The Honolulu sit-lie bans, although unpopular with some who identify themselves as politically progressive, are necessary from a walking safety standpoint.

When a person takes up an entire sidewalk, with their body or belongings, it potentially forces someone to walk onto the street to get around them, raising the risk the person walking will be hit by a car. A young person traveling alone can do this quickly, but someone using a wheelchair, walker, cane, with keiki or kupuna, will not be able to move as fast.

Studies show poorer people, who are less likely to own a car due to the costs of owning and upkeep, are more likely to walk and more likely to be hit by a car. Therefore, the sit-lie bans benefit lower-income people the most.

Encouraging people to walk more includes keeping sidewalks clear and easily accessible to everyone.

Anthony Chang

Chinatown

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