JANUARY 2024

Aloha mai kākou,

As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, I am truly excited about all of the prospects and possibilities that the brand New Year ahead of us presents. On behalf of the Honolulu City Council, Happy New Year and Kung Hei Fat Choi to all!

We had a great first Full Council Meeting of the year on Wednesday, Jan. 24, connecting with our community, and considering legislation to enhance public safety, create more affordable housing, help small businesses, proactively prepare for climate related emergencies, and much more. And while these monthly meetings are critical for Council discussions, they play an equally important role: they’re a chance for us to hear from you.

Recently, I was honored to participate in a panel discussion about Council Bill 40 in 2019, banning single use plastics on O‘ahu. These were environmental experts versed in the harmful effects of plastics. So I left the finer points about the environment for them, and when it was my turn, I simply gave a big mahalo to everyone in the audience for getting involved, and for making their voice heard to me, the Council and every other lawmaker who, like them, believes so passionately in protecting our ‘āina. Bill 40, started by one person noticing plastics on the beach, has gained national attention, and sparked similar laws throughout the country.

There are many different sides to an issue, and sometimes we need to make tough decision, for the greater good. But your voice does matter. Each of us representing Council Districts wants to connect with you and consider your input as we create the laws and ordinances that shape our City. Come to visit us, call or email, invite us to your events. And please consider testifying if you are ever so moved to do so on an issue that you are passionate about. For more information about how to testify, visit our website at honolulucitycouncil.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

As always it is a privilege and an honor to serve as Chair of the Honolulu City Council.

Tommy Waters

Honolulu City Council Chair

Leadership With Aloha

Dave Dunaway gave a heartfelt and inspiring Message of Aloha at our first Full Council meeting of the New Year. Mr. Dunaway wears many hats, including educator, pastor, and a musician from the band IMUA known for their hit song “Menehune Beach Bum Boogie”. His message on the meaning of A.L.O.H.A. and caring for your neighbor encouraged Councilmembers, as leaders in our community, to continue to work together and, especially in times of difficulty and differences, demonstrate and show aloha for one another. For an in-depth recap of the January Full Council meeting, please view our media release on our website at http://tinyurl.com/4nee7zhz.

Council Urges More Transparency In Emergency Communications

On New Year’s Day, while so many of us across O‘ahu were celebrating the holiday with family and friends, few knew about the hours-long, island-wide police chase to apprehend an attempted murder suspect who had already engaged officers in a shootout. For several hours during the chase, no public notifications were issued to warn residents. As a result, Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters introduced a resolution urging first responder agencies to communicate with the media and the public during critical and emergency situations. In January, Resolution 24-12 was adopted unanimously by the Council, urging first responder agencies to explore and develop communications solutions that respect their operational needs while ensuring that the media and the public receive timely and accurate information.

Council Wants Collective Efforts to Fight Invasive Species

Resolution 23-308 was unanimously adopted during the Full Council meeting on January 24. This Resolution introduced by Council Vice Chair Esther Kiaʻāina and Housing, Sustainability, and Health Committee Chair Matt Weyer, emphasizes that the counties of Hawaiʻi have an important role in invasive species control efforts and urges the City Administration to collaboratively advance those efforts in the City and County of Honolulu. In addition to advocating for collaborative efforts, the resolution highlights the urgent need for increased funding and resources to address the growing challenges posed by invasive species like the coconut rhinoceros beetle and little fire ants.

Council Helps Small Businesses Impacted by Rail Construction

While the prospect of Skyline making its way into town is an exciting one for some commuters who are already seeing the benefits of multi-modal transportation, construction along Dillingham Boulevard has been challenging for business-owners along the new rail route. In support of those affected, Bill 40 which was passed earlier this month, seeks to help eligible small businesses in the area. To qualify for a $10,000 grant, businesses must be majority-owned by residents and do business within a block of active construction; generate less than $750,000 in annual revenue; have 15 or fewer employees; and have opened for business prior to the start active construction on the Rail Project within the same city block as the business location.

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