Parade rules for Waikiki still too loose

On any given day, Kalakaua Avenue — the iconic Waikiki street that symbolizes Hawaii for many tourists — can be packed with cars and pedestrians.

But when a parade or festival closes part of the street, area traffic can turn into near-gridlock.

So it’s a welcome development that the city intends to tighten its policies that allow the closure of Kalakaua for certain events.

The new rules, which would go into effect with a permit lottery scheduled for Oct. 18, would:

>> Limit applicants to two Kalakaua closures a year.

>> Restrict block parties to between Seaside and Kapahulu avenues.

>> Allow the city Department of Transportation Services director to limit the number of consecutive parades and activities on the same roadway.

>> Cap the number of “legacy” events — events that have been held in the Waikiki special district annually for 15 consecutive calendar years. Up to 20 legacy events are renewed annually.

>> Restrict the number of waivers the mayor can grant.

It’s a good start.

Nonetheless, Waikiki business and community organizations are rightly concerned that the changes may not actually reduce the number of Kalakaua closures.

The city allows as many as 37 or more parades or other events to close down the street each year. That’s just too many.

Road closures make it difficult for Waikiki residents to get to and from their homes.

They can also have a detrimental effect on the businesses that depend on Kalakaua foot traffic.

Furthermore, Kalakaua is a public avenue, supported by tax dollars; those who want to take it over for their event need to demonstrate the public benefit in doing so.

The city should look at all applications with a critical eye.

Some of the events have a commendable and demonstrable public benefit — the Aloha Festivals Parade, for instance, draws large crowds, supporting established Waikiki businesses while celebrating Hawaii’s unique culture and traditions.

Others, such as the Gay Pride Parade, are First Amendment events that have a right to share the road.

And no doubt some of the events are just plain fun for locals and tourists alike.

But others are more dubious commercial ventures. Last September, a for-profit company named Millwood ‘Ohana Productions obtained 11 of the 15 lottery spots to put on such events as the “Hugs and Hearts Festival” that include vendors who pay Millwood for the privilege of setting up shop in the heart of Waikiki.

A public outcry prompted Millwood to cancel eight of its planned events.

In his defense, company owner David Millwood noted that much of the money the company earned went to charity, and that “local vendors would take it as an insult if you say they aren’t showing cultural purpose.”

Perhaps. But “showing cultural purpose” is not the same as showing a public benefit.

The brick-and-mortar Waikiki businesses pay high rents and taxes for the privilege of doing business there; lottery applicants do not pay rent or application fees, or underwrite administrative costs.

Last year there were 29 closures for various events — four First Amendment, 10 legacy, 14 lottery and one mayor’s waiver.

There were 26 closures in 2014 and 28 in 2013.

City officials and the City Council should review the kinds of events that are closing Kalakaua Avenue, using the public interest as its yardstick. Kalakaua is the main artery of Waikiki, the heart of our visitor industry and the most vibrant urban community in Honolulu.

It should require much more than a valid application and luck of the draw to shut it down.