Public House: Urban Development
The last Public House of 2016, sponsored by Common Cause Hawaii and Manifest, was held on Memorial Day, May 30, and covered urban development. The illustrious panel featured, Annie Koh, Ph.D. candidate in Urban & Regional Planning at UH Manoa; Andrew Tang, Urban Planner at Honolulu's Transit Oriented Development Division; and Ryan Tam Chair of the Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board #11.
Pictured left to right: Andrew Tang, Ryan Tam, Annie Koh
Diving right in, host Eric Cordeiro asked the panelists, “What is urban development?”
All the panelists agreed that the question was a difficult one to answer because there are so many components that make up urban development. Annie explained that generally, to quote Howell Baum, urban development is the “organization of hope”. Annie further elaborated that urban development is future-oriented planning which encompasses the community’s deepest values. Ryan added that urban developers are the bridge between disciplines such as architects, government, and finance. Andrew agreed, and said that a lot of urban planning is anticipation, and figuring out what they can do to meet growth, make places beautiful, etc.
Eric then asked about the role that collaboration plays in urban development.
Ryan replied that in general, the political system is more open to community engagement than it has been in the past, and that urban development, which is part of the political system, has also evolved to be more open. He also noted the importance of community feedback in planning, because urban development can be used not only for the benefit but also to the detriment of communities. For instance, Ryan explained how when New York City was being developed, lead developer Robert Moses, purposely built bridges too low, preventing busses from passing, which essentially cut off poorer populations, who relied on public transportation.
Low-lying bridge in New York City
Photo credit: www.schlittlaw.com/blog/low-bridges-long-island-parkways/
Andrew added that in addition to community feedback, developers also take away practices from other communities, to mixed results. In particular, Andrew noted that Hawaii has taken a lot practices from the mainland, even though we are an island and space is limited. With sprawl becoming a bigger issue, Andrew asked, “How do we keep paradise, paradise?”
When asked if there are any good design examples in Hawaii, Andrew responded that “sometimes, it’s what you don’t see that’s beautiful.” He explained that you may not appreciate the transformer you don’t see, that someone took the time to hide, or the building that isn’t there. Andrew gave the example of the Walmart on Keaaumoku, saying that thanks to city planners, the store is compact (Sam’s Club above Walmart, which is unique), and that there is a pedestrian-friendly walkway and businesses accessible by walking along Keaaumoku. These small wins are important.
Walmart Keeaumoku
Photo credit: walledinn.com
Annie added that the pedestrian walkway on Keaamoku is a great social area, but at the same time she remembers when Walmart was being built, iwi (Native Hawaiian remains) were found at the site and had to be relocated. She explained that “how we see a city is individualistic and sometimes even contradictory.”
The conversation then focused on a pressing community issue: affordable housing. Eric asked the panelists if urban development/planning can create affordable housing?
Annie clarified that people want housing to do two things: 1. Provide shelter and 2. Be a financial investment, which are diametrically opposing ideas. As Annie explained, currently, “affordable housing” is built if enough housing is sold at market value, with proceeds helping to subsidize affordable housing units. Consequently, this makes housing more expensive overall. Annie questioned at what point does the government step in to actually make things more affordable?
Ryan added that new ideas and rethinking old ideas are needed, for example maybe “land ownership” needs to be redefined.
Andrew commented that while the definition of “affordable” varies, there is expected to be an affordable housing crisis in the future, and more needs to be done, but that government bureaucracy can be a hurdle to progress.
Rounding out the evening, the audience was given the chance to ask the panel their questions. One attendee asked about managing the needs of housing and businesses in mixed-use areas. All three panelists agreed that again, community engagement is key. There will inevitably be conflicts (i.e. noise complaints), but there needs to be compromise by all parties.
Common Cause Hawaii and Manifest would like to thank DJ Jet Boy for providing the music, Eric Cordeiro for moderating, and everyone who joined the discussion. A special mahalo to our wonderful panelists: Ryan, Annie, and Andrew who generously shared their time and knowledge to enlighten us. While this was the last Public House of 2016, sign up to receive updates for future Common Cause Hawaii events. Stay tuned!
