Honolulu’s Chinatown is a beloved and vibrant place that already has the framework of a transit and pedestrian-oriented community, having been built long before the proliferation of automotive travel. The vision for this community, as expressed in the Downtown Neighborhood TOD Plan, is preservation of the historic district, upgrades to the public realm (both streets and parks), connection to the waterfront, and the addition of uses that strengthen its economic vitality.

To support this vision and ongoing community planning efforts to improve Chinatown by local businesses, cultural organizations, residents, property owners, elected officials, and public agencies, the City compiled the Chinatown Action Plan, which includes near-term implementation actions to be led by the City, State, partner organizations, and private businesses. The Action Plan was based on community feedback derived from a half-day public workshop and two subsequent community meetings which were held to identify and prioritize near-term actions, while refining longer-term strategies.

Watch a video on the Chinatown Action Plan here. 

Improvement Action Areas:

1. Livability: Pursue a higher standard of sanitation and safety in Chinatown to create an attractive environment in which to live, work, connect, and play.
2. Neighborhood Connectivity: Make it safe and easy to access Chinatown on foot, by bike, on transit, or by car.
3. Economic Vitality: Foster a supportive environment for existing local businesses and start-ups, while reinforcing the historic and cultural character of Chinatown.
4. Housing Needs: Increase the availability of affordable housing choices for a growing and aging population.

Improvement Action Items:

1. Streets as Places
   • Install pilot curb extensions at key chinatown intersections
   • Plan complete streets and rail access improvements for Kekaulike Street
   • Revitalize the Nu’uanu stream corridor
   • Provide pedestrian crossing of Vineyard Blvd at River Street
   • Explore a pilot placemaking project on Hotel Street
   • Develop a Chinatown parking management plan
   • Plan and implement wayfinding signage and digital tools
2. A Cleaner and Safer Chinatown
   • Develop improved food waste management practices
   • Increase the frequency of sidewalk power washing on particular streets
   • Revise the street sweeping schedule based on alternate side parking restrictions
   • Pilot a mobile public restroom
   • Upgrade street lighting
   • Improve communication, collaboration, and enforcement to increase safety
3. Chinatown’s Vibrant Economy
   • Host activities on River Street
   • Repurpose and market vacant and underutilized properties
   • Provide high-speed public Wi-Fi
   • Preserve the neighborhood’s cultural and historic resources
4. Park Improvements
   • Enhance Aala Park
   • Increase usage and sense of safety at Smith-Beretania Park
   • Develop a management plan for Sun Yat-Sen Park

ACTION ITEMS INITIATED

1. Streets as Places
   • Install pilot curb extensions at key Chinatown intersections
   • Plan complete streets and rail access improvements for Kekaulike Street
   • Provide pedestrian crossing of Vineyard Blvd at River Street
   • Explore a pilot placemaking project on Hotel Street
   • Plan and implement wayfinding signage and digital tools
2. A Cleaner and Safer Chinatown
   • Establish a business improvement district (BID) for Chinatown
   • Develop improved food waste management practices
   • Increase the frequency of sidewalk power washing on particular streets
   • Upgrade street lighting
   • Improve communication, collaboration, and enforcement to increase safety
3. Chinatown’s Vibrant Economy
   • Host activities on River Street
   • Repurpose and market vacant and underutilized properties
   • Preserve the neighborhood’s cultural and historic resources
4. Park Improvements
   • Enhance Aala Park
   • Develop a management plan for Sun Yat-Sen Park

    

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Chinatown Action Plan – March 2016

Community Meeting 3 Summary  – September 2016

Community Meeting 2 Summary  – December 2015

Community Meeting 1 Summary – July 2015

Downtown Neighborhood TOD Plantown Neighborhood TOD Plan (adopted) – July 2020