Themes

As the 2005 plan took shape, two overriding common themes emerged which should serve to guide and focus implementation of the agenda items.

·     Define Waikiki as an Unique Destination Resort

Waikiki should be a sought after experience.  Creative and careful planning can define Waikiki as a unique destination resort.  Unified architectural, landscaping, civil and sculptural elements combined with cultural events can positively distinguish Waikiki from any other place on Earth.  Waikiki should be defined by both its Hawaiian heritage and its surrounding physical beauty.  Waikiki should be the State’s Hawaiian cultural capital, both traditional and contemporary.  Waikiki is a major urban center, and this should be embraced and celebrated.  The name Waikiki, which means “spouting waters,” provides an attractive unifying theme.

·     Improve Waikiki for the Community

The Waikiki experience must be a good one for Hawaii’s people.  WIA should continue to work toward its long standing goal of making Waikiki attractive to Hawaii’s local residents.  In addition, WIA should strive to create opportunities and bring resources to improve Waikiki for its significant residential population. 

2005 AGENDA

As WIA works toward implementing items on the 2005 agenda, it needs to establish a good relationship with the new mayor of Honolulu, Mufi Hannemann, and his administration; a simple and obvious concept, but tremendously important. 

1.  WAIKIKI SPECIAL DISTRICT AMENDMENTS

WIA should maintain the momentum of last year’s successful efforts to amend the Waikiki Special District zoning rules.   Take another crack at passing amendments sought last time which were dropped.  Seek new amendments designed to improve residential Waikiki.  Last year’s success was due in part to help from hired professionals and WIA should use professionals again, including attorneys and consultants.

The following are among the amendments to consider:

1.   Previously sought amendments which were not passed;

2.   Encouraging development of residential Waikiki;

3.   Building signage rules – inequities and unreasonable obstacles in the existing rules need fixing; but, be mindful of protecting Waikiki from tackiness.

4.   Encourage redevelopment of existing hotel guest rooms to be competitive with newer hotel guest rooms.

A matter which is not within the parameters of the WSD, but which does relate to zoning and which should be considered in 2005 is whether it would be desirable to create consistency with the Waikiki Development Plan.  Should the area between Kalakaua and Kuhio be rezoned or spot zoned to conform to the plan?

2.  PUBLIC SIGNAGE AND WAY FINDING

A consistent system of public way finding signs will both enhance the Waikiki experience and help to define Waikiki as a destination. 

The unique street name signs in the China Town district of Honolulu put the traveler on notice of arrival and presence within that district.  Similar signage, with a graphic and font unique and appropriate to Waikiki, will accomplish the same for our district.  This is an opportunity to use the spouting waters theme. 

Waikiki depends upon attracting visitors unfamiliar with the locale.  Finding Waikiki and navigating it can be frustrating and discouraging.  A well thought out, consistent and comprehensive system of way finding signs is needed.  For vehicular travelers, consideration should be given to guiding visitors to Waikiki from the freeways, to major thoroughfares and destinations within Waikiki, to parking, and back to the freeways and major exit roads.  Pedestrians need help identifying where they are and finding their hotels, cars, buses, restrooms, restaurants, stores and attractions.  Signage can improve the experience of Waikiki’s many major events.  Maps are needed, perhaps in brochure form and on sidewalk sign boards or kiosks.

The Waikiki Business Improvement District is working on public signage and way finding.  The WIA should offer assistance and input.

3.  DEFINING AND IMPROVING WAIKIKI’S ENTRY EXPERIENCE

If Waikiki is a destination resort, it must feel that way upon entry.  Arrival into Waikiki should be obvious and positive.

An opportunity to accomplish this at one entryway is in place.  The City has appropriated over $2,000,000 to the Honolulu Zoo to improve the Zoo entry, which sits at the Kapiolani Park entryway to Waikiki.  The Zoo will be contracting for these improvements on a design build basis.  The WIA should offer input in the design process.

Another entrance area where an opportunity was in hand but recently lost is from Ala Moana Park to Kalia Road.  This major entryway needs defining and beautification.  Bus Rapid Transit funds for improvements here were recently cut.  The WIA should pick up the ball and put it back in play.   Take advantage of existing momentum for improvement to this end of Waikiki from anticipated projects like the Waikikian renovations.  Because the Ala Wai boat harbor is an important element of this entrance, WIA should encourage State involvement.  Consider hiring a consultant for this project.

The Kalakaua and McCully bridges over the Ala Wai and the Waikiki Public Library site are major entry points.  WIA should keep watch for opportunities that may arise in 2005 to improve these areas.  Improvement of these entry ways should remain on the agenda as future planning continues.

4.  SUPPRESS PROSTITUTION

 Work with the Honolulu Police Department, legislative leaders and community organizations to reduce prostitution as much as possible.

5.  REGULATE STREET PERFORMERS AND SIDEWALK ACTIVITIES

Along with the Business Improvement District Association, develop a comprehensive sidewalk ordinance to regulate street performers and make it easier to enforce existing laws regulating sidewalk vendors.

6.  BRINGING BACK RESIDENTS TO WAIKIKI

Bringing back residents to Waikiki is a carry over goal from past WIA plans and continues to be a priority in line with the theme to improve Waikiki for the community.  Brunch on the Beach and Sunset on the Beach have been popular with both residents and tourists and have worked to attract residents to Waikiki.  Waikiki cannot rely on as much financial support from the City as has been enjoyed in recent years.  WIA should take the lead to ensure that these programs continue.  Work towards private management of these events and seek alternative sources of funding, including the Hawaii Tourism Authority, private funding and corporate sponsorship.  WIA should be careful not to commit to running these events without guaranteed sources of funding. 

Many residents avoid Waikiki because of a perception that parking is difficult.  WIA should continue to promote improvements to public parking and develop a parking management plan for Waikiki.

The successful development and promotion of events to attract residents to Waikiki has ironically created a deterrent conflicting events competing for attention and physically interfering with each other.  Because WIA has become a clearinghouse for collecting and disseminating information about Waikiki events, it is in a good position to assist with scheduling events and minimizing conflicts.

7.  STUDYING AND PUBLICIZING WAIKIKI'S FISCAL STANDING

What are the direct costs and the direct and indirect benefits of Waikiki?  Residents and lawmakers need better and more specific information about how investment in Waikiki pays off for all of Oahu and the State.  This is a carry forward of an item on previous planning committee agendas and needs to be taken to the next level.  It remains important as a tool for garnering support for WIA goals.  A WIA committee should outline a scope of work for this project and then commission a study on the fiscal position of the “City of Waikiki.”  Seek assistance from the City and State, including the University of Hawaii. Develop a plan to publicize the findings with a goal to educating the public about Waikiki’s importance the economy.

8.  WIRELESS WAIKIKI 

If Waikiki is to be a destination resort in today’s world, it must offer wireless internet accessibility.  Infrastructure needs to be installed on buildings and street light poles.  Private service providers will take the lead on this, but WIA should monitor the process.  Encourage timely development of this resource.  Ensure that any equipment installations meet aesthetic standards.