Downtown Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development Plan

City and County of Honolulu

Executive Summary

June 2014 Planning for Rail Transit

What is Honolulu Rail Transit? The Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project is between East Kapolei and the Ala Moana Center. The rail currently being undertaken by the U.S. Department of project is expected to help reduce the growth of traffic Transportation Federal Transit Administration and the congestion by taking cars off the road; improve travel reli- City and County of Honolulu. The rail system is projected ability; shorten travel times for most riders between home for completion in 2019 and will extend approximately 20 and work; and increase transportation options by transit, miles across Oahu. It will run on a fixed guideway system bicycle, and on foot. in an exclusive elevated right-of-way, serving 21 stations PEARL CITY

Leeward Community Pearl Highlands WAIPAHU !! College !! 'AIEA Waipahu Transit Center !! !! Pearl Ridge West Loch !! MAKAKILO ! ! Aloha Stadium !! Ho'opili PEARL HARBOR

! ! UH West Oahu SALT LAKE !! Pearl Harbor

!! East Kapolei

Middle Street Lagoon Transit Center !! Drive !! Honolulu Airport !! KALIHI !! Kalihi

Kapalama Honolulu !! International Airport KAPOLEI 'EWA BEACH !! Iwilei !! Chinatown DOWNTOWN !! Downtown

!! Civic Center Kaka'ako !! Ala Moana PACIFIC OCEAN !!

How Can We Prepare for It? Pacific OceanIntegrating neighborhood planning with rail planning is The Department of Planning and Permitting is currently essential to realizing the full potential of this major transit preparing Neighborhood TOD Plans to help integrate investment. land use and transportation planning around the rail stations in anticipation of the rail project. The plans are in- tended to address opportunities for new development and of open spaces, and remarkable views. The planning pro- holistically plan for orderly growth and improved acces- cess for the Downtown corridor has involved public work- sibility around the stations. shops, advisory committee meetings, and a community needs survey. Throughout the process, the community has The Downtown corridor includes the Downtown, China- acknowledged the corridor’s opportunity to become a well- town, and Iwilei station areas. It is home to Oahu’s center connected, compact, and mixed-use part of the city. of employment, the historic Chinatown district, a variety The Downtown Neighborhood TOD Plan

What are the Objectives of the Plan? The Downtown Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Develop- and educational centers, and a new high-intensity mixed- ment (TOD) Plan articulates a vision for the future of the use neighborhood in Iwilei. New open spaces, entertain- Downtown corridor and will guide its development over ment venues, and a waterfront promenade will enhance the next era of the city’s growth. It will enhance transit ac- livability, and an improved circulation network will con- cess and walkability by enabling more people to live and nect residents, workers, and tourists to key destinations, work within walking distance of a rail station. The Plan en- homes, and jobs. visions more diverse housing, employment opportunities,

What is TOD? Transit-oriented development (TOD) typically refers to development within easy walking distance of a major transit stop that both capitalizes on and supports transit ridership. TOD may be redevelopment of existing facilities or new development. Transit stops may be rail stations, major bus stops, or other well-used transit hubs. The areas where TOD typically occurs is the ¼- or ½-mile radius around the station/stop (a five or ten-minute walk). TOD should be designed at the pedestrian scale, since all transit trips begin and end as walking trips.

TOD is typically moderate to higher density development, with a mix of residences, employment, and shopping. Higher densities are an important part of TOD in order to encourage use of transit, reduce the area devoted to parking, and support shopping, open space, and pedestrian facilities. Higher densities also create more housing choices and affordable housing, and reduce household transportation costs.

How Will the Plan Affect Me? Improved transit access and new shopping and services A new high intensity mixed-use district in Iwilei would adjacent to the rail will be beneficial for residents and em- provide housing in close proximity to Downtown and ployees in Downtown and Chinatown, where densities are the rail system and neighborhood amenities, including already high and parking is limited. It will enable visitors stores, public facilities, social services, and parks. Iwilei from other parts of the island going to Chinatown to take could become a new and attractive neighborhood for a transit, relieve parking pressures, and spur revitalization variety of population segments—professionals working in of Aloha Tower, by making it easily accessible from other Downtown or Kalihi, young people just starting out their parts of the city. It will enable community members to en- careers, as well as seniors who want convenient access to joy new uses throughout Downtown, such as restaurants services without having to drive. and retail shopping, as well as convenient access by rail to other parts of the city. COMMUNITY VISION: Downtown Honolulu will continue to be the region’s premier employment center with a substantial residential population and easy access to stores and everyday amenities. An accessible and activated waterfront with promenades and community uses, a vibrant, historic Chinatown, and a new high intensity mixed-use Iwilei district as an extension of Downtown, will create a new image for Downtown Honolulu. Guiding Principles for Downtown Neighborhood 1. Develop a Vibrant Mixed-Use Downtown

Expand hours of operation and uses, such as restaurants, retail, and waterfront destinations, that will encourage activity at night and on weekends. Develop visitor- and locally-serving commercial, and potentially hospitality, uses to provide greater vibrancy. Preserve, enhance, and celebrate existing buildings and proper- ties of human scale and historic value, as well as scenic and cultural landmarks. Encourage residential uses to enable people to live closer to jobs and provide “eyes on the street,” improving real and perceived safety.

2. Enhance Downtown’s Waterfront Orientation

Provide a promenade along the waterfront; enable easier pedestrian crossing of Nimitz High- way; and redevelop the Aloha Tower area as a regional destination with community-oriented uses and activities that draw people from afar. Provide attractions, signage, and information to encourage cruise ship passengers to explore Downtown.

3. Expand Housing Opportunities and Provide a Range of Housing Types

Develop new housing of varied types, including affordable, family-friendly and mixed income, to allow a range of household types—from young professionals and first-time home buyers to fixed-income seniors—the opportunity to live Downtown. Ensure affordability at the start of redevelopment through incentives and regulations. Provide solutions to accommodate the homeless population off the streets and enable re-integration through the provision of social services. COMMUNITY VISION: Downtown Honolulu will continue to be the region’s premier employment center with a substantial residential population and easy access to stores and everyday amenities. An accessible and activated waterfront with promenades and community uses, a vibrant, historic Chinatown, and a new high intensity mixed-use Iwilei district as an extension of Downtown, will create a new image for Downtown Honolulu.

4. Balance Density with Green Space

Ensure good access to open spaces and parks to balance the density of Downtown by improving existing facilities and strategically providing new green spaces. Plant street trees, provide small plazas and community gardens, and consider rooftop open spaces. Ensure that parks are safe, clean, well-lit, and offer a variety of activities. Emphasize a network of mauka-makai green space connections.

5. Create an Integrated and Convenient Transportation Network

Ensure that rail stations are attractive, safe, clean, and accessible by pedestrian routes and crossings, and provide safe bicycle facilities and direct bus/ shuttle connections. Develop a coordinated parking strategy and standards that emphasize transit and pedestrian movement, rather than cars.

6. Provide Quality Public Improvements

Support transit ridership with directional signs, public restrooms, improved lighting, clean streets, and wider sidewalks. Develop a promenade along Nimitz Highway/Ala Moana Boulevard that would highlight views of the waterfront and its connection to the rest of Downtown and Chinatown. Preserve and create mauka-makai views from public streets and existing and new developments. Community Character

1/2 M ILE Downtown Corridor RAD The TOD Plan Concept Map illustrates the vision and guid- IUS Fig. TOD Plan Concept ing principles for the Plan, including generalized land uses, TOD PLAN CONCEPT Generalized Land Use conceptual park locations, key destinations, views, and con- KOHOU ST Residential KapalamaKOKEA CanalST N. VINEYARD BLVD nections. The future land uses, which are described in detail in Mixed Use (Medium Intensity) N. KING ST the Plan, provide the foundation for development around the Mixed Use (High Intensity) Honolulu Community Commercial Of ce ! 1 three Downtown corridor stations. (! DILLINGHAM BLVD /4 MILE R College AD Public/Quasi-Public IUS Industrial Kaiulani PUA LN Public Park Downtown Station Area Elementary Overlook Point The Plan enhances Downtown as the region’s premier employ- Activity Node ALAKAWA ST ment center with a wide mix of uses. The range of day and Proposed Promenade LILIHA ST evening uses will be expanded to create a regional destination, Proposed Street Existing Pedestrian Bridge IWILEI ! with waterfront activities, a revitalized Aloha Tower and Fort Proposed Pedestrian Bridge !( Street Mall, and potential new development on the HECO Freeway Foster Major Street AALA ST power plant site. This area will contain the tallest building New District Botanic m Road Bridge a e r Garden heights and highest densities of the planning area. Bishop IWILEI RD t S Street and the Fort Street Mall will provide mauka-makai con- !! Proposed Rail Line/Station Dole n u ’ u a u nections between the station, Downtown offices, and the wa- N Cannery COLLEGE WALK RIVER ST terfront area. N. NIMITZ HWY Kekaulike Mall N. KUKUI ST

Mixed-use designations accommodate a range of uses, !! MAUNAKEA ST CHINATOWN( N. HOTEL ST N. BERETANIA ST SMITH ST including residential, shopping, employment, and cultural, N. NIMITZ HWY that support neighborhood vibrancy at various times of NUUANU AVE the day and week. BETHEL ST Hawaii Fort Paci c Street University Mall BISHOP ST Chinatown Station Area ALAKEA ST S. KING ST Aloha Tower This neighborhood, which is on the National Register of His- Marketplace RICHARDS ST toric Places, will retain its historic character and scale. It will Hawaii ! continue to have a wide mix of uses, while key opportunities DOWNTOWN (! State Civic Capitol for development, such as on surface parking lots along Nimitz Center Honolulu Highway, are pursued. New uses and public services will ac- PUNCHBOWL ST Harbor commodate the needs of seniors, children, and families. Part of the Plan’s strategy is to create concentrated areas of vitality by encouraging Iwilei Station Area active ground-floor uses, particularly in the

Downtown station area. These uses include QUEEN ST The most transformative vision for TOD in the planning area ALA MOANA BLVD retail stores, restaurants and cafés, markets, is the new high-intensity mixed-use Iwilei district. This new personal services (e.g. salons, banks, travel full-service urban neighborhood includes residences, public agencies), theaters, and galleries. Uses with (!! facilities, and neighborhood services, including retail, en- active frontages allow window-shopping and entice customers inside with visible and Sand Island tertainment and restaurant uses. It serves as an extension of State SOUTH ST attractive entrances. Recreation Downtown and a transition to the Kalihi area. A network of Area new streets provides better access to the transit station, and better connects the area to the waterfront and to Downtown. 0 500 1,000 2,000 FEET

1/2 M ILE RAD Downtown Corridor IUS Fig. TOD Plan Concept

Generalized Land Use KOHOU ST

Residential KapalamaKOKEA CanalST N. VINEYARD BLVD Mixed Use (Medium Intensity) N. KING ST Mixed Use (High Intensity) Honolulu In the Iwilei station area, existing big box stores should be redesigned and redeveloped into Commercial Of ce ! Community more attractive and intensely-utilized retail destinations with a vertical mix of uses. Structured (! DILLINGHAM BLVD 1/4 MILE College RAD Public/Quasi-Public IUS parking which also free up land for other uses, allowing a more intense, urban atmosphere. Industrial Kaiulani PUA LN Public Park Elementary Overlook Point Activity Node ALAKAWA ST Proposed Promenade LILIHA ST Proposed Street Existing Pedestrian Bridge IWILEI ! Proposed Pedestrian Bridge !( Freeway Foster Major Street AALA ST New District Botanic m Road Bridge a e r Garden IWILEI RD t !! Proposed Rail Line/Station S Dole n u ’ u a u N Cannery COLLEGE WALK RIVER ST N. NIMITZ HWY Kekaulike Mall N. KUKUI ST

!! MAUNAKEA ST CHINATOWN( N. HOTEL ST N. BERETANIA ST SMITH ST

N. NIMITZ HWY

NUUANU AVE BETHEL ST Chinatown’s markets, shops, restaurants, First Fridays, and other events are important destinations for local residents and visitors. Existing uses will grow Hawaii and expand in a way that is consistent with the district’s character, and new Fort Paci c Street University development designed in accordance with Chinatown Special District regulations. Mall BISHOP ST ALAKEA ST S. KING ST Aloha Tower Marketplace RICHARDS ST Hawaii ! DOWNTOWN (! State Civic Capitol Center Honolulu PUNCHBOWL ST Harbor

QUEEN ST

ALA MOANA BLVD

(!!

Sand Island State SOUTH ST Recreation A conceptual three-dimensional computer model was prepared to analyze how Area various height and intensity regulations could influence development. Render- ings shown here illustrate how future buildings will be consistent with existing 0 500 1,000 2,000 development in Chinatown and Downtown, and establish a new high-intensity FEET district in Iwilei. N. SCHOOL ST

Downtown Corridor Kalakaua N. KUAKINI ST District Park Fig. 9 Circulation Street Network MOOKAULA ST Freeway Existing Street

1/2 MILE Proposed Street RAD IUS Road Bridge MOOWAA ST

WAIAKAMILO RD KAUMUALII ST Pedestrian and Bicycle KOHOU ST Network Kapalama Canal KOKEA ST N. VINEYARD BLVD Existing Bike Lane/Route (Class II or III) Proposed Bike Lane/Route (Class II or III) Honolulu Proposed Promenade Community ! DILLINGHAM BLVD 1/4 Existing Pedestrian/Bike Path (Class I) (! College MILE R AD IUS Proposed Pedestrian/Bike Path (Class I) Kaiulani N. KING ST Proposed Sidewalk Improvements Elementary PUA LN Existing Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Streets & Transportation Proposed Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Proposed Crossing Improvements Kauluwela ! The Downtown Neighborhood TOD Plan recommends Waterfront Promenade ALAKAWA ST Community ! Proposed Rail Line/Station Park LILIHA ST creating an integrated and convenient multi-modal circula- A promenade is proposed along the Downtown/China- TOD Zone tion network that emphasizes transit and pedestrian move- town waterfront and along Nuuanu Stream. With consis- IWILEI (!! ment. Improvements are located primarily within the TOD Beretania tent landscaping and improved pedestrian crossings, the Community ¨¦§H1 Zone—an area that encompasses most of the corridor’s sites promenades would provide a route that is attractive, peace- N. NIMITZ HWY Park Foster N. BERETANIA ST Botanic AALA ST with development or redevelopment potential, and the area m Garden ful, and directly accessible from the rail stations. a e IWILEI RD r t where special district regulations will apply. The foundation Dole S Cannery n u Aala ’ u a u of this network is local streets, which will be designed and N Park NUUANU AVE K AL N. KUKUI ST maintained to accommodate all users, consistent with the Walkable and bikable communities not only enhance GE W COLLE RIVER ST

City’s Complete Streets policy. The TOD Plan identifies -po livability, but also support increased transit ridership. N. PAUAHI ST

tential locations for new local streets that provide the neigh- PALI HWY Kekaulike borhood’s basic transportation and open space framework ! Mall S. VINEYARD BLVD CHINATOWN !( N. HOTELTransit ST Only and improve access to the rail stations and existing and fu- Bicycle Facilities SMITH ST N. NIMITZ HWY MAUNAKEA ST ture development. Proposed streets are primarily located in The Plan’s recommended bicycle routes (Class III), lanes

the Iwilei station area to provide access within the proposed BETHEL ST Fort (Class II), and paths (Class I) efficiently and safely con- Street mixed-use district and to Chinatown and Downtown. nect bicyclists to the rail stations, to destinations within Mall the Downtown corridor, and to the regional bike network. In addition to local streets, the TOD Plan identifies a Based on the Draft Oahu Bike Plan, this plan designates a range of improvements to pedestrian and bicycle facilities. number of new bicycle facilities within the corridor as well S. KING ST These elements enhance neighborhood accessibility, attrac- BISHOP ST as new routes and lanes on proposed new streets; under the Aloha Tower Irwin tiveness, and safety while also expanding mobility options Hawaii rail guideway; and on the waterfront promenade. Marketplace Park and reducing reliance on vehicles for all trips. ! State (! Capitol S. BERETANIA ST DOWNTOWN ALAKEA ST SAND ISLAND PKWY

Sidewalk and Crossing Honolulu RICHARDS ST Harbor Civic Improvements Center MILILANI ST

The Plan recommends a number of i L I L I H A S T ax N V IN E YA R D B LV D r T specific sidewalk improvements. Im- te MIKOLE ST Wa PUNCHBOWL ST provements include installing side- S. KING ST

QUEEN ST P O walks or striping where appropriate; ALA MOANA BLVD T E N T I A installing a new pedestrian bridge L S T R E E T across Nuuanu Stream; increasing S U KAPIOLANI BLVD M Sand Island N E sidewalk width; and adding lighting, R N K I N G S T State S T PA CST CFI I shade trees, street furniture, direc- Recreation SOUTH ST Area I W I L E I R D N B E R E TA N IA S T tional signage, and other pedestrian COOKE ST AALA HALEKAUWILA ST PARK amenities. NUUANU STREAM

KEAWE ST

T S NG I K N

0 500 1,000 2,000 CORAL ST

FEET N BERETANIA BLVD WARD AVE

N NIMITZ HWY

Potential New Development Proposed Rail Station Proposed New HCC Buildings (Long Range Development Plan) N. SCHOOL ST

Downtown Corridor Kalakaua N. KUAKINI ST District Park CIRCULATIONFig. 9 Circulation CONCEPT Street Network MOOKAULA ST Freeway Existing Street

1/2 MILE Proposed Street RAD IUS Road Bridge MOOWAA ST

N. BERETANIA ST Botanic AALA ST m Garden a e IWILEI RD r t Dole S Cannery n u Aala ’ u a u N Park NUUANU AVE K AL N. KUKUI ST GE W COLLE RIVER ST

N. PAUAHI ST

PALI HWY Kekaulike ! Mall S. VINEYARD BLVD !( N. HOTELTransit ST Only CHINATOWN SMITH ST

N. NIMITZ HWY MAUNAKEA ST

BETHEL ST Fort Street Mall

S. KING ST

BISHOP ST Aloha Tower Irwin Hawaii Marketplace Park ! State (! Capitol S. BERETANIA ST DOWNTOWN ALAKEA ST SAND ISLAND PKWY

Honolulu RICHARDS ST Harbor Civic Center MILILANI ST

i ax r T te MIKOLE ST Wa PUNCHBOWL ST S. KING ST

QUEEN ST

ALA MOANA BLVD

Sand Island KAPIOLANI BLVD State Recreation SOUTH ST Area COOKE ST

HALEKAUWILA ST

KEAWE ST

0 500 1,000 2,000 CORAL ST

FEET WARD AVE Urban Design Urban design determines the character, feel, and livability of • Community Parks that offer a range of recreation an area. The Downtown Neighborhood TOD Plan addresses opportunities and amenities. physical urban design elements such as buildings, blocks, and • Small urban parks and plazas, including public/ streets, as well as the location, orientation and design of open private spaces developed as part of new develop- space, the pedestrian realm, and landscaping elements. The ments, that provide space for rest and shade near basic elements of urban design that the Plan regulates are the transit stops. public realm and open space, such as parks and plazas. Successful parks are well-lit, visible from public streets, Public Realm thoughtfully programmed, and part of larger a connected Defined as the space between the built environment and the network of public spaces. street edge, the public realm is integral to user’s experience in an urban area. It provides policies to inform the design of, • “Green Streets” that connect existing and planned among other elements, sidewalk and streetscapes, building open spaces to create an open space network and facades and massing, and parking. The Plan’s goal is to create highlight views. Green Streets are characterized by a memorable and livable streets and streetscapes that promote regular spacing of large shade-providing street trees identity and enhance pedestrian comfort and safety. on both sides of the street. • Promenades along the waterfront and Nuuanu Open Space Stream, which provide opportunities to walk, bike, The Plan proposes several new parks and open spaces, and and sit along the waterfront. green connections between them. These spaces, which will help to balance the density of development, include: Below: Conceptual illustration of an improved Irwin Park, serving as a gathering place for Downtown workers, nearby residents, and Aloha Tower visitors. N. SCHOOL ST

Downtown Corridor Kalakaua N. KUAKINI ST District Park Fig.OPEN SPACEOpen AND Space and PUBLIC PublicREALM CONCEPTRealm

MOOKAULA ST Open Space Public Park/Open Space 1 /2 MIL E RA Potential Park Location DIU MOOWAA ST S (Conceptual)

KAUMUALII ST WAIAKAMILO RD Public Realm KOHOU ST Kapalama Canal Proposed Promenade KOKEA ST N. VINEYARD BLVD Sidewalk Improvements Green Streets Facade Improvements ! (! 1/4 MILE Overlook Point RAD IUS Existing Pedestrian/Bike Path N. KING ST Proposed Pedestrian/Bike Path PUA LN Proposed Streets DILLINGHAM BLVD Existing Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Proposed Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Kauluwela Community ALAKAWA ST Road Bridge Park LILIHA ST !! Proposed Rail Line/Station IWILEI !(! TOD Zone Beretania Community Park ¨¦§H1 N. NIMITZ HWY Foster Botanic AALA ST m Garden a e IWILEI RD r t Dole S u Cannery n LK ’ u a Aala A u E W N Park EG NUUANU AVE OLL N. KUKUI ST C RIVER ST

N. BERETANIA ST N. PAUAHI ST MAUNAKEA ST

PALI HWY

! Kekaulike S. VINEYARD BLVD CHINATOWN(! Mall N. HOTELSMITH ST ST

N. NIMITZ HWY

Fort Street Mall

BETHEL ST

S. KING ST

Aloha Tower Irwin BISHOP ST Hawaii Marketplace Park State (!! Capitol S. BERETANIA ST DOWNTOWN ALAKEA ST SAND ISLAND PKWY

Honolulu RICHARDS ST Harbor Civic Center MILILANI ST

MIKOLE ST PUNCHBOWL ST S. KING ST

ALA MOANA BLVD

QUEEN ST

(!! KAPIOLANI BLVD Sand Island

State SOUTH ST Recreation Area COOKE ST HALEKAUWILA ST

KEAWE ST

0 500 1,000 2,000 CORAL ST

FEET WARD AVE How and When Will the Plan be Implemented?

The Plan works together with the City’s other regulatory the short-term in advance of or soon after the rail is fully documents, including the Land Use Ordinance, to outline operational in 2019; other development projects and im- the vision, policies, and specific regulations for new devel- provements may take as many as 20 or 30 years to come to opment, while providing enough flexibility to allow land fruition. The City is preparing zoning regulations that will owners and applicants to make decisions based on market create a TOD Special District to explicitly promote TOD demands and economic conditions. It is anticipated that and help implement the Plan’s vision. In addition, the Plan most new development and support infrastructure will be suggests funding mechanisms and priorities for regional privately funded. Some development may take place in support infrastructure.

Planning Process

The Downtown Neighborhood TOD Plan has been de- Full Plan Available at: veloped through a four-phase process that began in De- http://dev.honoluludpp.org/planning.aspx cember 2010. Community involvement has been integral to shaping the Plan—it is the users, such as local residents and workers, who can best determine how to create a bal- Contact anced and livable urban environment with the introduc- Raymond Young tion of rail. City & County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting The process has involved neighborhood board meetings, 650 South King Street, 7th Floor, public workshops, interviews, a community survey, a proj- Honolulu, HI 96813 ect website, and the release of a Public Review Draft in (808) 768-8049 September 2012. The Final Downtown Neighborhood [email protected] TOD Plan was published in June 2014.