Highways

About the Study

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is initiating
a feasibility study to implement a cap park over the H-1
freeway in Downtown Honolulu. The H-1 Cap Park Planning Study
is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s
Re-Connecting Communities Pilot Grant Program. The H-1 Freeway
provides access through Honolulu from east to west, passing
densely populated neighborhoods such as Kalihi, Pālama,
Punchbowl, and Makiki. The construction of H-1 in the late
1950s physically divided those neighborhoods, disrupted
ecosystems, and bifurcated many of the social, cultural, and
economic connections that existed within the area. Focusing
on mobility and embracing the historical context of the
traditional Hawaiian land management system known as ahupuaʻa,
the cap park would help to restore some of these vital links,
allowing for better access between mountain and coastal areas.
It would also help to address disparities by reconnecting
communities, reducing environmental pollution, and increasing
access to recreational and vegetated spaces.

The cap park study area consists of an approximately 1/2 mile long
segment of the H-1 Corridor, extending from Liliha Street to Queen
Emma Street, and outward approximately one city block on the north
and south sides. The study will feature a significant community and
stakeholder engagement process, meaningfully integrating broad-based
community input into the planning and conceptual design of the cap
park.

Timeline*    *Subject to change