DRIVE TIME
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Drivetime reader Bed Ramelb has a suggestion that sounds so simple you wonder why no one has seriously considered it:
If most of our traffic congestion is the result of people living too far from their jobs, he reasons, why not move the jobs instead of the people?
Specifically, Ramelb wants to see a new urban economic center developed in the Pearl City-'Aiea area, much closer to the growing Leeward, 'Ewa and Central O'ahu residential communities, where much of our driving congestion originates.
Of course, that was supposed to be the idea behind Kapolei, O'ahu's so-called Second City. It's an idea, however, that has been painfully slow to take hold and some planners now wonder if it ever will.
So Ramelb wants to split the difference, putting the new business center with private and government jobs somewhere near Leeward Community College and nearby Navy land.
An area already served by existing freeways, "this new business center would complement Kapolei City and attract a large number of commuters currently destined for downtown Honolulu," cutting commuting times for some and easing congestion for others.
He lists a number of reasons why this area makes good sense for becoming the new economic heart of O'ahu.
• It's already served by highways, including the convergence of the H-1, H-2 and H-3.
• Sufficient state, federal and private lands are available for business development.
• The area is near the geographical center of O'ahu's population.
• Halfway between the bedroom communities and downtown, it could easily siphon off a substantial portion of the morning traffic.
• And if we ever do build a Leeward to Downtown rail line, it will run right through the Pearl City area.
Of course, good planning doesn't come easily or quickly. You can't just come up with a logical idea and expect it to become a reality, especially when you're talking about the machinations of government. Just look at how long it's taken for Kapolei to get where it is today.
To help get around that, Ramelb would have a private developer spearhead the new business center, perhaps with the state guaranteeing to rent some of the building space or offering other incentives (you know how much our lawmakers like to give out tax breaks to big developers.)
OK, maybe it's a long shot to come about, but you've got to admit it makes sense.
Ramelb's idea already has been placed on the official list of traffic alternative projects being considered by the O'ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization as it maps out alternatives for the year 2030.
Reach Mike Leidemann at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5460.
