Group seeks neighborhood backing for AIDS memorial at Kakaʻako Waterfront Park; board hears project and a procedural objection

Representatives of a community project to build an AIDS Memorial and community memory site at Kakaʻako Waterfront Park presented the memorial concept and next steps to the neighborhood board.

Dean Hamer of the Leipua Aula Foundation said the project has been developed for about 2.5 years with partners including the medical school, an architectural firm and Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center. He described interpretive plaques, signage, public art and a digital "electronic quilt" to collect and preserve oral histories. "This is our 5th project and it's our 3rd project in a public park," Hamer said, and he noted prior collaboration with the City and County of Honolulu and review by the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission.

Kanani (Kunani) Dreyer of the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center said the site is meaningful to long-time service providers and people who experienced the epidemic locally. Dreyer described the memorial both as a place of remembrance and a way to activate and care for the park.

Funding and next steps: Hamer said the work so far has been supported by a Mellon Foundation three‑year grant and that a newly formed 501(c)(3) Leipua Aula Foundation will provide additional support; he said the project will seek a gift resolution from the city council as a next step.

Procedural note: Vice Chair Vanderbrink moved for the neighborhood board to "support this memorial." Community member Dylan Armstrong objected under the Sunshine Law, noting the agenda listed a presentation but not a board-vote motion. The board acknowledged the procedural concern and indicated a formal, noticed agenda item will be placed on next month’s meeting for any formal vote. Chair Lee said the board wanted to record support but will comply with notice rules for a formal action.

Outcome and next step: Presenters left the meeting asking for the board's support and to be placed on the board's next agenda for any formal action; they will proceed to the city council for a gift resolution with community backing as part of their next steps.