HI HR158

Request the Department of Transportation to conduct a study on implementing a flexible light rail system in Honolulu that can run at ground level or on elevated tracks as appropriate.

Current elevated rail project estimated at $5.4 billion with construction taking 9-10 years; flexible system proposed to cost approximately $1 billion less and take only 4-5 years to build.

Flexible light rail system cited advantages include preserving mauka/makai views, providing easier access for elderly and disabled passengers, allowing route flexibility to avoid Native Hawaiian burial sites, and requiring onboard operators for safety.

Money saved from flexible system could extend rail by 8.8 additional miles to include UH-Manoa, Waikiki, and West Kapolei neighborhoods.

Department of Transportation must submit findings and recommendations report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2011 Regular Session convenes.