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Honolulu City Council Debates Fort Street Mall Expansion
Concerns raised over impact on businesses and the Roman Catholic cathedral
Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:05am
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The Honolulu City Council's proposal to expand the pedestrian-focused use of Fort Street Mall is facing some pushback, with the Roman Catholic Church and local businesses raising concerns about the potential impact on the cathedral and the need for vehicle access for deliveries. The Zoning Committee has delayed a vote to discuss the issues further, as the aim is to make the mall more active without suppressing the current activity level.
Why it matters
The Fort Street Mall expansion is part of a broader effort to revitalize Honolulu's downtown area and make it more pedestrian-friendly. However, the concerns raised by the Roman Catholic Church and local businesses highlight the need to balance the interests of different stakeholders and ensure that any changes to the mall do not negatively impact the surrounding community.
The details
The Honolulu City Council's measure to expand the pedestrian-focused use of Fort Street Mall is facing some pushback from the Roman Catholic Church and local businesses. The Roman Catholic Church's testimony raised worries about the impact on its cathedral, while businesses expressed concerns about the need for vehicle access for deliveries. This led the Zoning Committee chair, Esther Kia'aina, to delay a vote and discuss the issues further.
- The Zoning Committee meeting was held on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
The players
Honolulu City Council
The local government body responsible for the proposal to expand the pedestrian-focused use of Fort Street Mall.
Roman Catholic Church
An organization that raised concerns about the potential impact of the mall expansion on its cathedral.
Local businesses
Businesses located near the Fort Street Mall that rely on vehicle access for deliveries and expressed concerns about the expansion.
Esther Kia'aina
The chair of the Zoning Committee, who delayed a vote on the mall expansion proposal to discuss the issues further.
What they’re saying
“If the aim is to make the mall more active, the current activity level should not be suppressed.”
— Esther Kia'aina, Zoning Committee Chair
What’s next
The Zoning Committee will continue to discuss the concerns raised about the Fort Street Mall expansion proposal and work to find a solution that balances the interests of all stakeholders.
The takeaway
The Fort Street Mall expansion proposal highlights the need for the Honolulu City Council to carefully consider the impact of its decisions on the surrounding community, including businesses and organizations that may be affected. By addressing the concerns raised and finding a compromise, the council can work towards creating a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly downtown area.
