Quick Build Projects

Why We Invested

To support Hawaii’s transition toward a cleaner, more just, multimodal transportation system

Ulupono Initiative partnered with communities and multiple like-minded groups on several quick build projects to further county Complete Streets objectives. These partnerships create safer experiences for walking, biking, and other multimodal options, making them more desirable and likely as options for commuting.

Quick build projects, by definition, take less than a year to plan and implement, and use flexible installation materials such as paint and moveable barriers to catalyze long-term change in our neighborhoods and streets. Although much smaller in scale than large infrastructure projects, we know that quick builds can create more immediate positive outcomes.

Communities throughout Hawaii are recognizing the value of quick builds and taking steps to implement them in their neighborhoods. When invested residents work together around a shared goal, large-scale community-led efforts like quick build projects can be successful.

Explore our case studies on several past quick build projects. Check back for news and updates on other quick builds across the islands.

How We Partnered

Grant support provided through the Ulupono Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation, other financial capital in support of operations, and a bit of elbow grease volunteering in the various community builds

Our Partners

Across the various projects, our nonprofit, government and community partners have included:

Organizations

• Better Block Hawaii
• Re-Use Hawaii
• Envision Kaimuki
• Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4
• AARP
• Tree's For Honolulu's Future
• City and County of Honolulu
• Hawaii Department of Health
• Blue Zones Project Hawaii
• National Park Service
• StreetsPlan
• County Of Maui
• Maui Metropolitan Planning Organizations
• Healthy Eating and Active Living Coalition
• Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii
• Honolulu Department of Transportation Services
• Honolulu Police Department
• Makiki-Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10
• Austin Tsutsumi and Associates
• The Mayor's Office of Culture and Arts
• Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program

Councilmembers

• Councilmember Carol Fukunaga
• Councilmember Joey Manahan
• Councilmember Radiant Cordero

Schools

• Farrington High School
• Lihikai Elementary School
• R.L. Stevenson Middle School

Artists

• Kris Goto
• Kim Sielback
• James Melon
• Matthew Agcolicol
• Jeff Pagay Fine Art
• LITT Designs
• Luke DeKneef
• Box Schurr
• University of Hawaii Pocket Green

Local Eateries and Cafes

• Bean About Town
• Surfing Pig
• JuicyBrew
• Richie's Drive-In
• Cafe Kopi