Neighborhood Voices Lead to Action on Street Racing in Makiki

Photo: Hawaii News Now

When residents speak up, change happens

Recently, Hawaii News Now spotlighted the Nice Neighborhood Committee of the Neighborhood Board #10 for taking on an issue that had disrupted daily life for countless families — illegal racing on King Street and Young Street.

For months, nearby residents endured the late-night roar of engines, screeching tires, and crowds of motorcyclists gathering around the Tipsy Pig bar. What felt like an unchecked nuisance was more than just a noise problem — it was a real safety concern.

That’s when community members decided to act. Working with the Board’s “Nice Neighborhoods” Committee, residents raised the alarm and pushed for enforcement. Thanks to their persistence, the Honolulu Police Department and the Honolulu Liquor Commission are now actively investigating the activity.

See the news story here, video here. This is more than just a win for one neighborhood. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when neighbors band together, use the tools available to them, and demand accountability.

Why this matters

• Quality of Life: Families deserve peace and quiet in their homes at night.

• Public Safety: Street racing puts drivers, pedestrians, and bystanders at risk.

• Community Power: The Makiki response proves that local voices do influence city and state agencies.

What’s next

The investigations are ongoing, and residents are watching closely to ensure this problem is resolved long-term. But already, this is a story worth celebrating — proof that neighborhoods can stand up for themselves and win.

As noted by Nice Neighborhoods Committee Chair Nakamoto, “’Nice Neighborhoods’ is all about community pride, respect, you know, being respectful for our families, kupuna, all of that.  And so it’s very simple, but at the same time very effective if those residents really take to heart what they want to achieve.”