Transit-Oriented Development
By Hawaii State Senator Will Espero
Part 2 (of a two part series)
Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a term used when discussing the future rail transit system for Oahu. These developments will be an important tool as policymakers plan for the future growth of our island. With the scarcity of land, older neighborhoods can be revitalized or rehabilitated with TODs. A rail transit system will allow landowners to review their parcels of land and see how they can be incorporated into a master plan for our island. It is imperative that government take the lead in assisting and providing incentives for landowners and developers to create communities which will become active urban settings providing a quality lifestyle for our diverse island population.
Let’s imagine Oahu 25 years from now with a rail transit system in place. It will be a growing bustling island with possibly 1,250,000 million residents living here, an increase of about 300,000 residents. The rail line will connect Ko Olina Resort to Kalaeloa and Kapolei, near U.H. West Oahu to Waipahu and Pearlridge; pass Aloha Stadium to Salt Lake with a spur to the airport; onto downtown, Ala Moana Shopping Center and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. A spur to Waikiki or Kahala Mall is also possible.
The connection of U.H. Manoa and U.H. West Oahu will allow these 2 universities to share more resources and partner with each other on important issues such as housing. With limited land at Manoa, the university system may be able to offer student and faculty housing in West Oahu to accommodate both campuses. Faculty and students will easily travel from campus to campus for shared seminars, workshops or meetings.
During Christmas time and other important shopping days, Ala Moana Shopping Center will connect with Pearlridge Shopping Center, and the proposed DeBartolo Shopping Mall in Ewa. Shoppers will be able to park at one location and easily use the rail to visit other destinations, thus avoiding the tasks of parking and driving.
When there is a U.H. football game, fans will have the option to park near a transit station and ride the rail to the stadium. Traffic congestion around the stadium will be less, and fans will have a more enjoyable and pleasant time cheering on our U.H. Warriors. Large concerts and other events held at Aloha Stadium will experience the benefit of a rail system as well.
The transit-oriented developments will have a plethora of facilities and services to benefit Oahu residents. Affordable workforce housing will be a top priority near the stations with high density housing developments allowing more housing units per acre, and with the proximity to the rail line, ownership of a vehicle would not be necessary. It is likely that parking spaces per housing project would be less, lowering the cost for builders. These savings in costs will be passed on to consumers.
Developers of elderly housing and elderly care facilities will build around rail stations. As our population ages, driving a car is one of the privileges elderly will eventually cease to do. A rail line with easy access for our disabled and elderly will be valuable for future generations. When I’m elderly, I hope to live near a rail station. It will be convenient to ride the rail and not have to rely on someone to drive. If one needs a driver, handi-van or relative will be available.
As a healthcare provider, I will also want to be near the rail transit stations. Imagine a mega-health complex near a rail station. From Kapolei to Manoa, it would be convenient to be able to have your ears checked, or have a dental appointment, or have an eye examination all under one roof. Baby’s annual check-up, tutu’s quarterly appointment, monthly blood bank donation, dialysis, pharmacy visit, chiropractic care, acupuncture sessions, nutrition classes, gym workout, escrima; an assortment of healthy living initiatives and offices could be included in the mega-health complex along the rail line.
Then there’s the TOD that emphasizes recreation and socializing. Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and nightclubs will anchor an entertainment district. Then add in movie theaters, miniature golf and a bowling alley. How about a museum, library, and community computer center to keep people connected. This type of transit-oriented development would certainly be a destination for both tourists and residents alike.
A TOD that has a combination of housing, retail stores, childcare, medical offices, cafes, and other establishments is a likely scenario in your community.
How will one get to the transit station? If one lives nearby, a leisurely walk will be the best way to get to the rail. Feeder buses will pick-up residents in neighborhoods and drop them off at the rail stations. Park and rides will be built in some areas for those who must drive to the station. Once at the station, a cup of coffee, bento-to-go or newspaper will await you. If you have time, a nearby restaurant will happily fill your hunger pangs. The stress of sitting in traffic will be gone, and a clean, air-conditioned train will operate on a consistent schedule for your transportation needs.
TODs will incorporate smart development theories and practices; less use of vehicles, more pedestrian walkways, safe bikeways, convenient connectivity for residents; useful establishments, institutions, and facilities which will be utilized by residents. From housing to shopping, healthcare and social services, education and recreation, transit-oriented developments along rail transit lines will be valuable as planners, developers, and government officials create communities of the future. These developments will not happen overnight, but as a transit line matures and ridership increases, new TODs surrounding rail stations will make sense practically and economically. If done properly, TODs will help keep more land in agriculture and conservation, thus leaving more open space for all of us to enjoy. Our natural environment is so precious, and the decisions we make today will impact our islands tomorrow. Let’s develop the urban core in a smart manner, and strive to keep the country country. Transit-oriented developments are part of the answer.
Senator Will Espero represents the 20th Senatorial District (Waipahu, Ewa, Ewa Beach and West Loch) on the Island of Oahu. He also serves as the Chair of the Senate’s Public Safety Committee.