Latest infrastructure & transportation news and updates
The Honolulu City Council has approved HART's $968.3 million budget for fiscal year 2026, which will provide funding for the advancement of the Skyline project. The budget provides opportunities for local businesses and construction but could bring risks.
Hawaiian Electric is investing $350 million in a comprehensive wildfire safety strategy, with a strong emphasis on Maui County, including a pilot project for undergrounding power lines in Lahaina. This initiative aims to harden the grid, protect communities, and leverage advanced technology to prevent future tragedies.
Alaska Airlines’ mainland flight cancellations are creating ripple effects, posing challenges for Hawaii’s tourism sector and businesses reliant on air travel. The airline's fleet decisions and broader industry scrutiny will significantly shape Hawaii's economic landscape.
The Honolulu City Council is set to review Mayor Blangiardi's proposal for $11 million in general obligation bonds to support the over-budget rail project. This decision is a critical step in addressing the financial sustainability of the project and it impacts local businesses.
A new $46 million TSA Checkpoint project at Kahului Airport has broken ground, with the aim to reduce passenger wait times and improve travel experiences, benefiting local businesses and the tourism sector.
Kahului Airport on Maui is undergoing a $62 million upgrade, with a new passenger waiting area and other improvements, designed to enhance the experience for the millions of travelers passing through the airport annually, and to support the tourism economy.
Recent upgrades at Honolulu Airport, including a remodeled bathroom and a Panda Express, are drawing criticism as travelers point out persistent issues like outdated infrastructure and crowded gates. The focus on superficial improvements raises concerns about the efficiency of infrastructure investment and the potential impact on Hawaii's tourism-dependent businesses.
Upcoming closures on the H-1 Freeway will impact travel and logistics, urging businesses and residents in Hawaii to prepare for potential delays. Planning ahead, considering alternative routes, and staying updated with traffic information are key to minimizing disruptions.
Beginning in June, Central Maui anticipates significant traffic as crews transport approximately 400,000 tons of Lahaina wildfire debris to a permanent disposal site, creating both challenges and opportunities for the local business community.
Hawaiian Electric is utilizing drones for aerial inspections across several islands to enhance its wildfire safety strategy, improving infrastructure protection, and ensuring community safety. This initiative reflects a proactive move to adopt technology and mitigate wildfires.
The Honolulu Rail project is a cautionary tale for Hawaii's business sector, highlighting the importance of realistic expectations and careful oversight in large-scale infrastructure projects. The project's continuous delays, budget expansions, and impact on renewable energy targets will affect a variety of local industries, including real estate, tourism, and transportation.
A coalition on the Leeward Coast is urging utility companies to take immediate action to improve infrastructure, mitigate wildfire risks, and protect residents. This push comes in response to growing safety concerns and the need for long-term solutions.
The FAA's safety concerns regarding the aging Boeing 717 fleet, a staple of inter-island travel in Hawaii, could impact businesses, tourism, and the overall economy. Hawaiian Airlines is under pressure to find suitable aircraft replacements.
A HI-EMA fuel tank has been in violation of maintenance regulations since 1997, raising concerns about infrastructure safety and potential impacts on Hawaii businesses. This situation necessitates careful consideration from investors and highlights the importance of effective oversight.
Hawaiian Electric is utilizing drones for aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure, particularly in wildfire-prone areas. This proactive approach enhances the grid's safety, reliability, and reduces disruptions for businesses and residents.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is expanding its use of automated safety cameras across the islands to detect speeders and red-light runners, aiming to improve traffic safety despite facing legislative hurdles. This move, which involves installing 160 additional cameras, has implications for businesses, particularly the rental car industry and those dependent on transportation.
The Hawaii state budget includes $2.5 million for a study of a Puna Alternate Route, addressing traffic congestion concerns and potentially boosting economic prospects for Big Island businesses and residents.
Businesses on Oahu should prepare for increased traffic congestion due to a surge in road construction projects, particularly on major roadways such as the H-1 Freeway. This could potentially disrupt supply chains, affect employee commutes, and impact overall productivity and logistics.
A recent letter in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser proposes a funding strategy for the Honolulu rail project, suggesting that those who benefit most should contribute the most. This could impact real estate, businesses, and investors by altering development costs and property values near rail stations.
Oshkosh Corporation's decision to shutter its baggage handling operations at Honolulu International Airport, leading to 70 layoffs, raises concerns over airport service disruptions and job losses, underscoring the importance of infrastructure and workforce development.