Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Leeward Tests Continue on Honolulu Rail Project

Honolulu rail’s Final Environmental Impact Statement is still caught between the outgoing Lingle Administration, which has insisted on a financial review of the project, and the new team headed by Governor-Elect Neil Abercrombie, who says his duties don’t extend to project finances.

Civil Beat today headlines its story on the FEIS status with “Abercrombie: If Rail EIS Done Correctly, I’m Obligated to Sign it.” CB’s Fact Check feature says that assertion is “True” – “The facts support the claim.”

Although the FEIS is in limbo, that doesn’t mean the project is at a stand-still. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle has an update on the soil testing and community outreach underway along Farrington Highway in Waipahu.

Eight shafts are being drilled along or adjacent to the highway, with work accomplished during non-peak commuting hours. Some lane closures are required, but at least one lane in each direction remains open during the work.

Community outreach also is ongoing with residents and businesses in Waipahu to keep them informed of possible impacts on their neighborhoods. Outreach will be a continuing process throughout the project’s construction, which could begin early next year depending on the Abercrombie’s disposition of the FEIS.

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