Kalihi Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development Plan
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City and County of Honolulu Kalihi Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development Plan 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 !! KAPOLEI International Airport ! 'EWA BEACH ! Iwilei !! Chinatown DOWNTOWN !! Downtown !! Civic Center Kaka'ako !! Ala Moana !! PACIFIC OCEAN How Can We Prepare for It? Integrating neighborhood planning with rail planning is The Department of Planning and Permitting is currentlyPacific Ocean 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 sta- tions in anticipation of the rail project. The plans are in- tended to address opportunities for new development and residents and new immigrants. The planning process for holistically plan for orderly growth and improved acces- the Kalihi corridor has involved public workshops, advi- sibility around the stations. sory committee meetings, and a community needs survey. Throughout the process, the community has acknowledged The Kalihi corridor includes the Kapalama, Kalihi, and the corridor’s opportunity to become a well-connected, Middle Street station areas. It hosts a range of small com- compact, and mixed-use part of the city. mercial and industrial businesses and is home to long-time The Kalihi Neighborhood TOD Plan What are the Objectives of the Plan? The Kalihi Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development reinvigorated educational centers, and a new mixed-use (TOD) Plan articulates a vision for the future of the Ka- neighborhood in Kapalama. New open spaces and a new lihi corridor and will guide its development over the next promenade along Kapalama Canal will enhance livability. era of the city’s growth. It will enhance transit access and An enhanced circulation network in the Kapalama station walkability by enabling more people to live and work with- area, as well as improved accessibility within the Middle in walking distance of a rail station. The Plan envisions Street station area, will better connect residents, workers, more diverse housing and employment opportunities, and tourists to key destinations, homes, and jobs. 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 pedes- trian 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 shop- ping, open space, and pedestrian facilities. Higher densities also create more hous- ing 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 Kapalama would adjacent to the rail will be beneficial for residents and em- provide housing in close proximity to Downtown and the ployees in Kalihi, where parking is limited. It will enable rail system and a full complement of neighborhood ame- community members to enjoy new uses throughout Ka- nities, including stores, public facilities, social services, lihi, such as restaurants and convenience retail, as well as and parks. Kapalama could become a new and attractive rail access to other parts of the city. Streetscape and circu- neighborhood for a variety of population segments—pro- lation improvements throughout the Kalihi corridor will fessionals working in Downtown or Kalihi, young people make the neighborhood more walkable and bikable, and just starting out their careers, students attending Honolulu Kapalama Canal and Keehi Lagoon Park will both become Community College, as well as seniors who want conve- more accessible and better integrated into the area. nient access to services without having to drive. COMMUNITY VISION: Kalihi will be a livable urban community with a balance of employment, residential, and recreational uses that enjoy high- quality transit access and reflect the area’s central location and rich cultural heritage. Neighborhoods will be pedestrian- and transit-friendly, where children walk to school, parents shop for basic goods near their homes, and community members enjoy access to good jobs, good food, safe streets, and quality open spaces, housing, and services. Revitalized districts in strategic locations, particularly around Kapalama Station, will capitalize on the presence of Honolulu Community College, the area’s proximity to Downtown, and its natural resources. The community’s ethnic, income, age, and small business diversity is maintained and enhanced through a variety of housing, commercial, education, and economic opportunities. The corridor’s assemblage of varied districts—Kapalama, Kalihi, and Middle Street—will retain unique identities as they develop and evolve. Guiding Principles for Kalihi Neighborhood 1. Revitalize Kalihi into a More Livable Community Promote redevelopment/re-use depending on the unique conditions around each station. Invest in the community by enhancing existing facilities and encouraging new development that supports the community vision and capitalizes on transit access. 2. Maintain and Enhance Diversity Enhance the unique character of Kalihi includ- ing its multiple ethnicities, multi-generational households, small “mom and pop” businesses, mix of uses, and housing affordability. Address concerns about maintaining the affordability of housing, small businesses, and industrial/ware- house uses. 3. Improve the Quality of Public Spaces Integrate the rail stations into their surroundings; improve overall streetscapes, including sidewalk improvements/provision, trees and landscaping, new streets to provide better walking connec- tions (particularly mauka-makai connections), and undergrounding of utilities; provide safe and accessible parks and open spaces. COMMUNITY VISION: Kalihi will be a livable urban community with a balance of employment, residential, and recreational uses that enjoy high- quality transit access and reflect the area’s central location and rich cultural heritage. Neighborhoods will be pedestrian- and transit-friendly, where children walk to school, parents shop for basic goods near their homes, and community members enjoy access to good jobs, good food, safe streets, and quality open spaces, housing, and services. Revitalized districts in strategic locations, particularly around Kapalama Station, will capitalize on the presence of Honolulu Community College, the area’s proximity to Downtown, and its natural resources. The community’s ethnic, income, age, and small business diversity is maintained and enhanced through a variety of housing, commercial, education, and economic opportunities. The corridor’s assemblage of varied districts—Kapalama, Kalihi, and Middle Street—will retain unique identities as they develop and evolve. 4. Improve Connections to the Waterfront Improve access to Sand Island recreational areas and Keehi Lagoon Park from the Middle Street Transit Center and enable safe and comfortable pedestrian crossing of Nimitz Highway. Enable pedestrian and bicycle access and views of the waterfront, where feasible. 5. Create a Convenient and Accessible Transportation Network Create a convenient transportation system that integrates bus and rail transit, bicycle facilities, pedestrian connections, and adequate off-street parking. Provide a consistent set of amenities in and around each rail station (e.g. adequate light- ing, bicycle parking) to ensure safety and meet basic service needs. 6. Increase Public Safety Add lighting, find solutions for the homeless popu- lation, abate graffiti, encourage new residential and active uses that provide “eyes on the street,” and offer programs for youth to ensure that community members feel safe and that streets are clean and attractive. H201 Kalihi Corridor 1 /2 KILIHAU ST M H1 I LE Fig. TOD Plan Concept R Fort Shafter A D IU S Generalized Land Use Moanalua Stream Residential Mixed Use (Medium Intensity) Community Character