Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi enacted a bill Wednesday that will reduce the number of street festivals and parades in Waikiki each year and encourage promoters to consider other neighborhoods for large-scale cultural events. 

What You Need To Know

  • Under Bill 50, the number of street festivals in Waikiki will be cut in half to just six per year with permits limited to two festivals per four-month period
  • The new regulations are expected to improve traffic flow, support local businesses and enhance accessibility for first responders and people with disabilities
  • The thinning of Waikiki’s event schedule is also expected to benefit other neighborhoods through increased foot traffic and economic activity from relocated events
  • The festival limit for Waikiki takes effect next year. Other provisions of the bill, including the streamlining of permit application processing, is effective immediately.

 

“Waikiki has long been a hub for festivals, but we recognize the need for balance,” Blangiardi said. “This legislation ensures we minimize disruptions for residents, businesses and visitors in Waikiki while creating opportunities for more community-driven events in neighborhoods eager to host them. I am very pleased to make this happen; this is long overdue and has been too big a burden on the Waikiki community.”

Under Bill 50, the number of street festivals in Waikiki will be cut in half to just six per year with permits limited to two festivals per four-month period. Legacy events such as the Honolulu Marathon, Hoolaulea and Toys for Tots will not count toward the total.

The new regulations are expected to improve traffic flow, support local businesses and enhance accessibility for first responders and people with disabilities. The thinning of Waikiki’s event schedule is also expected to benefit other neighborhoods through increased foot traffic and economic activity from relocated events.

“I want to thank Mayor Blangiardi for signing Bill 50, which provides relief to residents and businesses in Waikiki from the seemingly constant timetable of street closures to accommodate festivals, parades and other activities along the area’s main artery, Kalakaua Avenue,” said Honolulu City Council chair Tommy Waters, who introduced the measure. “This community represents the very heart of tourism in Hawaii, and while we do value the cultural and civic celebrations that are so vital to us here in Hawaii, this measure offers a thoughtful approach to managing these activities and maintaining Waikiki as a safe, welcoming and vibrant space for both residents and visitors alike.”

The council unanimously approved the measure in February.

Blangiardi said the changes are ultimately about equity and opportunity.

“We love our festivals and want to see them thrive, not just in Waikiki but in neighborhoods across our island that are eager to showcase their unique identities and bring people together,” he said.

The festival limit for Waikiki takes effect next year. Other provisions of the bill, including the streamlining of permit application processing, is effective immediately.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.