PLANNING INITIATIVES
These City-initiated planning and design projects support implementation of the neighborhood TOD plan visions and recommendations (see the Neighborhoods page), while also serving to catalyze new development. Projects may focus on specific sites, neighborhoods, or the entire rail corridor. Check the News page and individual project pages below for involvement opportunities.
Blaisdell Center Master Plan
For over half a century, the City’s Neal S. Blaisdell Center complex has been a gathering place for performances and community events situated a few blocks from the future Kakaako rail transit station. Besides general island growth, this station area is experiencing tremendous change and development, with thousands of new multifamily housing units being planned or constructed nearby. The City has prepared a master plan to renovate and modernize the arena and concert hall, build a new exhibition hall and parking structures, and create new public and commercial spaces on site.
Chinatown Action Plan
Honolulu’s Chinatown is a beloved and vibrant place that already has the framework of a transit and pedestrian-oriented community. The community’s vision for this community—as expressed in the Downtown Neighborhood TOD Plan—is the preservation of the historic district, upgrades to the public realm (both streets and parks), connection to the waterfront, and the addition of uses that strengthen its economic vitality. This action plan focuses on producing near-term results, involving street placemaking, sanitary and safety upgrades, promotion of economy, and park improvements among other items.
Kapalama Canal Catalytic Project
The Kapalama Canal Catalytic Project is located near the future Kapalama rail transit station. The plan is to create a linear park along Kapalama Canal, including waterfront promenades, gathering places, Complete Streets improvements to Kokea and Kohou Streets, green infrastructure and water quality improvements, connections to Honolulu Community College and future developments, a possible pedestrian bridge over the canal, and more. This project is intended as a catalyst to spur broader neighborhood improvements and urban, mixed-use development consistent with the vision laid out in the Kalihi Neighborhood TOD Plan.
Iwilei/Kapalama Infrastructure Master Planning
The Iwilei/Kapalama district has been designated as an area for major population growth. Given the anticipated impacts of climate change and sea level rise on the district, the City is developing strategies for investing in it that prioritize resilience. The City conducted the Iwilei/Kapalama TOD Infrastructure Needs Assessment to identify improvements needed to support new development around the future Iwilei and Kapalama rail transit stations. The assessment concluded that nearly all infrastructure systems need to be upgraded to allow for the anticipated growth.
Waipahu Town Action Plan
Waipahu has a long and proud history as a historical “mill town” and it has been a first home to different waves of ethnic groups that have immigrated to the islands. This action plan augments goals from prior neighborhood planning, including the Waipahu Neighborhood TOD Plan, to build on the historic “old town” plantation character, enhance the business district within walking distance of the transit center, and improve transit connectivity by extending the pedestrian and bicycle network. The actions include near-term projects as well as steps for implementing longer-term strategies to emphasize and build upon Waipahu Town’s unique quality and character.
Wayfinding
TOD is about creating a more sustainable future for Oahu by increasing the number of people who live, work, and visit within a short walk of transit. A successful wayfinding program provides clear and consistent information located where and when people need it. Wayfinding components comprise a variety of physical and digital elements, including maps and signs, which are designed to be easily identifiable, maintained, and updated. Wayfinding provides people with trustworthy information and encourages exploration, discovery, and repeat visits.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A: Visit our Project Partners page to see other TOD projects occurring on Oahu, including the State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development TOD projects in support of the Hawaii Interagency Council for TOD.
A: Visit the Neighborhoods page to see the planning projects particular to each TOD neighborhood. Site-specific development projects are listed separately under the Development Projects page.
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