SR 152: ENCOURAGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO INITIATE A SUMMER STREETS PILOT PROGRAM.

SENATE 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 Senate 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. 1404

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.R. No. 152

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 S.R. No. 152 entitled:

"SENATE 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 Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual.

     Your Committees find that summer streets programs close selected streets to vehicular traffic and repurpose the roads for pedestrian and cyclist use, outdoor events, and other cultural engagements.  Your Committees note that summer streets programs have been implemented across the world for over fifty years, providing benefits such as increased foot traffic, improved public health, and expanded local economies by attracting more people to shared spaces.  According to testimony received by your Committees, this measure not only helps to achieve Hawaii's climate goals by reducing vehicle emissions and encouraging sustainable transportation options, but also aligns with the vision and goals of the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan by promoting an equitable and resilient transportation system. 

     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 S.R. No. 152 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,