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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

DOWNTOWN - CHINATOWN NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 13

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 at 6:00 P.M.

PRINCESS RUTH KE‘ELIKŌLANI MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA -- 1302 QUEEN EMMA STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96813

AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skImzRj1MPc

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1F4DdI9R8Er12TNf6Bl-yb4p4EW0-68vu

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:01]: 6:00 p.m.

Chair Ernest Caravalho called the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum was established with seven (7) members present. Note: This nine-member Board requires five (5) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Robert Armstrong, Ernest Caravalho, Sean Fitzsimmons (arrived at 6:39 p.m.), Ross Isokane, Kevin Lye, Lori McCarney, Kevin McDonald, Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock (arrived at 6:09 p.m.), and Laura Sturges.

Members Absent: None.

Guests: Captain Sean Arakaki (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant K. Lee (HPD); Stephen Downes (Governor Green); Jack Truesdale (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam); Irene Banao, Pete Garino, and Eric Grover (City Department of Transportation -- Bus Division), Catie Cullison (PBR Hawaii); Lee Stack (Chinatown Improvement District); Senator Karl Rhoads (State Senate District 13); Colby (Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto); Lindsay Chambers (Presenter for Chik-fil-A Resolution); Dr. Andrew Dahlburg (Kawaiahaʻo Church); Marissa Gonzales (HART); Patrick Watson (Public Relations Consultant for Frank V. Coluccio Construction); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Ronald Higa (Neighborhood Board No.14); Christian Chambers, Jane Tucker, Mike Buck, Dan Mestas, Ken Uemara (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 39 total attendees.

2. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS -- [0:01:11]

Honolulu Fire Department -- [0:01:11]: Captain Arakaki provided the incident statistics for April 2025 and shared safety tips regarding home fire sprinklers.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cTORfpJ-pmjih2iTJSTxtil_HRXDWhUl/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department -- [0:03:20]: Sergeant Lee provided the crime statistics for April 2025.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:04:38]

Member Shubert-Kwock joined the meeting at 6:09 p.m.; 8 members present.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -- [0:15:48]

Consideration of Board action for removal of an officer (the Board's secretary as elected by Board vote in July 2024) as requested by Board Member Kevin Lye -- [0:15:50]: Chair Caravalho shared that Member Lye submitted written testimony on this item which is available in the Boardʻs Google Drive public testimony folder.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:16:33]

[0:16:50] -- Lye MOVED and Armstrong SECONDED to move agenda item 3 to follow agenda item 8. Further discussion followed. A roll-call vote was conducted. The motion was NOT ADOPTED; 3-5-0 (Aye: Armstrong, Lye, McDonald; Nay: Isokane, McCarney, Shubert-Kwock, Sturges, Caravalho; Abstain: None) -- [0:22:00]

[0:23:10] -- Lye MOVED to vacate the position of Board Secretary for Neighborhood Board No.13. Motion did not recieve a second.

Board action to approve outstanding draft regular meeting written summaries for video record previously taken/posted (Thursday, February 6, 2025 + Thursday March 6, 2025 + Thursday, April 3, 2025) -- [0:23:47]: Chair Caravalho shared he will be considering the approval of the minutes as a package.

[0:24:41] -- Lye MOVED and McDonald SECONDED to defer the approval of the minutes for February 2025, March 2025, and April 2025. Further discussion followed. A roll-call vote was conducted. The motion was NOT ADOPTED; 2-6-0 (Aye: Armstrong, Lye; Nay: Isokane, McCarney, McDonald, Shubert-Kwock, Sturges, Caravalho; Abstain: None) -- [0:33:54]

[0:34:20] -- Lye MOVED and McDonald SECONDED to amend the minutes for February 2025, March 2025, and April 2025. Further discussion followed. A roll-call vote was conducted. The motion was NOT ADOPTED; 3-6-0 (Aye: Armstrong, Lye, McDonald; Nay: Fitzsimmons, Isokane, McCarney, Shubert-Kwock, Sturges, Caravalho; Abstain: None) -- [0:39:47]

Member Fitzsimmons joined the meeting at 6:39 p.m.; 9 members present.

[0:39:54] -- Chair Caravalho called for a roll-call vote to approve the minutes as written for February 2025, March 2025, and April 2025. No further discussion. A roll-call vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-1-0 (Aye: Armstrong, Fitzsimmons, Isokane, McCarney, McDonald, Shubert-Kwock, Sturges, Caravalho; Nay: Lye; Abstain: None) -- [0:40:37]

4. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:40:52]

Resident reported traffic and safety issues surrounding Chik-fil-A Makiki location on S. Beretania Street -- [0:40:52]: Lindsay Chambers (Makiki resident) shared her concern regarding the traffic congestion on S. Beretania St. from Chik-fil-A since it opened in 2023. She believes this is a critical issue that the City must properly address and try to mitigate the current impacts, especially with the new Chik-fil-A location that will be opening in Waikiki. Ms. Chambers is reaching out to Neighborhood Board No.13 to help bring her concern to light. The resolution that is being introduced is to urge DTS to study and address traffic and safety issues on S. Beretania St. near Chik-fil-A Makiki.

Board vote on Resolution 2025-01 Urging the City & County of Honolulu to Study and Address Traffic and Safety Issues on S Beretania St near Chick-Fil-A Makiki -- [0:44:14]: Member Isokane shared that the Makiki Neighborhood Board No.13 have been unable to meet the quorum requirement to conduct a Board vote on the resolution. Therefore, Member Isokane would like to present this issue to the Board to see if they would like to do their part helping their bordering neighbors in Makiki by taking a vote on the resolution.

• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dEyhinVwcwOMswnR7tl7QnBrDcDcSL_V/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:45:20]

[0:56:45] -- Fitzsimmons MOVED and Isokane SECONDED to adopt the resolution as written. Hearing no further discussion, a roll-call vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 7-1-1 (Aye: Fitzsimmons, Isokane, McCarney, McDonald, Shubert-Kwock, Sturges, Caravalho; Nay: Armstrong; Abstain: Lye) -- [0:57:46]

Chinatown Improvement District (CID) Research and Projects -- [0:57:51]: Chair Caravalho informed the Board that Chinatown Improvement District is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and not a City & County of Honolulu authorized Business Improvement District. Lee Stack who represents Chinatown Improvement District provided a presentation sharing the following: projects and programs; list of specific events hosted by the organization for the community; research and advocacy regarding the Chinatown district; Chinatown directory; information on Business Improvement Districts; and public policy and impacts.

• Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ClbyuKdL9BLqLJbAZeSy-_VUWnf_-d7v/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:07:47]

Proposed Fixed Transit (TheBus) Route Changes in Advance of the Opening of the Second Phase of Skyline -- [1:16:00]: Irene Banao, Pete Garino, and Eric Grover from the City Department of Transportation Bus Division (DTS) and Catie Cullison from PBR Hawaii (Consultant for DTS Public Outreach) presented proposed bus route changes that DTS would like to integrate with the upcoming Skyline rail extension that will open October 1, 2025. Bus service changes will be implemented in three phases. Overall bus hours will increase by approximately three percent. A PowerPoint was shared to show all the existing or new bus routes that will be restructured or discontinued to provide direct routes connecting to the Skyline. There are public hearings planned to gather input on the proposed bus service changes and impact on ridership. Please send comments/questions about the bus service changes no later than July 15, 2025 to thebusstop@honolulu.gov.

• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1azFj1pnAUmoe9I-fXP4Ykpo9jzd3BkiS/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:28:40]

Kawaiaha'o E' Komo Mai Kakou! Open House -- [1:41:14]: Andrew Dahlburg extended an invitation to the public to attend the open house on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Kawaiaha'o Church. The open house will include tours of the church, hula, food, live music and games for children. Mr. Dahlburg also mentioned the church does an ongoing food share program every Friday and an enhanced fitness program with the YMCA three days out of the week at the church.

• Flyer Information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ON5bXwoigHImmBe1CHHbOhqKgWh_9lsF/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:42:14]

5. PUBLIC CONCERNS -- [1:43:11]: No concerns at this time.

6. ELECTED OFFICIALS -- [1:43:40]: Chair Caravalho announced priority will be given to elected officials/representatives who are present in person at the meeting and then proceed to elected officials/representatives who are present virtually on WebEx.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [1:43:53]: Steven Downes submitted his report and was present to take any questions or concerns.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YZ1E5SBY5ilS3FvK2lluf9gbRGmpxVNl/view?usp=drive_link

• Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W0eArh8AZ_yBu3-v1bYYZHWGcUNU1R9M/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:44:05]

State Senate (District 13) -- Karl Rhoads -- [1:48:07]: Senator Rhoads provided his report and informed the Board, ten of his legislative bills have passed through the Hawaiʻi State Legislature this session and highlighted a few: Senate Bill (SB) 405 (relating to neighborhood board meetings); and Senate Bill (SB) 112 (relating to police reports).

• For questions and concerns, please call Senator Rhoads office at (808) 586-6130 or email senrhoads@capitol.hawaii.gov

• Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QYKZvKKhiF2dKbkdYFGgCXK0aaevnScu/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:50:00]

Congressman Ed Case's Representative -- [2:02:03]: No representative present.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [2:02:48]: The Mayorʻs representative notified Chair Caravalho he is unable to attend the Board meeting due to Mayor Blangiardi's town hall meetings requiring Cabinet members to be present.

City Council (District 6) -- Tyler Dos Santos-Tam -- [2:03:10]: Jack Truesdale was present to take any questions or concerns.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fUrm13Hk1bTkdsfaCb5VWsV5KRM_l9Hw/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:03:31]

State House (District 25) -- Kim Coco Iwamoto -- [2:09:33]: Colby provided the report and highlighted the following: Representative Iwamoto co-introduced thirty-four legislative bills that have passed through the Hawaiʻi State Legislature this session; there were 593 responses returned from her community survey with 460 of which were confirmed were residents from the addresses that they listed; a link was provided to view the results from the community survey.

• Community Survey Results: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGlgAR3WoE/pKHSJ4OIfYXNnRTwtWaE4Q/view?utm_content=DAGlgAR3WoE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=ha4e85e9005

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:10:31]

State House (District 28) -- Daniel Holt -- [2:12:18]: No representative present.

7. QUARTERLY REPORTS -- [2:12:38]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [2:12:40]: Iris Oda provided the report and highlighted the following: City launches HNL Alert for emergency notifications; summer water conservation tips; and a follow-up response for a question raised last month.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yzRLoTOh9rWlx6k8WoadoOUVTw16svp2/view?usp=drive_link

• General Water Announcement: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wH0PuMmM6H_HuNeAfSbET5A4ggnVb8d5/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:13:43]

Honolulu Authority Rapid Transit (HART) -- [2:17:45]: Marissa Gonzales and Patrick Watson provided the report and highlighted the following: the Guideway Station construction and core systems installation is complete for the Airport segment from Pearl Harbor to Middle Street; testing for the Guideway Station is currently underway and trial running is expected to begin in July 2025; HART is working to meet the target date of the opening of Segment Two; the City Center section utility relocation work is ongoing and is clearing the way for concrete column construction; and HART and Tutor Perini Corporation (City Center Guideway and Stations contractor) are in the process of coordinating Neighborhood Design Workshops for the stations included in the Segment 3 construction. The workshop for the Chinatown Neighborhood will be scheduled in June 2025. Patrick Watson shared there will be road restoration on the east bound lanes between River Street and Smith Street as well as on the west bound lanes for Kekaulike St., Maunakea St., and Smith St. intersections.

• To register to attend the Design Workshop for Chinatown online, please visit: https://honolulutransit.org/events/neighborhood-design-workshop-holau-chinatown-station-20250626/

• For current updates on HART's Downtown Utilities Relocation (CCUR III) project information, please sign up for Frank V. Coluccio Construction Company (FVCCC) weekly e-blast at https://eepurl.com/h1g2W5

• If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, you can reach us via email at ccur3@honuaconsulting.com

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

• Stay informed about HART and the Honolulu Rail Transit Project at https://honolulutransit.org/

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:22:20]

Chinatown Business & Community Association (CBCA): Member Shubert-Kwock (President of CBCA) provided background information about the organization and purpose to serve the oldest Chinatown in the United States. The organization was established in 2009 and has been operating for 16 years. CBCAʻs mission is to improve the quality of life for Chinatown's business owners and residents. The association meets every second Tuesday of the month where the association brings together stakeholders to discuss current issues that affect the community and Chinatown

businesses. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Legend Seafood Restaurant (100 N Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96817)

• Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10y7Rmi4yPxb-tIyQTf6hXj0Os2iio7mi/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

8. CHAIR'S REPORT ON UPCOMING EVENTS AND INITIATIVES -- [2:29:45]

Chair Caravalho + Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam's Community Walk -- [2:29:45]: Chair Caravalho shared that he will be hosting a community walk in the Foster Botanical Garden with his co-host Councilmember Dos-Santos-Tam on Saturday, May 31, 2025

at 10:30 a.m. The purpose of the walk is to acquaint people with the garden. He shared that the first 25 people who sign up for the walk will be rewarded with free admission into the Foster Botanical Garden.

• For further information or questions, please email ecaravalho17@gmail.com

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:30:50]

Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Community Feedback Request Regarding "Dog Friendly Parks" Proposal -- [2:31:33]: Chair Caravalho shared he has invited DPR to the Board's regular meeting next month to allow the community to provide feedback on proposed future dog parks within the Downtown-Chinatown district.

Chair's Recommendation to Change Meeting Date from Thursday, July 3, 2025 to Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (in light of Friday, July 4, 2025 holiday) -- [ 2:32:33]: Chair Caravalho explained his recommendation to change the meeting date due to it being near a holiday which may cause schedule constraints for those who have personal plans to enjoy the holiday.

[2:33:15] -- Lye MOVED and Armstrong SECONDED to move the meeting date as recommended by Chair Caravalho as well as correct the numerical style for the file names in the Google Drive to match the numerical style used on the agenda. Further discussion followed. A roll-call vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 5-2-1 (Aye: Armstrong, Lye, McCarney, Shubert-Kwock, Sturges; Nay: Isokane, Caravalho; Abstain: McDonald) -- [2:36:22]

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:36:46]

2025 Neighborhood Board Elections Timeline: https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/neighborhood-board-elections

a. Friday, April 25, 2025: Voting begins; passcodes mailed out.

b. Friday, May 16, 2025: Voting ends.

c. Friday, May 23, 2025: Deadline for ballots postmarked no later than Monday, May 19, 2025 to be received.

The next Downtown--Chinatown Neighborhood Board No.13 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Keʻelikōlani Middle School and virtually via WebEx.

Rebroadcasts of Downtown--Chinatown Neighborhood Board No.13 meetings are scheduled on ʻŌlelo channel 49 for every third Thursday at 9:00 p.m., as well as 9:00 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. An archive of past meetings may be found on http://olelo.org/olelonet/ by searching in archives <Downtown Chinatown>.

10. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:37:54]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO

Finalized by: Ross Isokane, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No.13

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