Peter Flachsbart

Peter Flachsbart is an Associate Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa, where he has taught since 1980. His academic career spans three decades, with prior appointments at California State University, Dominguez Hills (1972–1976) and Stanford University (1976–1980). He specializes in land use and transportation planning, methods and models in city planning, and environmental health impacts of urban development.

• Education: PhD and MS in Urban and Regional Planning from Northwestern University, BS in Civil Engineering from Washington University.

Dr. Flachsbart’s research focuses on transit-oriented development, neighborhood planning, environmental psychology, and human exposure to air pollution, particularly carbon monoxide from motor vehicles. His work has informed policy for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization, with field studies in Hanoi, Bangkok, and Bengaluru.

Recent publications highlight longitudinal analysis of vehicle CO exposure (2019), environmental justice in commuter pollution exposure (2015), and mobility challenges for marginalized groups in India (2017). His research often intersects urban sustainability, transportation equity, and health risk communication across global contexts.

• Scientific Awards: Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2021-2022), Best Reviewer Award (Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2014), and APA Chapter President’s Council Leadership Award (2013).

He has served as Professional Development Officer for the APA Hawai`i Chapter for 35 years and held leadership roles at the American Lung Association of Hawai`i (1990–2001). His teaching includes courses like PLAN 605 Planning Models and PLAN 648 Urban Transportation Policy, emphasizing practical applications of planning methodologies.