Honolulu’s rail authority is alleging Hitachi Rail Honolulu JV knew the claims it made in its lawsuit last month were ‘false and misleading.’

The settlement gives the city the easements it needs to build through Kakaʻako, but HART does not yet have the money to construct that segment.

Construction crews have torn up not just the streets but also the sidewalks, leading to potential ADA violations.

Hitachi Rail Honolulu JV, which is still on the job, refiles a suit alleging HART exhibited an ‘inability to learn’ from its mistakes.

It took years for the city to set up a program helping businesses that were negatively impacted by rail construction. Now, that program is underutilized and insufficient, business owners say.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi says he’s opposed to the idea but the rail authority has submitted a proposal to the Honolulu Charter Commission anyway.

Extending rail from Kakaʻako to Ala Moana would cost another $1.6 billion, money the rail authority does not have. The board did not discuss how to pay for that.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi says the city must overcome “almost two decades of negativity and cynicism.”

Advocates envision free food for local commuters at rail stations and beyond.

The longtime Hawaiʻi politician has had some successes on the board but also stirred up controversy.