Leeward Bikeway
23+ Miles from Nanakuli to the Aloha Stadium
Add your name to our list of supporters here!
Important Update 12/16/19 – Major Progress
In December 2019, the Hawaii Department of Transportation selected a contractor (Grace Pacific) to build the Leeward Bikeway from Waipahu Depot Rd to Philippine Sea Rd. Another giant step closure to realizing the project. HDOT anticipates construction will begin in early to mid 2020.
Important Update 10/30/19 – Major Progress
On 10/10/19, the Hawaii Department of Transportation issued a request for bidders to construct the Leeward Bikeway from Waipahu Depot Rd to Philippine Sea Rd. This a major milestone. HDOT should have a construction contractor on board by February/March 2020 and construction should begin soon after. Construction is anticipated to take 1 year (it includes building two new bridges), so hopefully we’ll be riding it by early 2021.
Click here for more updates.
In the works since 1977, the Leeward Bikeway will run along the mauka side of the Oahu Rail & Land Company (OR&L) train tracks. In 1980, the Federal government transferred the land title for the railroad right-of-way to the State of Hawaii with the condition that the property serve as a multi-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians. The Leeward Bikeway will start from the Pearl Harbor Bike Path, link up with the West Loch Shoreline Park, run across the Ewa Plain, and out to Nanakuli.
***Click here to read an important Leeward Bikeway update (October 2019).***
The Department of Transportation Leeward Bikeway Project is designed, planned and funded. All we need is your voice to get it built. We offer free informational presentations and exploratory rides. Become a supporter and add your business, organization or community name to the List of Endorsers on our website.
History
1977: The Leeward Bikeway was included in the first Bike Plan Hawaii.
1980: The Federal government transferred the land title for the railroad right-of-way to the State of Hawaii with the condition that the property serve as a multi-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians
1994: State of Hawaii’s first funding allocated to the Leeward Bikeway.
2000: Final Environmental Assessment (EA) published to fulfill State and Federal requirements.
2010: Due to a passing of ten years since the last EA a supplemental EA was drafted.
2015: The National Historic Preservation Act process is underway to ensure that Historical Sites along the Leeward Bikeway are preserved. The ‘Section 106’ process will take into account how the Leeward Bikeway will impact surrounding areas.
2016: Phase I is planned, designed, and funded! The project still awaits completion of a historical review. Randy Ching generously donates $30,000 to HBL to Advocate for the Leeward Bikeway. We are halfway to our $60,000 fundraising goal. The State of Hawaii House and Senate pass HCR169, a concurrent resolution, requesting the Department of Transportation begin construction of the Leeward Bikeway before the end of 2016.
FAQ’s
Who can use the Leeward Bikeway?
Though, it is being called the Leeward ‘Bikeway,’ the path is intended for all non-motorists. Walkers, runners, roller-bladers (it’s making a comeback, folks), and bicyclists are the intended users of the bikeway. Bike paths are a safe option for family rides and those who may not be comfortable riding on the road with automobiles. The Leeward Bikeway runs through many neighborhoods, by parks, beaches and schools and not far from multiple shopping centers.
When will the Leeward Bikeway be built?
We need your support to get the Leeward Bikeway built in 2016! It’s so close to becoming a reality but community support is needed to help generate action! Contact us for additional information and on how you can get involved! You can also identify your business, community, or organization as a supporter to be listed on the HBL website! We are about 3/4 to our $60,000 fundraising goal. Please consider making a donation that will go directly towards the Leeward Bikeway Advocacy Campaign!
How much will the Leeward Bikeway cost?
The Leeward Bikeway is broken down into two Phases. Phase I will cost $9 million and Phase II will cost $14.6 million.
Who will pay for the Leeward Bikeway?
80% of the Leeward Bikeway will be funded by the Federal Government while 20% will be funded by the State of Hawaii.
Who will maintain the Leeward Bikeway?
The Department of Transportation will maintain the Leeward Bikeway. The connected Pearl Harbor Bike Path and West Loch will continue to be maintained by the City of Honolulu.
How can I get involved?
Add Your Name to the List of Supporters You’ll receive periodic updates on Leeward Bikeway progress and how you can be involved.
Contact Us! Contact us to tell us how you’d like to get involved or to schedule a free Informational Presentation or Leeward Bikeway Exploratory Ride!
Donate! All donations will go directly towards HBL’s Leeward Bikeway advocacy efforts.
Implementation Timeline
The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation is aiming to begin construction on Phase I of the Leeward Bikeway at the end of 2017 or early 2018. The Hawaii Bicycling League, along with advocates and partner organizations have been working hard to bring the timeline up by starting the construction by the end of 2016. House Concurrent Resolution HCR169 shows that the Hawaii House and Senate support these efforts! The resolution formally requests the Department of Transportation to begin construction by the end of 2016.
