In October, Director-Designate Kevin Auger, Executive Assistant Jennifer Ontai, and Planner Ailina Laborte from DHLM’s Finance Division participated in the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) Project Management Training Mobile Workshop in Seattle, Washington. The workshop served as the capstone to OahuMPO’s project management training program, offering a hands-on opportunity to observe how federally funded transportation projects are planned, delivered, and integrated into growing communities. Over several days, the DHLM team toured various parts of the greater Seattle region and met with state and local project managers, planners, engineers, and nonprofit housing organizations involved in the development and implementation of transit-oriented development (TOD) projects.
The workshop demonstrated how early coordination between transit and land use planning can improve outcomes for both mobility and housing. In Seattle, transportation agencies, planning departments, and housing organizations worked together from project inception to align infrastructure investments, zoning decisions, and community priorities. This type of coordination helped streamline permitting processes, reduce project delays, and ensure that new transit infrastructure supported neighborhood needs. The DHLM team observed how this approach contributed to the development of mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly areas around transit stations, with housing opportunities located near jobs, services, and public amenities.
“Seeing how other cities coordinate early and consistently across transportation, housing, and planning was extremely valuable,” said Jennifer Ontai, Executive Assistant for DHLM. “It gave us practical insight into how we can continue strengthening our own interagency work as we plan communities that are accessible, connected, and supportive of families.”
“The multi-modal tour of Seattle and its surrounding areas was an inspiring experience, said Ailina Laborte, Planner in DHLM’s Finance Division. “It showcased how integrated transit, walkability, and community-centered planning can truly shape vibrant, connected neighborhoods. I was inspired by how agencies across the region worked together to overcome challenges and deliver results. Their dedication to ensuring residents can get to work and to other community destinations shows what collaboration can achieve.”
The trip also highlighted how public-private and public–nonprofit partnerships can play an essential role in delivering affordable and workforce housing near transit. Seattle’s experience demonstrated how cities can work closely with developers and community organizations to leverage federal funding and local resources to maximize impact. Tools such as targeted incentive zoning, reduced parking requirements, and expedited project review were shown to be effective in supporting the long-term financial feasibility of TOD projects while advancing affordability goals.
Another key takeaway was Seattle’s use of data to evaluate mobility, safety, and equity outcomes. By reviewing how people move through and use transit-oriented neighborhoods, Seattle has been able to make informed decisions that improve access and community benefit over time. The DHLM team identified opportunities to explore similar data-driven evaluation tools in Honolulu to support future TOD decision-making and interagency coordination.
The lessons gained from the mobile workshop will help inform ongoing interdepartmental efforts on Oʻahu, particularly DHLM’s work to support transit-oriented redevelopment around the future Kūwili Station in Iwilei. By coordinating land use, housing, and transportation planning early in the process — and by exploring partnership models that support mixed-income housing near transit — the City can advance TOD projects that are cohesive, equitable, and reflective of community priorities.
As Honolulu continues to invest in rail infrastructure, the insights gained through this training will help shape strategies that promote connected, livable neighborhoods and expand access to housing opportunities for residents across generations.
