HCR 177: ENCOURAGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO INITIATE A SUMMER STREETS PILOT PROGRAM.

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

ENCOURAGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO INITIATE A SUMMER STREETS PILOT PROGRAM.

     WHEREAS, streets and public spaces are invaluable resources that can be adapted for multi-use purposes; and

     WHEREAS, transforming streets and opening them up to pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, and other modes of transportation aside from traditional motorized vehicles can enhance community life by providing safe and inclusive opportunities for recreation, active transportation, and cultural engagement; and

     WHEREAS, summer streets programs have been implemented across the world for more than fifty years and have successfully reimagined urban spaces and temporarily transformed streets and roadways for all users; and

     WHEREAS, summer streets programs encourage greater public participation and physical activity while also bolstering local businesses and improving environmental outcomes; and

     WHEREAS, summer streets programs greatly align with the State's goal of reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact, encouraging sustainable transportation beyond car-centric modes and promoting community health and belonging; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the Senate concurring, that the City and County of Honolulu is encouraged to initiate a summer streets pilot program in the urban core of Honolulu, as well as in other neighborhoods that want to realize these benefits; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, all members of the Honolulu City Council, the Executive Secretary of the City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office, and each chairperson of a Neighborhood Board in the City and County of Honolulu.

Report Title:

Summer Streets Pilot Program; Honolulu

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1888

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.C.R. No. 177

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 177 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO INITIATE A SUMMER STREETS PILOT PROGRAM,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to encourage the City and County of Honolulu to initiate a Summer Streets Pilot Program in the urban core of Honolulu, as well as in other neighborhoods.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, Climate Protectors Hawaii, and Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute.

     Your Committees find that summer streets programs close selected streets to vehicular traffic, repurposing the roads for pedestrian and cyclist use, outdoor events, and other cultural engagements.  According to testimony received by your Committees, these programs emphasize community engagement and encourage active transportation, potentially increasing the physical activity, health, and well-being of its participants.  This measure aims to help achieve the State's climate goals by reducing vehicle emissions and encouraging sustainable transportation options while increasing rates of physical activity in local communities at a relatively low cost. 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Transportation and Culture and the Arts that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 177, and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1710

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.C.R. No. 177

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 177 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO INITIATE A SUMMER STREETS PILOT PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to encourage the City and County of Honolulu to initiate a Summer Streets Pilot Program.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawai‘i Bicycling League and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that streets and public spaces can serve multiple purposes beyond vehicle transportation, creating opportunities for recreation, active mobility, and community engagement.  Summer streets programs have been successfully implemented worldwide, promoting public participation, supporting local businesses, and advancing environmental sustainability by encouraging alternatives to car-centric transportation.  This measure aims to enhance public spaces and promote community well-being through the establishment of a Summer Streets Pilot Program in the City and County of Honolulu.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 177 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,