Latest infrastructure & transportation news and updates
Responding to escalating water demands, the Maui County Department of Water Supply announced an expansion of its Launiupoko exploratory well project in West Maui, increasing well construction from two to four sites. This initiative aims to enhance water availability for West Maui's residents and businesses, reflecting the county's commitment to bolstering its water infrastructure.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) has unveiled its Priority Multimodal Network, a comprehensive 10-year plan investing $360 million to enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit infrastructure across the islands. This initiative aims to improve connectivity, offer affordable transportation options, and align with the state's broader sustainability goals.
FirstNet, in collaboration with AT&T, is significantly expanding its deployable asset capabilities across the Hawaiian Islands, promising heightened emergency communication infrastructure. This development is particularly crucial for businesses, investors, and residents in a state frequently challenged by diverse natural disasters.
Tensions are escalating between the Hawaii Teamsters and Oahu Transit Services (OTS), raising the specter of a potential bus strike that could cripple TheBus service. The union alleges that OTS is intentionally driving workers toward a strike, putting the needs of the public at risk.
A recent power outage in Honolulu's McCully, Moʻiliʻili, and Kapahulu areas left over 4,500 customers without electricity, causing significant disruptions for local businesses and residents. The outage, reported by Hawaiian Electric on December 5th, highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining reliable power infrastructure in the city.
Ridership on Honolulu's Skyline rail system jumped by nearly 30,000 in November, the first full month after the second segment of the rail line opened to the public. This increase signals growing acceptance of the public transit system and potential shifts in commuting patterns for Hawaii residents.
Maui is exploring microtransit options in Kula-Upcountry and Waiheʻe-Kahului, aiming to enhance public transportation with on-demand, flexible services. This initiative, using smaller vehicles to complement existing bus routes, could significantly impact tourism, local businesses, and the overall mobility of residents.
Global Medical Response (GMR) has launched emergency helicopter flight services from Oahu, establishing a new base at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. This initiative promises faster transport for critically ill patients, potentially saving lives and impacting Hawaii's healthcare landscape.
Following community concerns over potential service reductions, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has confirmed that no ambulance closures or downgrades will occur. Instead, the focus is on expanding services with more staff and units in 2026, aiming to enhance emergency response capabilities across the island.
The Maui County Council has approved a plan to secure almost $64.5 million in state loans with favorable interest rates. These funds will be allocated to vital water infrastructure projects crucial for the recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires of August 2023.
The collapse of the pedestrian bridge to Coconut Island (Mokuʻola) in Hilo has prompted Hawaii County to initiate emergency procedures to assess the damage and plan for repairs, impacting local tourism and potentially creating opportunities for construction and engineering businesses. The closure of this popular destination highlights infrastructure vulnerabilities and the need for swift action and community engagement.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced intermittent full closures on Kailua Road at the intersections of Uluʻoa Street and Ulumanu Drive during December. This construction, part of an ongoing traffic signal project, will likely affect traffic flow and could pose challenges for businesses and residents in the area.
Hitachi Rail Honolulu JV has filed a $320 million lawsuit against the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), alleging breach of contract and unjust enrichment due to costly delays and mismanagement of the city's Skyline rail project. This legal action further complicates the already over-budget and delayed $10 billion-plus project, raising significant concerns for Hawaii's business community.
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has proposed a nearly $1.07 billion operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2027, representing a 10.4% increase from the previously adopted $968.3 million. This substantial increase reflects the ongoing costs of the Skyline project and its impact on the local economy.
Vehicle registration just got easier for North Shore residents. A new self-service DMV kiosk has opened in Laie, offering a convenient alternative to traditional DMV visits and online renewals.
Construction is set to begin on Monday, November 24th, for a new electric vehicle charging station at Kapalua Airport on Maui. This project, part of a broader initiative to expand EV infrastructure, signifies a step towards sustainable transportation options for visitors and residents alike.
Hitachi Rail Honolulu Joint Venture (HRH) has filed a lawsuit against the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), seeking approximately $320 million in damages due to alleged mismanagement and delays in the Honolulu rail project. This legal action, filed in Oahu's First Circuit Court, highlights the ongoing challenges facing the $10 billion Skyline project and raises concerns for local businesses and investors.
Young Brothers, Hawaii's interisland barge service, has been approved for a 25% rate increase, aiming to address financial challenges. However, the company will face stricter oversight in the wake of the price adjustment, impacting businesses dependent on interisland shipping.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced upcoming nighttime lane closures at the intersection of Hāna Highway and Haleakalā Highway. Scheduled for November 20-21, these closures will impact commuters and businesses reliant on this vital Maui thoroughfare.
Hilo is set to begin construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Bayfront Highway, Kamehameha Avenue, and Waianuenue Avenue in 2027, representing a $22 million investment in the area's infrastructure. This development is poised to impact local businesses and offer new opportunities in the construction and related sectors.