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2/7/2024
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) CEO Lori Kahikina and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi last week signed the amended full-funding grant agreement (FFGA) with the Federal Transit Administration that will unlock the first federal funding for the city's transit-rail project since 2017.
"This is another critical step forward for the rail project and it was no small feat to accomplish," said Blangiardi in a press release. "Finalizing the agreement also marks a significant milestone with the FTA and paves the way for the completion of Skyline to the Civic Center in Kaka'ako."
Signed in 2012, the original FFGA provided a $1.55 billion grant for the city's transit-rail project. To date, HART has received $806 million in federal dollars. The amended FFGA reaffirms the funding of the remaining $744 million and provides milestones for when those funds will be available to the project.
Execution of the amended FFGA releases the first $125 million of the funding. The award of the City Center Guideway and Stations contracted, expected later this year, will release the next $250 million, HART officials said.
On June 30, 2023, the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services launched the first phase of transit-rail operations on an 11-mile stretch between East Kapolei and Aloha Stadium stations. The department is operating the line, assuming control from HART, which oversees construction of the transit-rail project.
Construction on the project began in 2011 and was plagued by repeated delays, cost overruns and executive leadership changes. In October 2022, the FTA-approved HART’s recovery plan to complete the project within expected funding levels.
The next sections of the system involve an extension from Aloha Stadium Station to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and another extension to the Civic Center Station.