Kupuna transit hub – the case for the Waianae transit station: Addressing wellbeing, access, and mobility in rural areas of Oahu

Abstract

In many instances, able-bodied individuals are often oblivious or unaware to the challenges faced by our aging population especially in regard to mobility. We often overlook the struggles many of our kupuna experience in their daily lives related to navigation, transportation, and access to basic needs. Limited access and inadequate services create barriers for our elderly and a disconnection between goods and services. This highlights the need for greater awareness and empathy towards this unique issue only older individuals in our state can relate to. In Hawaii, the residents aged 65 years old or older has risen significantly and will continue to do so surpassing national growth. In 2020, the ageing population in Hawaii reached 19.3%, while in 2023, reached the height of 21.1%, almost a quarter of our state’s population. The national average saw a 1.3% increase between 2020 to 2023 from 16.4% to 17.7%. Consequently, the median age has also risen, increasing from 40.2 years to 41.3 years in Hawaii, compared to an increase from 38.5 to 39.1 years in the U.S. According to census data and projections from the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT), the population aged 65 and over is anticipated to grow from 21.1% to a projected 22.6% by 2030, Furthermore, the data suggests that by 2040, approximately 25% of Hawaii's elderly population will be 85 or older, necessitating a need to prioritize policies for elderly mobility independence. This need is far greater for those who live within [more] rural areas of Oahu like Waianae, Wahiawa, and Waimanalo citing that 15.3% of all Hawaii residents between the age of 65 years or older live within rural parts of our state, away from the amenities and, at many times, basic needs for our Kupuna. (https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/rural_senior/HI). In this study, I will be addressing senior mobility and access from rural parts of Oahu and how mobility is already a challenge of older adults while also addressing access is limitations for Kupuna who live miles away from the Honolulu’s urban center. I believe that by designing an accessible and universally designed multimodal transit hub can significantly enhance senior mobility, particularly for those living in rural areas of Oahu. By integrating various transportation options, like theBus, HART’s skyline rail, and other programs and shuttle services dedicated for our Kupuna like Malama Maika’i or the Handi-Van, these hubs could provide seamless connections to urban amenities and essential medical services for our them. Addressing this issue by identifying then modifying our already existing systems and programs, would ensure that seniors can navigate their mobility limitations through transit and transportation hubs dedicated to these limitations all with ease and fosters greater community engagement by allowing kupuna to access vital services and social opportunities that contribute to their overall well-being.