Council members want Punchbowl kept 2-way

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

City Council Chairman Donovan Dela Cruz and four of his council colleagues want the city to keep the two-way traffic pattern on Punchbowl Street between King and Beretania streets.

Dela Cruz, and council members Charles Djou, Todd Apo, Ann Kobayashi and Rod Tam introduced a resolution yesterday urging Mayor Mufi Hannemann to only eliminate the crosswalk on the Diamond Head side of King Street that connects Honolulu Hale and Kawaiaha'o Church.

Last week, city Transportation Services Director Ed Hirata said the city plans to eliminate the one mauka-bound lane on Punchbowl between King and Beretania streets and eliminate the crosswalk that slows traffic in front of City Hall.

But Hannemann said yesterday that no final decision has been made. "The mayor welcomes the council's input on Punchbowl Street," said spokesman Bill Brennan. "The traffic pattern and the issue of the crosswalk are both under review."

Hannemann also would like to hear from the community and from affected neighborhood boards.

Hirata said the action was designed to help thousands of drivers who come off H-1 Freeway and use Punchbowl Street as a main feeder into downtown Honolulu and Kaka'ako, he said.

Earlier this month, the city abandoned a project to create two-way traffic on lower Punchbowl Street. The project, between Ala Moana and King Street, has cost the city $1.45 million.