Public briefing on rail funding set for August 14

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature is hosting a public informational briefing on state funding for the City & County of Honolulu’s rail project at 10 a.m. Aug. 14 in the State Capitol auditorium.

Key committee chairs from both the House of Representatives and the Senate have been meeting to discuss rail funding, and lawmakers want to hear from the public as they work on an agreement to finance the project.

The Caldwell Administration and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) will also update financial issues at the briefing.

The leaders of the two chambers have reaffirmed their commitment to resolve the outstanding rail financing issues. 

“Rail is at a critical point in its construction and the legislature wants to hear the public’s input on the funding mechanisms and how to ensure greater accountability from HART and the city on their rail project. We need the most accurate financial information to make the best decision possible,” said Speaker of the House Scott Saiki.

“In spite of our impasse during the 2017 legislative session, the legislature understands the importance in crafting a legislative solution that will provide the City & County of Honolulu a dedicated revenue stream to adhere to the funding agreement and complete construction of the rail project,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi.

State lawmakers will hold a special legislative session to address rail financing from August 28 through September 1.

Testimony for the public briefing must be submitted via email to the Senate Committee on Transportation and Energy at TRETestimony@capitol.hawai.gov. Testimony may be submitted up to 24 hours prior to the start of the informational briefing.

For more information, visit the legislature’s website or call the committee clerk at (808) 586-6697.