Councilmembers Ann Kobayashi and Trevor Ozawa introduced Resolution 15-227 to amend the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) relating to the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zones. Planning for TOD zones was intended to be open, inclusive and visionary, with the goal of increasing quality of life through rejuvenated community character and the preservation and enhancement of historic, cultural, scenic, natural and other community resources and landmarks, while recognizing the relationship between zoning, financing and real estate market dynamics.
The council believes that convenient access to healthcare providers and services is a vital element of a healthy live-work-play community, in part due to the state’s aging population, which is among the fastest growing in the nation, and Hawaii’s cultural commitment to aging in place. Rail transit will provide the city’s kupuna with a transportation alternative, particularly for those who frequently use healthcare services.
Healthcare services hubs, consisting of clusters of medical and dental facilities and practices, exist along the rail line and near transit stations, particularly in the Ala Moana area. With the current shortage of doctors in the state and concerns about continuity of care, minimizing the loss of healthcare services in TOD zones is critical to public health and welfare. Moreover, preserving existing healthcare providers and services is crucial because they often require specialized infrastructure and significant investment in leasehold improvements. TOD planning should therefore seek to preserve a critical mass of healthcare providers and services in TOD zones to serve Oahu’s families.
The purpose of the resolution is to amend the provisions of the LUO to include the preservation of healthcare services as a priority in neighborhood TOD plans. After hearing the resolution in committee, it will need to be researched by the City Department of Planning and Permitted, followed by public hearing by the Planning Commission. If approved, bill draft bill would introduced to City Council for consideration.
