FTA Authorizes Start of Construction of Honolulu Rail Transit Project
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has authorized the City and County of Honolulu to begin construction of a 20-mile, $5 billion rail transit project. The FTA Letter of No Prejudice allows the City to begin up to $184.7 million in construction and other activities on the project, including the first sections of raised guideways from East Kopolei to Pearl Highlands. The 20-mile rail project will extend from Kapolei to Ala Moana Center in downtown Honolulu and includes a station at the Honolulu International Airport.
Hawaii state courts have rejected state law challenges to the project. A lawsuit under the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and section 4(f) of the Transportation Act is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii.
