By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) – Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Friday ceremonially signed Bill 1 (2025) into law, ensuring that the City’s Outdoor Dining Services Program becomes a permanent fixture in Honolulu. The program, which began as a pilot under Ordinance 22-19, has proven to be a valuable asset in supporting local restaurants, enhancing the city’s vibrancy, and improving public spaces.
“Our outdoor dining program has been a no-brainer for us, because it offers residents and visitors a unique and enjoyable way to experience our island’s beautiful year-round weather,” said Mayor Blangiardi.“With this new law, we are reinforcing our commitment to a vibrant and dynamic dining culture. I want to thank the City Council for recognizing the value of this program and helping to make it permanent.”
Since its inception in 2022, the Outdoor Dining Services Program has granted permits to 15 local businesses, allowing them to expand their seating onto sidewalks, parklets, and other designated public spaces. The program has been credited with boosting the economy, increasing public safety, and enhancing the overall quality of life across Oʻahu.
“Outdoor dining has been a smashing success: businesses flourished, and it’s helped neighborhoods to come alive,” said Honolulu City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam. “I’m grateful to the Mayor for recognizing the importance of this bill.
Key provisions in Bill 1 (2025) include:
- Making the program permanent following the conclusion of the pilot initiative;
- Allowing permit transfers when a restaurant undergoes a change in ownership;
- Providing clear timelines for annual reporting to assess the program’s effectiveness;
- Streamlining administrative processes for restaurant participants.
Mayor Blangiardi believes this initiative aligns with the City and County of Honolulu’s broader commitment to economic revitalization and community engagement.
The law takes effect immediately upon the repeal of Ordinance 22-19, ensuring a seamless transition for businesses already participating in the program.
For more information on the Outdoor Dining Services Program, click here.