Oh, where have all the sidewalks gone?

It's only been a few months since I've officially set up shop here, but I already have a gripe/observation. Where are the sidewalks in Makiki?

I'll admit that I haven't yet walked about the whole district but in the surrounding area where I run for exercise, there are several places with little or no sidewalks.

On a street that's as well-traveled as Nehoa I'd expect something better than a dirt trench interspersed with tree roots. Thank goodness it wasn't raining on the day I came across that, or I'd have been washed away by a mud river.

....yeah, yeah, I'm exaggerating. And I know it's an old neighborhood, it's a nice neighborhood, but I can see it being pretty dangerous just to walk around. I have to keep looking at the ground to make sure there's something solid for me to step on.

No wonder so many runners just run on the road.

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We lived in Makiki, at Keeaumoku and Wilder, up until... oh, today! But we know what you mean. Absent sidewalks and pedestrian right-of-ways (rights-of-way?) that are indistinguishable from private property. We had a jogging stroller, but dumped it when we found most of the streets around us were sidewalk-less.

I think it's true in any old neighborhood. Manoa, obviously, but also all over the place. At one point, obviously, concrete paved sidewalks and handicapped ramps weren't on the city planners' minds when they were designing a new subdivision.

move to Hilo. Ryan can attest to the WIDE roads and sidewalks. the only thing you'd really have to get used to are the yellow street lights... :-D

Thanks for the suggestion Kainoa. Actually, I lived in Hilo for 2 years. That's where I met Ryan!

Anyway, it would be nice to live there but I'm afraid to say that I've gotten used to and now prefer...the city!! Heaven forbid.

OH NO, JENN!! Say it isn't so! So you've become a townie then! :-)
My husband and I just moved from Honolulu to Hilo last year and we're loving it. I do miss the anonymity of going shopping, but i'm getting used to running into people and talking story.
I used to work in Makiki and either bicyclists or pedestrians would get hit at least every 3 months. it was scary.

Yes, yes, sadly I admit I am now...a townie! I have become what I openly scorned for so many years. How ironic, terrible, yet amusing.

I love the anonymity of the city, but I suppose it's because I came from a place where such a thing didn't exist.

But to get back to subject...yes, I'm being very, very careful when I go running since there are no sidewalks and lots of dangerous drivers. =)

Sounds like you are enjoying Hilo! It's a great place, I agree. It's just not the place for me at this moment.

Wait. Jenn? Ryan? Who's... I'm so confused!

My wife Jen (this Jen) and I met in Hilo. We lived there for two years. We came to O`ahu and settled in Makiki. We became townies, despite our better judgement.

Jenn, if you end up with three kids and living in Mililani, I'm afraid the universe is going to implode.

Hey Ryan, I'd say the likelihood of me ending up in Mililani and 3 kids is nigh impossible at this point!

But...I have turned townie. *sigh*

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