HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as part of a 2024 Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning, which is funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Honolulu’s award was the highest of the ten grants awarded nationwide, selected from a pool of competitive applications.
This funding will support the City’s efforts to activate Transit Oriented Development plans and the delivery of affordable housing in higher-density TOD-zoned areas around Skyline stations. Funds from this grant will be used to examine opportunities for enhancing community access to public transportation, infrastructure, and climate resiliency improvements in the Iwilei-Kapālama community, anchored by the future Niuhelewai and Kūwili rail stations. In addition, grant funds will be used to explore redevelopment opportunities to support affordable housing around Kūwili rail station consistent with the City’s acquisition of Iwelei Center in January 2024.
“We are thrilled to receive this significant federal investment in the future of Honolulu’s rail corridor,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “With this funding, we can enhance our community’s access to affordable housing and transit options while creating a more resilient, sustainable Iwilei-Kapālama community.”
The Iwilei-Kapālama area, a historically underserved community, faces considerable economic and environmental challenges, including vulnerability to climate change and sea-level rise. The TOD plan will identify ways to address these issues by creating inclusive, transit-connected spaces that reduce dependency on cars, increase resilience, and build community.
The award underscores the strength of a collaborative partnership between the City and the State, led by Governor Green’s Housing Team and supported by the Ulupono Initiative.
“This grant is an investment not just in Honolulu’s transit infrastructure but in the future of Hawai‘i’s communities,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. “By integrating affordable housing, environmental resilience, and accessible transit, we are working to make O‘ahu a place where everyone can thrive. This partnership between the State, City, and key local organizations highlights our shared commitment to equitable, sustainable development.”
Funding and Program Highlights
- The FTA’s Fiscal Year 2024 Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning Program allocated approximately $10.5 million in competitive grants to 11 projects across 10 states.
- Honolulu’s $2 million award will help develop a TOD plan for the Iwilei-Kapālama corridor, enhancing transit accessibility and affordable housing options.
- The program prioritizes projects that foster community resilience, environmental sustainability, and access to affordable housing near public transit.
Planning projects were selected for funding based on criteria described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. FTA received 32 eligible project proposals totaling nearly $30 million in requests.
The Honolulu TOD planning grant reinforces the city’s commitment to developing sustainable, inclusive communities. For additional details on the FTA’s Transit-Oriented Development Planning Program, visit FTA TOD Pilot Program .
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