Posted on: Thursday, December 9, 2004

EDITORIAL
Congestion in Waikiki deserves broad debate

A Honolulu councilman's proposal to put limits on the number of permitted street closings in Waikiki should reignite a larger discussion of the ultimate use of Kalakaua Avenue and other Waikiki streets.

The proposal comes from Councilman Charles Djou, who wants to put limits on the number of parades, street festivals, "Brunch on the Beach" celebrations and the like. Djou is responding to complaints from some residents and businesses that Waikiki is almost impossible to get around in (by car) during these events.

Djou says he isn't interested in banning the parades and other activities, but only limiting them. That's reasonable.

But his proposal, and the complaints that prompt it, should trigger a much broader discussion. For instance, there have been numerous proposals over the years to completely close portions of Kalakaua or severely limit traffic there so it is more friendly to pedestrians.

The fundamental policy question here is: Should Kalakaua be primarily a venue for cars, buses and trucks, or should it be devoted largely, if not exclusively, to pedestrian use?

Our view over the years is that there is great appeal in converting portions of this seaside street to a broad, pedestrian-friendly strolling mall where shops and restaurants would open their doors to the streets rather than shutting themselves off from the street noise and dust of traffic.

We also recognize that there are numerous issues that need to be examined in any such plan. Is there adequate offstreet parking so folks can get out of their cars and walk? How would vital access to hotels on the oceanside of the street be protected, for guest arrivals, deliveries and emergency services?

But, as in every case, where there are problems, there are solutions. Santa Monica in California has had great success with its closure of Third Street, partially because of the availability of large amounts of nearby parking.

Santa Cruz, Calif., has converted its downtown into a pedestrian-friendly area with severely limited vehicular access.

In both cases, a lively street scene has emerged and restaurants and other businesses have done well.

Can that happen in Waikiki? Should it? The outgoing Harris administration has done much to improve the physical appearance and pedestrian-friendly qualities of Waikiki.

The incoming Hannemann administration should use the occasion of Djou's proposal to take that conversation to the next level.