Military Community Invited To Comment on Honolulu Rail Transit Project’s Draft EIS

Map illustrates the "Salt Lake" and "Airport" alternatives.

Oahu’s large military community is being invited to submit comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the proposed Honolulu rail transit system. The comment period extends through the end of the business day on February 6.

The Draft EIS evaluates three Build Alternatives for an elevated rail transit system from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center and a No Build Alternative. The Build Alternatives follow identical routes, except by Aloha Stadium, where the:
• Salt Lake alternative continues along Salt Lake Boulevard to Kamehameha Highway; and the:
• Airport alternative travels along Kamehameha Highway with a rail station in front of Pearl Harbor Naval Base, onto Nimitz Highway, past Honolulu International Airport and onward to Kamehameha Highway.

A third Build Alternative includes both the Salt Lake and Airport routes. The alternatives that pass Pearl Harbor and Hickam Air Force Base are likely to elicit the most interest from military personnel.

The Draft EIS, complete with detailed maps of all Build Alternatives, can be downloaded at the project’s website (www.honolulutransit.org). The website also has a video guide to the Draft EIS with key facts, computer-animated fly-throughs of the Salt Lake and Airport alternatives and concept renderings of the proposed rail stations, including the rail station in front of the Pearl Harbor Naval Base.

The public can comment in writing to the Department of Transportation Services, 650 south King Street, 3rd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, or online.

In addition to the project’s website, copies of the Draft EIS are available for review at State libraries, the City library, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) office (650 South King Street – 3rd Floor), and the DTS – Rapid Transit Division office (1099 Alakea Street – Suite 1700).

The public comment period is mandated by federal and state laws. All comments received will be considered as the Final EIS is prepared by the Federal Transit Administration and the City. All relevant comments will be responded to in writing.