What business mixed-use districts are for

(a) The purpose of the business mixed-use districts is to recognize that certain areas of the city have historically been mixtures of commercial and residential uses, occurring vertically and horizontally, and to encourage the continuance and strengthening of this pattern. It is the intent to provide residences in very close proximity to employment and retail opportunities, provide innovative and stimulating living environments, and reduce overall neighborhood energy consumption. (b) The intent of the BMX-3 community business mixed-use districts is to provide areas for both commercial and residential uses outside of the central business mixed-use district, and at a lower intensity than the central business mixed-use district. Typically, this district would be applied to areas along major thoroughfares adjacent to B-2, BMX-4, A-3, AMX-2, and AMX-3 zoning districts. It is also intended that it be applied to areas where the existing land use pattern is already a mixture of commercial and residential uses, occurring horizontally or vertically, or both. (c) The intent of the BMX-4 central business mixed-use district is to set apart that portion of Honolulu that forms the city’s center for financial, office and governmental activities, and housing. It is intended for the downtown area and not intended for general application. It provides the highest land use intensity for commerce, business, and housing.