Colleen Hanabusa is stepping down from her role as the chairperson of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) board, effective at the end of the month. The announcement came during a HART board meeting, as reported by Hawaii News Now, citing personal reasons. Hanabusa's departure is significant because she has been a key figure in overseeing the city's ambitious and costly Skyline rail project.
Hanabusa's contributions to the project were acknowledged with a resolution honoring her service, as detailed by Civil Beat. The Skyline project, with a budget exceeding $10 billion, has faced numerous challenges, including significant cost overruns and project delays. The impact of this leadership change extends to the broader business community, particularly for firms involved in construction, engineering, and related services. The resignation comes at a critical juncture, considering factors such as ridership numbers. A recent audit revealed that the rail system’s ridership has fallen short of expectations.
Her leadership role has been critical, and her departure adds a layer of uncertainty to the project's future. Moreover, her long tenure in public service, including her previous appointment to the HART board, as highlighted in a Star Advertiser article from 2015, underscores the importance of continuity and experience in managing complex infrastructure projects.
The Honolulu rail project's success is crucial for the development of Honolulu's infrastructure and the city's economic growth. With Hanabusa's departure, the selection of a new chair and the ongoing management of the project will be closely watched by investors, developers, and local businesses alike. This transition highlights the dynamic nature of Oahu's business environment and the critical need for effective governance in large-scale public projects.
