Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board Meeting JULY 2026 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
PRINCESS RUTH KE‘ELIKŌLANI MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY -- 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=qiuH8S0ARAk

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1F4DdI9R8Er12TNf6Bl-yb4p4EW0-68vu

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:08]

Chair Pro Tem Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock 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, Hey Ho, Kevin Lye, Dan Mestas, Dan Nguyen (Appointed); Nicole Shintani, Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock, and Laura Sturges.

Members Absent: Ross Isokane.

Guests: Major Paul Okamoto, Sergeant Freeman (Honolulu Police Department); Honolulu Emergency Services Department Deputy Director Ian Santee (Mayor's Representative); Peggy Mierzwa (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam); Representative Michael Covenant Ratcliffe (House District 28); Stephen Downes (Governor Greenʻs Representative); Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13); Kate Ozawa (Representative Kim Iwamoto); Iris Oda (Honolulu Board of Water Supply); Robert Stellmacher (Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation); Leonard Kam (Chinatown 808/Chinese Chamber of Commerce); Ernest Caravalho, Charles Jonsson, Robert Quartero, Doug Pyle, Gregory Misakian, Jordan K. Nakamura, Dale Krupa, Ricardo Smith, Kevin Fujioka (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 34 total attendees.

[0:01:40] -- Member Lye MOVED without objection to reorder Agenda Item 4 (Public Safety Reports) to proceed before Agenda Item 2 (Membership Vacancy), so that public safety reports could be first. Hearing no objections, the item was reordered. -- [0:02:55].

4. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS -- [0:03:00]

Honolulu Fire Department -- [0:03:01]: No representative was present due to their response to an active call.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BYApUXgH5TquE2E7VhS-68ELatpeSr1t/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- [0:03:15]: Sergeant Freeman (District 1 Patrol) and Interim District 1 Major Paul Okamoto highlighted the following:
• Crime Statistics for June 2026 Compared to May 2026: 4 motor vehicle thefts (10); 3 burglaries (6); 25 thefts (28); 6 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (9); 28 assaults (19); 2 sex assaults (1); 0 graffiti cases (0); 8 drug cases (8); 88 motor vehicle collisions (83); 3 loud-muffler citations issued; 2,185 total calls for service (2,077 in May 2026).
• Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC)/ Fourth of July Support: Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and military shore patrol have added units in Chinatown for RIMPAC and are expected to remain deployed for the Fourth of July weekend.
• Hotel Street Bus Lane: HPD reported an initial conversation with Department of Transportation Services (DTS) about painting a bus lane on Hotel Street; DTS is hesitant due to unrelated future projects planned for the street.
• Liquor Commission Coordination: HPD commended the Liquor Commission for regularly joining bar inspections within District 1.
• Enforcement: Officers continue morning vagrancy/sit-lie enforcement, which ends at 5:00 a.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:06:16]
1. Late Night Motorcycle & Drumming Noise -- Chinatown Gateway Plaza/Chaplain Lane: Resident Ernest Caravalho living at Chinatown Gateway Plaza reported motorcycles revving loudly overnight and drumming noise from an underground area on Fort Street Mall frequented by homeless artists and musicians near Chaplain Lane. Major Okamoto confirmed three loud-muffler citations were issued last month and committed to continued enforcement.
2. Dilapidated Building/Illegal Chop Shop -- 180 North Nimitz Hwy: Resident Dale Krupa asked whether HPD is addressing a dilapidated building at 180 North Nimitz Hwy housing an alleged illegal game room above the Little Saigon bar and a bicycle/moped chop shop on the ground floor, near the planned rail station escalator/elevator. Major Okamoto said HPD is aware of the location and will look into the chop shop.
3. Oversized Trucks, Illegal Signage & Persistent Noise Enforcement: Member Lye asked whether large trucks are illegally occupying two parking stalls Downtown, requested more visible police presence to deter late-night noise at Bethel Street and Chaplain Lane, flagged illegal commercial signage in the Vineyard Boulevard median, and reported a cited noise/burnout violation near Nuʻuanu Avenue and Hotel Street. Major Okamoto acknowledged the concerns and said persistent enforcement remains the department's primary tool.
4. Illegal Loading/Unloading -- Kekaulike & N. King Streets: Chair Shubert-Kwock raised continued illegal loading/unloading blocking the crosswalk at Kekaulike and N. King Streets, noting that photos she submitted were not sufficient for a retroactive citation and that 911 response is often too slow. Major Okamoto recommended continuing to call 911, noted new signage is being installed along N. King Street, and said heavy enforcement will follow once it is up.

2. MEMBERSHIP VACANCY -- [0:16:30]: Chair Pro Tem Shubert-Kwock announced that the board's vacancy carried over from the May 2026 meeting remain unfilled. Ian Nguyen and Charles Jonsson, both previously introduced, were renominated.

[0:18:43] -- Shubert-Kwock nominated Ian Nguyen; Armstrong nominated Charles Jonsson. No further discussion followed. A roll-call vote was conducted. No candidate received the required five votes resulting in no appointment; 4-2-1 (Nguyen: Ho, Mestas, Sturges, Shubert-Kwock; Jonsson: Armstrong, Shintani; Abstain: Lye) -- [0:31:35].

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:21:00]
1. Legislation Affecting Quorum Requirement: Member Armstrong asked a point of clarification on the new law that adjusts the quorum if there are vacancies on the board. Neighborhood Assistant Epa Gomes did not know the answer. Senator Rhoads stepped in and clarified that the state passed Senate Bill 2397 but he would double check and get back to the board with an answer.
2. Return to the Item Later in the Agenda: Hearing no objections, Chair Pro Tem Shubert-Kwock recommended for the board to proceed with the agenda and return to Item 2.1 later on in the meeting.

3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS -- [0:22:00]

[0:22:15] -- Mestas nominated Shubert-Kwock to serve as chair.

[0:23:05] -- Hearing no objections, Chair Pro Tem Shubert-Kwock recognized Senator Rhoads to speak. He provided clarification on the date Senate Bill 2397 goes into effect.

[0:24:03] -- The board returned to the motion on the table. Hearing no further nominations, a roll-call vote was conducted. The board elected Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock as chair; 5-2 (Shubert-Kwock: Ho, Mestas, Shintani, Sturges, Shubert-Kwock; Abstain: Armstrong, Lye -- [0:24:53].
[0:25:05] -- Shubert-Kwock nominated Mestas to serve as vice-chair. Hearing no further nominations, a roll-call vote was conducted. The board elected Dan Mestas as vice-chair; 5-2 (Mestas: Ho, Mestas, Shintani, Sturges, Shubert-Kwock; Abstain: Armstrong, Lye -- [0:25:57].

[0:26:08] -- Shubert-Kwock nominated Ho to serve as secretary. Hearing no further nominations, a roll-call vote was conducted. The board elected Hey Ho as secretary; 7-0 (Ho: Armstrong, Ho, Lye, Mestas, Shintani, Sturges, Shubert-Kwock; Abstain: None -- [0:26:55].

[0:27:03] -- Mestas nominated Sturges to serve as treasurer. Hearing no further nominations, further discussion followed. A roll-call vote was conducted. Sturges was elected as treasurer; 6-1 (Sturges: Armstrong, Ho, Mestas, Shintani, Sturges, Shubert-Kwock; Abstain: Lye) -- [0:28:45].

[0:29:15] -- Chair Shubert-Kwock asked the board whether they wanted to keep the same meeting location and time. Member Lye recommended tabling discussion on this topic, as it was not on the agenda, and suggested adding it to next month's agenda given its impact on community members. Chair Shubert-Kwock agreed to place the item on next month's agenda, noting the intent was simply to gauge members' initial thoughts. Member Armstrong suggested moving the board's meeting date to the first Monday of each month, which would make it the only board meeting on that day. Chair Shubert-Kwock asked members to consider whether they wanted to propose changes to the meeting date and time ahead of next month's discussion and board decision.

5. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:31:14]

Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Chinatown 808 -- Notification on 2026-2027 Events -- [0:31:15]: Leonard Kam presented on four upcoming events:
• Saturday, September 19, 2026: The Mid-Autumn Festival & Parade will be sponsored by Chinatown 808 and take place at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, approximately 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; parade begins around 5:30 p.m. from Smith & King Streets along King Street, up Maunakea Street, and onto N. Beretania Street toward the Sun Yat-sen Mall area.
• Friday, January 29, 2027: Chinatown Open House (Choy Cheng) will be sponsored by Chinese Chamber of Commerce, with street closures, lion dances, and firecrackers, approximately 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. The boundaries of this celebration will be within Nimitz/Bethel St./North Beretania St./River Street. Leonard Kam welcomed businesses in Chinatown to participate and receive a performance of Lion Dances in front of their establishments.
• Friday January 29, 2027, and Saturday, January 30, 2027: Chinatown New Year Celebration at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza sponsored by Chinese Chamber of Commerce featuring entertainment and food booths.
• Saturday, January 30, 2027: Chinatown Festival & Parade sponsored by Chinatown 808 will take place along Beretania Street between Alakea St. and Maunakea St. and at Aʻala Park. The parade runs from the Hawaiʻi State Capitol along Hotel Street through Chinatown beginning about 4:30 p.m.; the event runs 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:37:02]
1. River Street Space for Future Festivities: Resident Ian Nguyen asked whether River Street space near the Cultural Plaza could be used for future festivities. Mr. Kam explained that area falls under Department of Transportation Services (DTS) purview and could be easier to activate, but organizers are cautious about creating more festival space than there is demand to fill.
2. Traditional Chinatown Decorations & Kekaulike Mall Arch: Member Lye asked about adding more traditional Chinatown-themed decorations to the parade route. Mr. Kam cited DTS height restrictions and cost as limiting factors but noted efforts to encourage themed costumes and continue the popular bike valet service; alcohol is never served at these events. Member Lye separately asked when the Kekaulike Mall arch would be completed; Mr. Kam estimated towards the end of the year. Chair Shubert-Kwock confirmed it to be completed around September-October 2026, pending import and permitting delays. In addition, Mr. Kam invited the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board to participate in the parade.

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -- [0:43:19]: Approval of the June 2026 minutes was deferred; the draft had not yet been finalized by the Board Secretary. Neighborhood Assistant Epa Gomes offered to submit her own draft for publication if the Secretary's draft was not available, so the Board could vote on it next month. Member Lye asked about compliance with Sunshine Law/Neighborhood Plan timelines for making minutes available; NA Epa Gomes committed to have the minutes in order by the following month.

7. ELECTED OFFICIALS -- [0:44:42]

Congressman Ed Case -- [0:44:45]: No representative at this time.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [0:44:58]: Stephen Downes provided follow-up on: voter wait times (deferred to the State Office of Elections and Honolulu Elections Division); geothermal energy potential, noting the Governor's Office referred the board to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' Geothermal Initiatives; and State Capitol fluorescent-light replacement, with LED conversions completed in the Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's offices, conference/entry spaces, and the basement parking lot.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AwoYs-GnfMx-iljPnhP0x4UzgxHkauCM/view?usp=drive_link
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oaBQvFrJlaF0WN42mJhyo4jCVoAOvbqm/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:46:50]
1. LED Retrofit Completion & Utility Incentives: Member Mestas asked what percentage of the LED retrofit remains and whether the state is pursuing energy-efficiency utility incentives to offset costs. Mr. Downes committed to follow up.
2. Median Signage Fines, Noise Camera Placement & Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Maps: Member Lye asked who issues fines for illegal signage in state road medians; requested an update on a previously discussed noise camera near Beretania/River Streets (noting the noisiest activity is actually on Nuʻuanu Avenue near Kūkui St./Vineyard Blvd); and asked how the state derived its updated FEMA flood maps affecting Downtown condominiums. Member Armstrong added that Councilmember Dos Santos Tam had requested a second noise camera at Pali/Vineyard as early as 2024 with no response. Mr. Downes said he would follow up on all items.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [0:50:21]: Ian Santee, Deputy Director of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, provided highlights from the Mayor's July 2026 newsletter and follow-up responses from the prior month regarding: 1027 Maunakea St. curb ramp; liquor license delays; Nimitz Hwy/Kekaulike St. bus stop lighting; Empty Homes Tax; and Chinatown Gateway police patrols.
• Link to Sign-up for News Updates via Email: https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter-signup/
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q45W-DMrKCl6i4iuBgdlpvJCwwKKMvLN/view?usp=drive_link
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10XiFBXuHlyLQiQtD3A3a4f-x8NWUSSrj/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:55:50]
1. Kukui Street Safety: Resident Doug Pyle voiced concerns of a concentration of homeless individuals allegedly conducting illegal drug activity in the back of Longs Drugs store near the loading-zone area and surrounding area. He is requesting for more HPD enforcement of the sit-lie ordinance, frequent surveillance, and social work outreach in this area to ensure the safety of everyone especially, residents and Kekaulike Middle School students.
2. 1027 Maunakea Street Curb Ramp Safety: Chair Shubert-Kwock urged the city to flatten the 1027 Maunakea St. curb ramp. Mr. Santee committed to follow-up.
3. City Bus Route 151 Removal: Resident Ernest Caravalho asked the City & County of Honolulu to honor its commitment to remove Route 151 buses from Maunakea Street. Mr. Santee committed to follow-up.

City Council (District 6) -- Tyler Dos Santos Tam -- [1:00:45]: Peggy Mierzwa reported the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) has launched, with ambassadors already picking up trash; the bus shelter removed from the River/Beretania stop is being followed up with a work order for loading-zone signage; and the Councilmember has raised concerns about private vehicles turning onto Hotel Street and requested additional signage.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:02:27]
1. BID Executive Director & Website Updates: Member Armstrong asked whether the BID has hired an executive director; Ms. Mierzwa confirmed a hire and offered to connect her with the board. Vice Chair Mestas noted the BID website needs updated, current information; Ms. Mierzwa acknowledged the BID currently operates with minimal staff and budget but is developing a media plan.
2. Park-Space Replacement Requirements: Member Lye asked whether a 1:1 replacement requirement applies when city park space, such as the former Kamaliʻi Mini Park, is transferred out of the parks inventory. Ms. Mierzwa took the question for follow-up. Member Mestas noted the developer's presentation described replacement green space as publicly accessible. Member Lye replied questioning the given space would be confined to building residents.
3. Signage on Hotel Street: Chair Shubert-Kwock offered suggestions on road enhancements and additional signage that can be made to prevent private vehicles from driving onto Hotel Street. In addition, Member Armstrong noted that he sent a copy of his resolution to Councilmember Tyer Dos-Santos Tam regarding a resolution related to Hotel Street. Chair Shubert-Kwock mentioned it will be on next month's agenda to discuss and take board action.

State Senate (District 13) -- Karl Rhoads -- [1:08:03]: In his last few meetings before his term ends in November 2026, Senator Rhoads reported FY2027 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) awards for the district. He also noted rising COVID-19 activity (residents can track illness trends at https://www.wastewaterscan.org/en) and reviewed 2026 election deadlines. Further details are provided on his report.
• Questions or Concerns: Email senrhoads@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-6130.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hGNQYKKCvCuVgrKEEe-i2lBf4snjVrFo/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:13:22]
1. Inquiry on Absentee Ballots: Member Lye asked if the state will pay for his absentee ballot to be sent to him if he is overseas, and can he return it through a diplomatic pouch from a U.S. embassy. Senator Rhoads recommended for Member Lye to contact the Office of Elections.
2. 60-Day Condominium Ballot Deadline: Member Lye asked about correcting a previously enacted 60-day deadline for condominium associations to collect owner ballots. Senator Rhoads explained it would require a new bill and encouraged raising it with incoming legislators.

Special Presentation -- [1:15:40]: The Board presented Senator Rhoads with a Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Josh Green recognizing his service to Downtown-Chinatown and the State of Hawaiʻi.

State House (District 25) -- Kim Coco Iwamoto -- [1:21:30]: Kate Ozawa reported Representative Iwamoto plans to reintroduce an empty homes tax and a free bus bill next session, and that the district office will be closed for Capitol buildng renovations from approximately Wednesday, July 22, 2026 for one to two months, though phone, email, and fax will remain available.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:22:00]
1. 60-Day Ballot Deadline & District Representation: Member Lye again raised the 60-day condo ballot deadline and asked for clarification on representation given his home address; Ms. Ozawa committed to follow up next month.

State House (District 28) -- Michael Covenant Ratcliffe -- [1:23:30]: Representative Ratcliffe, answered questions from the prior meeting on CIP funding: $200,000 to the Downtown Art Center for gallery, classroom, and workshop renovations and exhibition expansion; $200,000 to the United Chinese Society for flooring, roof resealing, a wheelchair lift, and repainting; and $160,000 to the Institute of Human Services (IHS) for solar panel reinstallation and rooftop recoating. He reported graffiti at an ʻAʻala Park utility structure was quickly removed after coordinating with Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam's office, raised concern over new FEMA flood maps affecting roughly 8,000 Oʻahu properties and rising flood-insurance costs, and highlighted a new in-home healthcare program for residents who do not qualify for Medicaid.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:27:20]
1. 60-Day Condo Ballot Deadline: Member Lye thanked Representative Ratcliffe for his help at a recent Kokua Council meeting and asked his position on removing the 60-day condo ballot deadline; Representative Ratcliffe said he would look into supporting such a bill.

8. PUBLIC CONCERNS -- [1:28:48]

Neighborhood Board Quorum Requirement Clarification -- [1:29:00]: Resident Ernest Caravalho, following up on Member Lye's earlier question, confirmed that the state's recently passed quorum-reduction law does not apply to neighborhood boards, which remain governed by the Neighborhood Plan and Neighborhood Commission and still require a majority of filled seats. He also asked the Board to arrange pickup of neighborhood board banners and cleanup supplies from his home.

Support for Membership Vacancy Candidate -- [1:31:25]: Resident Arik Ma spoke in support of candidate Ian Nguyen's nomination for the Board vacancy, citing his active engagement with local businesses and residents throughout Chinatown.

Affordable Housing & Transit-Oriented Development -- [1:34:48]: Doug Pyle, Chair of the House District 28 Democratic Party, raised affordable housing, safety, and multimodal transit-oriented development as district priorities and requested closer collaboration with the board. Chair Shubert-Kwock suggested he email her to schedule a future presentation to the full board rather than continue discussion during public concerns.

Broadcast Access & Building Code Reform for High-rise's -- [1:37:25]: Robert Quartero, a resident from Halewaiʻolu Senior Residences, requested that materials he had emailed the chair regarding over-the-air broadcast access and building-code reform be distributed to all board members ahead of the August 2026 meeting, in support of a resolution requiring signal infrastructure in new high-rise construction. Chair Shubert-Kwock noted the request was received too late to act on this month and confirmed the topic would be placed on the August 2026 agenda for full discussion.

[1:44:00] -- Shubert-Kwock MOVED and Mestas SECONDED to re-visit Item 2.1 for a re-vote. Further discussion followed. Hearing no objections, the board returned to Item 2.1 on the agenda -- [1:45:22].

2. MEMBERSHIP VACANCY -- CONTINUED -- [1:45:22]

[1:45:30] -- Lye nominated Doug Pyle; Shubert-Kwock nominated Ian Nguyen; Armstrong nominated Charles Jonsson. Further discussion followed. A roll-call vote was conducted. Ian Nguyen was appointed to fill the vacancy; 5-1-1 (Nguyen: Ho, Mestas, Shintani, Sturges, Shubert-Kwock; Jonsson: Armstrong; Pyle: Lye) -- [1:57:05].

[1:57:12] -- Hearing no objections, the board took a brief recess, to allow Ian Nguyen to be sworn in by Neighborhood Assistant Epa Gomes.

Ian Nguyen joined the meeting at 7:59 p.m.; 8 members present.

[1:59:08] -- The board reconvened following the recess.

9. MONTHLY REPORTS -- [1:59:12]

Honolulu Board of Water Supply -- [1:59:19]: Iris Oda was unable to maintain a stable connection; she was asked to submit a written report for circulation to the board.
• Unthirsty Plant Sale Flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SH5yDO-FnlGM7WRIe5zDNAV1EDOWd2T3/view?usp=drive_link
• Wildfire Informational Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11pE0Xrpcy6do_MVdXUPHT_cQxb4ZHDsf/view?usp=drive_link
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1icAqJNP1X3AtdLtvT_y8muYkgNGIutmD/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) -- [2:00:10]: No representative present at this time.

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Highways Division (HDOT) -- [2:00:25]: Robert Stellmacher announced a planning study for an H-1 freeway "cap park" (a covering over the freeway to improve connectivity and add green space), tentatively to be presented to the board in September 2026.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:02:00]
1. Noise Camera Follow-Up, Median Signage & Vineyard Boulevard: Member Armstrong asked for a status update on previously requested noise-detection cameras, including one at Pali/Vineyard requested by Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam in 2023-24.
2. Illegal Signage: Member Lye asked HDOT to confirm jurisdiction over illegal commercial signage in the Vineyard Boulevard median and offered to email proposed noise-camera locations. Mr. Stellmacher committed to follow up on both by next month.

Chinatown Business Community Association (CBCA) -- [2:05:00]: Member Mestas read the report on behalf of Chair Shubert-Kwock. Key issues discussed included: progress on traffic problems near Oʻahu Market due to HART's construction in front of the commercial parking entrance; the Chinatown Security Team's monthly report; additional commercial parking/loading space being constructed on River Street; the CBCA/Weed and Seed Hawaiʻi Chinatown Peace Festival; and CBCA's Chinatown Happy Dragon. The next CBCA meeting will be Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fnms0dhJnh9BIGFkuVUyXgLaQ9IJnEho/view?usp=sharing

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:07:16]
1. River Street Tree Relocation: Member Lye asked whether trees along River Street will be relocated as part of planned improvements. Chair Shubert-Kwock confirmed that dead trees will be removed and healthy trees relocated -- not cut down -- to make room for additional commercial parking and loading once Kekaulike Mall becomes a full pedestrian mall.

Neighborhood Citizen Patrol -- [2:10:00]: Member Lye shared recent patrol observations, including ongoing graffiti at the site of the former Kamaliʻi Mini Park, illegal turns and parking along Hotel Street, and merchant pallet storage encroaching on bikeways. He invited residents to join the Citizen Patrol, which meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. outside Diamond Head Tower lobby of Kukui Plaza, and to National Night Out at McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Beach Park, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:13:10]
1. Multiple Agenda Requests: Member Armstrong reiterated his request that Chair Shubert-Kwock include the draft resolution regarding Hotel Street on next month's regular board meeting agenda. He also suggested that the board invite David Lazar, HPD's new Chief of Police. Lastly, he requested that the Public Concerns section be moved earlier on the agenda. Chair Shubert-Kwock opened discussion on where it should be placed.
2. Concern: Member Mestas raised a concern about the tone of humor used when presenting images of homeless or addicted individuals in the Neighborhood Citizen Patrol report. Member Lye acknowledged the feedback, explained the intent was to highlight unmet community needs rather than mock those affected. Chair Shubert-Kwock noted the CBCA's practice of photographing and referring individuals to the City & County of Honolulu's Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) team has proven effective in connecting people to services.

10. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:18:40]

The next Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Keʻelikōlani Middle School Library and virtually via WebEx.

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

11. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:19:23] The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO