I hope they take this opportunity to build lots high density units along the rail and preserve the rest of the island from the sprawl of single family homes and the use of cars. We need more housing but most don’t want to change the look and feel of the community they’re in.
IMO DTS and #HART should also take the opportunity in letting developers build development on transit and parking properties while taking a cut from developers as a new reliable funding source for not only #Skyline but also other transportation modes, TheBus especially.
@haynstyle1818 - I recently rode on Bangkok Thailand's version of the SKYLINE called the SKYTRAIN last April. What I found out from the locals there was that as soon as some condominium skyrises were near the rail stations, the cost of the properties and rentals went up like a rocket because of the convenience factor! Many locals could no longer afford to rent near the rail stations. They were essentially priced out of their rental properties! I predict many landlords who have rental properties near and next to rail stations will double the rental cost!
then build more medium density housing, the reason why Europe has so much more density with less skyscrapers is because they enable such "missing middle" housing, such as rowhouses duplexes/triplexes/quadplexes to exist.
The chance to develop "regular" property into high value property was one of the unspoken driving force in pushing this white elephant project. Remember that the government's definition of "affordable" housing is way higher than the average Hawaii worker can afford.
Look up photos of what Queens NYC looked like when they finished building the IRT Flushing Line (that main portion of today’s 7 train). It’s farmland. Nothing to see. Today that land is FULLY developed and relies on the 7 for the commute into Midtown Manhattan. So with time watch what might happen with the land surrounding the Skyline. If you build it THEY WILL COME.
The train would always be a 3 generation thing. We would use it to see what it was like. Our kids would find it a bit more useful. Our grandkids will have to use it, due to traffic. People will plan around it. In order for Kapolei to become a true second city, we will need to be able to get from town to there reliably without the traffic.
True. Okinawa opened their monorail line in 2003, and by 2019 they had to expand further north. Now there are talks of building a brand new rail line from Naha to Nago in the north.
@@jamallhayden2512 and according to hart’s May 2023 “progress” report, they have spent more than $5.33 billion so far. That’s $200 million more than the original $5.12 billion budget for 20.1 miles and 21 stations to Ala Moana, not to mention that Ala Moan was supposed to be complete nd in full time operation by 1/31/2020, 3.5 years ago.
You two are more than real estate agents. I watch your shows to feel that aloha and stay in touch. I think you both should have a daily talk show! You’re awesome!
I really really hope the airport gets connected up… That will bring in MASSIVE ridership and $$$ for future expansion. I think that’s the missing link to making this new transit system a success.
The airport already has a station, its just not complete yet. It's supposed to be finished by 2026, and the entire rail line that goes deeper into Honolulu will finish by 2032. With hopefully future expansions to Waikiki and University Of Hawaii Manoa.
Mass rail transit is NEEDED everywhere in the US. The thing is they need to build something useful. Taking people where they want to go when they want to go
@@indianapatsfan and cars ruined our beautiful cities. We tore down historic walkable neighborhoods to build parking lots and garages so cars can sit hours while we work, we have to drive everywhere.. we build things that are spread out now all because of the car. Now suburbs are a huge thing, you can live further from the job centers. I want a big plot of land. Spreads the suburbs out even more Now we NEED a car.... There's a better way to do it and other countries are doing it. We REALLY NEED walkable, bicable and mass public transit. NEED
@NicksDynasty I like my house in the suburbs. I like my deck, yard and garden. Needing to own a car to commute doesn't bother me. I knew what I was getting into when I bought the place. To each his own.
@@indianapatsfan and we want you to enjoy your suburban oasis. Suburbs can also be walkable as well, but we don't build it that way America could just do a lot better with the way they use land. We started off really well and then when more people got cars we started building for cars and not people
@@indianapatsfan A car is the best form of transportation in America because our cities and intrastructure are built around cars. The problem with cars is that they are inefficient at transporting large amounts of people. That is why we have traffic congestion. Roads might be able to transport hundreds of people through a city/town, but rail systems can transport thousands. Not to mention the cost of maintaining miles of streets, roads, highways, parking lots, traffic lights, etc., vastly outweighs the cost of maintaining and fixing rail systems. You can even tie in how car infrastrucure negatively impacts our citizen's health. People in the US barely move their bodies outside of the gym, and most people don't even workout or gym on a regular basis. But having cities and roads that promotes walking or biking or any form of movement in order to get to a destination will improve the health of our citizens immensely. Ultimately, living in the suburbs and owning a car is great, but when thinking about the growth of our population and considering who most people who can't even afford a car (or afford the cost of owning & maintaining a car) or not being able to afford to live in single-family homes (which is pretty much the standard in suburbia), we need to think of more efficient usages of land and resources.
I lived in Hawaii for 28 years. I moved my family to Pennsylvania in 2019 because the housing situation was getting worse. HOAs in Hawaii are a big ripoff but I have no choice because I can't afford $800K+ home prices. Now that I'm in Pennsylvania I am able to afford a single family home in a nice neighborhood with no HOA, and by the way, my house is all PAID OFF. Another side benefit of not living in Hawaii is that my children will not be stuck paying for the overpriced Honolulu rail Skyline for the rest of their lives. Thank God!
I agree. As a Kailua local I wouldn't need the rail. I rode on it once to try it out. It was a joke. You're basically dropped off 4 miles away from the Kapolei shopping center. What a waste of tax payers dollars. 🤦♂️
It NEEDS to go to town. It’s such a letdown that UH students can’t get anywhere near the campus or Waikiki Hotel employees can’t go directly to the area. I understand that logistics would be an issue but still it seems to fall short. Thanks for the video guys! 🤙🏼
That’s my new mobile office! Rent is under 1k a year!!! Big plus! Excellent people watching and networking!!! The three things that sold me on the new office space….. 1. Great views, 2. Free Wi-Fi, 3. Crispy nice Air Conditioning!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Mahe is my hero!
I'm all for transit, but even though it would've cost more money they really should've built the Airport to Downtown/Waikiki first. That portion would actually get a lot of use.
The only problem I have is where they started building it. Honolulu and Waikiki could us it more. Then they should have expand out. If they started at ala moana and expanded out to Waikiki, Manoa, punchbowl, kalihi and Nu'uanu then spread out to pearl city and out then great. But don't see the point where they started from.
The people that really benefit from rail, the politicos, their cronies, unions, real estate developers, construction firms, subcontractors, land owners and offshore investors had one goal in mind, helpfully explained by former mayor karlyle. “Mayor Carlisle, now a lame duck, says he will ‘do everything [he] can to get rail far enough along so that it cannot possibly be stopped’” the transport politic 8/18/2012 The storage and maintenance yard is in Pearl City on 44 acres next to LCC. They could have built in both directions from there. As it is, it’s going to take them 20 years to build 18.9 miles at a cost of $10 billion. If they build the final 1.2 miles to Ala Moana, that will be another $1.3 billion.
Our future ohana and generations will benefit the most from this. In the long run, it’s good but I agree that for the amount of money spent, it should be the same level as other countries.
@@user-sg8kq7ii3y you don't know what you're talking about: so long as they allow for transit-oriented development along the rail corridor, the system will be a net positive for the local economy. What's baffling is that the first branch wasn't in the CBD to the airport since that's the densest part of the island
But since it's an island, it's not surprising projects cost more to build there. That's to be expected. It will become very popular for tourists and residents. The views are fantastic. That's also very unique. A lot of public transit is not like that
@@user-sg8kq7ii3y The cost of maintaining miles of streets, roads, highways, parking lots, traffic lights, etc., vastly outweighs the cost of maintaining and fixing rail systems. A big problem with cars is that they are inefficient at transporting large amounts of people. That is why we have traffic congestion. Roads might be able to transport hundreds of people through a city/town, but rail systems can transport thousands. Rail systems can also easily adapt to a growing population, whereas car infrastructure will require more money and time building new roads to accommodate an increase in new drivers. Additionally, car infrastructure negatively impacts our citizen's health. People in the US barely move their bodies outside of the gym, and most people don't even workout or go to the gym on a regular basis. But having cities and roads that promote walking or biking or any form of movement in order to get to a destination will improve the health of our citizens immensely.
I’ve been hearing them on the wake up crew on iHeart radio making fun of it. But I love that you guys show everything old and new. Thank you for sharing everything, all the trouble you guys go through is worth it! All the hard work shows. ❤❤❤
This project is another reason why many locals are struggling. It's all about the money. Money influences every decision that is made . . . especially politically.
No way is this the best use of money. It GOES no were and I get it this is phase one of other but how long this took to complete and BILLIONS lost, that couldve went to the education and homelessness here.
@@chromebomb remember that there are less than 1 million people on Oahu, and that is steadily decreasing. At $10 billion, hat’s more than $10,000 per person for this system. Using actual numbers from hart, the state dept of taxation and HTA, tourists have paid a maximum of 15.5% of the yearly rail GET surcharge. The state and local TAT contribute less than that each, so residents will be paying for a large majority of the rail. Rail has averaged 2,985 paid riders per day from 7/5/2023 - 12/31/2023 vs hart’s 2021 estimate of 12,600, which was down from their previous estimate of 15,000. DTS estimates operations and maintenance will cost $94 million for the first year, rising to $150+ million by 2030, even before it’s completed to “ civic center” in 2031 (at 65% probability).
@@ciello___8307I agree but it shouldn't have taken this long to build the transit which isn't even half way complete. Japan could've finished the whole project in 3 years if that.
Not local (just another Californian observing from afar) but yeah totally agree. The Slyline is a good step, and it's neat to see it finally exists, but it will really need to expand to really be useful. and hey while it's development has been a mess it's not been as much of a mess as the passenger rail development over here.
Another Californian here... Same thoughts. I thought they would expand it to Ala Moana too... Would've been nice if it went all the way to Diamond Head.
I think just going by the population of Honolulu is cutting the rail short. Granted, there isn’t a whole lot to go right now. However, it is no where near finished. When the second phase is completed, it will then include Pearl Harbor and the airport. These are major locations. The airport will include tourists coming from the mainland and even Asia. However, rebuilding the Stadium will also mean Bows games as well as concerts. So the airport will mean foreign money into the rail. Also I am pushing for it to go as far as Ala Moana. This will mean shopping but also be a direct feed for the hotel.
I lived in SF and learned the hard way that cars and traffic mean your late to work. Once I got used to the routine saved money on gas parking ($350/mo back in the 90’s), auto maintenance and just getting stress reduction from no freeway traffic or Road rage! I welcome Skyline and it is a gem not yet realized. So yes mismanaged and contractors like Keweit should be investigated for their large executive and in the field management staff payouts and slow delivery as promised! That being said you folks are blaming the train but who drives down their when the news and HART recommended going by bus or rideshare says parking is limited? Get bus, get rideshare. I did Uber and got there early because I knew there would be crowds and waits! So some of your arguements are moot and seem self-inflicted! Maybe since I had rail experience with BART back in da day! (70’s) It just seems normal for a new project so don’t give up on it folks it is better than the current traffic fubar etc once you try it and of course till it services more people with more routes to Waianae out to Hawaii Kai etc. I remember as a keiki we went to visit Ohana in the Bay Area and we said the same things it only went about 14 miles But it took time years to get it where it is today! I know it takes time and let’s hope they do TOD like Bart has to encourage affordable work Live environments!🤙🏽
It’s really cool in some ways and they have em on main land so if it helps people on island then it’s good thing. But come on the price for this short of distance is crazy. Some shady happening.
Once the airport segment opens up there will be a boost to ridership for sure. But 7pm is too early to close. For an automated system they should definitely stay open longer
We are excited for the rail. It gives the opportunity (eventually) for kids from the Leeward to ride to UH or people to work in town without having to move closer or have a car. Also nice to go to events and not have to find parking.
UH Manoa? “The plan also includes $2.7 billion for mass-transit projects, including $2.5 billion for a fixed-rail system between Kapolei and Manoa.” Star Bulletin 2/19/2006 “Although the vision of rail that captured the public’s imagination was a 28-mile line running from Kapolei to the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, it turns out that the city can only afford to build a smaller section of that line, 20 miles long (to Ala Moana).” honolulu magazine 3/1/2007 The promise of traffic mitigation was all smoke and mirrors and evaporated very early on.
Wow the island has changed so much and when I heard they would be taken Aloha stadium down I felt a little sad...When I attended Radford High we got to play there before games and then we had to help clean up after the Hawaiian football team was done...The Hawaiians were part of the once called the World Football League and the Hawaiians were the farthest this attempt to spread American football world wide and it didn't last...We had great pride in our team though...I saw Pro Bowl games, Aloha Bowls and just enjoyed my time there in that stadium...We all felt like big shot footballers when we got in that stadium...It was said that for everyday spent in Hawaii you live 10 days longer in life and I couldn't agree more...The land, the people, the trade winds and the smell of White Plumeria that grows everywhere is heaven on earth...In my yard we had mango, papaya, plantain, coconut trees and so many wonderful flowers to enjoy, it truly was paradise...The geckos would hang on our screen windows and chirp us awake to welcome us to another beautiful day in paradise and it sure was...Mahalo to you once again from the bottom of my heart for sharing these videos which bring me cherished memories of my time on the island...
Great comment! Very insightful and very true. Once you’ve had a taste of living in Hawaii no matter how short or long, Hawaii will ALWAYS have a place in our hearts ❤ ALOHA 🤙🏽🤙🏽
Idk wby Transit in America is so expensive to build Like they spend 10 billion to build 11 miles (17.5km) of track for a Train that runs above the ground in Hawaii. The NYC subway extension costs 2.5 billion dollars per mile. And LA has been building the purple which has been delayed and delayed for ages now and currently stands at 10 billion for a 9 mile extension In comparison you have Paris building 200km undergound for 35 billion and actually finishing their project on time. Hawaii is not tbe problem. The Us as a whole is when it comes to to transportation
Its not a fil its a world clas fully automated rapid transit system the reason it doesnt serve airport or city yet is due to the placement of the depot due to land rights space and use. Its brilliant
I lived in Miami 20+ years. We have the Metrorail (equivalent to Skyline) & Metro mover (smaller version no conductor, camera guided under cabin) controlled by engineers in the depot. Very useful, very scenic, lots of fun, cuts commute in heavy transit areas. I’m glad you finally experience it I was hoping to be there (living in my surrogate “home”, I am a natural islander). But you just started the experience, once the other sections are put into place, it’ll get better, tourist WILL love it! In Miami it’s located on “hot points”, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, places of interest. Hopefully it’ll be the same or similar concept. Wish I was there! Home sick! 🇵🇷🫶🌺😇. Congratulations 🎉👍🏆
Metrorail is one of the worst systems in North America, a poster child of how not to build a transit system. Goes very few places anyone wants to go, only the south leg has any kind of TOD, the needed transit corridors like US1 and to Miami Beach have no rail at all, the Metromover had to give on fares entirely and is slower than walking, the fares are some of the highest anywhere... need I go on?
At this point, it’s still very useless. It doesn’t connect to town. The connection points are not going to help many at the moment. They should have built in it in town first and built it out towards Ewa.
@@jamallhayden2512 Yeah and Phase 2 is gonna take another 15 years? No thanks. Heck, countries like Singapore, Philippines, China can complete their train projects in less than 4 years.
Enjoyed the views! I’m in Tucson now. I remember when the rail tax started. I had my own small business. I felt the bite. You nailed it. Juice and squeeze out of balance.
I went to the Mayoral debates in 2009. Mufi was all Gung Ho for the rail. But Panos gave a very compelling and comprehensive presentation in favor of revising the existing use patterns of H1 and H2 with very low cost infrastructure modification. Panos won't say it, he's too much of a gentleman. But I will: "I TOLD YOU SO, MORONS!"
I feel like I need to visit just to see the train. Out of all the bigger cities I’ve been to, I thought it was strange for Honolulu to be without one. Fast transit may not be a priority, but I would hope clean transit would be.
With 124 million people on an island the size of california, and less than 20% of the land usable it makes sense. On an island like Oahu with less than one million people and a construction cost of well over $500 million per mile, as well as subsidies starting at $80 million per year, it doesn’t make sense.
I’m retired and have never taken it. I live in the hills above Aloha Stadium so I’m thinking I should try taking Honolulu Skyline (that’s its official name) for a joy ride just to check it out. I worked downtown before retiring in late 2019. My coworkers today mention how most of the office workers are at home working virtually, going into the office for meetings maybe once a week. That was one of the “lessons” from COVID. UHERO should do an impact study on that.
it's newly open, expect to be busy because everyone is curious to ride the new train in town. Hawaii is an amazing place been there many times and wanna move there someday
True, opening weekend is gonna be extraordinarily busy. But we had to get out here to make a video for everyone. We’re here for you when you need real estate questions answered. A lot of our clients come through this channel and we’re specialized in helping people move to Hawaii 🤙
Every time I go the beach at the end of Ewa Beach and watch the planes land on the reef runway, I can't believe how close it is. I just shake my head thinking how that option makes so much sense... just gotta convince the military to allow it 🤪
We were all lied to from the start, 9 out of 10 people in favor of the rail? Today 9 out of 10 wont even use it even those who pushed for it!! Its a big bend over Hawaii which will take generations to pay for! Get real and follow the $$!!
It’s cool that it allows bikes! That’s a plus. But also…isn’t it not done yet? I thought they had plans to include town etc in the future? Or did they scrap that? If they scrapped that idea then I would say unfortunately…. Juice wasn’t worth the squeeze :(
@@meijiishin5650Downtown is 2031. I think that’s what you mean. Plus two more stations not included in any of the phases that they want to get done in the long future.
@@davidng2336 DTS and #HART should really improve their project planning and execution processes especially if they must fully fulfill recovery plan submitted to the #FTA and plan future extensions beyond #alamoana. DTS and #HART should at least partner with #JOIN (#Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Cooperation for Transport & Urban Development) for obtaining experienced expertise.
2/2006 the “plan” was 27 miles from Kapolei to Manoa, the University of Hawaii’s main campus and the single largest source of traffic on the island, for $2.5 billion. 3/2007, any pretense of traffic mitigation was abandoned and they settled on 20 miles and 21 stations from Kapolei to Ala Moana for $3.6 billion. 12/2012 the FTA agrees to kick in $1.55 billion. Honolulu was then contractually obligated to complete the Kapolei to Ala Moana route by 1/31/2020 at a cost of $5.12169 billion. 11/2021 the latest cost estimate is $12.45 billion, $7.3 over budget, completion pushed back 11 years to 2031. Cost and schedule now published at P65, or 65% probability. 6/30/2022 hart releases their “recovery” plan. The route is further shortened to “civic center,” 18.9 miles and 19 stations for $9.93 billion, $4.8 billion over budget and still 11 years late. Completion of the final 1.2 miles to Ala Moana is estimated at $1.37 billion, no timetable given because the funding does not exist. 6/30/2023 the first 10.7 miles opens, seven years late. 7/5/2023 - 12/31/2023 paid ridership averages 2,985 per day vs hart’s 2021 estimate of 12,600 which was down from their previous estimate of 15,000.
Appreciate that you interviewed the gentleman who also lived in the Bay Area in CA (I'm actually from there). Unfortunately, like the he expressed, the rail was the best option bc the roads here cannot accommodate the growth of homes, families and cars. Rather than fight the rail, try to accept that it is already here. If you do not need to use it, do not ride it. Like another commenter expressed, it may the future generations that will benefit most from its service. I hope it runs through town in the future. Good video. Appreciate that you are leaving it up to the viewer to decide whether or not to use the rail.
When I went on yesterday, it wasn’t terrible. It wasn’t extremely crowded but the train was kinda full. Only issue I saw was that the train would kinda shake every now and then but other than that it was relatively smooth. Another thing is that the seats are kinda hard to open. On my way from kapolei to the stadium I gave up my seat to a grandma and she had a difficult time pulling the seat down. But other than that it was alright
Kapolei park and ride was more mellow than Stadium on Friday. Views are nice. Faster than i thought even with the stops at the stations. The doors being left open are not along enough for ♿️ IMO. True what u said, “Let the older ones (and those with kids sit).
I worked at The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) for almost two years as one of the rail safety team members. I’m local, and it’s quite pathetic that people are still lying about the cost - It is not a $10 Billion dollar rail system.
That’s what I learned from Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. He came on our other podcast, Podcast Hawaii and discussed it. Maybe we need a pro-rail representative to come on and set the record straight.
@@movingtohawaii It’s easy - It’s called the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act). See people are pretty disingenuous about what they say; comments are are always sensationalized because it gives the impression that this is huge, OMG, it’s mega! Usually when people just say things, there aren’t any details because within the details is the truth. While all of this sounds good, a ‘projection’ is just that - a projection! In actuality and I’m not saying it’s not a lot because it’s massive, but the numbers released only show 3.4 billion has actually been spent; I’m sure taxes and finance charges will increase that number. I know the CEO, COO, and the PD; If you didn’t hear it from them, then there is a 99% probability that it ain’t true. I’m not saying your guy is wrong or lying - I’m saying a projection isn’t factual, and it presents a dynamic to the public that could confuse fact from fiction. When it’s just thrown out there without context, a narrative is created that in the long run hurts the community.
“it’s quite pathetic that people are still lying about the cost - It is not a $10 Billion dollar rail system.” - andrewashington8499 Then what is the total cost? Enlighten us. “With the truncated FFGA scope, as described above, the EAC will decrease to $9.148 billion, plus estimated financing costs of $785 million, resulting in a total estimated Project cost of $9.93 billion.” hart 6/30/2022 “recovery” plan, page 6 According to hart’s own “recovery” plan, it’s only $67 million short of $10 billion. According to the same hart “recovery” plan, it will cost another $1.37 BILLION to finish the 1.2 miles from “civic center” to Ala Moana, for a total cost of $11.3 billion.
Hey, my girlfriend & I are from Alameda & also live in Kapolei part time! I can't wait to take the Skyline from HNL to Kapolei & beat that traffic & just chill and take in the great views! In time I hope the people ride it & it becomes a huge success.
It's going to be great! I was in Honolulu last year just before it opened. I did get to ride a few buses which were very pleasant and clean. I'd rather have to walk to a train station than sit in traffic in Hawaii. That place is paradise, you're supposed to be outside 😆
hart’s 6/3/2022 “recovery” plan - 18.9 miles from kapolei to the imaginary “civic center” at South and Halekauwila 20 years under construction, $9.933 billion. $9.933 / 18.9 = $525 million per mile 20.1 miles from kapolei to ala moana 20+ years under construction, $11.3 billion, ie final 1.2 miles will cost $1.367 billion $11.3 / 20.1 = $562 million per mile I’m not sure how much an island with a population of less than one million can afford. It’s already costing nearly $10,000 for every man, woman and child on this rock. Think of it this way: Honolulu: 55 mph, 18.9 miles, 19 stations, 20 years, $9.933 billion Nagano to Kanazawa: 160+ mph, 142 miles (60+ in tunnels), 7 stations, 21 years $17 billion
I never been to Hawaii. I'm from NYC. I tell you what; that new transit system is going to boom the economy over there. Tourists are going to love it as long as it takes them to their destination. As for ppl born less fortunate, they now don't have to be deeper debt by buying a car. They will be able to get to their jobs without spending so much money.
Too expensive to buy out all the land to extend rail to Manoa or Waikiki. It was discussed in the planning some time before they started building. It makes a lot of sense though.
Why the "fail" in all caps in the title and splashed on the opening? The only fail I saw and heard about was you thinking you could show up at the stadium station at opening time and not expect a very long line.
Tim, idk exactly why my media team chose that thumbnail. I think because it’s so over budget and over schedule and also because it’s polarizing. Thanks for your comment.
Good content! IMO, It's not a failure, however, with all the money spent, the entire line + future extensions, should have been completed by July 2023. The actual trains, fare gates, safety gates before boarding the train, and loadable/tap HOLO card, are better than a lot of other systems. Skyline is a suitable name, with some amazing views! The hot sun & warm weather will not be kind to the exposed track & stations. Would have been nice to have some underground portions, where/if possible. This is very similar to Vancouver, Canada's Skytrain public rail system & Compass card.
According to the full funding grant agreement we signed with the FTA in December of 2012, we were supposed to finish the full 20.1 miles and 21 stations to Ala Moana by 1/31/2020 for $5.12169 billion. As of the end of May 2023, we have spent $5.33 billion according to hart’s May 2023 “Progress” report. According to hart’s 6/3/2022 “recovery” plan, the 18.9 miles and 19 stations to “civic center” is supposed to be finished in 2031 (65% probability according to hart) for $9.93 billion. They further state that the final 1.2 miles and two stations to Ala Moana will cost an additional $1.37 billion for a total cost of $11.3 billion. No timeline is given.
according to their May 2023 “progress” report, they have spent $5.33 billion to date and have 10.7 miles in operation. 1,245 paying passengers on 7/5, 1,290 paying passengers on 7/6! According to hart’s 6/3/2022 “recovery” plan, the 18.9 miles and 19 station route to “civic center” will be complete in 2031 for $9.93 billion. If they complete he final 1.2 miles and two stations to Ala Moana, it will cost an additional $1.37 billion for a grand total of $11.3 billion. No timeline given for that though.
Why this is in the middle of nowhere? Why there is no a station at the mall? IN Japan and Korea the subway stops in the middle of the mall. What is wrong with our planning?
what planning? “The Honolulu rail project offers a long list of lessons including how a lack of proper planning, independent review, and project oversight contributes to the damaging impacts of change orders, construction delays, and cost overruns.” projectcostsolutions, 2017
As a local, it is the best option we got, and there is plenty of room to expand the rail across the island, to ease traffic, we can't build another freeway or highway no more space and would be even more expensive than the rail, the rail is an addition to Oahu's transit system, and with the bus network will make public transit much more efficient, at least that's my opinion yeah its late and over budget but I still want it, long term it is worth it
Stop smoking crack this crap is over 25 years in the making and still only less than 1/3 done at a staggering cost and only goes less than 7 miles this is bs
“we can't build another freeway or highway no more space and would be even more expensive than the rail” Do you have anything to back that up, a citation from a print or online source? Rail to “civic center will cost $10 billion, to Ala Moana will cost $11.3 billion (source: hart’s 6/3/2022 “recovery” plan). That’s $525 ro $565 million per mile. That is 6.5 to 7 times more per mile than H3, which is generally recognized as one of the most expensive highways ever constructed. $1.3 billion for 16.1 miles comes out to about $80 million per mile.
This project is closer to 13 Billion and there is no end in sight. The Honolulu City Council is just now floating another 300 million dollar bond for it. The main problem is the most expensive part is coming up. The insanity of stopping it at Middle St. There is nothing there and then you will still have to take a bus to downtown, Ala Moana, Waikiki and UH. Makes no sense. The worst Federal project ever built and no one cares and the people in charge of building it haven't got a clue but tey have had a GREAT SALARY..
It looks good. But the condo I own is looking at lots of money to upgrade the fire systems being forced on them by the city. There is not enough money to do all of these things. Many of the people that I know who have retired are leaving Hawaii for cheaper parts of the mainland. When I get done touring around the mainland in my motorhome, I will sell my condo and buy a house in Florida or South Carolina.
It's up to $10,000,000,000 now. That's a lot of zeros. I wonder what the final cost will be when 'completed' and how much more it will cost to extend the line to the first proposed terminus? I was a big supporter of rail but now have qualms because of the cost overruns. I hope it works out well as We are now paying for it. I think the 7 p.m. shut down time is ridiculous. I know of two people that would use the rail for work but they finish after the rail closes, and what of all the commercial/social activities occurring during the evenings. I hope all the bugs will be worked out in short time. The rails' next stop will include the airport. If you use public transport, how do you carry luggage if "The Bus" only allows what you can carry on your lap when you board. Will busses be equipped with baggage racks for routes that serve the rail stations akin to the bike racks they have now? So much more for me to say but will stop now. Luv your presentations!!
Just wait until landlords double the price of rental properties along and next to the rail stations. Do you blame them? Tenants will be paying double for convenience!
@@kevinp8108 I'm thinking that smaller property owners near the stations will be forced/bought out by bigger entities in the future. The new development will be masked by using the term 'affordable housing'.
Cost overruns are not uncommon on these huge public infrastructure projects, but it happens on large private construction projects too like the SoFi stadium in LA.
@@mrxman581 This started as 28 miles from Kapolei to Manoa for $2.5 billion, going all the way up to $12.45 billion for 20 miles before they cut it even shorter to 18.9 miles for $10 billion. They are incredibly incompetent, dishonest, or both. “The plan also includes $2.7 billion for mass-transit projects, including $2.5 billion for a fixed-rail system between Kapolei and Manoa.” Star Bulletin 2/19/2006 Manoa is significant because it is the home of the University of Hawaii’s main campus, which is the single largest source of traffic on this rock. “Although the vision of rail that captured the public’s imagination was a 28-mile line running from Kapolei to the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, it turns out that the city can only afford to build a smaller section of that line, 20 miles long. TOTAL CAPITAL COST: $3.6 BILLION“ Honolulu Magazine 3/1/2007 Full funding grant agreement with the FTA signed in December 2012. Kapolei to Ala Moana, 20 miles and 21 stations to be completed by 1/31/2020 for $5.12169 million. “How Rail Got to $12.45 Billion and 11 Years Late. it’s now estimated the full system won’t be operational until March 2031 - 11 years later than promised in that agreement.“ Hawaii Business 11/9/2021 “Oahu rail recovery plan approved by Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board. The plan truncates a 20-mile route to 18.75 miles, decreasing the cost of the beleaguered project from about $11.3 billion to $9.93 billion, officials said.“ Star Advertiser 5/7/2022
@@mrxman581 Stadiums are not private development. They may be developed by a private company but the reason they go over budget is because cities lure them in with massive subsidies which make them a private-public partnership. Please learn to analyze infrastructure projects with common sense, people are getting financially gutted with no service in return.
I enjoyed your video and the interview with Eric. Nice guy. What is the distance it runs from? Does it run 24 hours? It looks better than anything here in Chicago. Would love to visit Oahu one day (unfortunately afraid to fly over 8 hours)
It runs from a former cane field in east Kapolei to the carcass of our condemned Aloha Stdium in Halawa, about 10.7 miles. If you don’t want to fly more than 8 hours at one stretch, you can arrange your trip with a stop on the west coast . That should keep both legs around five hours each.
I still believe that a complete audit of where the money went is needed before any additions are made. There is little doubt that Oahu needs traffic relief, especially on the west side, and that no one wants more highways here.
In 2019 the US Attorneys for Hawaii issued three or four subpoenas to the rail authority demanding information. I’m not sure how the investigation with the FBI is proceeding, but I hope it results in indictments and convictions.
The rail is great. They just need to extend into town and extend the hours. To have it shut down at night is ridiculously unproductive. More people would use it to commute if it was available around the clock. We also need a real transit authority that is armed. A separate entity from HPD with full authority over the safety of rail passengers.
according to table 3-12 in rail’s final EIS, in 2030 it will reduce daily car trips by ~48,000. However, it’s important to remember three assumptions that went along with that: the full route to Ala Moana would be completed and in full time operation by 1/31/2020 🤣🤣🤣, daily ridership will be 116,000 🤣🤣🤣, and total daily car trips will be ~2,800,000. 48,000 / 2,800,000 = ~1.7% or roughly one out of every 59 cars. Probably not even noticeable.
transportation subsidy for government employees, both military and civilians, when using the rail However, how people who work on base would commute to their workplace?
It's a Carnival Ride(it's fun at first, but later people will realize it's not worth riding it anymore). Billions of dollars just to go to the swap meet?. What a waste!. If it doesn't go all the way to UH, what's the sense?. No restrooms, Not enough parking, Ride Stations in places that don't make sense. Why did they wait until they reached Dillingham Bl to start to put the electrical lines underground?. They had years to do it, when they first started the rail project! That place is a total mess & all the businesses in that area are hurting. Typical Hawaii planners, they never think, they just do. Look at our freeways, on ramps before off ramps?. Lanes so skinny when you drive next to a tour bus you are inches away from each other. Zipper Lane that only works one way, going into town in the morning? What about having it work in the afternoon(going west) too?. Why do we have "planners" if they don't know how to plan ahead?.
The sad thing about this train is it's really only useful if you live in kapolei going to Pearl city or Pearl harbor. It didn't help the people as a whole at all.
It hasn’t been demolished yet, so the carcass is still there, but they haven’t had an event inside the stadium since December of 2020. It has severe corrosion/rust problems and would require lots of $ to make it usable again, hence the now 10+ year effort to replace it. “According to the report, Aloha Stadium requires approximately $423 million in critical health and safety repairs, ADA and code compliance” khon2 4/4/2017
Over budget, over schedule and not complete. Hopefully, the current stations will be completed with actual parking and toilet facilities before any future expansion.
Is there any other more exciting things to do other than test riding the new metro trains on the islands? I don't want to fly out-there to check-out something like this...
God America is just so done. Rail like this works amazingly well its just that here its nearly impossible to build rail right where you need it and theres just so much shit that makes it more expensive than it has to be. So many NIMBYs also lobbying to keep any form of transportation from being built too. This country is so third world. Go to Japan, go to anywhere near the Netherlands, go to China and rail is king and incredibly useful to the point where cars are obsolete.
@@IKhanNot You got me there, but thats usually the main streets, start walking into the smaller streets and its mostly walking. And you got to admit their level of traffic is pretty damn good for the sheer population they have there. You can live in the main cities without owning a car and just walk to anything you would need because of how compact everything is and for anything far you can easily walk to a station and travel that way.
The main reason for that is the dogma belief of the individual in the USA compared to other countries which makes NIMBYism much more common here. There is also less support for public transit from the federal government in the USA. All those other countries you list have much better support from their national governments. Of course, all those other countries don't spend anywhere near what the USA spends on their military so they have the funds to spend on making their country's infrastructure better.
All my local people, share your thoughts below!
I'm not a local but I would have given riding the damn thing a good go.
08:22 -- That aloha shirt in the background that the dude was sporting is beautiful. Where do you think he got that one? I'd love to wear one.
Should be free or heavily discounted for everyone who paid taxes for 10years to build this...
Holiday Mart! Before Daiei it was Holiday Mart!
Feels like the mainland already
I hope they take this opportunity to build lots high density units along the rail and preserve the rest of the island from the sprawl of single family homes and the use of cars. We need more housing but most don’t want to change the look and feel of the community they’re in.
IMO DTS and #HART should also take the opportunity in letting developers build development on transit and parking properties while taking a cut from developers as a new reliable funding source for not only #Skyline but also other transportation modes, TheBus especially.
@haynstyle1818 - I recently rode on Bangkok Thailand's version of the SKYLINE called the SKYTRAIN last April. What I found out from the locals there was that as soon as some condominium skyrises were near the rail stations, the cost of the properties and rentals went up like a rocket because of the convenience factor! Many locals could no longer afford to rent near the rail stations. They were essentially priced out of their rental properties! I predict many landlords who have rental properties near and next to rail stations will double the rental cost!
then build more medium density housing, the reason why Europe has so much more density with less skyscrapers is because they enable such "missing middle" housing, such as rowhouses duplexes/triplexes/quadplexes to exist.
The chance to develop "regular" property into high value property was one of the unspoken driving force in pushing this white elephant project. Remember that the government's definition of "affordable" housing is way higher than the average Hawaii worker can afford.
Look up photos of what Queens NYC looked like when they finished building the IRT Flushing Line (that main portion of today’s 7 train). It’s farmland. Nothing to see. Today that land is FULLY developed and relies on the 7 for the commute into Midtown Manhattan. So with time watch what might happen with the land surrounding the Skyline. If you build it THEY WILL COME.
The train would always be a 3 generation thing. We would use it to see what it was like. Our kids would find it a bit more useful. Our grandkids will have to use it, due to traffic. People will plan around it.
In order for Kapolei to become a true second city, we will need to be able to get from town to there reliably without the traffic.
I think its amazing because it opens the posibility to expand and connect other parts of the island
How? It barely runs the south side and doesn't even go into Honolulu.
@@IKhanNot This isn’t the whole project it’s just phase 1!
You need to stop taking drugs
True. Okinawa opened their monorail line in 2003, and by 2019 they had to expand further north.
Now there are talks of building a brand new rail line from Naha to Nago in the north.
@@jamallhayden2512 and according to hart’s May 2023 “progress” report, they have spent more than $5.33 billion so far. That’s $200 million more than the original $5.12 billion budget for 20.1 miles and 21 stations to Ala Moana, not to mention that Ala Moan was supposed to be complete nd in full time operation by 1/31/2020, 3.5 years ago.
I hope Hawaii will eventually become one of the most transit friendly states, corruption aside.
Secession for the Hawaii! ruclips.net/video/b0Q6mXnUm3o/видео.html
They can look to other islands with decent transit. Like Okinawa and their newly extended monorail line.
The roads are too congested so I agree
It already was.You've heard of THE BUS, right?
When you live in Hawaii, you say"Aloha" to your money as you watch it "Holo Holo" and the democrats tell you "Mahalo".
You two are more than real estate agents. I watch your shows to feel that aloha and stay in touch. I think you both should have a daily talk show! You’re awesome!
I really really hope the airport gets connected up… That will bring in MASSIVE ridership and $$$ for future expansion. I think that’s the missing link to making this new transit system a success.
The airport already has a station, its just not complete yet. It's supposed to be finished by 2026, and the entire rail line that goes deeper into Honolulu will finish by 2032. With hopefully future expansions to Waikiki and University Of Hawaii Manoa.
Mass rail transit is NEEDED everywhere in the US.
The thing is they need to build something useful. Taking people where they want to go when they want to go
And that's why we own cars. They take us where we want to go when we want to go.
@@indianapatsfan and cars ruined our beautiful cities. We tore down historic walkable neighborhoods to build parking lots and garages so cars can sit hours while we work, we have to drive everywhere.. we build things that are spread out now all because of the car. Now suburbs are a huge thing, you can live further from the job centers. I want a big plot of land. Spreads the suburbs out even more
Now we NEED a car.... There's a better way to do it and other countries are doing it. We REALLY NEED walkable, bicable and mass public transit. NEED
@NicksDynasty I like my house in the suburbs. I like my deck, yard and garden. Needing to own a car to commute doesn't bother me. I knew what I was getting into when I bought the place. To each his own.
@@indianapatsfan and we want you to enjoy your suburban oasis. Suburbs can also be walkable as well, but we don't build it that way
America could just do a lot better with the way they use land. We started off really well and then when more people got cars we started building for cars and not people
@@indianapatsfan A car is the best form of transportation in America because our cities and intrastructure are built around cars. The problem with cars is that they are inefficient at transporting large amounts of people. That is why we have traffic congestion. Roads might be able to transport hundreds of people through a city/town, but rail systems can transport thousands. Not to mention the cost of maintaining miles of streets, roads, highways, parking lots, traffic lights, etc., vastly outweighs the cost of maintaining and fixing rail systems.
You can even tie in how car infrastrucure negatively impacts our citizen's health. People in the US barely move their bodies outside of the gym, and most people don't even workout or gym on a regular basis. But having cities and roads that promotes walking or biking or any form of movement in order to get to a destination will improve the health of our citizens immensely.
Ultimately, living in the suburbs and owning a car is great, but when thinking about the growth of our population and considering who most people who can't even afford a car (or afford the cost of owning & maintaining a car) or not being able to afford to live in single-family homes (which is pretty much the standard in suburbia), we need to think of more efficient usages of land and resources.
I lived in Hawaii for 28 years. I moved my family to Pennsylvania in 2019 because the housing situation was getting worse. HOAs in Hawaii are a big ripoff but I have no choice because I can't afford $800K+ home prices. Now that I'm in Pennsylvania I am able to afford a single family home in a nice neighborhood with no HOA, and by the way, my house is all PAID OFF. Another side benefit of not living in Hawaii is that my children will not be stuck paying for the overpriced Honolulu rail Skyline for the rest of their lives. Thank God!
I agree. As a Kailua local I wouldn't need the rail. I rode on it once to try it out. It was a joke. You're basically dropped off 4 miles away from the Kapolei shopping center. What a waste of tax payers dollars. 🤦♂️
It NEEDS to go to town. It’s such a letdown that UH students can’t get anywhere near the campus or Waikiki Hotel employees can’t go directly to the area. I understand that logistics would be an issue but still it seems to fall short. Thanks for the video guys! 🤙🏼
Thankfully extensions are planned. This is only phase 1
That’s my new mobile office! Rent is under 1k a year!!! Big plus! Excellent people watching and networking!!! The three things that sold me on the new office space….. 1. Great views, 2. Free Wi-Fi, 3. Crispy nice Air Conditioning!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Mahe is my hero!
bathroom?
I'm all for transit, but even though it would've cost more money they really should've built the Airport to Downtown/Waikiki first. That portion would actually get a lot of use.
The only problem I have is where they started building it. Honolulu and Waikiki could us it more.
Then they should have expand out.
If they started at ala moana and expanded out to Waikiki, Manoa, punchbowl, kalihi and Nu'uanu then spread out to pearl city and out then great. But don't see the point where they started from.
NO FR LIKE I love the idea of rail but oh my god I hated the way they were going about it like???? Absolute bs tbh
The people that really benefit from rail, the politicos, their cronies, unions, real estate developers, construction firms, subcontractors, land owners and offshore investors had one goal in mind, helpfully explained by former mayor karlyle.
“Mayor Carlisle, now a lame duck, says he will ‘do everything [he] can to get rail far enough along so that it cannot possibly be stopped’” the transport politic 8/18/2012
The storage and maintenance yard is in Pearl City on 44 acres next to LCC. They could have built in both directions from there. As it is, it’s going to take them 20 years to build 18.9 miles at a cost of $10 billion. If they build the final 1.2 miles to Ala Moana, that will be another $1.3 billion.
It’s happy to see it’s open. Let hurry and expend it to the downtown and to the shopping center
Our future ohana and generations will benefit the most from this. In the long run, it’s good but I agree that for the amount of money spent, it should be the same level as other countries.
No they won't. They will be burdened by the money (in the form of taxes) that it will cost to maintain this mess.
@@user-sg8kq7ii3y you don't know what you're talking about: so long as they allow for transit-oriented development along the rail corridor, the system will be a net positive for the local economy. What's baffling is that the first branch wasn't in the CBD to the airport since that's the densest part of the island
But since it's an island, it's not surprising projects cost more to build there. That's to be expected. It will become very popular for tourists and residents. The views are fantastic. That's also very unique. A lot of public transit is not like that
@@user-sg8kq7ii3y The cost of maintaining miles of streets, roads, highways, parking lots, traffic lights, etc., vastly outweighs the cost of maintaining and fixing rail systems.
A big problem with cars is that they are inefficient at transporting large amounts of people. That is why we have traffic congestion. Roads might be able to transport hundreds of people through a city/town, but rail systems can transport thousands. Rail systems can also easily adapt to a growing population, whereas car infrastructure will require more money and time building new roads to accommodate an increase in new drivers.
Additionally, car infrastructure negatively impacts our citizen's health. People in the US barely move their bodies outside of the gym, and most people don't even workout or go to the gym on a regular basis. But having cities and roads that promote walking or biking or any form of movement in order to get to a destination will improve the health of our citizens immensely.
It will NEVER pay for itself. Collosial failure and waste of resources.
I’ve been hearing them on the wake up crew on iHeart radio making fun of it. But I love that you guys show everything old and new. Thank you for sharing everything, all the trouble you guys go through is worth it! All the hard work shows. ❤❤❤
It deserves to be made fun of. It's a laughing stock.
Before Daiei was Holiday Mart 🤙🏽
Once the airport line is completed it will be more popular, even more when it reaches to the mall.
This project is another reason why many locals are struggling. It's all about the money. Money influences every decision that is made . . . especially politically.
Disagree. Hawaii could use better public transit. Its one of the better uses of money
this is the best use of money
No way is this the best use of money. It GOES no were and I get it this is phase one of other but how long this took to complete and BILLIONS lost, that couldve went to the education and homelessness here.
@@chromebomb remember that there are less than 1 million people on Oahu, and that is steadily decreasing. At $10 billion, hat’s more than $10,000 per person for this system. Using actual numbers from hart, the state dept of taxation and HTA, tourists have paid a maximum of 15.5% of the yearly rail GET surcharge. The state and local TAT contribute less than that each, so residents will be paying for a large majority of the rail.
Rail has averaged 2,985 paid riders per day from 7/5/2023 - 12/31/2023 vs hart’s 2021 estimate of 12,600, which was down from their previous estimate of 15,000. DTS estimates operations and maintenance will cost $94 million for the first year, rising to $150+ million by 2030, even before it’s completed to “ civic center” in 2031 (at 65% probability).
@@ciello___8307I agree but it shouldn't have taken this long to build the transit which isn't even half way complete. Japan could've finished the whole project in 3 years if that.
Not local (just another Californian observing from afar) but yeah totally agree. The Slyline is a good step, and it's neat to see it finally exists, but it will really need to expand to really be useful. and hey while it's development has been a mess it's not been as much of a mess as the passenger rail development over here.
Another Californian here... Same thoughts. I thought they would expand it to Ala Moana too... Would've been nice if it went all the way to Diamond Head.
Great content! Thanks for documenting a “real life” experience 😊
I think just going by the population of Honolulu is cutting the rail short. Granted, there isn’t a whole lot to go right now. However, it is no where near finished.
When the second phase is completed, it will then include Pearl Harbor and the airport. These are major locations. The airport will include tourists coming from the mainland and even Asia. However, rebuilding the Stadium will also mean Bows games as well as concerts. So the airport will mean foreign money into the rail.
Also I am pushing for it to go as far as Ala Moana. This will mean shopping but also be a direct feed for the hotel.
I lived in SF and learned the hard way that cars and traffic mean your late to work.
Once I got used to the routine saved money on gas parking ($350/mo back in the 90’s), auto maintenance and just getting stress reduction from no freeway traffic or Road rage!
I welcome Skyline and it is a gem not yet realized. So yes mismanaged and contractors like Keweit should be investigated for their large executive and in the field management staff payouts and slow delivery as promised!
That being said you folks are blaming the train but who drives down their when the news and HART recommended going by bus or rideshare says parking is limited?
Get bus, get rideshare. I did Uber and got there early because I knew there would be crowds and waits!
So some of your arguements are moot and seem self-inflicted!
Maybe since I had rail experience with BART back in da day! (70’s) It just seems normal for a new project so don’t give up on it folks it is better than the current traffic fubar etc once you try it and of course till it services more people with more routes to Waianae out to Hawaii Kai etc. I remember as a keiki we went to visit Ohana in the Bay Area and we said the same things it only went about 14 miles But it took time years to get it where it is today! I know it takes time and let’s hope they do TOD like Bart has to encourage affordable work Live environments!🤙🏽
It’s really cool in some ways and they have em on main land so if it helps people on island then it’s good thing. But come on the price for this short of distance is crazy. Some shady happening.
Once the airport segment opens up there will be a boost to ridership for sure. But 7pm is too early to close. For an automated system they should definitely stay open longer
We are excited for the rail. It gives the opportunity (eventually) for kids from the Leeward to ride to UH or people to work in town without having to move closer or have a car. Also nice to go to events and not have to find parking.
“Civic center” scheduled for 2031, hope you’re patient. Ala Moana scheduled for ??? at a cost of $11.3 billion.
UH Manoa?
“The plan also includes $2.7 billion for mass-transit projects, including $2.5 billion for a fixed-rail system between Kapolei and Manoa.” Star Bulletin 2/19/2006
“Although the vision of rail that captured the public’s imagination was a 28-mile line running from Kapolei to the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, it turns out that the city can only afford to build a smaller section of that line, 20 miles long (to Ala Moana).” honolulu magazine 3/1/2007
The promise of traffic mitigation was all smoke and mirrors and evaporated very early on.
Wow the island has changed so much and when I heard they would be taken Aloha stadium down I felt a little sad...When I attended Radford High we got to play there before games and then we had to help clean up after the Hawaiian football team was done...The Hawaiians were part of the once called the World Football League and the Hawaiians were the farthest this attempt to spread American football world wide and it didn't last...We had great pride in our team though...I saw Pro Bowl games, Aloha Bowls and just enjoyed my time there in that stadium...We all felt like big shot footballers when we got in that stadium...It was said that for everyday spent in Hawaii you live 10 days longer in life and I couldn't agree more...The land, the people, the trade winds and the smell of White Plumeria that grows everywhere is heaven on earth...In my yard we had mango, papaya, plantain, coconut trees and so many wonderful flowers to enjoy, it truly was paradise...The geckos would hang on our screen windows and chirp us awake to welcome us to another beautiful day in paradise and it sure was...Mahalo to you once again from the bottom of my heart for sharing these videos which bring me cherished memories of my time on the island...
Aloha Stadium was a dump
Great comment! Very insightful and very true. Once you’ve had a taste of living in Hawaii no matter how short or long, Hawaii will ALWAYS have a place in our hearts ❤ ALOHA 🤙🏽🤙🏽
I can still remember playing in the old Termite Palace. Yes I'm that old.
Idk wby Transit in America is so expensive to build
Like they spend 10 billion to build 11 miles (17.5km) of track for a Train that runs above the ground in Hawaii. The NYC subway extension costs 2.5 billion dollars per mile. And LA has been building the purple which has been delayed and delayed for ages now and currently stands at 10 billion for a 9 mile extension
In comparison you have Paris building 200km undergound for 35 billion and actually finishing their project on time.
Hawaii is not tbe problem. The Us as a whole is when it comes to to transportation
Its not a fil its a world clas fully automated rapid transit system the reason it doesnt serve airport or city yet is due to the placement of the depot due to land rights space and use. Its brilliant
I lived in Miami 20+ years. We have the Metrorail (equivalent to Skyline) & Metro mover (smaller version no conductor, camera guided under cabin) controlled by engineers in the depot. Very useful, very scenic, lots of fun, cuts commute in heavy transit areas. I’m glad you finally experience it I was hoping to be there (living in my surrogate “home”, I am a natural islander). But you just started the experience, once the other sections are put into place, it’ll get better, tourist WILL love it! In Miami it’s located on “hot points”, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, places of interest. Hopefully it’ll be the same or similar concept. Wish I was there! Home sick! 🇵🇷🫶🌺😇. Congratulations 🎉👍🏆
Metrorail is one of the worst systems in North America, a poster child of how not to build a transit system. Goes very few places anyone wants to go, only the south leg has any kind of TOD, the needed transit corridors like US1 and to Miami Beach have no rail at all, the Metromover had to give on fares entirely and is slower than walking, the fares are some of the highest anywhere... need I go on?
Was Holiday Mart before Daiei
Before Daiei, it was called Holiday Mart.
When was that? As a kid only remember Daie and Gems.
And Woolsworth in ewa beach
At this point, it’s still very useless. It doesn’t connect to town. The connection points are not going to help many at the moment. They should have built in it in town first and built it out towards Ewa.
This isn’t the whole project it’s just phase 1!
@@jamallhayden2512 Yeah and Phase 2 is gonna take another 15 years? No thanks. Heck, countries like Singapore, Philippines, China can complete their train projects in less than 4 years.
@@ChikyuuKunBangkok has 2 different rapid train systems in place
A lot of land to build it up to Wahiawa and North Shore as well.
Enjoyed the views! I’m in Tucson now. I remember when the rail tax started. I had my own small business. I felt the bite. You nailed it. Juice and squeeze out of balance.
I went to the Mayoral debates in 2009. Mufi was all Gung Ho for the rail. But Panos gave a very compelling and comprehensive presentation in favor of revising the existing use patterns of H1 and H2 with very low cost infrastructure modification. Panos won't say it, he's too much of a gentleman. But I will: "I TOLD YOU SO, MORONS!"
I feel like I need to visit just to see the train. Out of all the bigger cities I’ve been to, I thought it was strange for Honolulu to be without one.
Fast transit may not be a priority, but I would hope clean transit would be.
I've lived in Japan for almost 4 years now and having good public transit options just makes more and more sense.
Not at a cost of 10 billion dollars that only goes about 7 miles you can’t compare this crap to Japan
With 124 million people on an island the size of california, and less than 20% of the land usable it makes sense. On an island like Oahu with less than one million people and a construction cost of well over $500 million per mile, as well as subsidies starting at $80 million per year, it doesn’t make sense.
I’m retired and have never taken it. I live in the hills above Aloha Stadium so I’m thinking I should try taking Honolulu Skyline (that’s its official name) for a joy ride just to check it out. I worked downtown before retiring in late 2019. My coworkers today mention how most of the office workers are at home working virtually, going into the office for meetings maybe once a week. That was one of the “lessons” from COVID. UHERO should do an impact study on that.
It was Holiday Mart. (Before Don Quixote etc.)
it's newly open, expect to be busy because everyone is curious to ride the new train in town. Hawaii is an amazing place been there many times and wanna move there someday
True, opening weekend is gonna be extraordinarily busy. But we had to get out here to make a video for everyone. We’re here for you when you need real estate questions answered. A lot of our clients come through this channel and we’re specialized in helping people move to Hawaii 🤙
They should build a bridge between Ewe Beach and the Airport so there is another way to connect the west and east sides.
Can't do that, it's military and they won't allow a bridge over Pearl Harbor for obvious reasons.
Every time I go the beach at the end of Ewa Beach and watch the planes land on the reef runway, I can't believe how close it is. I just shake my head thinking how that option makes so much sense... just gotta convince the military to allow it 🤪
We were all lied to from the start, 9 out of 10 people in favor of the rail? Today 9 out of 10 wont even use it even those who pushed for it!! Its a big bend over Hawaii which will take generations to pay for! Get real and follow the $$!!
It’s cool that it allows bikes! That’s a plus. But also…isn’t it not done yet? I thought they had plans to include town etc in the future? Or did they scrap that? If they scrapped that idea then I would say unfortunately…. Juice wasn’t worth the squeeze
:(
They’re still doing town. Kalihi is 2025 and construction is mostly fine already for that. Downtown is 2021.
@@meijiishin5650Downtown is 2031. I think that’s what you mean. Plus two more stations not included in any of the phases that they want to get done in the long future.
@@davidng2336 Yep, that's what I meant. Whoops!
@@davidng2336 DTS and #HART should really improve their project planning and execution processes especially if they must fully fulfill recovery plan submitted to the #FTA and plan future extensions beyond #alamoana. DTS and #HART should at least partner with #JOIN (#Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Cooperation for Transport & Urban Development) for obtaining experienced expertise.
2/2006 the “plan” was 27 miles from Kapolei to Manoa, the University of Hawaii’s main campus and the single largest source of traffic on the island, for $2.5 billion.
3/2007, any pretense of traffic mitigation was abandoned and they settled on 20 miles and 21 stations from Kapolei to Ala Moana for $3.6 billion.
12/2012 the FTA agrees to kick in $1.55 billion. Honolulu was then contractually obligated to complete the Kapolei to Ala Moana route by 1/31/2020 at a cost of $5.12169 billion.
11/2021 the latest cost estimate is $12.45 billion, $7.3 over budget, completion pushed back 11 years to 2031. Cost and schedule now published at P65, or 65% probability.
6/30/2022 hart releases their “recovery” plan. The route is further shortened to “civic center,” 18.9 miles and 19 stations for $9.93 billion, $4.8 billion over budget and still 11 years late. Completion of the final 1.2 miles to Ala Moana is estimated at $1.37 billion, no timetable given because the funding does not exist.
6/30/2023 the first 10.7 miles opens, seven years late.
7/5/2023 - 12/31/2023 paid ridership averages 2,985 per day vs hart’s 2021 estimate of 12,600 which was down from their previous estimate of 15,000.
Appreciate that you interviewed the gentleman who also lived in the Bay Area in CA (I'm actually from there). Unfortunately, like the he expressed, the rail was the best option bc the roads here cannot accommodate the growth of homes, families and cars. Rather than fight the rail, try to accept that it is already here. If you do not need to use it, do not ride it. Like another commenter expressed, it may the future generations that will benefit most from its service. I hope it runs through town in the future.
Good video. Appreciate that you are leaving it up to the viewer to decide whether or not to use the rail.
When I went on yesterday, it wasn’t terrible. It wasn’t extremely crowded but the train was kinda full. Only issue I saw was that the train would kinda shake every now and then but other than that it was relatively smooth. Another thing is that the seats are kinda hard to open. On my way from kapolei to the stadium I gave up my seat to a grandma and she had a difficult time pulling the seat down. But other than that it was alright
the first two days of paid service had 1,245 passengers and 1,290 passengers. Plenty of room to stretch out.
pretty sure those seats will loosen up.
Living in mainland it’s nice to see the rail here. Just go all the way to Ala Moana Center. Expand to UH and then expand from Kapolei to Waianae
Kapolei park and ride was more mellow than Stadium on Friday. Views are nice. Faster than i thought even with the stops at the stations. The doors being left open are not along enough for ♿️ IMO. True what u said, “Let the older ones (and those with kids sit).
It is always so empty now. We just did a video and showed all the empty seats 😢
.... this puts "tourist" on a whole new level !!
those views! hawaii is beautiful.
I worked at The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) for almost two years as one of the rail safety team members. I’m local, and it’s quite pathetic that people are still lying about the cost - It is not a $10 Billion dollar rail system.
That’s what I learned from Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. He came on our other podcast, Podcast Hawaii and discussed it. Maybe we need a pro-rail representative to come on and set the record straight.
@@movingtohawaii It’s easy - It’s called the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act). See people are pretty disingenuous about what they say; comments are are always sensationalized because it gives the impression that this is huge, OMG, it’s mega! Usually when people just say things, there aren’t any details because within the details is the truth. While all of this sounds good, a ‘projection’ is just that - a projection! In actuality and I’m not saying it’s not a lot because it’s massive, but the numbers released only show 3.4 billion has actually been spent; I’m sure taxes and finance charges will increase that number. I know the CEO, COO, and the PD; If you didn’t hear it from them, then there is a 99% probability that it ain’t true. I’m not saying your guy is wrong or lying - I’m saying a projection isn’t factual, and it presents a dynamic to the public that could confuse fact from fiction. When it’s just thrown out there without context, a narrative is created that in the long run hurts the community.
“it’s quite pathetic that people are still lying about the cost - It is not a $10 Billion dollar rail system.” - andrewashington8499
Then what is the total cost? Enlighten us.
“With the truncated FFGA scope, as described above, the EAC will decrease to $9.148 billion, plus estimated financing costs of $785 million, resulting in a total estimated Project cost of $9.93 billion.” hart 6/30/2022 “recovery” plan, page 6
According to hart’s own “recovery” plan, it’s only $67 million short of $10 billion. According to the same hart “recovery” plan, it will cost another $1.37 BILLION to finish the 1.2 miles from “civic center” to Ala Moana, for a total cost of $11.3 billion.
Amazing Hawaii is no 1 and Tahiti no 2 surf in the world man...this skyline is amazing for the world bro.
Ah you remember Daiei. I think the true winner of the Skyline is the most epic watercress farm on the planet.
Gotta go to town and da airport to make it useful. Otherwise, just for show. Don’t become like BART, which is dirty, crime ridden, and over priced.
Hey, my girlfriend & I are from Alameda & also live in Kapolei part time! I can't wait to take the Skyline from HNL to Kapolei & beat that traffic & just chill and take in the great views! In time I hope the people ride it & it becomes a huge success.
Keep building it ! Go to the Westside Hotels/Resorts and go all the way through Town side too/UH.....
I lived in Oregon and used the rail there and I think it was great
EK Fernandez's new ride
klodwell’s klown kar, moofee’s money pit
Before Daiei they called it Holiday Mart...I tink
GEM Store
What a big ripoff 10 billion dollars plus These transit clowns need to be thrown in jail for stealing this much money from the people of Hawaii
It's going to be great! I was in Honolulu last year just before it opened. I did get to ride a few buses which were very pleasant and clean.
I'd rather have to walk to a train station than sit in traffic in Hawaii. That place is paradise, you're supposed to be outside 😆
We need more old fashion streetcars on freeways and roads, be like LA back in the 20's
Nah streetcars arent fast enough. These dedicated rail are better
Absolutely a good thing! But yes they should definitely extend the line to town.
looks like a cool way to get around the island. Sure, it needs more extension, but that should come soon, instead of highways.
hart’s 6/3/2022 “recovery” plan -
18.9 miles from kapolei to the imaginary “civic center” at South and Halekauwila
20 years under construction, $9.933 billion.
$9.933 / 18.9 = $525 million per mile
20.1 miles from kapolei to ala moana
20+ years under construction, $11.3 billion, ie final 1.2 miles will cost $1.367 billion
$11.3 / 20.1 = $562 million per mile
I’m not sure how much an island with a population of less than one million can afford. It’s already costing nearly $10,000 for every man, woman and child on this rock. Think of it this way:
Honolulu: 55 mph, 18.9 miles, 19 stations, 20 years, $9.933 billion
Nagano to Kanazawa: 160+ mph, 142 miles (60+ in tunnels), 7 stations, 21 years $17 billion
I never been to Hawaii. I'm from NYC. I tell you what; that new transit system is going to boom the economy over there. Tourists are going to love it as long as it takes them to their destination.
As for ppl born less fortunate, they now don't have to be deeper debt by buying a car. They will be able to get to their jobs without spending so much money.
Too expensive to buy out all the land to extend rail to Manoa or Waikiki. It was discussed in the planning some time before they started building. It makes a lot of sense though.
Why the "fail" in all caps in the title and splashed on the opening? The only fail I saw and heard about was you thinking you could show up at the stadium station at opening time and not expect a very long line.
Tim, idk exactly why my media team chose that thumbnail. I think because it’s so over budget and over schedule and also because it’s polarizing. Thanks for your comment.
Good content! IMO, It's not a failure, however, with all the money spent, the entire line + future extensions, should have been completed by July 2023. The actual trains, fare gates, safety gates before boarding the train, and loadable/tap HOLO card, are better than a lot of other systems. Skyline is a suitable name, with some amazing views! The hot sun & warm weather will not be kind to the exposed track & stations. Would have been nice to have some underground portions, where/if possible. This is very similar to Vancouver, Canada's Skytrain public rail system & Compass card.
According to the full funding grant agreement we signed with the FTA in December of 2012, we were supposed to finish the full 20.1 miles and 21 stations to Ala Moana by 1/31/2020 for $5.12169 billion. As of the end of May 2023, we have spent $5.33 billion according to hart’s May 2023 “Progress” report. According to hart’s 6/3/2022 “recovery” plan, the 18.9 miles and 19 stations to “civic center” is supposed to be finished in 2031 (65% probability according to hart) for $9.93 billion. They further state that the final 1.2 miles and two stations to Ala Moana will cost an additional $1.37 billion for a total cost of $11.3 billion. No timeline is given.
They started working on that like 10 years ago. Crazy it took that long.
10 years try 25 years and 3 billion now 10 billion and still counting
Zippy's chilli and rice 🔥
I don't know if you were too young for this it was called Arakawas store Waipahu. My roommate was the daughter of the store owner her name was Lynn.
Man. Cutting the rail short of town really reduces the functionality of the rail system.
The cost was billions for how many miles?
according to their May 2023 “progress” report, they have spent $5.33 billion to date and have 10.7 miles in operation. 1,245 paying passengers on 7/5, 1,290 paying passengers on 7/6! According to hart’s 6/3/2022 “recovery” plan, the 18.9 miles and 19 station route to “civic center” will be complete in 2031 for $9.93 billion. If they complete he final 1.2 miles and two stations to Ala Moana, it will cost an additional $1.37 billion for a grand total of $11.3 billion. No timeline given for that though.
Mahalo for the video, they should expand it across the island and all over town to cut down on traffic. Maybe I try this thing myself then.
Wow, thanks for the video. So when we come to visit oaho.. taking the train should ok right... does it go to the beach wai kiki?
it goes from a former cane field in east kapolei to the carcass of our condemned stadium in Halawa. Only 10 miles short of Waikiki!
Why this is in the middle of nowhere? Why there is no a station at the mall? IN Japan and Korea the subway stops in the middle of the mall. What is wrong with our planning?
what planning?
“The Honolulu rail project offers a long list of lessons including how a lack of proper planning, independent review, and project oversight contributes to the damaging impacts of change orders, construction delays, and cost overruns.” projectcostsolutions, 2017
As a local, it is the best option we got, and there is plenty of room to expand the rail across the island, to ease traffic, we can't build another freeway or highway no more space and would be even more expensive than the rail, the rail is an addition to Oahu's transit system, and with the bus network will make public transit much more efficient, at least that's my opinion yeah its late and over budget but I still want it, long term it is worth it
Stop smoking crack this crap is over 25 years in the making and still only less than 1/3 done at a staggering cost and only goes less than 7 miles this is bs
“we can't build another freeway or highway no more space and would be even more expensive than the rail”
Do you have anything to back that up, a citation from a print or online source? Rail to “civic center will cost $10 billion, to Ala Moana will cost $11.3 billion (source: hart’s 6/3/2022 “recovery” plan). That’s $525 ro $565 million per mile. That is 6.5 to 7 times more per mile than H3, which is generally recognized as one of the most expensive highways ever constructed. $1.3 billion for 16.1 miles comes out to about $80 million per mile.
I am so happy I got to experience aloha before they completed rail
Great information video mahalo!!
Another few billion to extend to town, thats the future plan haha
This project is closer to 13 Billion and there is no end in sight. The Honolulu City Council is just now floating another 300 million dollar bond for it. The main problem is the most expensive part is coming up. The insanity of stopping it at Middle St. There is nothing there and then you will still have to take a bus to downtown, Ala Moana, Waikiki and UH. Makes no sense. The worst Federal project ever built and no one cares and the people in charge of building it haven't got a clue but tey have had a GREAT SALARY..
First 'pay day' ridership dropped to 1,000. Down from 18,000 the free day before. City hopes have 8k to 9k by the end of 2023.
hope is not a strategy. The city publishes ridership numbers and from 7/5 - 12/31/2023 they averaged 2,985 riders per day.
It looks good. But the condo I own is looking at lots of money to upgrade the fire systems being forced on them by the city. There is not enough money to do all of these things. Many of the people that I know who have retired are leaving Hawaii for cheaper parts of the mainland. When I get done touring around the mainland in my motorhome, I will sell my condo and buy a house in Florida or South Carolina.
Does it even go to Kapolei? I know the rail goes to East Kapolei but how do you get into Kapolei town (for example, the Kapolei Public library)?
uber, taxi, etc
It's up to $10,000,000,000 now. That's a lot of zeros. I wonder what the final cost will be when 'completed' and how much more it will cost to extend the line to the first proposed terminus?
I was a big supporter of rail but now have qualms because of the cost overruns. I hope it works out well as We are now paying for it.
I think the 7 p.m. shut down time is ridiculous. I know of two people that would use the rail for work but they finish after the rail closes, and what of all the commercial/social activities occurring during the evenings.
I hope all the bugs will be worked out in short time.
The rails' next stop will include the airport. If you use public transport, how do you carry luggage if "The Bus" only allows what you can carry on your lap when you board. Will busses be equipped with baggage racks for routes that serve the rail stations akin to the bike racks they have now?
So much more for me to say but will stop now.
Luv your presentations!!
Just wait until landlords double the price of rental properties along and next to the rail stations. Do you blame them? Tenants will be paying double for convenience!
@@kevinp8108 I'm thinking that smaller property owners near the stations will be forced/bought out by bigger entities in the future. The new development will be masked by using the term 'affordable housing'.
Cost overruns are not uncommon on these huge public infrastructure projects, but it happens on large private construction projects too like the SoFi stadium in LA.
@@mrxman581 This started as 28 miles from Kapolei to Manoa for $2.5 billion, going all the way up to $12.45 billion for 20 miles before they cut it even shorter to 18.9 miles for $10 billion. They are incredibly incompetent, dishonest, or both.
“The plan also includes $2.7 billion for mass-transit projects, including $2.5 billion for a fixed-rail system between Kapolei and Manoa.” Star Bulletin 2/19/2006
Manoa is significant because it is the home of the University of Hawaii’s main campus, which is the single largest source of traffic on this rock.
“Although the vision of rail that captured the public’s imagination was a 28-mile line running from Kapolei to the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, it turns out that the city can only afford to build a smaller section of that line, 20 miles long. TOTAL CAPITAL COST: $3.6 BILLION“ Honolulu Magazine 3/1/2007
Full funding grant agreement with the FTA signed in December 2012. Kapolei to Ala Moana, 20 miles and 21 stations to be completed by 1/31/2020 for $5.12169 million.
“How Rail Got to $12.45 Billion and 11 Years Late. it’s now estimated the full system won’t be operational until March 2031 - 11 years later than promised in that agreement.“ Hawaii Business 11/9/2021
“Oahu rail recovery plan approved by Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board. The plan truncates a 20-mile route to 18.75 miles, decreasing the cost of the beleaguered project from about $11.3 billion to $9.93 billion, officials said.“ Star Advertiser 5/7/2022
@@mrxman581 Stadiums are not private development. They may be developed by a private company but the reason they go over budget is because cities lure them in with massive subsidies which make them a private-public partnership. Please learn to analyze infrastructure projects with common sense, people are getting financially gutted with no service in return.
I enjoyed your video and the interview with Eric. Nice guy. What is the distance it runs from? Does it run 24 hours? It looks better than anything here in Chicago. Would love to visit Oahu one day (unfortunately afraid to fly over 8 hours)
It runs from a former cane field in east Kapolei to the carcass of our condemned Aloha Stdium in Halawa, about 10.7 miles. If you don’t want to fly more than 8 hours at one stretch, you can arrange your trip with a stop on the west coast . That should keep both legs around five hours each.
I still believe that a complete audit of where the money went is needed before any additions are made. There is little doubt that Oahu needs traffic relief, especially on the west side, and that no one wants more highways here.
In 2019 the US Attorneys for Hawaii issued three or four subpoenas to the rail authority demanding information. I’m not sure how the investigation with the FBI is proceeding, but I hope it results in indictments and convictions.
It closes at 7pm....wtf?? It closes earlier than the shopping mall.
The rail is great. They just need to extend into town and extend the hours. To have it shut down at night is ridiculously unproductive. More people would use it to commute if it was available around the clock. We also need a real transit authority that is armed. A separate entity from HPD with full authority over the safety of rail passengers.
How many cars will this keep off H1?
according to table 3-12 in rail’s final EIS, in 2030 it will reduce daily car trips by ~48,000. However, it’s important to remember three assumptions that went along with that: the full route to Ala Moana would be completed and in full time operation by 1/31/2020 🤣🤣🤣, daily ridership will be 116,000 🤣🤣🤣, and total daily car trips will be ~2,800,000.
48,000 / 2,800,000 = ~1.7% or roughly one out of every 59 cars. Probably not even noticeable.
transportation subsidy for government employees, both military and civilians, when using the rail However, how people who work on base would commute to their workplace?
It's a Carnival Ride(it's fun at first, but later people will realize it's not worth riding it anymore). Billions of dollars just to go to the swap meet?. What a waste!. If it doesn't go all the way to UH, what's the sense?. No restrooms, Not enough parking, Ride Stations in places that don't make sense. Why did they wait until they reached Dillingham Bl to start to put the electrical lines underground?. They had years to do it, when they first started the rail project! That place is a total mess & all the businesses in that area are hurting.
Typical Hawaii planners, they never think, they just do. Look at our freeways, on ramps before off ramps?. Lanes so skinny when you drive next to a tour bus you are inches away from each other. Zipper Lane that only works one way, going into town in the morning? What about having it work in the afternoon(going west) too?. Why do we have "planners" if they don't know how to plan ahead?.
ride the pearl ridge monorail instead. Cheaper and has the advantage of having bathrooms and restaurants nearby.
The sad thing about this train is it's really only useful if you live in kapolei going to Pearl city or Pearl harbor. It didn't help the people as a whole at all.
Cant wait to try it.
Aloha Stadium is gone now??? The one that Opens and Closes? Anyone?
It hasn’t been demolished yet, so the carcass is still there, but they haven’t had an event inside the stadium since December of 2020. It has severe corrosion/rust problems and would require lots of $ to make it usable again, hence the now 10+ year effort to replace it.
“According to the report, Aloha Stadium requires approximately $423 million in critical health and safety repairs, ADA and code compliance” khon2 4/4/2017
@@gsn794 wow. I never did like the design anyways. Very uncomfortable I always thought ...when its 98 Degrees and 90% humidity
Still free on the 4th of July. Bugga overloaded. Remember closes 7pm
Over budget, over schedule and not complete. Hopefully, the current stations will be completed with actual parking and toilet facilities before any future expansion.
It would be good if it went to Waikiki, Kapiolani park end.
Is there any other more exciting things to do other than test riding the new metro trains on the islands? I don't want to fly out-there to check-out something like this...
God America is just so done. Rail like this works amazingly well its just that here its nearly impossible to build rail right where you need it and theres just so much shit that makes it more expensive than it has to be. So many NIMBYs also lobbying to keep any form of transportation from being built too. This country is so third world. Go to Japan, go to anywhere near the Netherlands, go to China and rail is king and incredibly useful to the point where cars are obsolete.
There are a lot of design problems with this particular rail project, but it’ll still be a good thing if it’s fully built out
Cars in Japan are not obsolete. They have insane traffic jams.
@@IKhanNot You got me there, but thats usually the main streets, start walking into the smaller streets and its mostly walking. And you got to admit their level of traffic is pretty damn good for the sheer population they have there. You can live in the main cities without owning a car and just walk to anything you would need because of how compact everything is and for anything far you can easily walk to a station and travel that way.
The main reason for that is the dogma belief of the individual in the USA compared to other countries which makes NIMBYism much more common here. There is also less support for public transit from the federal government in the USA. All those other countries you list have much better support from their national governments. Of course, all those other countries don't spend anywhere near what the USA spends on their military so they have the funds to spend on making their country's infrastructure better.
@@mrxman581 ay someone else knows whats up, completely agree.
I really hope it will be kept clean.