Thanks Natalie... the reason I posted my little story about encountering HPD was because I was hoping for some clarification from anybody who actually knows the legal status regarding riding on the Kapiolani Park promenade. Maybe somebody at Hawaii Bicycle League knows for sure. Is there ANY official policy or law established that specifically clarifies if that stretch is indeed OK for bikes? I would like to have some legitimate info to share if I am stopped again by an officer. 
I assumed when the word "Bicycles" was removed from all those blue park prohibition signs about 5 years ago that somebody realized a discrepancy and decided to correct it, thus verifying that bikes are allowed on the promenade. If my assumption is incorrect, then who (any why) removed that wording from the signs?