Honolulu, Hawaiʻi

Transportation, Built Environment | 2025

Investigated the gaps between residents’ transportation needs and multimodal transportation access. 

Many areas of Oʻahu lack safe and affordable multimodal transportation options, limiting opportunities to advance economic mobility and affecting people’s health and well-being. Residents without reliable transportation may lack access to a vehicle because of their age, disabilities, or income, making it challenging to access essential destinations like schools, medical appointments, and grocery stores. The Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice leveraged local data to underscore the importance of improving the safety and accessibility of Oʻahu’s transportation system so that it serves the needs of all residents.

Hawaiʻi Appleseed developed a survey that asked Oʻahu residents about their transportation habits and needs and distributed it across the island with the support of Ward Research, a Native Hawaiian woman–owned market research company. More than 660 residents shared their experiences and challenges with transportation. About half noted that there are not enough safe and accessible sidewalks, bicycle lanes, bus stops, and bus routes in their community, while approximately one-quarter said transportation issues prevented them from leaving their homes. Student and parent respondents said expanded school bus service, convenient pickups and drop-offs, and free or discounted passes on the island’s public bus would improve students’ ability to attend school. Data from the survey were used to create an ArcGIS StoryMap that showcases communities in Oʻahu with high transportation insecurity and communities that need multimodal transportation options. The project also drafted a policy report for local and state transportation committees.

The Hawaiʻi Appleseed project team plans to meet with local elected officials, agencies, and community-based organizations to showcase project results through the StoryMap and advocate for multimodal transportation infrastructure. Findings from this project could help public officials and community organizations more effectively advocate for active and affordable transportation in Oʻahu. Among the projects the data could help advocates prioritize is Safe Routes to School, one of the few state funding sources available for active transportation.