Bill > SR167

This resolution requests the United States Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to initiate a performance review of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project, which is the most expensive publicly funded project in Hawaii. The project, managed by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), has experienced significant challenges, including massive cost overruns and substantial delays, with the current timeline extending to 2030 and estimated costs ballooning to $12.45 billion from an original projection of $5.2 billion. Initially approved by voters in 2008 and 2010, and breaking ground in 2011 with an expected cost of $5.5 billion and completion by 2020, the project has received federal funding of $1.55 billion and additional state bailout funds totaling $3.9 billion. The resolution notes that Hill International Inc., the project management oversight consultant, has repeatedly flagged staffing and performance issues, and draws a parallel to a recent compliance review of the California High-Speed Rail Project. The request aims to determine whether satisfactory progress is being made to complete the rail project under the 2024 Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement, with copies of the resolution to be sent to key stakeholders including the Transportation Secretary, FTA, project consultants, and HART leadership.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=167&year=2025