Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: My family really enjoys going to Waikiki for Sunset on the Beach. We seldom venture down there for anything else. Quite often parking is an absolute mess because the city failed to "deconflict" several events in and around the park on the same day. City has method to its
Waikiki parking madnessIs there a number to call or a Web site to visit to see what all is going on in and around the park on a particular Saturday or Sunday?
A couple of weekends ago was the best we've seen. Easy in, easy out, and a great time. Other weekends, in addition to the movie, there have been concerts, art shows, craft events, cultural events and road races all competing for the same limited streets and parking. On those occasions it wasn't worth the hassle to go. I hope now that the movie days are limited, the city will put a little effort into scheduling them on open weekends.
Answer: Actually, the city often seeks to stage the event when there are other activities planned for the same weekend.
"We feel that having a number of events in Waikiki creates more activity for visitors and residents to attend," said Malcolm Tom, the city's deputy managing director.
If possible, the idea is to integrate events into "a larger event," such as the Japanese Heritage Festival and the Korean Festival, when Japanese and Korean films, respectively, were shown, he said.
You can check out the Star-Bulletin's Weekend edition to find out where, when and what events are taking place. The city's Web site -- www.co.honolulu.us -- also has information. Click on "government," then "special events" under "news and events." You can also call 523-CITY (523-2489) to find out what events are scheduled and what movies are playing.
Carol Costa, director of the Department of Customer Services, says Tom "works closely with our traffic control people and also police to minimize problems. We also put out traffic advisory press releases when we feel the public needs to be fully aware of multiple events."
Regarding parking, Tom said he works with event sponsors to maximize the amount of public parking in city lots and on the street.
One example is arranging for school campuses to be open to parking when Sunset on the Beach coincides with other public events, he said.
He said a number of major Waikiki hotels also have been making parking available to the public "at a reasonable cost to encourage more business at their hotels."
Here's a heads-up for this weekend: KSSK will be having its annual Birthday Bash at the Waikiki Shell Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, "Snow Dogs" will be the featured Sunset on the Beach movie, while "Ocean's 11" is scheduled for Sunday. Sunset on the Beach festivities begin at 4 p.m., with the movies to start at sunset.
For Saturday, arrangements already have been made for the public to park at Jefferson Elementary, and officials were looking at other options for additional parking. Tom said police would be directing traffic.
He said no other major events are planned for Sunday that would create a conflict in parking.
Useful phone numbers
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
E-mail to kokualine@starbulletin.com