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Waikiki Sidewalk Performers Controversy
Introduction
Council Bill 71 introduced by Councilman Charles Djou
would restrict street performances on public sidewalks
in Waikiki from 7 to 10 pm nightly along Kalakaua Avenue
between Lewers Street ande Uluniu Avenue.
The purpose of the bill is to address pedestrian safety
concerns on the most congested sidewalk in the state of
Hawaii. Now pedestrians are being forced to step into
the street.
Performers are: Tin Man, Gold Man, Clay Man,
balloon artists
Number of sidewalk performers in Waikiki is increasing
Musicians, artisans, mimes are causing sidewalks to be
congested with bystanders making it difficult for people
walking by, and especially people in wheelchairs.
Large groups of break dancers in front of the Duty Free
Store on kalakaua Avenue draw large crowds.
ANTI SIDEWALK PERFORMER VIEW:
Sidewalks should be sed for the continuous movement
of pedestrian traffic, not as a place to solicit money
for sidewalk peformances and displays of crafts.
ANTI SIDEWALK PERFORMER VIEW:
The performers are illegal business opoerators using
the sidewalk to make money in the name of free speech.
The people who sell hair braids, fake tattoos, massages,
sketches, and fortunates are doing it to make money,
and unlike legitimate business owners they pay no taxes
or fees, they don't need health department clearances,
and they don't pay rent. Waikiki's legitimate business
are being forced to complete unfairly with street
performers setting up shop on local sidewalks.
ACLU argues that civil liberties are being violated by
restricting the freedom of speech of street performers.
What about the rights of people with disabilities?
PRO SIDEWALK PERFORMER VIEW:
Street performers should not be lumped into the
same category as illegal street vendors. There is
a difference between selling jewelry on the sidewalk
and playing the ukulele. And tourists enjoy the street
performers. Many local musicians got their start on
the sidewalks of Waikiki.
PRO SIDEWALK PRERFORMER VIEW:
Let's remove the hookers, pimps, and drug addicts
first. Where are the city's priorities?
2005 Dec 15:
ACLU Challenges Council Vote on Street Performers
2005 Nov 29:
Street Artists Law Must Be Narrowly Tailored
2005 Nov 28:
Bill May Curb Waikiki Street Performers
2001 Dec:
Waikiki Sidewalk Shows Can Continue Judge Rules
2001 Mar:
Police Sweeping Vendors Off Waikiki Streets
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