Building Community and Prosperity in East Kapolei’s Transit-Oriented Development

Having made significant contributions to the regional planning of Honolulu's transit system nearly 20 years ago, HDR has been tasked to work as a sub-consultant to Munekiyo Hiraga in order to develop the master plan for one of the region’s largest transit oriented development located in East Kapolei. Spanning 168 acres of land stretched across two gulches, the site, owned by Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, will harmoniously integrate residential housing, light industrial warehouses, a 180-key hotel and mixed-use commercial spaces surrounding the rail station, as well as improve connection to and from the University of Hawaii West O’ahu campus. The result will be an expansive, well-connected neighborhood that embodies cohesion and accessibility.

Creating an Amenity-Rich, Pedestrian-Friendly Neighborhood

Due to a severe housing shortage and lack of retail in East Kapolei, the Keone’ae light rail station area has failed to provide residents and visitors with adequate neighborhood amenities. The lack of walking paths and green space to create safe pedestrian areas forces community members to travel for most of their basic needs. To create a neighborhood where residents can easily navigate and establish a community within, HDR’s design team developed a plan geared towards enhanced usability and connectivity. 

• The site’s design is inspired by the surrounding area and elements, forming connections between the four parcels of land that resemble a lei to symbolize community and connection. 
• To help combat the island’s housing shortage, the project has the capacity to provide up to 2,000 residential units (1,000 units planned for now), a large portion of which will comprise affordable housing.
• A bus transit center, located next to the train station, will offer the neighborhood a secondary transit option with six different bus lines; a structured park-and-ride will also be added.
• Approximately 125,000 square feet will be dedicated to mixed-used commercial space, forming a main street that will provide retail options to residents and increase the area’s cash flow.
• A dense network of streets organized into smaller blocks helps enforce reduced speed limits and improve permeability for pedestrians, making it easier and safer to walk, bike and drive through the neighborhood. 

TOD That Brings Together East Kapolei

The burgeoning community this new plan will help set into action sets a strong foundation for East Kapolei while ensuring sustained income for the region. A bustling main street and expansive green spaces not only enhance the neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal but also encourage and motivate residents to actively engage with their surroundings, fostering the development of a tightly knit and vibrant community.