Objective of the Revised Transportation Impact Analysis Guide
The revised Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) Guide aims to improve the consistency, clarity, and effectiveness of transportation impact evaluations for proposed projects within the City. The guide is designed as a practical tool to assist City staff, project applicants, and consultants in understanding and navigating the transportation review process. It outlines expectations, procedures, and methodologies for conducting analyses that align with City policies, particularly the Complete Streets Ordinance.
The primary objective of the revised guide is to provide a clear and standardized process for assessing the potential transportation impacts of development and capital improvement projects. This includes both public and private initiatives that may affect the performance or safety of the transportation network. The guide establishes when a TIA is required, what it should contain, and how it will be reviewed. It ensures that all relevant factors, such as traffic operations, safety, and multimodal access, are thoroughly evaluated and documented.
Another key goal is to help City departments effectively implement the Complete Streets Ordinance as set forth in the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), Chapter 14, Article 33. The ordinance mandates that the City design, operate, and maintain its transportation system to provide safe and convenient access for all users. This includes pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, persons with disabilities, motorists, seniors, children, and commercial goods movers. The TIA guide reinforces this policy by encouraging a comprehensive, multimodal approach to evaluating project impacts and proposing context-sensitive solutions.
To support these objectives, the revised guide clarifies the City’s requirements and expectations for transportation analysis. This includes guidance on how to define the study area, select appropriate analytical tools, and determine the level of detail needed for each project. It also emphasizes transparency and consistency in the review process, ensuring that all analyses are subject to the same criteria and level of scrutiny, regardless of project size or type.
Key recommendations and components of the guide include:
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Scope of Analysis: The guide outlines how to determine the appropriate geographic area, time periods, and modes of travel to include in the analysis. This ensures that the analysis considers all potentially affected users and intersections.
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Methods: Recommended methodologies for forecasting travel demand, evaluating Level of Service (LOS), assessing safety, and estimating vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are provided. The guide encourages the use of modern, data-driven tools and recognizes the importance of considering both existing and future conditions.
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Mitigation: The guide includes guidance on identifying feasible mitigation measures to address adverse impacts. Mitigations may include physical infrastructure improvements, transportation demand management (TDM) strategies, safety enhancements, and coordination with transit agencies. Projects are expected to demonstrate how they will contribute to the City’s mobility, safety, and sustainability goals.
By incorporating these components, the revised TIA guide ensures that transportation analyses are robust, equitable, and aligned with broader City planning objectives. It promotes a shift away from vehicle-centric planning toward a more balanced, multimodal framework that supports community health, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability.
In summary, the revised Transportation Impact Analysis Guide is a key tool in the City’s efforts to deliver a safe, accessible, and efficient transportation system for all. It enhances decision-making, fosters accountability, and strengthens the City’s ability to manage growth in a way that benefits all road users. The guide also supports interdepartmental collaboration and community engagement by clearly articulating analysis standards and ensuring that the impacts of new development are understood and properly addressed.
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