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Council adopts resolution to revise Public Infrastructure Map, supporters say Queen Theater purchase could revitalize Kaimukī
Summary
The Council adopted Resolution 26‑127 (CR-152) to revise the Public Infrastructure Map for the Primary Urban Center Development Plan area, an item that brought testimony supporting a potential public purchase of the Queen Theater in Kaimukī and urging review of past neighborhood actions.
The Honolulu City Council adopted Committee Report CR‑152 and Resolution 26‑127 to revise the Public Infrastructure Map for the Primary Urban Center Development Plan area. The measure drew public testimony from neighborhood leaders and community members who urged careful review of prior discussions and suggested the purchase and revitalization of the Queen Theater would benefit Kaimukī’s economy and community life.
Becky Gardner, a member of the Kaimukī Neighborhood Board, told the Council the community has repeatedly reviewed the Queen Theater and offered a history of past actions supporting revitalization, calling on the Council to consult earlier records and local groups before proceeding. “Our community shows up,” Gardner said, outlining neighborhood organizations that have expressed support and offering willingness to help lead local revitalization efforts.
Other speakers, including Tim Gary and Natalie Iwasa, testified in favor of moving forward cautiously: Gary described local economic benefits and advocated public‑private partnerships, while Iwasa urged caution about the building’s condition and the potential costs to the city if a nonprofit could not take on repairs.
The Council proceeded to roll call on the resolution and recorded nine ayes; the revision to the Public Infrastructure Map was adopted. Councilmembers directed staff to consider past neighborhood board work and to coordinate with community stakeholders as implementation planning proceeds.
