I, and others, became excited for the rail when it opened. Safe to say, it is true that many of the people of Honolulu County were upset by the delays. But the idea of transitioning away from road-based public transportation gave all of us hope. 

However, traffic has only slightly decreased because of the rail, and the new phases will only have a decent effect on tourist drivers. The majority of people who need it the most in heavy residential areas like ‘Ewa Beach (which is still growing in population) don’t have quick access to it. Delays to the rail are affected by congestion on Fort Weaver Rd., which are in turn created by frequent and inconsistent accidents or closures.

If the city council wants to see more traffic and afford to extend new lines after phase three, then they must implement a conjoining Phase 3A thru ‘Ewa Beach. And to match the income to local passengers and support business, they must also give vendors space in other stations to sell to tourists, which other cities like London and New York do also.

A better construction schedule and a smaller rail (possibly a single track with single elevators rather than open raised platforms) is an affordable measure to this change in the Skyline’s budget. This in turn would more likely pass once presented to our state’s Congress and legislatures.

HART must make this decision soon before the rail becomes too unprofitable to be sustainable. The state government, as well as state residents, will lose the investment made thru past budget grants and taxes if not done immediately.

Mahalo no kou hōʻailona.

Image Source: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation