Regarding the recent announcement that the Hawaiian Railway Society is closing the shortcut road connecting Ewa to Kapolei, as reported by KHON2 and confirmed in direct communication with the Railway Society.

This road has long served as a vital access point for the community. It is regularly used by residents, school buses—including those transporting children with special needs—and city buses. Its closure will significantly impact daily commutes, school transportation, and emergency accessibility, especially considering the limited east-west corridors between Ewa and Kapolei.

The Railway Society expressed regret over the decision but cited unsustainable costs and liability concerns as the primary reasons. They also mentioned that the City had previously declined an offer to assume ownership, citing the road’s failure to meet certain municipal standards.

With the area's rapid population growth, we need to invest in and preserve key infrastructure—not lose it. While the road may not currently meet city requirements, perhaps collaboration with the Railway Society could lead to shared solutions:

Temporary easement agreements

Cost-sharing for basic upgrades or safety measures

Pursuing grant funding for infrastructure improvement

Engaging in a purchase agreement that supports both community access and museum preservationThe fallout from this closure will ripple across already burdened surrounding roads, increasing traffic congestion, raising community frustration, and diminishing connectivity in a growing region.

Our elected officials and city planners must urgently address the closure of the Ewa-Kapolei shortcut road. This decision, though made by the Hawaiian Railway Society due to liability and maintenance costs, exposes a deeper failure in city infrastructure planning. The City was previously offered the road but declined, leaving the community to suffer the consequences. With growing traffic congestion and increased development in Ewa and Kapolei, it is unacceptable to allow this vital route to disappear without exploring solutions. We call on our city councilmembers, mayor, and state representatives to step in, negotiate alternatives, and prioritize public access. The community deserves better planning, better options, and real leadership.