The City and County of Honolulu announced on October 21, 2025, that businesses affected by the construction of the Skyline transit project are eligible to apply for financial assistance through the Transit Construction Mitigation Fund (TCMF). This initiative, established by Honolulu City Council through Bill 40, passed in January 2024, aims to provide relief to local businesses struggling due to the extensive construction of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project. KHON2 confirmed that businesses can apply for $10,000 grants.
The TCMF grant is designed to help alleviate the financial strain on businesses experiencing reduced revenue or increased operating costs because of the rail construction. The grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, making it crucial for eligible businesses to apply promptly. The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Budget and Fiscal Services is managing the application process. Initially, the application portal opened on January 27, 2025, and the deadline was repeatedly extended. According to Spectrum News Staff, the deadline was extended to February 21, 2025, giving business owners more time to apply.
This proactive measure from the city reflects an understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face during large-scale infrastructure projects. As Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi stated, in a release covered by Spectrum News, "We cannot afford to lose the services and character that our neighborhood businesses provide to our communities, especially considering that they are on the cusp of benefiting tremendously from Skyline, which will become a transformative economic driver when it is complete."
For Hawaii's business owners, this grant represents a vital opportunity to offset losses, maintain operations, and prepare for the long-term benefits of the Skyline project. Businesses located near the rail construction routes, particularly along Dillingham Blvd, were heavily impacted. The Office of Economic Revitalization provides further information on eligibility criteria and the application process, offering essential guidance for businesses seeking support. Staying informed and taking advantage of available resources will be crucial for the success of local enterprises.
