Transportation

Kamehameha Schools Rail Options
Image: courtesy of Scott wilson

On the fast track

Did the mayor settle on elevated rail too hastily? Hawai‘i’s largest private landowner seems to think so.
by Curt Sanburn | Oct 28, 2009

Kamehameha Schools Rail Options / An alternative rail plan for Honolulu that promises to save taxpayers an estimated $1.7 billion in cost, shave 1.5 years off construction time–and, last but not least, promises to spare the heart of the city the monstrous effects of overhead concrete rail lines and stations–has been outlined in a July 15 report commissioned by Kamehameha Schools, owner of extensive real estate along the proposed train’s route.

The Kamehameha report proposes reconfiguring about half of Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s $5.5 billion, 20-mile, all-elevated transit system to a less expensive and less intrusive “at grade” light rail system. Two major segments of the rail line would be built at ground level, or at grade: the East Kapolei to Waipahu segment and all of the downtown and central Honolulu route, from Middle Street to Ala Moana Center.

The Honolulu chapter of the American Institute of Architects supports the Kamehameha report, according to AIA Transit Task Force Chairman Scott Wilson. Along with the Outdoor Circle and several other civic groups, the AIA chapter has been vocal in its opposition to Hannemann’s elevated train.

But as tantalizing as it is, even at this late date, the report and its proposals will be taken up by the Honolulu City Council and the public later rather than sooner, according to Honolulu City Council Chair Todd Apo.

A majority of five Council members–Ikaika Anderson, Romy Cachola, Donovan Dela Cruz, Charles Djou and Ann Kobayashi –signed a letter to Apo requesting a public hearing on the Kamehameha report.

“We believe a public hearing is warranted to discuss and share the KS rail report with the public,” the letter said. According to Council rules, a majority request for a hearing requires the chair to put the matter on the council agenda, subject only to a six-day notice requirement.

Apo’s October 2 response letter predicted that such a hearing would be “lengthy” and disruptive to other matters; instead of scheduling it for the next meeting of the full Council on October 27, he promised to include the Kamehameha report on the agenda for a special hearing on the “overall Mass Transit Project,” at some point after the Final Environmental Impact Study for Hannemann’s train is released. Apo now predicts that such a meeting will occur in late November or early December.

Editor’s note: Look for more on the rail project from Curt Sanburn in the Nov. 18 issue of Honolulu Weekly.

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