Feds reveal APEC security restrictions for Waikiki, Ko Olina
Access to the busiest streets in the Ala Moana-Waikiki region will be limited severely during next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, under federal restrictions issued this morning.
The U.S. Secret Service released maps detailing the road closures, parking restrictions and other security measures for Waikiki and Ko Olina. The security zones also include airspace and ocean restrictions.
The public should expect road closures, parking restrictions and pedestrian screening as they enter the security zones set up by the Secret Service.
Various security measures will be in effect from about 10 p.m. on Nov. 11 through about 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 13. Among the areas most affected will be Ala Moana Boulevard, Kalakaua Avenue, Saratoga Road, Kalia Road, Lewers Street and Beachwalk Road.
Kapiolani Boulevard and Atkinson Boulevard around the Hawaii Convention Center will also be closed to general traffic from 6 a.m. to about 7 p.m. starting Nov. 8 through Nov. 11. Bus service will be re-routed.
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President Barack Obama is hosting the leaders of 20 other Asian-Pacific countries during the summit. More than 20,000 people, including cabinet ministers, business leaders, journalists and support staff, will be in Honolulu for the meetings.
"Security and transportation restrictions have been coordinated to ensure the safety and security of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting leaders and delegates," the Secret Service said in a release. "Every effort has been made to minimize the impact of these safety measures. The public’s cooperation and patience is appreciated during this time."
Within the restricted zones at both Hale Koa and Ko Olina, vehicular traffic will be limited to vehicles with a law enforcement or public safety function. Pedestrian traffic will be limited to residents and business owners and employees within the secure area. Government-issued photo identifications, such as a driver’s license, will be required to gain access.
Additionally, motorists islandwide are being told to anticipate roadway restrictions on H-1 Freeway westbound between Waikiki and Ko Olina, as well as on Farrington Highway, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. as the leaders make their way from Honolulu to the Leeward Coast. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes during that time.
City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard said popular surf spots such as Rockpiles, Kaisers and Nuber Fours will remain accessible, except from 11 p.m. on Nov. 11 to 11 p.m. on Nov. 12.
Surf spots Numbers Threes and Paradise will remain open Nov. 12, Gabbard said in a news release.
