FAQ
What does the OahuMPO do?
The OahuMPO focuses upon the development of plans and programs to produce an integrated intermodal surface transportation system. Three primary planning and programming documents produced by the OahuMPO are: the Overall Work Program (OWP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP). It is important to note that the OahuMPO does not construct projects or implement programs.
What is the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO)?
The OahuMPO is a federally-mandated metropolitan planning organization that was formed in 1975 to ensure that existing and future expenditures for transportation projects and programs are based on a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing (3-C) planning process.
How does my organization become a member of the CAC?
An organization may submit a membership application after attending four CAC meetings in a 12-month period. Membership becomes effective upon the approval of the OahuMPO Policy Committee.
How can citizens get copies of documents produced by the OahuMPO?
The major documents produced by the OahuMPO are available for download on this website. Upon request, copies of OahuMPO documents are available for viewing at the OahuMPO office, or can be reproduced for a fee. An appointment is recommended. Upon request, meeting agendas and meeting minutes can be faxed, mailed, or emailed at no cost.
How can citizens affect change in a particular transportation project plan or implementation?
There are several points in the planning process at which citizen input may directly influence the outcome of planning activities. The greatest potential for influence by the public is early in the planning process, before decisions have been made. Involvement with the CAC offers its membership a convenient vehicle to be informed of early and continuing opportunities to review and comment on plans and programs. Citizens need not be a CAC member to provide their input.
How can citizens keep up-to-date on CAC issues?
The agendas and minutes for CAC meetings are posted on the OahuMPO web site. You may sign up to be on our mailing list by entering your preferred contact information. You may identify your specific areas of interest, and the appropriate notices and information will be mailed or emailed to you.
How can citizens participate in the metropolitan planning process?
The OahuMPO Participation Plan documents how the public can participate in the metropolitan planning process. This plan identifies the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) as the foundation of our public involvement program. The CAC membership includes community organizations, professional associations, neighborhood boards, special interest groups, and transportation providers. Meetings of the CAC, the Policy Committee, and the Technical Advisory Committee are open to the public and will accept public testimony on agenda items. Occasionally, OahuMPO will hold public meetings to solicit input on specific efforts, such as during the development of the long-range transportation plan for Oahu (ORTP). Notices of such meetings are always distributed to our mailing list, the City and State calendars, and posted here on the website.
What determines which transportation projects are included in the plans developed by the OahuMPO?
It is the OahuMPO Policy Committee that approves our plans and determines which projects are included. However, before these plans reach the Policy Committee, there are many factors which determine which projects can be included. For example, projects in the TIP must: have been submitted to the OahuMPO by a participating agency, typically have secured its local funding, been subjected to a technical evaluation process, and be ready-to-go when programmed. See the web page for each plan or program for additional details.
For what is the OahuMPO responsible?
The OahuMPO is responsible for coordinating transportation planning on Oahu. A Comprehensive Agreement (revised in October 2008), signed by the Governor, City transit operator (via the City Council Chair), and the OahuMPO Policy Committee Chair, defines the responsibilities of the OahuMPO and its participating agencies.
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How can citizens provide comments on draft OahuMPO documents?
Comments on specific OahuMPO documents are accepted during specific public review periods for that particular document. Testimony on agenda items is accepted for all meetings of the Policy Committee, the Technical Advisory Committee, and the CAC.