City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 11/21/11 Oahu General Plan Community Survey Results Released

OAHU GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED   (Mon., November 21, 2011) — The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting has released the results of a community survey on the Oahu General Plan Update.               The Department conducted the online survey from June 13, 2011 to September 1, 2011 to gather public comments on the issues being considered for the General Plan Update. The issues include economic health, regional population and growth, agriculture, affordable housing, and sustainability.               A total of 2,413 people took part in the survey and 1,942, or 80.5 percent, completed the entire survey. Although not a scientific survey or a representative sample of Oahu's population, the responses are significant because they were made by individuals who voluntarily took the time to participate.               Among the survey's results, a large majority (75 percent) said the opportunity to enjoy Oahu's natural areas was one of the characteristics they valued most about living on the island. Nearly 50 percent said the local culture and values, followed by a strong sense of community (35.8 percent) were the characteristics that made Oahu unique. (Respondents were allowed to pick three characteristics, which is why the percentage total exceeded 100 percent.)               The respondents also listed the Top 5 issues they felt needed to be addressed in the General Plan. They are: Traffic and congestion; protecting agricultural land and increasing agricultural production; protecting the environment; homelessness and availability of housing; and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.               The Department continues to seek input on the General Plan Update. Residents can submit comments through the Department's website, www.honoluludpp.org. The results of the community survey also are available at this website.               The deadline to submit a comment is November 30, 2011.   -30-   Media Contact: DPP Public Information Officer Curtis Lum at (808) 768-8284.

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 11/21/11 HART Traffic Advisory: Archaeological Survey Work

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: LANE CLOSURES FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY WORK IN URBAN HONOLULU   (Mon. November 21, 2011) — The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) wants to inform drivers that archaeological survey work continues in the urban Honolulu area for the rail transit project.   Motorists are advised of lane closures related to the survey work being conducted in the Kalihi, downtown Honolulu, and Kaka'ako areas.   Work will require lane closures during non-peak traffic hours, including possible night work in approved areas. For the safety of both the work crews and motorists, the public is advised to proceed with caution through these areas. Drivers should anticipate possible traffic delays or use alternate routes during work hours.   Work for the week of Nov. 21 will take place at the following locations:   Portions of Dillingham Boulevard from Middle Street to Kohou Street between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. Halekauwila Street from Richards Street to Punchbowl Street between 8:30 a.m and 3:30 p.m. Halekauwila Street from Punchbowl Street to Keawe Street between 8:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. Halekauwila Street from Keawe Street to Cooke Street between 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Punchbowl Street from Pohukaina Street to Nimitz Highway between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.               The City is conducting the archaeological survey work along the urban Honolulu section of the Honolulu rail transit route to identify potential archaeological, historical and cultural resources. The archaeological work will aid rail project staff in their design of the elevated rail guideway.               Trenching work will take place through Summer 2012 at various locations along the Honolulu rail route between Middle Street in Kalihi and Ala Moana Center. Contractors Cultural Surveys Hawaii Inc. and Royal Contracting Co. will conduct the fieldwork.   The survey work will be completed before rail construction begins in the urban Honolulu area, as specified under the rail project's programmatic agreement relating to cultural and historic resources.   For updates on construction work days and times, visit the project website at www.honolulutransit.org or contact our hotline at 566-2299.   -30-   Media Contact: Scott Ishikawa, 1808) 768-6172, cell: 1808) 227-2350.

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 11/18/11 Temporary Vehicle Weight Restriction On Mahiole Street

TEMPORARY VEHICLE WEIGHT RESTRICTION ON MAHIOLE STREET (Fri., Nov. 18, 2011)—The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is advising motorists to be aware of an eight-ton vehicle weight restriction on Mahiole Street, between Jarrett White Road and Kalania Road, effective immediately.               The weight restriction is necessary until emergency repairs can be made to the existing drainage box culvert crossing, which has deteriorated under that section of the road.             The City will post temporary road signs at each approach to the deteriorated culvert. For vehicles exceeding eight tons, please use an alternate route via Ala Mahamoe Street.  -30- Contact: Lori Kahikina, DDC Deputy Director, 768-8481 Louise Kim McCoy, Mayor's Office, 768-7798

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 11/17/11 Makiki Mele Kalikimaka - A Community Christmas Celebration for Keiki

MAKIKI MELE KALIKIMAKA A Community Christmas Celebration for Keiki   (Thurs., Nov. 17, 2011)— Makiki Mele Kalikimaka, a community Christmas celebration, will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 10–11:30 a.m. at Makiki District Park, 1527 Keeaumoku Street.  This free event is open to all ages and includes children's games and crafts, entertainment, refreshments, and an opportunity to visit with Santa.               Coordinated by the staff and volunteers of the Department of Parks & Recreation Makiki Complex, Friends of Makiki, and assisted by various community organizations, this holiday get-together for keiki kicks off the Christmas season.   -30-   Contact: Susan Yamasaki, Makiki Complex Supervisor at 522-7084.

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 11/17/11 Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE   (Thurs., Nov. 17, 2011) — City government offices will be closed Thursday, November 24 in observance of Thanksgiving, a state and federal holiday.   Emergency ambulance, fire, lifeguard and police services will be provided. The People's Open Markets will not be held. City golf courses, the Honolulu Zoo and botanical gardens will be open. Refuse collections will be made as usual and landfills/convenience centers will be open. Handi-Van service will be available. City buses will operate on a Sunday schedule.   These traffic and parking regulations will be in effect: On-street parking will be free, except for the meters on Kalakaua Avenue along Kapiolani Park. There will be no coning of commuter traffic lanes.     NOTE:  City offices will be open and all City services will be provided on Friday, November 25.   -30-

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 11/16/11 Seeking Applicants For The 84th Annual Lei Queen

SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR THE 84TH ANNUAL LEI QUEEN   (Wed., November 16, 2011)–The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking applicants for the 84th Annual Lei Queen selection.  The deadline to apply is Friday, January 13, 2012. Applications are available at www.honoluluparks.com, or by contacting DPR at 768-3041.   The theme for the 2012 Lei Day Celebration is Lei U'i Onaona, Sweet Lei of Youth.  Applicants must be between 18 – 30 years of age by Saturday, March 3, 2012 to qualify.  The lei queen selection will be held on March 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at McCoy Pavilion.  The event is free and open to the public.   The 85th Annual Lei Day Celebration will be on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at the Queen Kapi'olani Regional Park and Bandstand, from 9:00 a.m., to 5:30 p.m.  In preparation for the annual lei contest, staff will provide free lei-making workshops at various sites on O'ahu in April.  Visit the website or call the number above for the schedule and more information.   For more information, contact Kaiulani Kauahi, Lei Day Celebration Chairperson, at 768-3041 or email rkauahi@honolulu.gov.       -30-

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 111711 MAKIKI MELE KALIKIMAKA - A Community Christmas Celebration for Keiki

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   November 17, 2011   MAKIKI MELE KALIKIMAKA A Community Christmas Celebration for Keiki     (Thurs., Nov. 17, 2011)— Makiki Mele Kalikimaka, a community Christmas celebration, will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 10:00am – 11:30am at Makiki District Park, 1527 Keeaumoku Street.  This free event is open to all ages and includes children's games and crafts, entertainment, refreshments, and an opportunity to visit with Santa.               Coordinated by the staff and volunteers of the Department of Parks & Recreation Makiki Complex, Friends of Makiki, and assisted by various community organizations, this holiday get-together for keiki kicks off the Christmas season.               For more information, contact Susan Yamasaki, Makiki Complex Supervisor, at 522-7084.     -30-