Street performers should follow some guidelines
AS A private individual who has lived and worked in Waikiki for the past eight years, perhaps I can convey more convincingly the serious safety concerns relating to the street performers.
Council Bill 71, introduced by City Councilman Charles Djou, would restrict street performing on public sidewalks in Waikiki from 7 to 10 p.m. nightly along Kalakaua Avenue between Lewers Street and Uluniu Avenue. On Dec. 20, Bill 71 passed third reading at the City Council. Mayor Hannemann has 10 days from that date to take action on the bill. He has three options: sign it into law, veto it or allow it to automatically become law without his signature.
STAR-BULLETIN / 2001
A man creates balloon figures on Kalakaua Avenue.
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I recognize how popular Tin Man, Gold Man, Clay Man and other street performers are for tourists walking up and down Kalakaua Avenue. In fact, I enjoy the color and vibrancy that these performers bring. Most people aren't aware that comedian and actor Robin Williams got his start as a mime on the streets of San Francisco.
However, the purpose of Bill 71 is to address pedestrian safety concerns on the most congested sidewalk in the state and needs our support.
To begin with, the University of Hawaii conducted a comprehensive sidewalk study demonstrating how dangerous it is when too many people pack a crowded sidewalk. In November the Waikiki Neighborhood Board and Waikiki Residents Association voted in support of Bill 71. The Honolulu Police Department and the Honolulu Fire Department are on record as supporting Bill 71. So are many members of the Waikiki business community and countless average citizens tired of not being able to use the sidewalk without being forced to step out onto the street.
Second, Bill 71 will finally do something about the numerous illegal business operators using the sidewalk to make money in the name of free speech. Talk about shibai! The nice and hard-working people who set up chairs every night to peddle hair braids, fake tattoos, massages, sketch artistry, or sell trinkets and tell fortunes are simply doing so to fill up their calabash bowls with dollar bills. Unlike legitimate business owners, they pay no taxes or fees, don't have to bother with Health Department clearances -- and I understand the cost of rent is pretty cheap. In other words, what rent?
Finally, the American Civil Liberties Union has argued that civil liberties are being violated by restricting the freedom of speech of street performers. What about the civil rights of people with disabilities? The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes accessibility requirements for state and local government facilities, including sidewalks. Bill 71 CD1 included a revision to address ADA accessibility concerns.
If Bill 71 is allowed to pass, Waikiki's "grand boulevard," Kalakaua Avenue, will be safer for residents and visitors to walk along, more peaceful and quiet, and legitimate small-business owners in Waikiki won't be forced to compete unfairly with street performers setting up shop on the public sidewalk.
As far as Tin Man and his friends are concerned, they will still be able to perform their talents. Waikiki has more than 80 blocks of sidewalks to use that don't fall under this ordinance. Something tells me they will continue putting smiles on the faces of tourists and young children. Waikiki wouldn't have it any other way.
Mike Peters is a licensed substitute teacher who lives and works in Waikiki. He also is a member of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board.