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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Honolulu Rail Project – Bill Proposed to Encourage Land Development Around Transit Stations

Donovan Dela Cruz, a democrat State Senator who represents the Kanea-Wahiawa-Pupukea districts, is proposing a bill which would encourage the development and redevelopment of land that surrounds the proposed transit sites.  Dela Cruz contends that of the City and County of Honolulu is to be able to support the rail system upon completion, more riders are needed.  Otherwise, the city will be forced to spend tax payers money in the form of subsidies for continued rail operations.
However, this proposed bill is generating a lot of concern from both environmental groups across the state, as well as residents of the neighborhoods that the transit sites would be located.  If the bill allows “fast track” approval for developers, the concern is that public participation and feedback would be limited.  Furthermore, the opposition refers back to statements made by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation themselves, which noted that they city would have to completely reconfigure the train system to expand it’s capacity before they would be able to have enough passengers to cover projected operating costs.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 4-17-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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