Honolulu says 'aloha' to light rail system

Passengers on Hawaiian island can now ride on 11-mile section with more to come
Mobility as a Service / July 5, 2023
By Adam Hill
Light rail Hawaii mobility Honolulu (image: Hart)
There are nine stations between Kualaka`i and Hālawa (image: Hart)

Honolulu in Hawaii has opened the first part of its new light rail system to passengers.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (Hart) has delivered the initial - 11-mile - stretch of the Honolulu Rail Project to the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services (DTS). 

It takes in nine stations between Kualaka`i in East Kapolei and Hālawa near Aloha Stadium.

Passenger services to additional stations further east are scheduled to be phased in "over the coming years".

Hart CEO Lori Kahikina called it a "landmark moment".

“All required operational and safety testing and related certifications have been completed and the system is safe and reliable, Kahikina says.

Hart has transferred the track and stations to DTS, along with 12 four-car trains and the 43-acre maintenance and storage facility.