Hawaii scrambles to keep train project from going off rails
HONOLULU — Train tracks supported by concrete pillars snake through Oahu neighborhoods and across its lush scenery, ending abruptly in an empty, overgrown field. They’re part of a planned $9.5 billion rail transit project — one of the most expensive per capita in the United States.
But the commuter line, in the works in and around Honolulu for more than a decade, is less than halfway complete and facing a budget shortfall of up to $3 billion. If lawmakers don’t agree on how to fill it, the giant columns could end up as nothing more than expensive eyesores.
Hawaii lawmakers are convening in a special session Monday after failing to plug the funding gap earlier this year.
Legislative leaders have tentatively agreed to a bill, but whether it will pass is unclear. If no solution is found by Sept. 15, the federal government could demand that Honolulu return more than $800 million it has already spent and withhold the rest of a promised $1.5 billion funding package.
Read more: http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/state/hawaii-scrambles-keep-train-project-going-rails
= new reply since forum marked as read
Kick in to the DU tip jar?
This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.
As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.