HPD and HFD report to board: pedestrian safety, mopeds and drones top concerns

The meeting opened with safety updates from Honolulu Fire Department and the Honolulu Police Department. Captain Nick Ehory of the Waialua Fire Station reviewed December incident statistics for the neighborhood board area, including one structure fire, four nuisance fires, five activated alarms with no fire, 63 medical calls and one ocean rescue. He emphasized electrical‑safety tips for the home and directed residents to HFD’s online resources and the hfdnhb@honolulu.gov contact address for questions.

Lieutenant Ramal Bridal (identified as Wahiawa police station) gave a 30‑day overview for the district: three assault cases, zero burglaries, 56 motor‑vehicle collisions (five major), three car break‑ins and 1,051 calls for service; HPD reported 70 arrests and 109 charges during the period. He urged pedestrian safety after reporting five pedestrian fatalities on Oʻahu so far in the year and recommended measures such as “see and be seen” for walkers.

Residents raised enforcement concerns for mopeds and e‑bikes — including a request for more visible, short‑duration patrols on Waialua Beach Road to deter risky behavior — and asked about helmet rules. Lt. Bridal clarified that helmets are required under age 15 and that enforcement is complicated when officers cannot readily determine a rider’s age. On drone complaints, HPD acknowledged that FAA rules apply; the department files reports and forwards cases to federal authorities when appropriate.

The board asked HPD to consider targeted enforcement and to coordinate signage for multi‑use paths where motorized vehicles are prohibited. HPD agreed to pass concerns to watch commanders and to share reports as appropriate.