The “challenging” multibillion-dollar project is almost 60 years in the making.
Hundreds of residents converged on nine train stations from the fields east of Kapolei to Aloha Stadium on Friday to ride the new Skyline system, as modern rail transit service opened for the first time in the island’s history.
The milestone event followed a six-decade struggle to build a fixed rail line across Oahu’s dense southern shore, and it comes after numerous struggles and missteps in the effort to build a full rail route into the heart of Honolulu.
Still, scores of local dignitaries, VIPs, elected leaders and numerous figures associated with rail’s history in the past 15 years commemorated the achievement of opening at least half of the line to the general public.
“This is an extraordinary moment,” U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz told a group of several hundred gathered at Halawa stadium, several hours before the gates at that station opened to the public.
“This project faced multiple near-death experiences along the way,” he said. “It was challenging, it took a lot of grit, it took a lot of arguing, it took a lot of determination and skill and political risk.”
People stood in a long line at the Keone’ae University of Hawaii West Oahu Station on Friday in Ewa Beach to ride Skyline during its public debut. Rides are free until Tuesday. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)During the opening ceremonies for the Skyline rail system at the Halawa Station, Mayor Rick Blangiardi shared his thoughts on the project with dignitaries and guests at the event. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023)Riders will need a Holo card to take advantage of the free rides July 1-4. Then, fares will be $3 for adults, which includes 2.5 hours with unlimited transfers. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)Riders waved to people on the platform who were shooting video of the new Skyline train at the Keone’ae University of Hawaii West Oahu Station. The first nine stations from Kualaka‘i East Kapolei to Halawa Aloha Stadium are now open. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)Skyline trains limit the amount of riders per station to prevent overcrowding. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)HART Executive Director Lori Kahikina shared the journey to Kapolei with former Honolulu City Councilman Joey Manahan. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023)HART Board Chair Colleen Hanabusa and former Gov. John Waihee chatted during the first official public ride to make the journey from Halawa to Kapolei. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023)People captured the moment with their phones as the Skyline train approached the Keone’ae University of Hawaii West Oahu Station. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)There are no restrooms at the stations along HART’s rail line, but HART placed mobile restrooms outside the Halawa station for those in need Friday. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023)Roxy Chow of Waianae threw a shaka to a Kapolei-bound Skyline train Friday. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)
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