The Fascism of TOD

This editorial from the Hawaii Reporter argues that plans for transit oriented development are "based in communist and fascist thinking" and that building rail and TOD will be bad for Hawaii's families.

2 minute read

February 24, 2008, 1:00 PM PST

By Nate Berg


"The idea behind TODs is to "limit sprawl." "Sprawl" is apparently a bad word for planners and the politicians they've bedazzled. But 'sprawl' is the outcome of what most people hope for (and work hard to achieve) ... especially families ... a house in a nice neighborhood with a little land for children to play. "Sprawl" is the result of the essentially the Ozzie and Harriet life ... the 'American Dream.'"

"Oh sure, these TODs are supposed to be nice, even expensive, places to live. But, TODs are ... and this is not politically correct to reference, but real none-the-less ... based in communist and fascist thinking. When thinking TODs, think "ghetto." And most ghettos were historically the result of 'social, economic or legal pressure.' Hum, sound familiar?"

"The mentality is that TODs will increase rail use. However, TODs across the country have failed, and Honolulu will be particularly hard-hit by such legislation."

"Why? My number one reason is that neither rail nor TODs are truly family-friendly."

"Rail does not address the needs of families, who use cars to go about their day-to-day living. Cars, not public transportation for the most part, get kids dropped off at school and to other daily activities and lessons. Cars help parents go grocery shopping and other errand-running. Life would be hugely more complicated for families without access to cars."

Friday, February 22, 2008 in Hawaii Reporter

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

Sleeping in Public

Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts

Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.

45 minutes ago - KSL

Conductor walks down platform next to Amtrak train at station in San Jose, California.

Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement

An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.

1 hour ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of flooding during Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls

The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.

2 hours ago - NC Newsline

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.