Questions of density, and how to add it to single-family neighborhoods, abound in this article focusing on Honolulu and other communities on Oahu.

Stewart Yerton reports for Honolulu Civil Beat on the growing controversies surrounding large homes, built as multi-family dwellings, in traditionally single-family neighborhoods in Oahu.
The article commences with the controversy created by a proposed development for a nine-bedroom house designed to house workers in the Pacific Heights area of Honolulu, home to historic houses and affluent neighbors. Yerton explains the zoning conundrum presented by the home:
The problem is the house was going to be in a quiet residential neighborhood of historic homes. And even if the structure technically met the density criteria allowed by Honolulu’s land-use ordinance, its apparent intended use – as essentially an apartment building or dormitory – simply wouldn’t be allowed in a place zoned for single-family homes.
The development proposal caught the attention of Patrick Smith, president of the Nuuanu/Punchbowl Neighborhood Board, which has an oversight role for the project as part of Oahu’s Neighborhood Board System, established in 1973. "We don’t want our neighborhood having apartment buildings," Smith is quoted as saying in the article.
The neighborhood board succeeded in killing the project, reports Yerton, but the example is far from the only residential development controversy on the island. Residents and policymakers across Oahu are rejecting multi-room houses, "known as 'monster homes,'" amidst a surge in housing costs. The question of how to add density on the island is unanswered, according to the article.
Previous efforts include Bill 7, adopted by the Hawaii State Legislature in 2019. According to Yerton, the bill's incentives for density in the form of redeveloped small homes and under-used, walk-up apartment buildings applies to 7,000 properties in the state but has produced zero new projects. More on Bill 7 is available from an article by Noelle Fujii-Oride for Hawaii Business, published earlier in February 2022.
The source article, linked below, goes into feature depth on the housing development and zoning specifics in Hawaii and Oahu, as well as one architect who recently managed to navigate the Bill 7 "gauntlet."
FULL STORY: More Housing In Honolulu Means More Density. Are Monster Homes The Only Way?

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

Cool Walkability Planning
Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.

Illinois Legislators Pass Controversial I-55 Road Expansion Legislation
Legislation to enable the addition of express toll lanes on Interstate 55 in the Southwest Side of Chicago, opposed by environmental justice advocates, cleared the Illinois General Assembly last month.

Do You Want Fries With That? Exploring the Intricacies of Food Systems Planning
Food systems expert Maggi Adamek talks with The Planning Commission Podcast about the complexities of food policy, from local zoning ordinances to international trade agreements.

How San Diego Camping Ban Could Impact Neighborhoods
An ordinance supported by the city’s mayor would bar people from sleeping on the street near shelters or services, but critics say it will simply push people to other neighborhoods and put them farther away from the supportive services they need.

Expanding Access to Golf in South Los Angeles
L.A. County’s Maggie Hathaway Golf Course getting up to $15 Million from U.S. Open Community Legacy Project to expand access to the sport in South L.A.
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Bangor
Park City Municipal Corporation
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.