There Will Be A Melee.

“If you plan cities for cars and traffic, you get cars and traffic. If you plan cities for people and places, you get people and places.” Dan Burden, the director of the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute was in town last week showcasing how Honolulu could become a place for people, bicycles, and life. Burden believes in “complete streets” where humans and bicycles are a street's primary occupants and automobiles are the intruders.

While the idea of “complete streets” may sound as far-fetched as a unicorn it is really as believable as a narwhal. It may be that the youth of Kalihi today will be the cyclists of tomorrow’s “complete streets.”

KVIBE and KKV’s Roots Food Program will host “A Kalihi Melee” on October 1, 2011. Celebrating the community of Kalihi, bicycles, healthy foods and living well. A Kalihi Melee will take place at KVIBE at 10AM until 2PM. The crew of HNL Bike Polo will make an appearance and likely host bicycle polo activities. UH Manoa’s Cycle Manoa bicycle program will have a tent with a bicycle-powered blender and information about their organization. BMX activities such as a bunny-hop are currently being worked out by KJ and friends. KVIBE’s founding father, Crisdean Blumenstetter is also slated to make an appearance.

KVIBE was recently granted a functional land line; the new office number is 808.843.1545. Please be aware that emailing is still the best option to contact KVIBE. Remember that community donations are always appreciated and will directly impact the youth of Kalihi. Finally, volunteer Larry Victorino would like to remind kids that footwear is always required at KVIBE’s warehouse.

A Kalihi Melee is on October 1, 2011.