Public Policies

Andria Tupola at new EMS substation in Ko Olina

Public Safety

I have hosted a public safety town hall every year since I became a city councilmember and prioritized improvements with Fire Safety, Emergency Medical Services, Police Enforcement, and Ocean Safety.

In May 2025, we released a Public Safety Plan for Wai’anae which has the support of elected officials, educational institutions, and community leaders. I was able to get $1.5 million released from the city budget to renovate the 2nd floor at the Wai’anae Police Station. I passed a resolution to start the school resource officer program which passed, the pilot schools were chosen, and the officers were trained. We are looking forward to the start of the program in 2026.

We are not out of the woods but we have led and executed the following improvements:

In 2023, a new lifeguard stand was put up at Kahe Point from our council add to the city budget.

In 2024, I passed a charter amendment to start the first Ocean Safety Commission, and the first chief was appointed in 2025.

A resolution was passed in 2025 to gather a task force to study the Honolulu Police Department vacancies.

I Hosted a bill signing in June 2025 where the Mayor signed three gameroom bills I passed for enhanced enforcement.

A new stoplight erected at Kapolei Parkway & Kunehi street as part of Parkway Village at Kapolei in August 2025.

I assisted the community to establish the first recognized westside firewise certified community in October 2025.

The Honolulu Police Department Vacancy Task Force report was released.

A new EMS substation was opened in Ko Olina, in December 2025 from our council add to the city budget.

Homelessness

Restore, Reconnect, Revive (R3) started in August 2022 in an effort to restore areas as public spaces; reconnect individuals with resources with a dedicated focused follow-up; and revive the outreach process by having accountability and timelines.

Cohort I

Cohort II

Cohort III

Cohort IV

Cohort V

Cohort VI

Housing

In June of 2023, I was able to successfully pass Bill 56, Ordinance 23-13, which removed the requirement for permits on basic home repairs. This makes it possible for homeowners to take care of improvements immediately instead of waiting for months and years to get a permit from the Department of Planning and Permitting.