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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, AUGUST 6, 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=om34bzrt8wA

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

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:10]

Chair 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, Ian Nguyen, Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock, Laura Sturges, Ross Isokane (arrived 6:02 p.m.), and Nicole Shintani (arrived 6:05 p.m.).

Members Absent: None.

Guests: Captain S. Matsumura and Sergeant K. Hosaka (Honolulu Police Department); Honolulu Emergency Services Department Deputy Director Ian Santee (Mayor's Representative); Will Duke (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam); Representative Michael Covenant Ratcliffe (House District 28); Stephen Downes (Governor Greenʻs Representative); Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13); Representative Kim Iwamoto (State House District 25); Iris Oda (Honolulu Board of Water Supply); Harry Cho (Honolulu Authority of Rapid Transportation); Executive Director Brooke Klejnot (Downtown Honolulu Business Improvement District); Kevin Schwarz (Hawaiʻi Pacific University); Allan Silva (Children Youth Day); Patrick Smith (Neighborhood Commission); Robert Quartero, Kevin McDonald, Adriel Lam, Roberta Hickey-Gomez, Melissa G., Nicole Reid, Doug Pyle, Dale Krupa, Shoushawna Laʻanui-Wilcox, Paul Hogan, Dennis S., Del Fujinaka, Ave Kwok (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 51 total attendees.

2. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS -- [0:01:46]

Honolulu Fire Department -- [0:01:50]: No representative was present at this time.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocmRcJGa_He7sDH2O8ZVab0ww6xYISwI/view?usp=drive_link

Member Ross Isokane joined the meeting at 6:02 p.m.; 8 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- [0:02:05]: Sergeant K. Hosaka and Captain S. Matsumura highlighted the following:
• Crime Statistics for July 2026: 5 motor vehicle thefts; 2 burglaries; 22 thefts; 1 unlawful entry into motor vehicles; 15 assaults; 2 sex assaults; 0 graffiti cases; 4 drug cases; 88 motor vehicle collisions; 2,055 total calls for service.
• Kekaulike Street Signage/Loading Zone: Approximately 98 parking citations issued over the past two weeks following new Honolulu Department of Transportation Services (DTS) signage near Kekaulike Street/O'ahu Market.
• Illegal Activity near Kukui Street/Pali Longs Drugs Loading Zone: Day and night watch made numerous checks over the past couple of weeks and found no observed drug activity, but have issued several citations for various things such as sit-lie, obstructing sidewalk, and littering. Officers will continue to patrol the area to deter and immediately address any criminal activity, including Sidewalk Nuisance Ordinance (SNO) type violations.
• 180 N. Nimitz Hwy Building: Narcotics/Vice Division had an active investigation into an alleged gambling operation; the building was damaged by a fire on Friday, July 24, 2026 and has since been vacated.

Member Nicole Shintani joined the meeting at 6:05 p.m.; 9 members present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:05:26]
1. Kukui Street Drug Activity Near Kekaulike Middle School: Resident Doug Pyle reported ongoing observed drug activity near the school despite HPD's report of no observed activity, noting that individuals hide when patrol cars pass, and asked for increased enforcement now that school is back in session. Captain Matsumura explained marked patrol units may not witness activity due to evasive behavior but confirmed narcotics/vice and plainclothes units have the area under active investigation.
2. Motorcycle Noise & Hotel Street Signage: Resident Shoushawna Laʻanui-Wilcox reported ongoing late-night motorcycle revving near Hotel Street bars and asked when signage restricting non-bus vehicles on Hotel Street would be updated and enforced. Captain Matsumura committed to gathering motorcycle-complaint statistics and confirmed HPD is coordinating with Honolulu Department of Transportation Services (DTS) on improved signage, without a firm timeline.
3. Fire-Damaged Building Access at 901 Kekaulike Street: Resident Dale Krupa reported continued unsecured access at the building damaged by the Friday, July 24, 2026 fire. Captain Matsumura said the securing issue can be referred to the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). Member Mestas later echoed and confirmed individuals entering the fire damaged building on the first and second floor.
4. Vacancy, Loitering & Sanitation Near Merchant/King: Resident Dean Sakamoto (Owner of SHADE Institute building) described worsening loitering, unsanitary conditions, and public urination/defecation outside the building entrance and requested board support for action on public restroom access. Resident Kevin McDonald echoed Mr. Sakamoto's concerns and encouraged him to relay them to elected officials who represent the district.
5. National Night Out & Nuʻuanu Ave. Noise: Member Lye thanked HPD for the National Night Out event and Chief Lazar's attendance, then requested continued enforcement of late-night screeching tires and amplified music at the 1171 Nuʻuanu Avenue parking lot near Mark's Garage. Captain Matsumura committed to relaying the request to night-watch units.
6. Hotel Street & Public Restrooms: Member Armstrong reminded community members that Hotel Street safety issues, a topic on the agenda (Section 6.2), would be addressed later in the meeting. In addition, he echoed concerns regarding the lack of public restrooms available in the area.
7. Sit-Lie Enforcement & Public Restrooms: Member Isokane asked for clarification on the hours during which the sit-lie ban is enforced in the Downtown Honolulu district, noting that in Waikīkī it is enforced 24/7. Captain Matsumura clarified that no such 24-hour sit-lie ban exists, including in Waikīkī, and that the ordinance is not enforced between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Chair Shubert-Kwock confirmed the hours and added that residents may petition the City Council to request expanded coverage for a sit-lie ban. Chair Shubert-Kwock noted a public restroom on Pauahi Street is under construction with completion expected around October 2026 and described the Chinatown Security Team's ongoing free clean-team response.

[0:26:26] -- At this time, HPD continued their report

• Drones as First Responders (DFR): Assistant Chief Brian Lynch presented a new pilot program launching in Districts 1 and 5, dispatching Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified officer-piloted drones to priority-one 911 calls only (e.g., assaults, weapons calls, in-progress thefts). Program policy is posted at honolulupd.org; estimated annual cost is $600,000-$1,000,000 depending on scale.

Questions, comments and concerns continued -- [0:29:28]
8. Drone Program Oversight, Court Admissibility & Guardrails: Residents Shoushawna Laʻanui-Wilcox, Jamie Barboza, Roberta Hickey-Gomez, and Kevin McDonald, along with Member Isokane, asked about trespassing enforcement, the drones' talk-down speaker capability, court admissibility of footage, civic oversight/consent for the program, and guardrails against misuse of footage, including by federal agencies. Assistant Chief Lynch confirmed footage is admissible in court, that recording only begins once a drone arrives at a call, and that sworn, FAA-certified officers (not contractors) pilot the drones under HPD policy and oversight.
9. Static Camera Monitoring & Program Budget: Member Mestas asked whether static Chinatown cameras would be actively monitored alongside the drone program; Assistant Chief Lynch clarified static cameras are activated only in response to 911 calls, not continuously monitored. Member Lye asked about program budget and equipment lifecycle; Assistant Chief Lynch described a lease-based model covering six (6) to eight (8) drone pods citywide, with performance analytics to evaluate response-time improvements.

3. PUBLIC CONCERNS -- [0:43:57]:

1022 Bethel Street (Former Island Insurance Building) Ownership & Vagrancy -- [0:44:20]: Resident Shoushawna Laʻanui-Wilcox reported researching ownership of the former Island Insurance building, now owned by CBRE (previously Hawaiian Properties/National Mortgage and Finance Co.), due to vagrancy issues spilling into Chinatown Gateway Plaza, and said Katrina Medina (CBRE Property Manager), indicated a willingness to work with the community. Chair Shubert-Kwock asked that any related correspondence also be copied to the Neighborhood Assistant to keep records centralized.

Resolution Request on Vagrancy/Sanitation 99 N. King St. -- [0:46:40]: Resident Dean Sakamoto asked what further action the board could take regarding his earlier public safety testimony. Chair Shubert-Kwock advised him to submit a formal resolution for the board's discussion and possible adoption.

Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Safer-Streets Training -- [0:48:00]: Resident Doug Pyle thanked Member Shintani for co-attending recent Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization safer-streets design discussions and asked to bring related materials to the board. Chair Shubert-Kwock invited him to submit the materials for a future agenda item.

4. REPORT FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION -- [0:49:43]

Neighborhood Commission Report -- [0:49:43]: Commission Chair Patrick Smith reported that, following public complaints about the board's prior written rules of speaking, the Commission clarified that authority over the board's speaking rules and agenda-submission rules belongs to the board itself, not the chair, and that the chair cannot be granted authority beyond what the Neighborhood Plan allows. He noted the current board's practices reflect strong cooperation with the Neighborhood Assistant and no issue was found with how the board is presently run, commending this term's board for its collaborative approach.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [0:50:53]
1. Clarification on Preparing the Agenda: Chair Shubert-Kwock raised a point of clarification that the agenda is prepared by the chair and the Neighborhood Commission Office has oversight before it is published. Mr. Smith clarified he is referring to the rules of speaking and treating each requests fairly for items to be included on the agenda. Chair Shubert-Kwock commended the board for their cooperation so far in the new term.
2. Chair's Discretion vs. Board Authority on Speaking Times: Member Lye asked Commission Chair Smith to confirm that while the chair may offer to extend a speaker's time, the body retains authority to overrule such an extension if objected to. Chair Smith confirmed the chair has discretion to extend time within reason, but the board may act by majority vote to restrict that discretion if it is seen as being abused.
3. Special Rules of Order Authority: Member Isokane asked, as a hypothetical not applicable to this board, whether a board may adopt special rules of order by vote so long as they do not conflict with the Neighborhood Plan or bylaws. Chair Smith explained that the Commission sets policy for all boards and can overrule a board-adopted rule if it is inconsistent with proper board function, even if the board itself agreed to it.

5. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:58:48]: Chair Shubert-Kwock noted agenda item 5.4 (H-1 Cap Park Planning Study) was deferred to the September 2026 meeting at the presenter's request.

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) Shark Race 5K -- [0:59:15]: Kevin Schwarz (HPU Cross Country Coach), joined by student-athlete Isabella Morgan, presented a first annual 5K run/walk fundraiser on Sunday, September 6, 2026, beginning and ending at Aloha Tower with a loop through Kakaʻako Waterfront Park.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:00:30]
1. Course Route: Member Nguyen and Member Lye both asked if there were going to be any street closures for the event. Mr. Schwarz shared the full route: it will start at Aloha Tower Marketplace, to Aloha Tower Dr., to Ala Moana Blvd., to Keawe St., to Ilalo St., to Cooke St., to run around Kakaʻako Waterfront Park, to exit on Ahui St., to Ilalo St., to return to Aloha Tower via the same route. He noted the makai (ocean) side of Ala Moana Boulevard between two cross streets (Alakea St. to Keawe St.) would be closed from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.; organizers confirmed coordination with DTS, HPD, Aloha Roadway Services, and that businesses along the route had been notified. Marketing of the event is pending until DTS has given approval of the event.
2. Sufficiency of Agenda Notice for Route: Member Lye raised concern that the agenda item did not include route detail or confirmation that affected businesses were notified, which could raise a Sunshine Law notice issue; he recommended verbal support rather than a formal vote. Mr. Schwarz confirmed businesses along the route had received notice and DTS coordination was underway; Chair Shubert-Kwock advised presenters to include route maps and business-notification confirmation with future agenda submissions.
3. Approval from DTS: Member Armstrong asked a point of clarification if the event has been approved yet. Mr. Schwarz replied the event has not been approved yet and reiterated the course route.

[1:06:37] -- Mestas MOVED and Shintani SECONDED to support the HPU Shark Race 5K. Further discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, a roll-call vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 6-0-2 (Aye: Ho, Isokane, Mestas, Nguyen, Shintani, Shubert-Kwock; Nay: None; Abstain: Armstrong, Lye) -- [1:08:34].

Hawaii Children and Youth Day (CYD) 2026 -- [1:09:07]: Allan Silva presented plans for the 33rd annual Children and Youth Day on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the State Capitol grounds and Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds, requesting temporary closure of Punchbowl Street between King and Beretania Streets from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (event hours 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.).

[1:12:35] -- Armstrong MOVED and Lye SECONDED to support Children and Youth Day 2026. Further discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, a roll-call vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-0 (Aye: Armstrong, Ho, Isokane, Lye, Mestas, Nguyen, Shintani, Sturges, Shubert-Kwock; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:14:05].

Downtown Honolulu Busuiness Improvement District (BID) -- [1:14:25]: Brooke Klejnot, Executive Director, reported the organization transitioned from the Fort Street Mall BID to the Downtown Honolulu BID on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, expanding to 75 blocks bounded by Beretania Street, Ala Moana Boulevard, Richards/Mililani Streets, and Nuʻuanu Avenue. The BID's four pillars are Downtown ambassadors (cleaning and safety services, currently active weekdays 6:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m.), a safety network, activation of public spaces, and environmental design. Power washing equipment delayed from San Diego is expected to begin operating within the district, using borrowed Waikīkī BID equipment in the interim. The ambassador service line is (808) 866-3163.
• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1819ghpXG6oEBg_bJa6EBtPLE2K1qAORt/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:23:25]
1. Power Washing Timeline: Resident Jamie Barboza asked when power washing would begin; Ms. Klejnot cited shipping delays and confirmed borrowed Waikīkī BID equipment would begin deployment within about a week.
2. Graffiti/Lighting Audit: Member Armstrong requested a lighting audit for non-functioning streetlights (citing an example near McDonald's on Hotel Street) and encouraged continued graffiti remediation and quarterly or monthly reporting to the board.

Ex-Officio Board Representation -- [1:27:20]: Chair Shubert-Kwock informed the board of her intent, per BID charter, to serve as NB13's non-voting representative at monthly BID board meetings and to invite Member Mestas to also attend. Member Lye asked the board to clarify the scope of that representation; the chair and Member Mestas confirmed the role is limited to listening, offering informal suggestions, and reporting back to the board, with the board itself deciding on any further action.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [1:29:13]
1. BID Funding, Feral Chickens, Bikes/E-Bikes & Union Square Building: Member Lye asked what portion of the BID assessment goes directly to the non-profit (Ms. Klejnot confirmed no middleman), whether the BID could address feral chickens on Fort Street Mall, whether bikes/e-bikes and smoking are currently permitted there, and whether the BID has a point of contact for the occupied Union Square building. Ms. Klejnot said smoking remains prohibited, e-bike rules are being revised by Councilmember Dos Santos-Tam's office, and she had limited information on Union Square beyond occasional updates from the Roy Miyahira (City Homeless Coordinator).
2. Hotel Street & Nightlife Noise: Chair Shubert-Kwock asked what plans the BID has to help curb First Friday and weekend noise on Hotel Street and near Scarlet Honolulu in coordination with HPD or BID security; Ms. Klejnot said she would follow up with information.

H-1 Cap Park Planning Study -- [1:36:50]: This item was deferred to the September 2026 meeting skipped.

6. RESOLUTIONS -- [1:36:50]

Resolution Regarding Residential Broadcast Access and Building Reform -- [1:37:05]: Member Lye raised a point of order that discussing or voting on Items 6.1 and 6.2 could violate the Sunshine Law's 48-hour board-packet notice requirement, since materials were only distributed the day of the meeting due to a clerical/email error. Member Mestas apologized for the error, noting the resolution was originally received Thursday, July 2, 2026, but the attachment did not forward properly. Senator Rhoads noted his office is researching the legal framework (state/county/federal jurisdiction issues) needed to draft implementing legislation. Member Isokane and Member Armstrong asked Mr. Quartero to expand his September presentation with data on how many residents are affected and to address Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) rule 47 CFR § 1.4000 regarding owner/tenant equipment access rights. Mr. Quartero explained the resolution is driven by public-safety and equal-access concerns for vulnerable, isolated residents who lack over-the-air broadcast access for emergency alerts and other essential information.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sg2Fj2GLZLQtqQ2DLUw3tRuVLVy5mmsl/view?usp=drive_link
• Supporting Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mSsXoKVw3iuLXNl564yPEO3NPthR2CT0/view?usp=drive_link

[1:50:20] -- Hearing no objections, the board deferred Item 6.1 to the September 2026 meeting for discussion and vote; 9-0-0 (Aye: Armstrong, Ho, Isokane, Lye, Mestas, Nguyen, Shintani, Sturges, Shubert-Kwock; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [1:50:30].

Resolution Regarding Hotel Street Painting and Signage -- [1:50:45]: Member Lye renewed his Sunshine Law notice objection. Commission Chair Smith, asked for guidance, said he could not make the determination for the board but suggested caution given the packet's late distribution. Member Armstrong asked to read the resolution into the record for public notice purposes, with a vote deferred to next month; the board agreed. Member Mestas suggested softening language around "immediately repaint in red" and the enforcement-staffing claim. Member Lye supported the resolution's intent but flagged that DTS authority governs bus-lane designation, that federal/state signage standards require more than paint alone, and that a future Hotel Street one-way conversion under transit-oriented development could affect the proposal.
• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fytt1nUj5lylGePDM-UT5p_DPYJzEp1I/view?usp=drive_link

[2:00:08] -- Hearing no objections, the board deferred Item 6.2 to the September 2026 meeting for discussion and vote; 9-0-0 (Aye: Armstrong, Ho, Isokane, Lye, Mestas, Nguyen, Shintani, Sturges, Shubert-Kwock; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [2:00:12].

7. BOARD BUSINESS -- [2:00:22]

Board Vote to Approve Draft Written Summaries for Thursday, June 4, 2026 and Thursday, July 2, 2026 -- [2:00:22]: Member Lye confirmed with Neighborhood Assistant Epa Gomes, that the Thursday, June 4, 2026 draft summary was posted to the NCO website on Friday, July 31, 2026.

[2:01:12] -- Hearing no objections, the Thursday, June 4, 2026, and Thursday, July 2, 2026, Regular Meeting Written Summaries for Video Records were APPROVED as written; 9-0-0 (Aye: Armstrong, Ho, Isokane, Lye, Mestas, Nguyen, Shintani, Sturges, Shubert-Kwock; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [2:01:14].

Appointment of a Representative to the Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OʻahuMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee -- [2:01:21]: Chair Shubert-Kwock reported that Member Lye had brought to her attention the need for the board to appoint a representative to the OʻahuMPO Citizen Advisory Committee. Member Lye clarified the delegate need not be a board member.
[2:02:53] -- With one volunteer, Member Shintani, and no objections; the board appointed Nicole Shintani as its OahuMPO Citizen Advisory Committee representative; 9-0-0 (Aye: Armstrong, Ho, Isokane, Lye, Mestas, Nguyen, Shintani, Sturges, Shubert-Kwock; Nay: None; Abstain: None) -- [2:03:10].

8. ELECTED OFFICIALS -- [2:05:11]

Congressman Ed Case -- [2:05:15]: No representative at this time.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [2:05:22]: Stephen Downes reported approximately 65% of fluorescent lights at the State Capitol have been light-emitting diode (LED) converted, with the remainder replaced at burnout; illegally posted signs on state road medians are removed by Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and unclaimed signs disposed of after two weeks, with no fines currently issued; a noise camera was scheduled for installation at Pali Highway/Vineyard Boulevard; a River Street noise camera remains in progress pending right-of-way access; and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood-map revisions for the South/North Kukui Street area used updated hydrology studies, with a process available to request map review.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_4hf2bPfq3SETTd9iJORNGxPoXqikT34/view?usp=drive_link
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rjKG0BHU1BxLQUuOqocr9C-iBoswD7AZ/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:08:00]
1. Hawaii Absence from the 250th Anniversary National Mall Celebration/Small Business Ranking: Resident Kevin McDonald asked who was responsible for Hawaiʻi not sending a delegation to the National Mall's 250th-anniversary celebration and asked what the Governor plans to do about Hawaiʻi's recent ranking as the worst state to start or operate a small business. Mr. Downes said he would research and follow up.
2. Government Corruption, Campaign Finance & LED Lighting: Member Isokane raised concerns about public trust following ongoing corruption cases and asked whether the Governor would support closing the contractor/immediate-family campaign-contribution loophole next session.
3. Follow-Up on LED lights: Member Mestas, disclosing his employment with Hawaiʻi Energy, cautioned against delaying LED replacement until burnout due to lost utility incentives and recommended against an energy savings performance contract for the remaining fixtures.
4. Noise Camera Locations & Median Signage Enforcement: Member Lye asked about adding a noise camera on Nuʻuanu Avenue (a bar-closing noise hotspot) in addition to Pali Hwy./Vineyard Blvd., questioned the data basis for a planned River Street camera, and asked about the enforcement schedule for median advertising signs. Mr. Downes took the Vineyard Boulevard median location (between Punchbowl St. and Nuʻuanu Ave.).

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [2:15:23]: Ian Santee, Deputy Director of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, provided highlights from the Mayor's August 2026 newsletter and follow-up responses from the prior month regarding: relocation of Route 151 bus stop #4877 from Nimitz Highway to Hotel Street, completed Sunday, July 12, 2026; five (5) sit-lie warnings issued by District 1 Central patrol officers July 13-26, 2026; and the Mayor's Office Youth Climate Action Fund application window (Monday, July 27, 2026 to Monday, September 7, 2026 up to $4,999 per project) at https://www.resilientoahu.org/.
• Link to Sign-up for News Updates via Email: https://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter-signup/
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mxhitENMhFCaJ5SCbY82y4nTf5m2mhXE/view?usp=sharing
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ryi3rsIb63ogOZIMGVHcdBQeXjIBeHQB/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:18:38]
1. Syringe Exchange Program's Van Location: Following up on an earlier question, Mr. Santee clarified that officers noted an increase in individuals connected with the syringe exchange program returning to the Kūkui Street side of Keʻelikolani Middle School. Chair Shubert-Kwock and residents Doug Pyle and Shoushawna Laʻanui-Wilcox registered strong opposition, citing the location's proximity to the school and past board discussion that had led the service to relocate away from the site; Mr. Santee committed to following up on who approved the return and relaying the board's objection.
2. Status Update on Bus Stop Lighting: Member Nguyen asked for an update on the still-unlit Kalihi/Nimitz bus stop lighting work order (R2026-15221).
3. Feral Chicken Traps, Hotel Street Directional Change & Leaf Blowers: Member Lye asked whether feral chicken traps could be placed on city land at the former Kamaliʻi Mini Park, requested confirmation on a rumored future Hotel Street directional change, and asked whether city crews could voluntarily follow state leaf-blower time restrictions (after 8:00 a.m. weekdays, 9:00 a.m. Sundays) despite their exemption. Director Santee committed to following up on all items.
4. Letter of Protest: Chair Shubert-Kwock asked, with no objection from the board, to write a letter of protest regarding the syringe exchange van's return; several members (Lye, Isokane) raised concern about the chair issuing correspondence on the board's behalf without a formal board vote, leading to extended discussion; Commission Chair Smith advised that consensus alone (without a vote) could support the chair referencing the board's prior opposition to the van's location, but that a new independent board action would require to be put on the agenda for a vote. The discussion did not reach resolution during the meeting.
5. Road Conditions: Resident Kevin McDonald asked about the mayor's initiative to improve the roads, noting that Honolulu residents pay the most in taxes in the country for road maintenance.
6. Kamaliʻi Mini Park Status Update: Member Armstrong requested an update on the status of Kamaliʻi Mini Park, noting that the community and the board have not received any updates in a while.
7. 1027 Maunakea Street Curb Ramp Safety: Chair Shubert-Kwock requested an update on the Maunakea sidewalk-flattening request for handicap accessibility (pending since a prior meeting).

City Council (District 6) -- Tyler Dos Santos Tam -- [2:42:20]: Will Duke reported the Downtown Honolulu Business Improvement District's launch; removal of the ruins/former restrooms at ʻAʻala Park with a replacement under contractor review on Pauahi Street; removed River Street bus shelter with added loading zones; and a Smith-Beretania Park lighting work order in progress.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:43:40]
1. Small Business Climate: Resident Kevin McDonald asked what the Councilmember's plan is to improve Hawaiʻi's recent ranking as the worst state/city for operating a small business. Mr. Duke said the Councilmember is focused on removing outdated city regulations and would follow up with details next month.
2. Feral Bird Feeding, Mark's Garage & BID Expansion to Chinatown: Resident Nicole Reid asked who handles health-code complaints for feral bird feeding behind Kūkui Street towers and near the Lai Fong Department Store building; asked about historic-district repainting rules following Bank of Hawaiʻi's purchase of the Mark's Garage building; and asked whether the Councilmember would advocate for expanding BID services to Chinatown's smaller, independent leaseholders. Mr. Duke directed the bird/chicken complaint to the Honolulu Department of Customer Services, said he was unaware of Bank of Hawaiʻi repainting discussions (a Department of Planning and Permitting matter), and explained Chinatown and Downtown were intentionally kept as separate BID districts due to differing business character, noting the Council is actively exploring a standalone Chinatown BID given the city's ownership of roughly 40% of area properties.

State Senate (District 13) -- Karl Rhoads -- [2:51:00]: Senator Rhoads reminded residents that ballots must be received (not merely postmarked) by 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, either via dropbox or the Honolulu Hale voter service center, with details at https://www.honolulu.gov/elections/ and https://elections.hawaii.gov/.
• Questions or Concerns: Email senrhoads@capitol.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-6130.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12-y1MUFrXGRMEsDC_vgUSOt3TxKYLt3m/view?usp=drive_link

State House (District 25) -- Kim Coco Iwamoto -- [2:52:38]: Representative Iwamoto confirmed Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani Middle School falls within House District 25 and committed to raising the syringe exchange program's location with the organization. She also noted a prospective bill for next session addressing leaf-blower noise near residential zones adjacent to commercial/industrial properties.

State House (District 28) -- Michael Covenant Ratcliffe -- [2:54:25]: Representative Ratcliffe reminded residents that a family of four earning under $113,000/year (previously $75,000) now qualifies for free school breakfast and lunch. He asked whether 888 Iwilei Road and 215 North King Street fall within NB13's jurisdiction (confirmed they do not) and suggested the board consider requesting a district boundary adjustment, given ongoing attendance by Iwilei-area residents, as part of the NCO's neighborhood-board redistricting process.

9. MONTHLY REPORTS -- [2:56:10]

Honolulu Board of Water Supply -- [2:56:14]: Iris Oda announced an "Imagine a Day Without Water" event on Saturday, September 26, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., at the Ark of Safety, Waiʻanae Mall, 86-120 Farrington Highway.
• Event Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_PsumZf7GCao6s8XOXYlyTo75g5ooiL7/view?usp=drive_link
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15n4g-MAeSFPuAkAzg06_7ITamu3oKm85/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) -- [2:56:45]: Harry Cho had no report but was available for questions.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:56:58]
1. Nuʻuanu Avenue Harbor-Area Pillar: Member Lye asked why a pillar was placed at the foot of Nuʻuanu Avenue near the harbor entrance, describing it as an eyesore; he was asked to follow up by email.

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) Highways Division -- [2:57:11]: No representative was present at this time.

Chinatown Business Community Association (CBCA) -- [2:57:20]: Member Mestas reported the CBCA met Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and co-hosted the third annual Hawaiʻi Chinatown Peace Festival with Weed and Seed Hawaiʻi at Mauna Kea Marketplace on Saturday, July 18, 2026 featuring 29 food vendors and approximately 4,800 attendees, with an opening blessing by Izumo Taisha Temple. CBCA continues working with the Chinatown Security Team, HPD, and CORE on public safety and plans continued cleanup efforts and merchant/shopper education against unlicensed vendors. The next CBCA meeting is Wednesday, August 11, 2026.

Neighborhood Citizen Patrol -- [2:58:57]: Member Lye deferred the patrol's July 2026 activity report to next month.

Questions, comments and concerns followed -- [2:59:10]
1. Agenda Item Request regarding Meeting Date, Time, & Location: Member Lye requested that the Chair place discussion of the meeting date, time, and location for the current term on next month's agenda. Neighborhood Commission Chair Smith clarified that this determination is only required once every two years, at the beginning of the term. Chair Shubert-Kwock concurred with Mr. Smith's clarification and stated that she would not be placing the item on next month's agenda.

10. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:59:54]

The next Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 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 -- [3:00:21] The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.


Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Finalized by: Hey Ho, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No.13

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