"The ultimate goal is to stop this project," said organizer Bob Kessler. "If they are getting ready to turn dirt in a couple of weeks and there are contracts out, it will be hard."

Nonetheless, he said, "It seems to me it would be easier to stop the work now than reverse the project at some later date when we get a new mayor."

With work set to begin within two weeks, residents have gained the support of City Councilman Charles Djou.

"The only person who can stop it is (Mayor) Jeremy Harris," Djou said at yesterday's demonstration. "I don't see Harris stopping it, but I hope he does."

Djou said he first heard about the Ala Wai project in April, and asked the mayor to gather community comments before proceeding. He heard details of the project at the Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting July 13.

"This thing was done already, with no community input," Djou said. "That is why you are seeing so many people out here that are just as mad as heck. The mayor is spending almost $2.5 million of taxpayer money to increase traffic congestion and decrease parking. This is utterly nonsensical."

The project would widen the parking lane along the Ala Wai Canal to allow for a bicycle lane next to traffic lanes. The plan includes construction of 21 "bulb-outs" — green areas up to 120 feet long that would extend seven feet into the parking lane.

Residents are concerned about losing some 60 parking spaces and a fourth traffic lane on Ala Wai Boulevard, as well as the timing of the project — with so many other projects under construction — and the difficulty construction will pose to emergency vehicles.

Ben Lee, city managing director, said a new parking lot at Seaside Avenue and Aloha Drive, plus a temporary lot on Tusitala Street, will offset the loss of stalls along the Ala Wai. Construction will take place only in specific areas, and all three traffic lanes will stay open, so congestion will not worsen, he said.

Kessler said starting work on another major road project while Kuhio Avenue is torn up will would cause problems for drivers and pedestrians and shows poor planning.

Both the Kuhio Avenue and Ala Wai Boulevard projects are expected to be completed in November or December.

"I think the improvements are absolutely necessary, if you look at the longer-range plans, as far as improving our visitor designation in making sure people come back to Waikiki year after year. It will be worth it in the long run," Lee said.