City Opens The First Phase Of The New Transit-Priority Lane In Waik k On K hi Avenue

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City Opens The First Phase Of The New Transit-Priority Lane In Waik k On K hi Avenue
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City opens the first phase of the new transit-priority lane in Waikīkī on Kūhiō Avenue

HONOLULU -- The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and Honolulu Complete Streets have completed the first phase of a new transit-priority lane on Kūhiō Avenue in Waikīkī. This westbound lane, stretching from Kapahulu Avenue to Launiu Street, is designed to prioritize buses, large trucks, and bicycles using red pavement markings and clear signage.

Building on the success of the King Street bus lane, which reduced bus travel times by up to 30%, this initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transit efficiency in Waikīkī. Currently, 56% of Kūhiō Avenue travelers during rush hour are walking, biking, or riding public or private buses, while 44% travel by car. The new bus lane will enhance safety, support local businesses by increasing foot traffic, and provide more reliable transit access for residents, employees, and visitors.

The project aligns with the Waikīkī Special District's multimodal transportation goals, which emphasize efficient and sustainable transit options for workers, businesses, residents, and tourists. Supported by the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, this effort underscores Honolulu's commitment to reducing car dependency and promoting alternative transportation.

The City has engaged extensively with Waikīkī stakeholders since 2021 to ensure community support and input. Outreach efforts included presentations to the Waikīkī Neighborhood Board, Waikīkī Transportation Management Association, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, and other organizations, as well as direct communication with area businesses, property owners, and residents.

The Kūhiō Avenue transit-priority lane allows vehicles to enter when making right turns into side streets or driveways. This design balances the needs of all road users while prioritizing transit vehicles and promoting a safer, more efficient transportation network in Waikīkī.

Passenger loading will be prohibited, while permitted freight loading will be allowed overnight from 10:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) will be warning and educating drivers that misuse the transit priority lane throughout the month of December.

For more information on the Kūhiō transit-priority lane project, please visit: https://www8.honolulu.gov/completestreets/waikiki/

--PAU--

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Kaimuki Hawaii News Item

City Opens The First Phase Of The New Transit-Priority Lane In Waik k On K hi Avenue

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item