Bill
HCR 177
Urges Honolulu to pilot Summer Streets, transforming streets for pedestrians and non-motorized users to boost activity, local business, and environmental goals.
Purpose and intent
- HCR 177 is a concurrent resolution in the Hawaii Legislature that urges the City and County of Honolulu to initiate a Summer Streets pilot program in the urban core and in other neighborhoods that wish to participate.
- The resolution emphasizes transforming streets and public spaces to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, and other non-motorized users, aiming to enhance community life, active transportation, recreation, cultural engagement, and local economic activity while supporting environmental goals.
Key provisions and changes
- Expresses the sense of the Legislature that summer streets programs — which temporarily reimagine streets for multiple uses beyond motor vehicles — provide benefits such as increased public participation, physical activity, support for local businesses, and environmental improvements.
- Urges Honolulu to implement a Summer Streets pilot in the urban core and in additional neighborhoods that request to participate.
- Requires certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to:
- Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu
- All members of the Honolulu City Council
- Executive Secretary of the City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office
- Each chairperson of a Neighborhood Board in Honolulu
Who and what is affected
- Primary: City and County of Honolulu government (executive and legislative branches), neighborhood organizations, and residents who would participate in or be affected by a Summer Streets initiative.
- Secondary: Local businesses that could benefit from increased pedestrian activity and community members who engage in active transportation, recreation, or cultural events.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduced: March 7, 2025
- Status: Report and Resolution Adopted; transmitted to the House
- Legislative actions show a cross-chamber process:
- Passed the Senate with final form on April 16, 2025
- Transmitted back to the House for consideration
- Resolution adopted in final form in both chambers
- This is a concurrent resolution (non-binding) that communicates legislative intent and encouragement rather than creating new law or funding.
Background and context
- The bill cites decades of global use of summer streets programs to temporarily repurpose streets for all users.
- Highlights potential benefits: enhanced community life, increased physical activity, support for local businesses, environmental advantages, and alignment with carbon emission reduction goals.
Sponsors and related measures
- Primary sponsors: Amato, Lowen, Kila, Iwamoto, Matsumoto, La Chica, Belatti, Grandinatti
- Related bill: HR 173 (companion measure in the House)
Impact and notes
- As a resolution, HCR 177 does not authorize funds or establish enforceable policy; it signals legislative support and requests that Honolulu pursue a pilot program.
- Implementation details (scope, schedule, funding, and operations) would be determined by the City and County of Honolulu if they choose to adopt a Summer Streets pilot.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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