Patience and aloha.Those are the two things city officials are asking Honolulu residents as the APEC summit gets underway.
In addition to the traffic jams, there will also be changes in bus routes and trash pickup.
"We recognize that residents and visitors may face some inconveniences during APEC and it's important for all of us to be ambassadors of aloha by showing patience and cooperation,” said Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle.
Carlisle reiterated the importance of the week long event in an early morning press conference. And pointed out that there could be major disruptions in our daily routine.
The biggest will likely be the traffic.
Many already know that it's best to avoid Waikiki if possible.
The streets surrounding the Hawaii Convention Center will also be shut down starting Tuesday, November 8.
"Complete closures of Kapiolani from Atkinson to Kalakaua and Atkinson from Kapiolani to Kona Street will begin tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6 a.m. and continue until approximately 7 p.m.” said Wayne Yoshioka, city transportation services.
Those closures will also take place through Friday. The city says drivers should just avoid Kapiolani Boulevard and Ala Moana Boulevard if at all possible. And those coming in from Hawaii Kai on the H-1 Freeway should also avoid the Kapiolani offramp.
Certain bus routes will be diverted because of the closures.
As far as trash pick up, the city says there are no major changes except bulky trash in Waikiki will not be done this Saturday.
But if the traffic jams delay the pickups at surrounding areas like Moilili, Kapahulu, and lower Makiki, then trash collection could start much earlier.
"So if we do come across problems and we see too much delay we may change the schedule from six a-m to pickup to a four thirty a-m pickup, but we'll certainly let the public know through a press release,” said Tim Steinbeger, city environmental services.
The mayor says the changes could be painful for some. But with the eyes of the world upon us, this is an opportunity for the city to shine.
Click here to access a calendar of events, affected services and areas.
