HI SR36

Requests the State Auditor conduct a cost comparison study of elevated rail versus street-level rail options for completing the Middle Street to Downtown Honolulu portion of the Honolulu rail project

Requires the State Auditor to submit the study to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2018

References the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's escalating cost projections, which increased from $5.2 billion (initial), to $6.8 billion (May 2016), to $9.5 billion (December 2016)

Notes that experts estimate Option 2A (elevated rail to Middle Street, then street-level rail downtown) could reduce costs by $2.9 to $4.2 billion and complete the project four years sooner while retaining federal funding

Directs transmission of certified copies to the State Auditor, Governor, Mayor, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Executive Director, and Honolulu City Council members