Hawaii Council approves $1.7M for Waianae Police Station improvements

The City Council of Honolulu convened on June 5, 2025, for a regular meeting focused on budget amendments and community safety initiatives. The primary agenda item was the amendment to allocate $1.7 million for improvements to the Waianae Police Station, which had been previously omitted due to a bid protest.

The meeting began with a summary from a council member regarding the need to reinstate funding for the police station project. Following this, the council heard from several testifiers who expressed their support for the amendment. Mike Cacao emphasized the importance of moving forward with the budget, acknowledging the late hour of the meeting. Al Austin Salcedo highlighted the long-overdue need for better treatment of the community and expressed gratitude for the council's efforts.

Tara Rojas raised concerns about the sewer budget, suggesting that the council explore available funds to reduce costs. She urged the council to consider revisiting the sewer schedule in light of potential savings from other budget areas. Angela Melody Young, representing CARES, spoke about the community's ongoing support for public safety and the need for a police station to facilitate further organizing and economic development in the Waianae District.

After hearing from the testifiers, the council moved into discussion on the motion to amend the budget. No objections were raised, and the amendment was approved, allowing for the reallocation of funds to the police station project. The council also waived the 48-hour notice rule to expedite the process.

The meeting concluded with a roll call vote, confirming the council's commitment to enhancing public safety and community support through the approved budget amendments. The council's actions reflect a focused effort to address the needs of the Waianae community and improve local law enforcement facilities.