Meaningful Community Engagement
1:35 PM - 2:35 PMThu
Honolulu 1
Speakers
Travis Counsell
Executive Director
Hawai'i Bicycling League
Peter Koonce
PE, Engineer
Peter Koonce Consulting
Renee Spath-Espiau
Complete Streets Administrator
City and County of Honolulu
Michael Packard
PE, PTOE, Senior Traffic Engineer
SSFM International
This session brings together voices from government, consulting, and nonprofit advocacy to explore how meaningful community engagement can shape more just and resilient outcomes—particularly in projects aimed at improving conditions for vulnerable road users. Through the lens of Complete Streets planning, panelists will discuss what makes engagement meaningful, what gets in the way, and how power dynamics, equity, and cultural competency shape the planning process. We'll share lessons from successful (and unsuccessful) projects, highlight tools and strategies that elevate community voice, and explore how cross-sector partnerships can challenge the status quo and build trust. This interactive session invites planners, engineers, and decision-makers to rethink their role in co-creating safer, more inclusive streets.