Search Weight Loss Topics: |
Honolulu Closed Its Parks And Beaches For COVID-19. Why Not Open – Honolulu Civil Beat
These days, Honolulu residents seeking fresh air and exercise have few options other than to use the islands limited street and sidewalk space.
Theres still no playing in public parks and no hiking on public trails under the citys latest shutdown orders, which aim to flatten the alarming spike in COVID-19. Oahus daily reported cases have hovered in the triple digits all month, including 263 new ones Saturday.
Theres no visiting a botanical garden. And dont even think of hitting the beach unless its to swim, surf or perhaps bob in the ocean.
For many looking to get outside, that leaves the public right of way.
Yet ever since the pandemic hit Oahu, city leaders have been reluctant to give the islands growing number of walkers, joggers and bikers more space in the streets for regular use, even as theyve closed access to parks, trails and beaches.
In an interview earlier this month, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said its not something he would consider until after Oahu gets a better handle on its COVID-19 cases. They threaten to overwhelm the islands intensive care units if their numbers continue to grow.
I think down the road, if we have a better control, yes, Caldwell said. But not right now.
Meanwhile, the so-called slow streets or open streets trend has taken off in at least 100 other cities around the world during the pandemic.
Its often an outlet for residents to cope during stringent stay-at-home orders, such as the latest one Honolulu just entered.
Generally, these programs limit vehicular access on designated streets, giving those stuck at home the space they need to safely exercise outdoors. They can keep their distance from one another by moving off curbs and sidewalks.
Some cities use cones and barricades to close a lane normally used by cars. Others limit the vehicle traffic on those streets to local cars and emergency responders.
But on Oahu, a growing number of bicyclists and pedestrians must still take their chances with passing cars on the same, narrow roads.
Pedestrians and cyclists pack the shoulder of Mokulua Drive to try and avoid cars.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
In Kailua, for example, residents report that more bikers and joggers started crowding North Kalaheo Avenue and Kainalu Drive after the city recently barred access to public outdoor spaces.
Its a mess, one of those residents, Jason Santosuosso, said of the situation.
Pedestrians often walk in the middle of those streets to maintain proper physical distance. Sometimes, when they encounter someone else not wearing a mask, they either literally leap out of the way or stand to the side, he said.
Many more surfers on bikes are using Kalaheo to access the beach, and pedestrians often have to jump out of the way to dodge them and their boards, Santosuosso said.
Notably, both Kalaheo and Kainalu also lack sidewalks along with about 800 other miles of road on Oahu.
Santosuosso said hes observed more drivers speeding through the neighborhood since the pandemic started. Its extremely dangerous when you combine that with the growing number of pedestrians and cyclists, he said.
Indeed, state transportation officials say theyre concerned with what appears to be an uptick in unsafe driving.
So far this year Oahu has seen eight pedestrian deaths. Thats half as many compared to the same time last year, according to the Department of Transportation. But fatalities among those in cars are up even though theres been a substantial dip in traffic. Oahu has seen nearly twice as many vehicle-occupant deaths through Aug. 19 compared to the same time last year 21 versus 11.
Ed Sniffen, the DOTs deputy director for highways, called the trend alarming at a recent press conference. The state recently started posting messages on its signs around town encouraging people to drive safer.
At least 291 cities around the world have taken some sort of action to expand pedestrian and bicycle access during the pandemic, according to a tally by researcher Tabitha Combs at the University of North Carolinas Department of City and Regional Planning. The tally includes numerous slow streets programs.
Some cities, including Seattle, are moving to make their slow-street redesigns permanent.
Honolulu city officials did hold Open Street Kalakaua earlier this summer, which was similar to slow streets. It closed one of Honolulus busiest roadways in the heart of Waikiki to cars on Sunday mornings so that pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters and others could have exclusive use of Kalakaua Avenue.
But Open Streets Kalakaua was a weekly event held in one location. Many other cities slow and open streets programs give residents regular access in multiple neighborhoods. The Waikiki events limited scope attracted heavy crowds on an island where people are hungry for more space to exercise and get around without a car.
Each week, several hundred people showed up in Waikiki to exercise and enjoy themselves, including families. But the crowds at Kalakaua helped prompt the very physical distancing challenges that slow streets programs aim to solve.
Biki bikeshare riders cruise Kalakaua Avenue during one of the citys weekly open street events there. The Sunday morning events saw high demand, drawing hundreds of people.
Biki
About a month after the launch, the city stressed in a news release that people at the event could cluster in groups no greater than 10 and they had to keep moving along the street. The event was canceled when Hurricane Douglas nearly struck Oahu in July. It hasnt returned amid the islands spike in COVID-19 cases.
Meanwhile, people living in apartments and condominiums in town are growing desperate for outdoor options amid the latest restrictions.
Christian Stettler, who lives in the Marco Polo building in Moiliili, can no longer take his three young children, ages 3, 2 and 10 months, to Kapiolani Park or Ala Wai Park to escape the constant banging and drilling of construction upstairs.
Instead, hell bring them for a quick dip at Kaimana Beach or he brings the kids on walks. But he uses a sling for the youngest instead of a stroller because people dont move.
We have to move out of the way, which is not ideal right now while youre told to move off the grass, he said, referring to public park property.
Its stressful. Imagine having three little kids, Stettler said. Its really confusing to try to tell them how to act appropriately.
Having more street space to maneuver wouldnt be a perfect solution to the current restrictions, he said.But it would definitely help.
Sign Up
Sorry. That's an invalid e-mail.
Thanks! We'll send you a confirmation e-mail shortly.
Originally posted here:
Honolulu Closed Its Parks And Beaches For COVID-19. Why Not Open - Honolulu Civil Beat
- Exercise Programs - Getting Started [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2011]
- Staying on TRAC: New Fall Group Exercise Programs [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2011]
- Exercise Programs Lake Forest CA, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Hi [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2011]
- Exercise Programs Laguna Beach [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Do a Proper Push-Up [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2011]
- Muscle building form and exercise programs on TV with Robert Marting [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Do Military Push-Ups [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Exercise Programs - National MS Society [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Can Brain Exercise Programs Save New Neurons? [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Community Exercise Programs - Walking Wellness - Get Your Walk On! [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- What types of exercise or exercise programs are recommended? [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- Personal Training Exercise Programs for Fitness and Osteoporosis [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2011]
- Try These Proven Weight Loss Exercise Programs [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Do Jumping Jacks [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Why Do I Keep Failing on Exercise Programs? [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2011]
- MIKE'S WORKOUTs @ MEFIT STUDIO GYMEA - FAT LOSS + MOVEMENT DEVELOPMENT MODERATE DEMAND [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2011]
- (WARNING) The Best Penis Exercise Programs (THE DIRTY TRUTH) [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Les Mills Group Exercise Programs IHRSA 2011 [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- MSC Group Exercise Programs [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- The Truth About Supervised Exercise Programs and Lower Back Pain [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- Online Personal Trainer - Customized Exercise, Weight Loss and Exercise Programs ONLINE [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2011]
- Weight Loss Exercise Program Week 1 [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2011]
- Lose Fat [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2011]
- Choosing the Right Exercise Program : How to Create a Workout Schedule [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2011]
- 10 fitness secrets #1 daily exercise programs [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2011]
- Get Fit Team KMBC: Exercise Programs [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2011]
- Mike's Workouts - Free-Styling Wk - Quikie 20min Ab Blast [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- DNAMSEL - Review of our favorite workout programs [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- Mike's Workouts - Quickie AB Blast (10min) [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2011]
- Chiropractors and Medical Exercise Programs - Medical Fitness Academy [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2011]
- PWR! Training - Unfreezing for an individual with Parkinson disease with severe freezing [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2011]
- Personal Trainer Sydney |Fitness Program |Exercise program [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2011]
- Soviet Union 1985 Morning exercise TV show [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2011]
- tlantic dance academy. Body developmental exercise programs [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2011]
- Maintaining the gains - guidelines for community baesd exercise programs for people with stroke [Last Updated On: August 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2011]
- Newsletter #3-Muscle Soreness, Lunges and Exercise Programs [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2011]
- B3 Garage Manual Promo - Dirt Bike Fitness Training Programs [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Mike's Workouts - Full Body Toning [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Lauren Capozzi - Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Survivors [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Intense Cardio Exercise [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Slim the Waist Without Losing Weight in Other Areas [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Do a Pull-Up [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Australian Women's Weekly Body Balance exercise program [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Day 22: Sexy Back with SELF Magazine [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Day 18: Toneitup's SELF Magazine Workout [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Vibration Plate workout guide exercise program Power Vibe CF1000 Toning Plate Fitness Workout [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Stronger Seniors Chair Exercise Program [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Sweaty Workout with Toneitup.com [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Insanity~Plyo Cardio Circuit (The tatas might need a lil more support) [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Stronger Seniors Core Fitness Pilates exercise program for Seniors [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- Stronger Seniors 'Stretch' - Lower Back Stretching Exercises for Seniors www.strongerseniors.com [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- Flat Abbs [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2011]
- Full Body Workouts - A KILLER Fitness Workout Plan For Women [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Repetitive Strain Injury Exercise Program - Wrist [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2011]
- Free weight loss exercise program - Lose 50 lbs. in 5 months [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2011]
- Hip Replacement Exercise Program [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Perform a Sit-Up [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2011]
- 6 weeks post natal exercise program to do at home www.getfitforbirth.com [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- GET A BIGGER SEXIER ROUNDER BOOTY ConikiXXX XPress Workout [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Paintball Home Fitness - P90X vs Insanity? [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- GAIN Fitness iPhone App (v1) [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Metabolic Resistance Training [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Bringing Sexy Back: Toneitup [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Medical Exercise Program - Medical Fitness Academy [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- abs exercises women upper [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Chair Dancing® Fitness programs 2011 [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Sport and Fitness Program for children.wmv [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Hot Daisy Dukes Fashion Haul [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- How to do Head Banger Pull ups [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- LifeSpan TR 800 Folding Treadmill [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Do Proper Push-Ups [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- 49 yo Trains for Tough Mudder using P90X / TRX Moves [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- Insanity Workout Review | Max Plyo Live Workout Clips [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Shoulder Press Exercise [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Fitness- rubber band [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Pull Up Technique Tips [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Best Tricep workouts Best triceps workout program bodybuilding workouts exercises routine [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Diabetes - Exercise Program - Reverse Insulin Resistance [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Update on Eye Exercise Program Progress [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Easy Exercise for Foot, Arch and Leg Pain from Fallen Arches, Flat Feet, Pronation [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]