Honolulu Rail Project – Federal Judge’s Decision Causes Further Disagreement

In 2001, former Governor Ben Cayetano and other opponents of the Honolulu Rail Project ruled a lawsuit against the city with 57 points of concern regarding the project.  Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Wallace Tashima, sided with the lawsuit on just 3 of the 57 points.  Specifically, Judge Tashima stated that the city of Honolulu had (1) “failed to complete reasonable efforts to identify traditional cultural properties along the proposed 20-mile rail line and must do so now”, (2) “must re-evaluate the possibility of putting a tunnel under Beretania Street as an alternative to a portion of the elevated rail line” and (3) “reconsider the impact the project will have on Kakaako’s Mother Waldron Park.”

Both supporters and opponents of the $5.26 billion rail project feel that Judge Tashima’s ruling favors them.  Long time opponent and mayor candidate, Ben Cayetano, stated, “It shows to the public that this project was rushed so badly that the city didn’t do the work it was supposed to do.  It will set the project back, and it may kill the project.  This project, for all the assurances given to the public, is really based financially on a house of cards.” Cayetano also believes that a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement would be needed based upon Judge Tashima’s ruling which may take several additional months of study and public hearing.

However, current Honolulu mayor, Peter Carlisle, disagrees with Cayetano and stated that Cayetano “is trying to blow up the parts of the ruling that suit his purposes.  While the city did not win completely on all of the major points, the truth is that the issues that remain can and will be addressed in a responsible manner.”  Carlisle added that he has not been able to speak with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) officials about Judge Tashima’s decision due to fact that FTA officials have been busy with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy on the east coast.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 11-3-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
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