Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced Wednesday, May 10, 2023, that the first phase of the City and County of Honolulu’s long-awaited rail transit system will officially begin interim passenger operations at 2 p.m. on June 30, 2023, with a grand opening celebration at the Hālawa rail station featuring dignitaries and entertainment slated for earlier in the day.
“This is truly a momentous and historic day for the island of Oahu. Today’s announcement marks the culmination of decades of hard work, perseverance and overcoming difficult challenges of every kind,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “We are all excited for the public to experience first-hand the transformative effect the rail will have for our island home.
“With today’s announcement, we are turning the page on the largest public works project in Hawaii’s history. On June 30, 2023, beginning at 2 p.m., residents who have been waiting for so long, will finally have the opportunity to board these beautiful trains, and ride them for the very first time,” the Mayor added.
The first phase of the City’s rail project covers a roughly 11-mile stretch between the Kualaka`i Station in East Kapolei and the Hālawa Station near Aloha Stadium. Passenger services to additional stations further east along the rail line are scheduled to commence in phases over the coming years.
For more information on the opening of the rail line, visit honolulu.gov/rail.