Posted on: Monday, June 15, 2009
Honolulu transit symposium set at Blaisdell
Advertiser Staff
Honolulu’s 3rd Transit Symposium will be held June 23, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, the city said today.
The symposium will feature informational displays from train manufacturers and leaders from Phoenix, Vancouver, Seattle, Charlotte, London and Denver who will share their experiences with rail transit and transit-oriented development.
“This symposium brings a world-class perspective on rail transit to Honolulu,” Mayor Mufi Hannemann said in a statement.
“I am excited by this opportunity for the people of Honolulu to hear these experts as they share their insights on the benefits of rail. Honolulu’s upcoming rail project will not only help reduce traffic congestion, but create much-needed jobs during these difficult economic times.
The event is free, but seating is limited for speaking engagements in the Pikake Room. To register, visit www.honolulutransit.org and download the registration form.
The speakers include:
Dan Doyle, former deputy minister, British Columbia Ministry of British Columbia and executive vice president of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. Doyle will discuss Vancouver’s popular SkyTrain, which would be similar to Honolulu’s elevated rail system.
Joni Earl, CEO of Sound Transit rail system in Seattle. The system connects the Seattle area with 74 miles of train line and later this year will open a 16-mile light rail extension. Earl will discuss job creation from the latest extension of the Seattle Sound transit line.
Bill Millar, president of the nation’s largest nonprofit transit organization, the American Public Transportation Association, which represents transportation agencies across the country.
Ian Mulcahey of Gensler, a London-based firm that is one of the world’s largest architecture and design companies. Mulcahey will talk about Transit Oriented Development from an architect’s perspective and show examples of how planning can be integrated with an elevated rail guideway.
Chatham Olive, past president of the Sierra Club Charlotte chapter, which championed the LYNX commuter rail system.
Rick Simonetta, CEO of the nation’s newest rail transit system, Valley Metro in Phoenix, Arizona, which carried more than a million passengers in April.
Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver who played a key role in implementing the city’s FasTracks commuter rail system.
For more information on the event, check the Honolulu Rail Transit Project Web site at honolulutransit.org or call 566-2299.
