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.
"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."

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

Can Geothermal Energy Fuel Hawaiʻi’s Future?
Gavin Murphy, a New Zealand-based consultant with experience in indigenous-led geothermal projects, argues that Hawaiʻi is poised to achieve energy independence and economic growth by respectfully developing its untapped geothermal resources.

Climate Gardening: Cultivating Resilient Landscapes in Los Angeles
TreePeople’s 4th Annual Urban Soil Symposium explored how climate gardening, soil health, and collaborative land management strategies can enhance urban resilience in the face of climate change.

Electric Surge: EV Chargers Outnumber Gas Nozzles in California
California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline nozzles, reflecting its rapid shift toward clean transportation and aggressive zero-emission goals despite federal pushback.
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