The number of street festivals allowed annually in Waikīkī will be halved from 12 to six starting next year, reducing the number of closures along busy Kalākaua Avenue that some residents long complained had disrupted their everyday lives.

A complex system of rules means the actual number of allowed street closures is still higher than six, since First Amendment demonstrations and “legacy activities” that have been held for years — many of them parades and races, such as the Honolulu Marathon — aren’t affected. The mayor is also allowed to give a small number of waivers each year to additional activities.

Street festivals will need to be spaced out, according to the legislation, so no more than two occur during each four-month segment of the year.

The bill was a hot topic for organizers in neighborhoods beyond Waikīkī, who worried that restrictions meant to target Waikīkī’s events could inadvertently stymie their own. As passed, it explicitly targets events that take place in the Waikīkī Special District.

“This legislation ensures we minimize disruptions for residents, businesses, and visitors in Waikīkī while creating opportunities for more community-driven events in neighborhoods eager to host them,” Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement Wednesday.