Latest infrastructure & transportation news and updates
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced nightly paving work in front of the Kahului Airport Terminal, starting Wednesday, November 5th, and lasting through the morning of Saturday, November 8th. This infrastructure project is likely to affect airport operations, passenger flow, and businesses dependent on airport traffic.
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is exploring options to extend its operational lifespan beyond the current 2031 sunset date, potentially evolving into a permanent agency with an expanded mission. This has significant implications for Honolulu's infrastructure development and the broader business landscape.
While many mainland airports grapple with delays and staffing issues exacerbated by the federal government shutdown, Hawaii's airports are operating smoothly. This is due to the dedication of federal employees and proactive measures by the state, crucial for maintaining the flow of tourism and business in the islands.
Hawaii's North Shore is poised to ease traffic congestion with a planned shuttle service, backed by $4.7 million in secured funds and land acquisition negotiations. This initiative, spearheaded by House Majority Leader Sean Quinlan, signals significant implications for tourism, real estate, and the overall business environment in the region.
While the mainland grapples with flight delays due to air traffic controller shortages resulting from the ongoing federal government shutdown, Hawaii's airports have, so far, remained largely unaffected. This provides a crucial advantage for Hawaii's tourism-dependent economy, ensuring smoother travel for visitors and minimizing disruption for local businesses.
Honolulu is set to welcome a new traffic maintenance facility by 2027, promising enhanced roadway safety and potentially stimulating economic activity in the construction and related sectors. This development signifies a commitment to infrastructure improvements and creates opportunities for local businesses.
Negotiations between Oahu Transit Services (OTS) and Teamsters Union Local 996 have reached an impasse, with OTS presenting its "last, best, and final" offer to the union. A potential strike by TheBus drivers threatens to disrupt public transportation, impacting thousands of daily riders and raising concerns for Oahu's business community.
Negotiations between Oahu Transit Services (OTS) and Teamsters Union Local 996 have reached an impasse, putting the island's public transportation system at risk of a strike. This potential disruption threatens to impact thousands of daily commuters and could have significant ripple effects across various sectors of the Hawaiian economy.
Construction is underway in Kailua for a new sewer line, serving the upcoming Ocean Safety Department facility. The project, designed to minimize disruption, is a key infrastructure investment with potential ripple effects for local businesses and the community.
Negotiations between Oahu Transit Services (OTS) and the Hawaii Teamsters Local 996 regarding TheBus employee contracts are ongoing, raising concerns about potential disruptions to public transportation. Any service interruptions could significantly impact various sectors of Oahu's economy, from tourism to retail, that rely on TheBus for employee and customer transportation.
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport experienced significant delays today due to a temporary runway closure for essential repairs. This disruption highlights the ongoing infrastructure maintenance impacting travel and tourism on the Big Island.
The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) runway has once again closed due to cracking, despite a substantial $65 million federal investment for rehabilitation. This recurring issue highlights the ongoing challenges facing Hawaii's airport infrastructure and the potential impact on the state's vital tourism and business sectors.
A power outage on October 29th in Waikīkī caused widespread traffic disruptions due to malfunctioning traffic signals, impacting both residents and the vital tourism sector. The Honolulu Police Department advised motorists to treat affected intersections as all-way stops, causing significant delays during the outage.
Hawaiian Electric is making substantial headway in its initiative to remove double utility poles across the state. This critical infrastructure upgrade is part of a broader effort to enhance safety, improve the reliability of the power grid, and enhance the visual appeal of Hawaiian neighborhoods, benefiting both residents and businesses.
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has approved a $500,000 contribution towards a $1.17 million settlement stemming from a fatal 2017 car crash near Waipahu, raising further concerns about the rail project's budget and its impact on Hawaii's economy. The settlement, related to claims of a wrongly placed concrete pillar, highlights ongoing financial and safety issues linked to the multi-billion dollar project.
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has approved a $500,000 contribution towards a $1.17 million settlement agreement stemming from a fatal 2017 car crash in Ewa Beach linked to the Honolulu rail project. This settlement highlights the ongoing financial burdens and legal ramifications associated with the over-budget and delayed rail project, impacting the local economy and businesses.
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has elected new leadership following the resignation of Chair Colleen Hanabusa in September 2025. This change comes at a critical juncture for the city's ambitious rail project, with potential impacts on local businesses, real estate development, and public-private partnerships.
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has announced new leadership with Kika G. Bukoski as Chair and Chris Takashige as Vice Chair, signaling a shift in direction for the city's rail project. Alongside the leadership changes, plans are underway to expand the rail system, impacting local businesses and future development across Oahu.
As the government shutdown stretches into its fourth week, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda is meeting with air traffic controllers across Hawaiʻi. The shutdown has resulted in missed paychecks for air traffic controllers, raising concerns about aviation safety and the economic well-being of federal workers in the state.
The City and County of Honolulu has commenced construction of a new traffic signal maintenance facility in Pearl City. This infrastructure investment aims to enhance road safety and streamline repair response times, potentially benefiting local businesses.