Federal government OKs EIS for Honolulu rail project

The Federal Transit Administration approved a final environmental impact statement for Honolulu's $5 billion rail transit project on June 14, but the document must be signed by Gov. Linda Lingle before construction can begin.

When or if the governor will sign off on the project is unknown. Lingle spokesman Lenny Klompus said the EIS has to be reviewed by the state Office of Environmental Quality Control. After that review is complete, it will be sent to Lingle for further scrutiny, he said. Lingle has said she wants to have a public comment period on the EIS and also do an analysis on cost-and-revenue estimates, a process that could take months and extend well beyond her term in office.

"There is no time limit; there is no restriction on how quickly you have to act. There is no expiration of it," Lingle said. "It depends on when we're able to get the financial analysis."

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann held a rally on June 14 on the steps of Honolulu Hale to announce the completion of the EIS. Hannemann, who is running for governor, urged supporters of the 20-mile elevated rail system to urge the governor to make a “timely acceptance of this project.”

“Do what you can,” Hannemann said. “Let her know the economy needs revitalization. We need rail on Oahu. We need livable communities, and we need to do what is right.”

The executive summary and the complete EIS document are available at http://www.honolulutransit.org. Highlights include an anticipated weekday ridership of 116,300 in 2030, a reduction in traffic delay by about 18 percent in 2030 and an estimated 40,000 fewer vehicles on the road each day in 2030 if the rail system is built.

City would acquire 160 acres for rail right-of-way

The City and County of Honolulu must acquire 160 acres of private and state-owned land to build the proposed rail transit system, which would cost about $159 million and displace nearly 90 businesses and residences. This includes 88 acres of prime agricultural land, primarily in Ewa, according to the environmental impact statement released June 14.

Aloun Farms, which runs a 3,000-acre commercial operation in several locations in Ewa and Central Oahu, would be impacted most, losing 41 acres. The 160 acres is just 1 percent of the land needed to build the $5.5 billion, 20-mile system, according to the EIS.

The acquisition will displace 67 businesses, 20 residences and one church, the EIS said. The city said there will be 40 full acquisitions and 159 partial purchases, where only portions of a landowner’s property are needed.