New Ala Wai Canal bridge could transform Waikiki areas

After many years, it is great to see Honolulu moving forward with planning for a new bridge over the Ala Wai Canal connecting University Avenue with Kalaimoku Street. Many cities such as Seoul, Korea, with its Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration project, have invested in the construction of new pedestrian bridges and the transformation of urban drainage canals into vibrant people spaces. Such efforts in Honolulu are long overdue.

Transportation improvements are necessary to ensure a high quality of life. This is a densely populated area in which there are many challenges with parking, transportation and the movements of people.

While there have been much new investment and improvements in places such as Kakaako, this area has been sorely neglected. The bridge project will improve circulation and connectivity and promote increased pedestrian, bike and transit use. It can only help to support other new initiatives such as the Biki (bike-sharing program) and new bike lanes in Honolulu. This is an important, transformative project that could also spur other improvements in Waikiki and the surrounding communities. It may help stimulate efforts to cleanup and restore the canal.

Here are five ideas to support this planning effort.

>> Pedestrians first! This new bridge should be designed to support pedestrian movements both across and along the Ala Wai Canal, to key destinations in the area so that more people can walk to work, school, shopping, restaurants and other activities. It’s not just about the bridge. It is as much about investing in the walking environment: sidewalks, crossings, shade, lighting, landscaping and pedestrian amenities.

>> Integrate with other transportation alternatives. The bridge must be planned as part of an overall transportation strategy to improve pedestrian, bicycle, bike share, bus, rail, taxi, rideshare and auto travel, so that this project encourages safe, efficient, economical mobility throughout the region. We need more attention to reducing pollution, dust and noise from motorized traffic and giving motorists real alternatives to driving.

>> Focus on safety and emergency management. The bridge improves access to Waikiki as well as out of Waikiki. It should be designed to support emergency response as well as evacuation, especially for those with limited mobility, in the event of manmade or natural disasters. Increased space for pedestrians along side prudent urban design will also serve to reduce crime with more “eyes on the street.”

>> Aesthetics and design. The bridge provides a new opportunity to enhance the visual appeal of the canal and create a striking pedestrian gateway into Waikiki. In addition to the drainage functions, more attention to recreational uses such as walking, biking, paddling and connecting to businesses and attractions can make the area even more attractive. A robust design competition could stimulate interest in balancing the natural and built environments.

>> Engaged community planning. Change is challenging. There are legitimate concerns regarding on-street parking, changes in travel patterns and preserving the quality of life in the surrounding communities. Planning must include residents, businesses, institutions, recreational users and others who appreciate the canal. We need to engage diverse members of our community in the planning, engineering, design, maintenance and upkeep of our precious urban spaces.

The proposed bridge project gives us an opportunity to come together to make measurable, meaningful improvements in our community. A focus on improving connectivity, walking and the natural environment will not just promote increased health and reduced fossil fuel use, but also, hopefully, greater harmony and appreciation for each other.

Karl Kim, Ph.D., is a professor of urban and regional planning at the University of Hawaii-Manoa.