Bill > SB1644

This bill transfers the responsibility for developing the fixed guideway system (rail transit) in Hawaii's most populous county (Honolulu) from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) to the state Department of Transportation. The bill comes in response to significant delays and cost overruns in the Honolulu rail project, which was originally projected to be completed by 2019 at a cost of $5 billion but has since been delayed by 12 years and seen costs more than double to $11 billion. The legislation establishes that developing a fixed guideway system in counties with over 500,000 residents is now a state government function, gives the Department of Transportation broad powers to develop, manage, and complete the rail project, and requires the department to transfer the completed system to the county upon final testing and approval. The bill also restructures how transit-related tax revenues will be collected and administered, creates a new special fund for the project, and provides protections for existing HART employees during the transition. Importantly, the changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving time for a structured transfer of responsibilities from the local authority to the state transportation department.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1644&year=2026