas8PNANUrXjaGDkUs1envxm/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:12:21]

1. Support for Transit-Oriented and Car-Free Housing: Member Merz praised the project's emphasis on walkability and transit access and EAH Housing's track record managing similar Waikīkī properties, calling it needed workforce housing.

2. Parking Shortage Concerns: Member Huycke questioned the zero-parking plan given already tight street parking and asked whether a multi-level parking structure had been considered. The team noted the small, constrained lot cannot accommodate structured parking alongside required circulation and egress, and that residents are expected to rely on transit, walking, and biking. Member Huyke asked if there were any consultation with the neighbors in the area. The team plans to reach out to the neighboring residential areas.

3. Elderly and Disabled Residents' Parking Needs: Member Henski urged the team to reconsider parking, noting Waikīkī's aging population (the 72-year median resident age, as distinct from the housing stock's 53-year median age cited in the presentation) and the needs of residents unable to walk long distances with groceries or other errands; she recommended at least a limited amount of underground or accessible parking. The team clarified the 53-year figure referred to the age of the housing stock rather than resident age, noted that about 69% of Honolulu's carless households are lower-income (the project's target market), and cited a comparable EAH property that operates with limited parking at 97% occupancy.

4. Prioritizing Housing Over Parking: Member Serota said he disagreed with prioritizing parking over housing, described personal familiarity with the vacant, graffiti-affected site, and voiced strong support for reducing car dependence in Waikīkī.

5. AMI Eligibility Thresholds: Member Serota asked how eligibility is determined for applicants whose income falls between AMI brackets (e.g., 60%-80%). The team clarified that AMI percentages function as eligibility ceilings rather than rounding bands.

6. Project Support: Member Wiencek voiced strong support for including two-bedroom units to serve families rather than only singles or couples, citing the difficulty of housing a family in a studio or one-bedroom unit. Wiencek also noted that Waikīkī has no further room for parking infrastructure, cited the approaching Skyline rail extension, and noted the rising cost of car ownership as a reason to favor transit-oriented housing.

7. Redevelopment of a Blighted Site: Vice Chair Erteschik noted the project would replace a deteriorated, blight-prone older building with a well-managed, higher-quality building, echoing the support expressed by other members.

8. Clarification of Support, Not Opposition: Member Henski clarified that she supports the project overall and is not opposed to it, but wanted the needs of older residents considered in its design.

9. AMI Allocation Across Unit Types: Resident Liang asked whether the allocation of units across the 30-80% AMI range had been determined. The team said this has not yet been set, though the building's overall average is targeted at 60% AMI.

10. Shuttle Service Suggestion: Resident Ruby suggested a shuttle service, for example to assist with grocery trips, as a possible solution for residents without cars.

11. Bicycle Parking Details: Chair Finley asked about secured bicycle parking. The team confirmed secured bicycle parking would be provided on an upper floor, with charging stations and a bike-maintenance stand, in addition to short-term bicycle parking on the ground floor.

Governors Representative -- [2:28:16]: No representative present.

XI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -- [2:28:23]

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Meeting Minutes -- [2:28:24]: [2:28:37] -- Hearing no objections or corrections, the June 9, 2026 minutes were adopted as written. The motion WAS adopted; 14-0-1 (AYE: Ah Moo, Nordahl, Cabanero, Wiencek, D' Orazio, Erteschik, Finley, Henski, Huycke, Daniel Jacob, Ken Jacob, Merz, Serota, and Smith; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Worth).

XII. REPORTS -- [2:29:04]

Subdistrict 1 Report -- Merz -- [2:29:06]: No report submitted.

Subdistrict 2 Report -- [2:29:06]: This item was skipped.

Subdistrict 3 Report -- Henski -- [2:29:11]: No report.

Chair Report -- Finley -- [2:29:22]: This item was skipped.

XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:29:23]

Chair Finley reminded the Board that the meeting would now aim to end at 8:30 p.m., and indicated presenters and members with unresolved questions may need to continue discussion informally after the meeting.

The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the Waikīkī Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:29:54]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Finalized by:

  1. Back
  2. Current News
  3. News Archive

Like Our Facebook

  • RELATED LINKS
Please send questions about this website to webmaster
Copyright© 2012 - 2026 WaikikiGetDown.com. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use / Legal Disclaimer / Privacy Statement
Site Designed and Managed by MacBusiness Consulting