Hawaii House Bill HCR49

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/8/24
• Report Pass: 3/28/24
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 3/28/24
• Refer: 4/9/24
• Report Pass: 5/1/24
• Passed: 5/3/24

Caption

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Conduct A Sidewalk Feasibility Study Along Kalihi Street From Kamanaiki Street To Kalihi Valley Park.

Impact

The resolution highlights instances of increased danger for pedestrians due to inadequate sidewalks, which can force them to walk on the street, thereby exposing them to vehicular traffic. If implemented, the recommendations from the study may lead to significant infrastructure improvements, potentially increasing pedestrian safety along this essential artery of Kalihi Valley. Notably, the feasibility study is expected to address not just sidewalk placements but also the removal of telephone poles in the area, suggesting a vision for a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 49 (HCR49) requests the City and County of Honolulu to conduct a feasibility study for a sidewalk along Kalihi Street from Kamanaiki Street to Kalihi Valley Park. This initiative is part of the broader 'complete streets' movement aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety, convenience, and accessibility within urban settings. With portions of Kalihi Valley being older and lacking modern infrastructure, the residents, especially vulnerable populations such as the disabled and the elderly (or kupuna), face significant challenges navigating the streets without proper sidewalks.

Contention

While the resolution primarily requests a study and does not mandate immediate action, there are potential points of contention regarding funding and priority in urban planning. Some community members may argue about the allocation of resources and whether this feasibility study aligns with other immediate infrastructure needs. Furthermore, the process of undergrounding electrical and telecommunications wires may raise concerns about costs and implementation timelines, as well as the impact on existing services during construction.