Honolulu has joined the nationwide movement for Complete Streets. People want streets that are safe to cross or walk along, offer places to meet people, link healthy neighborhoods, and have a vibrant mix of retail. The goal of Complete Streets is that people be able to travel within their communities in a safe and efficient manner. Streets provide access to homes and businesses and serve as travel ways within and between neighborhoods and communities. A sustainable street network makes access possible and ensures a choice of transportation modes. This is important in an island state where fuel is imported through ports that are susceptible to natural disaster. In the context of TOD neighborhoods, Complete Streets provide an integral network of multimodal rail access. Walkable communities support renewed private sector investment, which contributes to the economic health of the local community.

A sustainable and resilient street network fosters economic and social activity. It constrains traffic growth by limiting the number of lanes on each street while providing maximum travel options by collectively providing more lanes on more streets. Sustainable street networks increase the number of people walking and bicycling and reduce vehicle miles travelled. Travel way connectivity enables people to take shorter routes. It also enables them to travel on quieter streets. These shorter routes on quiet streets are more conducive to bicycling and walking.

The Honolulu Complete Streets Ordinance (Ordinance 12-15) established the City’s Complete Streets policy, in conformance with Section 264-20.5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The implementation of Complete Streets is a combined effort of the Departments of Design and Construction, Facility Maintenance, Planning and Permitting, and Transportation Services. The Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Urban Forestry also plays a critical role in the implementation of Complete Streets on Oahu.

The complete streets policy and principles consist of ten objectives:

1. Improve safety
2. Integrate community context
3. Accessibility and mobility for all
4. Balance needs and comfort of all modes and users
5. Use national best practices to select complete streets design elements
6. Improve energy efficiency and mitigate vehicle emissions
7. Encourage opportunities for physical activity
8. Recognize complete streets as a long-term investment that can save money
9. Build partnerships with stakeholders and organizations statewide
10. Incorporate trees and landscaping

For more information, visit the Complete Streets website.