Regional Planning

Back in the 1970s, the City’s vision was to create a second urban core on O‘ahu -the “second city”— to help ease the growth pressure in Honolulu. In hindsight, it was one of the most visionary land use decisions in Hawaii‘s history. Now, several efforts are collectively underway to complete the Second City.

With its long-term planning horizon, there is a unique opportunity for Ho‘opili to be highly coordinated with other major developments planned for the area. These would include, among others, the new campus at UH West O‘ahu, Department of Hawaiian Homeland properties, Hawai‘i Community Development Authority - Kalaeloa and Salvation Army Kroc Center.

This could be an unprecedented chance to plan together now for a better community tomorrow. Developers and government agencies are able to coordinate on important issues on connectivity (such as transit, roads and bike/pedestrian paths), policy (such as the ‘Ewa Development Plan and the ‘Ewa Highways Master Plan impact fee) and utility infrastructure (drainage, water and sewer). Indeed, a major joint development agreement for sewer transmission has already not only been reached, but also funded and construction started. This is a meaningful example of how key infrastructure components can be put into place prior to occupancy of commercial and residential space. It is part of the answer to the “infrastructure first! ” cry and realization of concurrency between development and infrastructure that can be so important to the community.

Throughout the planning stages and during future construction, D.R. Horton - Schuler Division will continue to meet with other regional developers to ensure Ho‘opili’s role is appropriately pursued in fulfilling the Master Plan for ‘Ewa and the completion of O‘ahu’s secondary urban center.

It is thought that wise land use planning requires looking far into the future. That’s why Ho‘opili’s planning has commenced perhaps more than five years in advance of when first occupancy will occur. It is hoped that this extensive and committed regional planning will pay off into the development of an ‘Ewa that is right for O‘ahu.