HR 173: ENCOURAGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO INITIATE A SUMMER STREETS PILOT PROGRAM.

HOUSE 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, 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 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.  1709

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.R. No. 173

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.R. No. 173 entitled:

"HOUSE 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.R. No. 173 and recommends its adoption.

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