Waikiki seeks ways The city is moving to make changes in Waikiki so bicyclists and pedestrians can peacefully coexist.
to make for a
smoother ride
A workshop will try to help
bicyclists and pedestrians coexistBy Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com"There is not enough space on the road," said Sharmayne Kamaka, who regularly rides her bike through Waikiki.
She said there is a need for more bike lanes, especially along Kalakaua and Kuhio avenues.
Anthony Aldred, who regularly walks along Ala Wai Boulevard from Waikiki to McCully, said it would be beneficial to have separate paths for pedestrians and bicyclists.
"They (bicyclists) ride on the streets, which is dangerous," Aldred said.
Waikiki Neighborhood Board chairman Bob Finley said some senior citizens have complained of bicyclists riding on sidewalks, nearly colliding with pedestrians, while bicyclists have talked about the danger of running into delivery trucks and buses along the streets.
To address the problem, the city's Department of Transportation Services is holding a public workshop tomorrow to help make Waikiki "a more livable place through improvements related to transportation," said department Director Cheryl Soon.
The workshop will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. in the Waikiki Ballroom at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort at 2552 Kalakaua Ave. Discussion groups will be formed to help gather ideas for specific projects to make Waikiki more livable for residents and accessible for employees.
"This project has the best interest of the Waikiki community at heart," said Finley.
The workshop is the third of four phases of the Waikiki Livable Community Project launched in October 2001.
City officials have already dealt with concerns relating to shuttle and tour bus operations, retail and commercial property owners, taxi and limousine services, the American Disabilities Act, open space, parks, bicycles and delivery and loading operations.
And city transportation officials recently completed a survey of bicyclists, pedestrians and loading and delivery operations along Kalakaua and Kuhio avenues.
The city received $650,000 through a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for a study to improve conditions in Waikiki.
City transportation officials will put the ideas made by the public into a draft report that will be presented to the community, Soon said. For more information on the Waikiki Livable Community Project, visit the Web site www.co.honolulu.hi.us/dts/waikikilivable.htm.
City & County of Honolulu
