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AIA is For Light Rail for Honolulu – Let's Do Rail Right!

We must act now to change the current all-elevated, electrified ("hot") rail technology as planned by the City Administration to light rail technology.  If we begin construction of the project using the current planned technology (heavy rail), we will be locked into a future our citizens of Hawaii cannot afford. 

AIA is pro-rail and believes light rail is the right rail for Honolulu. Read why!

Is this the preferred future for our downtown Honolulu?

Simulation of City's planned downtown station at Bishop and Nimitz Highway

 Pictured:  Simulation of the City's proposed downtown station at Bishop Street and Nimitz Highway along route to Ala Moana Center.  Is this our preferred future for Honolulu's waterfront?

If We Build it Can we Afford it?

It is the citizens of Oahu who will bear the tremendous burden of funding over 80% of this proposed ~$5.4 billion dollar transportation solution—the largest public works project in the history of this state. 

Particularly in these challenging economic times, and in light of proposals by organizations such as AIA for more viable, flexible and cost-effective solution to address Oahu’s transportation problems, the citizens of Oahu deserve better accountability and additional consideration.  We must act now to change the proposed plans--before we lock ourselves into the selection of transit technology that the City and its citizens can ill afford.

The City's projected Phase 1 from West Kapolei to Ala Moana Center (20.5) miles is projected to cost $5.5 billon.  This is compared to a proposed "Hybrid" Light Rail System running elevated for 10.6 miles and at street level for 9.9 miles at a cost of $3.7 Billion. 
The projected savings is $1.8 Billion if we move to a proposed "Hybrid" Light Rail system--one that can run elevated or at street level as is best  for each community along the rail route. 
 

Why is AIA Speaking Out?

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the voice of the architectural profession and the resource for its members in service to society. As a local chapter of the AIA, the AIA Honolulu Chapter advocates for good design to advance our local communities.   AIA is concerned about transit as it impacts our entire built environment, our communities and our people. Together, we must look beyond a solution that focuses only on solving our transportation problems to one that addresses our long-term health, safety, welfare and economic well-being. 

AIA is pro rail and supports light rail!  AIA Calls for a choice of light rail as the right choice for Honolulu:  AIA Honolulu urges the City Administration and Honolulu City Council to select a light rail transit solution-- to purchase light rail technology that is capable of running at street level (at-grade) or elevated (above-grade) or cost-permitting, underground (below-grade) to accomodate the particular conditions within each of our communities on Oah'u.  Completely elevated third rail technology as currently planned by the City should not be our only option. We must adopt a system that is the best possible one to meet the long term needs of the citizens of Oahu.

  AIA's Case for Light Rail

Follow Media Coverage on Transit

Click here to open our transit media page to read about transit in the news.

2010 AIA/Governor's Panel on Transit

Architect Members of the AIA Honolulu Transit Task force were featured in a panel presentation sponsored by Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle.  Panelists shared the board-approved public policy position of the American Institute of Architects, Honolulu Chapter pertaining to the proposed Honolulu High Capacity Corridor Project.  Presentations highlighted research showing the benefits of a flexible (partially at-grade/partially elevated), steel on steel light rail system for Honolulu. 

An overflow crowd of more than 300 citizens, members of the media and public officials attended the event on Monday, January 18, 2010 from 9am- noon at the Hawai'i State Capitol Auditorium, State Capitol. 
As the Governor noted in her opening remarks, this event was intended as an opportunity for the citizens of Oahu to better understand the current Honolulu rail plans as proposed, understand the concerns of the AIA, and to ask questions regarding this largest proposed public works project in the history of Hawaii.

View Panel Presentation Online: The Panel Presentation can now be viewed on Governor Linda Lingle's website. To view you may need to download Real Player SP. Note, once you have downloaded the Real Player you might have to re-start our computer. The files take a long time to load so please be patient. Scroll down when you open the link and you will see Watch Part One and Part two of the discussion.

AIA Transit Task Force Panel Presenters:
Scott Wilson, AIA, AIA Honolulu Transit Task Force, Chair
Spencer Leineweber, FAIA, Historic Resource Committee & AIA Honolulu Vice President/President Elect, 2010
Jeffrey Nishi, AIA, 2009 AIA Honolulu President
Sidney Char, AIA, 2008 AIA Honolulu President
Peter Vincent, AIA, 2007 AIA Honolulu President

AIA's Transit Policy

Click here for our updated Public Policy on Transportation (PDF file) as approved on August 26, 2008 by the AIA Honolulu Board of Directors.

Read AIA Honolulu's more detailed Position Statement on Transit (PDF file) adopted on October 24, 2008 by the AIA Honolulu Board of Directors.

The AIA Honolulu Board Of Directors, on behalf on our local AIA membership, continues to work to extend our vision and influence through collaboration and dialog with elected officials, allied organizations and other key stakeholders. Our collective intent is to offer our suggestions, expertise, and alternatives to insure a viable fixed rail transit system for the people of Honolulu and its visitors.  In addition to pressing public concerns about affordability and cost-effectiveness of a transit system, AIA's advocacy efforts focus on five specific areas of importance:

  1. preservation of mauka-makai view corridors
  2. preservation of historic areas
  3. public health and safety
  4. sustainability
  5. maintain open waterfront access

AIA Honolulu strongly supports the concept and implementation of a fixed guideway system as an integral part of future plans to meet the growing needs of our island communities.  However, continued concern has been expressed over the appropriateness of the proposed elevated transit system particularly through the urban core of Honolulu.   We hope that our efforts will continue to promote thoughtful dialog within our island community to arrive at the best solution possible for Honolulu.

Visit our ADVOCACY center for a copy of the our entire roster of AIA Honolulu Public Policies, including the updated transit policy.  

Honolulu's "Primary Urban Center Development Plan"

 The Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUC DP) is part of the City’s policy over the next 20 years to shape growth and development from Pearl City to Waialae-Kahala.   
The Vision for the PUC describes the Honolulu of 2025. The Vision emphasizes retaining the qualities that attract both residents and visitors, while encouraging growth and redevelopment to accommodate the projected increases in jobs and residential population. The key elements of the vision reflect the size and importance of the PUC:
  • Honolulu’s natural, cultural and scenic resources are protected and enhanced.
  • Livable neighborhoods have business districts, parks and plazas, and walkable streets.
  • The PUC offers in-town housing choices for people of all ages and incomes.
  • Honolulu is the Pacific’s leading city and travel destination.

Click here to be directed to Honolulu.gov to learn the important role of the City's Primary Urban Center Development Plan.

AIA's Position Statement on Transit

The adopted AIA Position Statement on transit supports an at-grade system through the downtown urban core, based on further research of the AIA transit task force indicating that the costs of a below-grade system cannnot be feasibily supported by the current population base of Oahu and planned funding sources for this rapid transit project.  A flexible light rail system is key to AIA's position in support of present and future thoughtful, planned growth and development of Oahu.

In June 2008: AIA Honolulu conducted an online poll of its membership regarding the proposed elevated transit system in the downtown urban (Honolulu) core.  The poll invitation was sent via email on June 11, 2008, and survey responses were collected until the deadline of 5:00pm, June 18, 2008.  Of the ~650 AIA Honolulu chapter members contacted via an email Action Alert, 144 responded to the poll for a response rate of 22%. 

Click here for PDF summary results of the poll. A total of 90/144 member responses (62.5%) favored either at-grade or below grade through the downtown urban core.  A total of 41/144 members (28.4 %) indicated their preference for elevated rail through the urban core.  This feedback, along with considerations of AIA national policy, local AIA urban design policies, and the principles outlined in the City's Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUDC), led the AIA Honolulu Board of Directors to adopt a Transit Position Statement in favor of a flexible rail system for Honolulu--one that is capable of running elevated, at grade or below grade as warranted by the specific conditions of each community. 

The AIA position advocates for a combination of at-grade and elevated light rail as best fits conditions of each community.   A light rail could save an estimated two billion dollars in total project cost. 

Pictured Above:  SImulation of preferred at-grade light rail through the downtown urban core, as supported by AIA Honolulu position statement on transit for Honolulu. This simulation shows the latest wireless technology so there are no overhead wires. This is NOT currently planned for Honolulu's downtown, and AIA hopes to ultimately effect a change in technology and route over the long term. 

Read AIA Honolulu's Position Statement on Transit adopted on October 24, 2008 by the AIA Honolulu Board of Directors.

Click here for a summary (PDF file) of AIA Honolulu Board actions and member meetings that led to the development of AIA’s Transit policy and position statement.

Chronology of AIA Meetings and Correspondence with City Officials

July 18, 2010, Spencer Leinweber, FAIA, President-elect, AIA Honolulu sends follow-up letter to Mr. Ted Matley, FTA Region IX and Mr. Wayne Yoshioka, Department of Transportation Service,City & County of Honolulu regarding the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project Final Environmental Impact Statement/Additional Comments from AIA Honolulu. Click here to read.

February 26,  2008, the AIA Honolulu Board of Directors received a presentation from City officials, Toru Hamayasu and Wayne Yoshioka with city Depratment of Transportation Services. Then President Sid Char, AIA, organized this presentation in an effort to further strengthen communications between AIA Honolulu and the City.

March 17, 2008. Click here to read follow-up letter sent to Mayor Hannemann as summary of the Board’s February meeting with City transit officials. 

April 11, 2008: As follow-up to the Board Presentation by the City, an open Town Hall Meeting of members was held to discuss Honolulu's proposed High Capacity Transit Corridor Project.  Click here for meeting agenda for this April 11 gathering.  The purpose of the town hall was to give AIA members an opportunity to ask questions and receive an update from the City administration on the proposed Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project. Toru Hamayasu, with the city’s Department of Transportation Services, made a presentation to our AIA members on the  Mayor’s proposed system, detailing the chronology and decision points to date, disussing the various options for vehicle selection  and highlighting the factors leading up to the ultimate selection of an above-grade system for Honolulu. 

June 22, 2008:  Mayor Hannemann was invited to speak to the AIA Honolulu Board of Directors and members of the AIA Honolulu Transit Task Force.  Click here for formal invitation to the mayor by President Sid Char, AIA.   Click here for list of questions by AIA Honolulu Transit Task force provided to the Mayor in advance of planned meeting. At the request of the mayor to meet with our membership at large, this meeting was postponed to a later date.

October 23, 2008, Click here for follow-up letter to the Honorable Mayor Mufi Hannemann regarding meeting on October 20, 2008 with the AIA on the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project from 2008 AIA Honolulu President Sid Char, AIA.

October 20, 2008, AIA Members met with Mayor Hannemann at his campaign headquarters to address questions about the proposed rail transit project.  Click here for meeting agenda.  Read follow-up letter to Mayor Hannemann from 2008 President Sid Char, AIA.

September 17, 2008, Click here for follow-up letter to Mr. Wayne Yoshioka, Director of the Department of Transportation Service from Sid Char 2008 AIA Honolulu President regarding Section 106 Coordination for the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project.

December 28, 2007:  Letter to Mayor Hannemman by 2007 AIA Honolulu President, Peter Vincent, AIA expressing concerns with proposed elevated transit system (PDF) Click here.

July 7, 2006, AIA Honolulu hosted membership luncheon featuring Mayor Mufi Hannemann to discuss upcoming plans for Honolulu rail project. AIA members expressed concerns about the planned elevated system through the urban core of Honolulu.

in early 2006, AIA Honolulu established an ad-hoc working group on transit to meet with members of the City administration and its consultants at PB.  AIA Honolulu and other allied design/planning organizations began these meetings to discuss alternatives to Honolulu's planned transit system, with a particular focus on the overall design and planning of the system.  The late Tom Papandrew, AIA, then Chair of AIA's Regional and Urban Design Commitee played a lead role in facilitating this ongoing dialog.  Read committee notes from Nov. 2006 meeting with PB consultants on transit.

AIA Public Testimony on Honolulu Transit Project

  • On July 14, 2010, Spencer Leineweber, FAIA, President-elect, AIA Honolulu presents testimony to the Honolulu City Council Regular Meeting, 21st Session, to speak to continued concerns regarding the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project - Final Environmental Impact Statement (June 2010). Read full testimony.
     
  • October 26, 2009, Spencer Leineweber, FAIA, Chair of AIA Honolulu Historic Resources Committee presents testimony to the Honolulu City Council Transportation Committee in opposition to the Resolution authorizing the Department of Transportation Services to execute the programmatic agreement for the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project.  Read full testimony.

    "Additional consideration should be made to the selection of the newer, flexible light rail technologies capable of operating at-grade, elevated or below grade as the conditions warrant. These conditions include protection of the integrity of the setting and context of historic built resources and the protection of iwi k?puna in place."
     
  • June 10, 2009, AIA Honolulu President Jeffrey Nishi presents testimony to full City Council in opposition to Bill 16 CD2 Exectuive Capital Budget and Program for Fiscal Year July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010. Read full testimony.

    "Particularly in these challenging economic times, and in light of proposals by organizations such as AIA for more viable, cost-effective solutions to address Oahu’s transportation problems, the citizens of Oahu deserve better accountability and additional consideration by the Council, before locking ourselves into a selection of transit technology that the City and its citizens can ill afford.   Please vote NO on Bill 16, CD 2, (Transit Improvement Bond Fund)." 
  • June 10, 2009, AIA Honolulu Executive Vice President, Amy Blagriff, presents testimony to the full CIty Council in opposition to Bill 16 CD2 Executive Capital Budget and Program for Fiscal Year 2009/10. Read full testimony.

    "We must guarantee that the City Administration will not jeopardize federal funding by awarding contracts that have been put out to bid before the formal EIS process is complete and a record of decision, culminating in a full funding grant agreement, is awarded to Honolulu by the FTA. The people of Oahu are counting on your full accountability before giving a green light to expend significant taxpayer dollars towards this enormously complex transit mega project. "  .
     
  • June 10, 2009, Executive Vice President, AIA Honolulu, Amy Blagriff presents follow-up testimony in support of Bill 16 (2009) CD2 FD1 Version B. Read full testimony

    "We ask you to refrain from giving a “green light” today to expend our taxpayer dollars towards this enormously complex transit mega project at a time when the EIS is still in draft form, and a record of decision has not been reached. Members of AIA and the people of Oahu are counting on your full accountability here— including adherence to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which guides the EIS process—to allow us to fully complete the required environmental review. Only upon successful conclusion of the EIS will needed Federal funding be possible.  Again, we urge you to vote Yes for Floor Bill 1, Version B which would add needed financial oversight to this mega project. 
     
  • May 18, 2009, AIA Honolulu President Jeffry Nishi presents testimony to Honolulu City Council Budget Committee, on Bill 16.  Read testimony.
     
  • May 8, 2009:  AIA Honolulu submits comments to Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, Waipahu Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development Plan, March 2009.  Read comments.
     
  • April 13, 2009:  AIA Honolulu presents testimony to City Council Budget Committee reference Bill 16, (Item TF) Transit Bond Improvement Fund.  Read testimony.
     
  • February 4, 2009:  AIA Honolulu submits 2009 AIA Transit Task Force Report in response to Honolulu City and County Draft EIS. See February 2, 2009 for a link to this AIA Honolulu report
     
  • **February 2, 2009 (New Report):  AIA Honolulu shares 2009 Transit Task Force Report with members of the Honoulu City Government and Honolulu City Council members
    Click here for a copy (PDF) of the AIA Honolulu Task Force Report:  Suggested Light Rail Transit (LRT) for the Honolulu High Capacity Corridor Project.
  • December 8, 2008: AIA Honolulu Responds to Honolulu City and County Draft EIS-- Click here.  This testimony, approved by the AIA Honolulu Board, was presented in public hearing by 2008 President Sid Char.
     
  • October 24, 2008:  AIA Honolulu Board of Directors Issues updated AIA Honolulu Position Statement on Transit-- Click here.  This position statement on Transit was developed to be consistent with AIA National policies and our AIA  Honolulu Public Policy on Transportation (see below).  Note that the purpose of a Position Statement is to elaborate on our broader public policy. 
     
  • September 17, 2008: AIA Comments to City Administration on Historic Resources Technical Report-- Click here.
     
  • August 26, 2008:  AIA Honolulu Board of Directors issued an update to our Public Policy on Transportation-- Click here. 
     
  • December 7, 2006: Testimony in favor of Honolulu City Council Bill 79 by Thomas P. Papandrew, AIA, Chair, AIA Honolulu Urban Design Committee (PDF)-- Click here.
     
  • November 15, 2006  Click here for AIA testimony to encourage support of enacting tax surcharge to support rail transit. Re. Bill 83.
     
  • August 2006, Letter from AIA Honolulu President Michael Leineweber, AIA to Donovan Dela Cruz, City Council of Honolulu advocating for a broaden consideration of alternatives, including at-grade systems. Click here.
     
  • Planning for Mass Transit: Next Steps? Late Summer 2006 AIA Honolulu Memo (Newsletter) Page 10. Click here.
     
  • August 8, 2005: Letter to Chairman Donovan Dela Cruz, City Council of Honolulu, in support of Bill 40 (2005) CD 2, in support of funding transit tax,  from Patrick T. Onishi, AIA, 2005 AIA Honolulu President (PDF)--Click here.

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