Mayor Signs Bill Reducing Street Activities in Waikiki
The measure cuts the maximum number of parades and other street events in an effort to lessen traffic disruptions.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill into law Friday to lower the number of permits available for parades and other street activities in Waikiki in an effort to reduce disruptions to traffic on major roadways such as Kalakaua Avenue.
The measure covers events such as parades and block parties that close at least four blocks of city streets and last more than two hours.
However, Bill 8 will not apply to events that have been held annually for at least 15 years — they will automatically be eligible for new permits once they meet a set of basic requirements. These so-called legacy events include the Honolulu Marathon and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The bill reduces the maximum number of permits for non-legacy Waikiki street activities from 15 to 12 annually. It also lowers the maximum number of permit waivers that the mayor can grant for street activities from 10 to six.
The Honolulu City Council unanimously passed the bill May 8. It was introduced by former Councilman Michael Formby and Councilman Brandon Elefante, who both accompanied Caldwell on Friday to a signing ceremony at Kuhio Beach Park.
