HI HR80

Requests the City and County of Honolulu and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to relocate the Honolulu rail transit project inland to address sea level rise threats.

Notes that the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission projected significant flooding beginning as early as 2030, with the Middle Street Transit Center threatened by flooding in that timeframe.

Identifies that by 2050, more than one foot of sea level rise is projected to inundate areas around planned Kapalama and Kakaako stations, and by 2100, the entire urban rail route faces flooding.

Points out that moving the project inland would protect the rail system and transit-oriented development, support affordable housing efforts, and avoid costly mitigation measures while allowing time to evaluate expansion to the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Directs certified copies be transmitted to the Governor, state transportation and economic development directors, the Mayor of Honolulu, and leadership of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation.