Honolulu slates transit-oriented development workshop

The city of Honolulu and the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) next week will host a joint conference to address development opportunities and environmental issues along the city's planned 20-mile transit-rail line.

The Sept. 22 meeting is designed for landowners, developers, real estate brokers, environmental professionals and others.

"Because many areas along the rail line and stations have a history of heavy industrial activities, it is essential that landowners make sure their property is safe for redevelopment," said Keith Kawaoka, DOH deputy director of environmental health. "This workshop will help them understand these issues, their responsibilities, and the resources available to help them get the job done."

Additionally, the meeting will focus on transit-oriented development (TOD) opportunities.

Participants include Kawaoka; Brennon Morioka, deputy executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation; Harrison Rue, Honolulu's community building and TOD administrator; and developer Stanford Carr

The workshop is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Center for Creative Land Recycling and the American Planning Association.