The University of Hawaiʻi has been selected to receive $250,000 to study transit-oriented development (TOD) and revenue generating potential for UH West Oʻahu non-campus lands in East Kapolei. The approximately 200 acres are located to the east and south of the campus.
“The study will help the university better plan for future growth around the vibrant UH West Oʻahu campus that could include the delivery of new housing, retail, office and other supporting services in a walkable, mixed-use development approach,” said UH System Director of Strategic Development and Partnership Michael Shibata.
The study will help the university better plan for future growth around the vibrant UH West Oʻahu campus…
—Michael Shibata
The study is among five projects statewide to receive a fiscal year 2023 transit-oriented development planning grant from an appropriation that the Hawaiʻi legislature made to the State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development (OPSD).
According to a letter from the OPSD to UH, “The OPSD evaluation team determined that the proposed project would advance State and County objectives for TOD around the Keoneʻae and Kualakaʻi (rail) Stations, foster mixed-use development around these stations, and promote realization of a vibrant town-gown community benefiting both UH and the community at large.”
Bonnie Arakawa, UH West Oʻahu director of planning & design, said UH will be working with the OPSD to develop a memorandum of understanding to ensure that the award criteria and scope are incorporated into the study.
“We are very appreciative to be selected by the state’s Office of Planning and Sustainable Development,” said Shibata. “The development feasibility study will help to serve as a guide for transit-oriented development opportunities at UH West Oʻahu by identifying potential phasing, investments needed in infrastructure to support each development phase, and potential long-term revenue-generating uses to support the university’s mission.”
Read more in Ka Puna O Kaloʻi.
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman
