HART held a blessing and groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of the Ka‘ākaukukui (Civic Center) Station in Kaka‘ako to mark the start of construction on the next phase of the project, the City Center Guideway and Stations (CCGS) segment.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi and members of his cabinet, HART Executive Director and CEO Lori Kahikina, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Mike O’Keefe, HART board members, Honolulu City Councilmembers, members of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and Tutor Perini Corporation representatives gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking with a traditional Hawaiian blessing led by Kahu Kordell Kekoa.
“Today marks a major milestone in our journey toward a better connected and accessible Oʻahu,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Breaking ground on the third segment of Skyline is not just about building the infrastructure to bring the rail system into the Downtown area, it’s about laying the foundation for the future of this island and developing sustainable transportation alternatives to serve neighboring communities.”
“Mahalo to all of our partners and HART staff who have worked so hard to make this project possible,” said HART Executive Director and CEO Lori Kahikina, P.E. “We’ve got to this point through cooperation and perseverance, and we will use that same approach to overcome the challenges that lay ahead to deliver this project within budget and on schedule, for the taxpayers of Honolulu. I couldn’t be more excited to put shovel to ground on this next phase of the Honolulu rail project, a critical step toward bringing Skyline further into urban Honolulu.”
The CCGS project includes the construction of six rail stations and approximately three miles of elevated guideway beginning near the Kahauiki (Middle Street Transit Center) Station and ending at the Ka‘ākaukukui (Civic Center) Station, which will be located just east of the intersection of Halekauwila Street and South Street. CCGS construction is expected to be complete by 2030.
The initial phase of construction includes drilling shafts for the columns that will support the guideway, beginning in the Iwilei area. Work hours are Monday through Friday, and Saturdays, as needed, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For the safety of the public, road closures will be required throughout the duration of the project in multiple areas including Kalihi, Iwilei, Downtown, Chinatown and Kakaʻako. To stay connected with the Honolulu rail project, including receiving construction updates, traffic alerts, and more, visit HART’s website and sign up for HART’s weekly eBlast newsletter.