Bikeway proposed for Young Street

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

A plan to convert Young Street into a bicycle- and pedestrian-oriented parkway from Thomas Square to Mo'ili'ili is being championed by two community groups.

The Sierra Club O'ahu Chapter and the Hawai'i Bicycling League unveiled their proposal Thursday for a Young Street Bikeway, which would provide a safe route for bicyclists and encourage people to get out of their cars, said Jeff Mikulina, director of the Sierra Club's Hawai'i Chapter.

Mikulina said six proposals are under consideration, ranging from closing off Young Street to all vehicular traffic to allowing a mixture of cars, bicycles and pedestrians. He said the two groups have not yet selected a preferred plan.

The proposals were developed by consultant Belt Collins and will be taken to community groups and businesses for input. Mayor Jeremy Harris has included $3.5 million in his proposed city budget for the project's first phase, which will run from Thomas Square to Ke'eaumoku Street, but the ultimate decision will be made by the City Council.

"We really want to change the character of that whole stretch," Mikulina said. "Right now it's ugly and it's definitely not safe for biking."

With 175 property parcels along the 1.7-mile stretch of Young Street, Mikulina acknowledged that there are concerns among businesses regarding access and on-street parking. But he said most of the proposals retain some parking and he believed business would improve because of the increase in pedestrian traffic.

"As people start walking, (businesses will) realize that more folks would be likely to stop in if they're on foot instead of just shooting down the street (in cars)," Mikulina said.

He added that the pathway may have the added benefit of reducing the number of cars on King and Beretania streets as more people ride their bikes or walk into town.

Hawai'i Bicycling League president John Kelley agreed.

"With King Street and Beretania carrying the majority of the cross-town vehicular traffic, Young Street has the potential to be a quieter, friendlier oasis, while remaining the active business center it is today," Kelley said.