Now that Honolulu’s $5.26 billion rail project seems well on its way, the city is planning how it wants to develop the land along the 20-mile route from Kapolei to Ala Moana.

The buzz phrase is “Transit Oriented Development,” or “TOD,” and it includes everything from building new streets and updating deteriorating infrastructure to rezoning land for residential and commercial purposes.

It’s a big money proposition, and the future of Oahu at stake. The island can be transformed for better or worse depending on the decisions that are made by public officials and the developers who must live within their rules.

Because of this the city is hosting a public TOD symposium on Nov. 16 at the Blaisdell Center that will feature local and national experts. They are scheduled to address topics including zoning, affordable housing, street and park improvements and public financing for projects.

City officials will also discuss “catalytic projects” that they hope will spur development. These projects are supposed to be looked at as a magnet for others, and could include significant private and public investment.

One example that will be discussed is the improvement of Kapalama Canal in Kalihi, which is where a rail station will be located. Currently the canal area is unimproved with little shade, but the city is considering a project that would turn it into a “pedestrian promenade” that would make it more inviting for future investors.

For more information on the city’s TOD symposium and to sign up, click here. The deadline to register is Nov. 7.

Photo: Artist rendering of transit-oriented development in Honolulu. (City and County of Honolulu)

—Nick Grube