Latest infrastructure & transportation news and updates
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) announced a positive outcome from its recent annual audit, signaling financial health for the agency overseeing the $10 billion-plus Skyline rail project. Despite the favorable audit results, the project continues to face scrutiny regarding its budget and ongoing operational challenges.
A Tornado Warning was issued for the island of Niʻihau on the morning of December 19, 2025, according to a report from [KHON2](https://www.khon2.com/kauai-news/nws-issues-tornado-warning-for-ni%ca%bbihau/). This rare weather event presents potential challenges for the island's limited infrastructure and any businesses operating there.
The ongoing legal battle between Hitachi Rail Honolulu JV and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) over the troubled Skyline rail project represents a critical juncture for Honolulu's infrastructure and financial future. The lawsuit's outcome will have profound implications for the city's ability to manage large-scale projects and its relationship with key contractors.
Honolulu's Skyline public transit system is experiencing a surge in ridership since the recent opening of its new segment, signaling a positive shift in the city's transportation landscape. This boost in usage has significant implications for local businesses, real estate, and the overall economic vitality of Oahu.
Hawaii is aggressively pursuing a greener transportation future, aiming to reduce emissions across all modes of transport, from electric vehicles to sustainable aviation fuel and green shipping. This shift presents significant opportunities for businesses and investors, while also posing challenges related to cost and equitable access.
Motorists and businesses in Honolulu should prepare for upcoming overnight closures at the Bethel Street and Nu‘uanu Avenue intersections on Nimitz Highway. These closures, part of ongoing infrastructure projects, are scheduled to begin on December 19th and will impact traffic flow.
Maui County is proposing a switch to on-demand microtransit services for two of its least-used bus routes, the Waihe'e Villager and Kula Islander. The move aims to improve efficiency, reduce wait times, and enhance public transportation options for residents.
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.