Lori Kahikina

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation CEO Lori Kahikina said it was a close call, but the project was spared delays because the decision had already been made to temporarily end the rail route at the Civic Center. She shared the latest updates on the Honolulu rail project.

The Conversation spoke to the CEO of the Honolulu Authority of Rapid Transportation Lori Kahikina about what local businesses can expect this season with the upcoming rail projects.

The Federal Transit Administration has approved the Honolulu rail's financial recovery plan which outlines a truncated version of the rail line, 1.25 miles short of Ala Moana Center, and postpones construction of a parking garage in Pearl Highlands.

One part of the project that has been paused due to exorbitant costs is the Pearl Highlands parking garage. The Conversation talked with Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation CEO Lori Kahikina about what happens next as we try to find a more affordable way to serve those in central Oʻahu.

There is no way to sugarcoat the next phase of construction on the Honolulu rail. It's going to be miserable. It involves moving power, sewer, water and gas lines. The Conversation met with Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation CEO Lori Kahikina at the Middle Street transit center to talk about what’s to come.

The agency that oversees the city’s rail project says it has fixed a problem with its train tracks. That solution should open the way for the next phase of testing the system. HPR’s Scott Kim has more.

Officials from the Federal Transit Administration are in Honolulu this week to do some risk analysis for the latest version of the city’s rail project. Separately, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation CEO Lori Kahikina told HPR that a team of specialized welders is also in town, working on the problems with the tracks and wheels of the system.

The Conversation talks to HART Executive Director Lori Kahikina to learn more about the rail funding proposal to pause two stops short of Ala Moana Shopping Center.

A new law will charge a 3% tax to tourists who book a hotel or short-term vacation rental on Oʻahu. Portions of the tax revenue will fund the Honolulu rail, the city's general fund, and a special fund to mitigate tourism impacts on natural resources.

The head of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation says next summer is the earliest the rail system could begin partial operations. Lori Kahikina told HPR's The Conversation the interim service would initially run from Kapolei to Aloha Stadium.