Honolulu Skyline has drawn sharp criticism from Senator Joni Ernst for massive delays, soaring costs, and disappointing ridership, fueling calls for greater accountability in federally funded infrastructure projects. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Honolulu Skyline has drawn sharp criticism from Senator Joni Ernst for massive delays, soaring costs, and disappointing ridership, fueling calls for greater accountability in federally funded infrastructure projects.
Skyline, the rail system which opened to the public in June of 2023, is one possible location for rooftop and community gardens that could help make fresh produce more accessible for underserved populations on Oʻahu. (Stephanie Salmons, Aloha State Daily)

Honolulu Skyline Project Delays and Rising Costs

Senator Joni Ernst has placed the Honolulu Skyline among major public infrastructure “boondoggles” that she believes waste taxpayer dollars. Her August report highlighted that the project is now 11 years late, with completion pushed to 2031.

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According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Skyline is nearly $5 billion over budget, bringing its total estimated cost to $9.9 billion. Ernst says repeated failures to secure a construction contract for the city center segment have stalled progress.

Honolulu Skyline and Legislative Push for Transparency

Ernst criticized the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation for mismanagement, pointing to more than $200 million paid to contractors during idle delays. She accused the agency of awarding premature contracts, approving incomplete designs, and spending excessively on executive perks.

Ridership has also fallen short. HART’s July report showed daily passenger counts between 1,815 and 4,123, well below projections. Ernst argues that such low use raises questions about continued federal funding.

Rather than demanding cancellation, Ernst is advancing the Billion-Dollar Boondoggle Act. The bill would require agencies managing projects that are at least $1 billion over budget or five years late to submit annual reports to the Office of Management and Budget. These reports must explain cost changes, delays, and corrective actions.

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs approved the measure on July 30. However, it has not progressed further, and the House version has remained stalled since February. Ernst insists that transparency will safeguard public funds and help avoid similar costly missteps.

Source: alohastatedaily.com

FAQ

What is the Honolulu Skyline project?

The Honolulu Skyline is a rail transit system in Hawaii aimed at improving urban mobility. Details are available at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation website.

Why is the Honolulu Skyline over budget?

According to a U.S. DOT report, delays, premature contract awards, lawsuits, and incomplete designs have contributed to nearly $5 billion in cost overruns.

How much will the Honolulu Skyline cost when finished?

The total estimated cost is about $9.9 billion, with completion projected for 2031, based on current project data.

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