Office of Planning and Sustainable Development

State Transit-Oriented Development Program

WHAT’S NEW!

ORTP 2050 will Shape the Future of Oʻahu’s Transportation Network

The Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) is well into its update of the Oʻahu Regional Transportation Plan 2050 (ORTP 2050), which sets the foundation for a more connected, sustainable, safe, and efficient transportation system on Oʻahu.  The plan focuses on multimodal solutions that enhance safety, affordability, and resilience while incorporating cultural values.

Oahu Regional Transportation Plan 2050

Key strategies include expanding rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, improving active transportation options with wider sidewalks and bikeways, integrating land use with transportation planning, and enhancing safety through Vision Zero initiatives.

As part of its long-range planning efforts, OMPO has implemented a scenario planning process to assess how different sets of transportation projects can meet ORTP 2050 goals.  The analysis suggests that expanding BRT services—between Downtown and Waikīkī, as well as Downtown and Hawaiʻi Kai—would address high transit demand.  Additionally, extending rail to the University of Hawai‘i and Waikīkī would significantly improve transit access.  Roadway-focused scenarios, on the other hand, are expected to increase vehicle miles traveled (VMT), potentially exacerbating congestion.  While a roadway usage charge (RUC) would have minimal impact on VMT, converting high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes into high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes could help reduce both congestion and overall VMT.

Public outreach has been a critical component of the OMPO planning process.  Public input has shown strong support for transit and active transportation projects, with the community prioritizing safety, expanded sidewalks, bikeways, and improved rail and BRT services.  Many favor the implementation of HOT lanes to ease traffic congestion.

Moving forward, OMPO will continue refining its project evaluation process, soliciting and selecting potential projects for inclusion in the plan, and developing a comprehensive program that aligns with ORTP 2050 objectives.  ORTP 2050 represents a transformative step toward a safer, more efficient, and climate-resilient transportation future for Oʻahu, ensuring that residents and visitors alike benefit from an improved and integrated mobility system.  The final report is expected to be completed by April 2026.

The video recording of the presentation can be viewed here starting at 31 minutes 10 seconds:  https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/op/lud/20250117TODMtg/GMT20250117-193320_Recording_3840x2160.mp4.  Visit the ORTP website to learn more about the project and stay up-to-date on its progress.

The Future of Hālawa: The New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District

Rendering of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District

The Stadium Authority is moving forward with its ambitious vision for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) to create a “live, work, play, thrive” district at the Hālawa Skyline

Station on approximately 98 acres surrounding the old Aloha Stadium.  The project t is designed to create a mixed-use community anchored by a modern sports and entertainment venue served by transit.  The project will integrate a modern stadium with residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces, ultimately benefiting the local economy and community. Plans include building:

• A new stadium with a minimum seating capacity of 25,000, designed for multiple events such as concerts, sports, and community gatherings;
• Approximately 4,000 residential units, primarily focused on workforce housing; and
• Hotels, offices, retail spaces, and entertainment facilities to bring energy and businesses to the district.

With a total economic impact projected to exceed $2 billion, the NASED project is expected to generate:

• 12,000 construction jobs during development;
• $30 million in annual wages once completed; and
• Over $40 million in annual tax revenues, benefiting both the State and City.

The State of Hawaiʻi has already committed $350 million to the design and construction of the new stadium.  The preferred developer—Aloha Hālawa District Partners—will finance operations and maintenance for 20-30 years through revenue from the district’s mixed-use components.  The new stadium is targeted for completion in time for the University of Hawai‘i football season opener in 2028, with the broader district expected to be developed over the next 20-30 years.  NASED is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine Hālawa’s landscape while honoring the community’s needs.  With careful planning and long-term investment, the district aims to become a premier destination for sports, entertainment, and everyday life in Hawai‘i.

The video recording of the presentation can be viewed here starting at 9 minutes 58 seconds:  https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/op/lud/20250117TODMTG/GMT20250117-193320_Recording_3840x2160.mp4.   Visit the NASED website to learn more about the project and stay up-to-date on its progress https://nased.hawaii.gov/

Past Articles