The neighbors and community of Waikiki Elementary School complained about congestion and pedestrian hazards on the narrowed Leahi Avenue while it was privately owned, but it may have been the fees charged for parking that prompted the most pushback.

Now the city has taken ownership of the road — and responsibility for upkeep — and advocates are celebrating. The free parking is back, for now, because city officials say they don’t expect the ordinance prohibiting parking will be enforced. We’ll see how long that pledge lasts.