Bill 14, intended to preserve health care services along the rail line, passed first reading .The bill was introduced in response to development around Ala Moana Shopping Center and in Kakaako, as well as concerns about ongoing investment in luxury condominiums at the expense of other services. read more.

The Ala Moana Building, built in 1961, is an icon to kama’aina and home to hundreds of dentists, physicians, therapists, orthodontists, radiologists and other health care professionals who care for ohana on Oahu. This important “health care hub” is conveniently accessible to patients across the island - from Waianae to Waimanalo to Waialua. Now with rail transit planning to make its last stop at the Ala Moana Building, the site will be even more important to families on Oahu, especially kupuna who want to age in place, need access to care and require transportation alternatives to get them to their appointments.

Local development plans mandate a mixed-use approach of residential, retail and commercial activities, but they currently do not prioritize health care services. With the fastest-growing aging population in the nation and a shortage of doctors, dentists and other health care providers in the state, Bill 14 was introduced to preserve this critical mass of health care services for future generations, especially if rail transit improves access to care. 

The Department of Planning and Permitting has opposed the bill.