© 2024 Hawaiʻi Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
To our HPR-1 listeners on Kaua‘i (KIPL): Our transmitter will be powered down for tower maintenance on Friday 10/4, 10am-3pm. Mahalo for your understanding.

Former Mayor Kirk Caldwell reacts to Skyline grand opening

Krista Rados
/
HPR

Skyline, Honolulu's rail, opened to the public Friday. Rides are free of charge until Tuesday. Officials expect thousands to catch the train over the holiday weekend.

Kirk Caldwell, former Honolulu mayor, attended the official blessing. He said that, although completion is many years away, the opening is still a feat.

"We're now talking about a system that's going to serve generations and generations of people on the island of Oʻahu," Caldwell said.

He believes Skyline will help create transportation equity on the island, which will be especially beneficial to those with multiple jobs.

"It’s going to allow them to get to work quicker, so they can get home and be with their families for a longer period of time before they go to their next job," Caldwell explained.

He also hopes that, by offering residents an alternative to driving, Skyline will help fight climate change and assuage congestion on the roads.

The most expensive public works project in state history has not always been looked upon fondly. Still, Caldwell said the investment will be worthwhile.

"I think 20 years from now, no one will be talking about those cost increases or delays," he said.

He compared the criticism to that of the H-3, back during its construction.

“So many take the H-3 now … and don't think for a moment about the controversy of the past,” he pointed out.

As the public begins to take advantage of the rail, Caldwell knows its progress would make past state leaders proud, including late Sen. Daniel Inouye, who "always wanted to see a rail system."

Skyline currently runs the 11 miles between Aloha Stadium to East Kapolei. It operates from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This interview aired on The Conversation on June 30, 2023. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1. This interview was adapted for the web by Emily Tom.

Catherine Cruz is the host of The Conversation. Originally from Guam, she spent more than 30 years at KITV, covering beats from government to education. Contact her at ccruz@hawaiipublicradio.org.
Emily Tom was a temporary digital news producer in summer 2023 and an intern in summer 2022.
Related Stories