Honolulu Rail Clears Downtown Utility Relocation Hurdle

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has completed a major utility-relocation phase in downtown Honolulu, clearing the way for the next stage of Skyline rail construction.

HART announced the milestone July 21, 2026, under the City Center Utility Relocation III contract. Independent local coverage confirmed that the completed work allows the City Center Guideway and Stations contractor to move toward subsequent construction in the urban core.

Work completed in three Honolulu corridors

The completed package covered Kaaahi Street, Nimitz Highway between Iwilei Road and Halekauwila Street, and Halekauwila Street between Nimitz Highway and Cooke Street.

HART said crews relocated storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water-main, gas and fuel, electrical and communications infrastructure. The work also included roadway improvements, traffic-signal systems, street lighting and service reconnections.

The milestone applies to utility relocation only. It does not mean the rail guideway or stations in these areas have been completed.

What the completion allows next

With the utilities moved, HART says the cleared areas can support City Center Guideway and Stations construction through downtown Honolulu. The next phase is scheduled to bring additional rail-related construction activity in downtown and toward Kakaako.

That transition could affect residents, commuters and nearby businesses. Hawaii News Now reported that additional closures will be required along Halekauwila Street as work advances toward the Kaʻākaukukui station, also known as the Civic Center station.

Local reporting said the next work is expected to include site preparation, followed by construction of shafts, columns and the station near Halekauwila and South streets. HART has said businesses can request direct meetings about maintaining access during construction.

Dillingham Boulevard remains a separate work area

The downtown completion does not mean all Honolulu rail-related utility work is finished. Separate utility-relocation work along Dillingham Boulevard remains underway.

HART’s capital-plan documents list the Dillingham packages separately from the completed downtown utility-relocation contract. HART says utility relocation along Dillingham Boulevard is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026, a schedule target rather than a guarantee.

For the public, the distinction matters: the three downtown corridors are moving toward guideway and station construction, while Dillingham Boulevard remains an active utility-relocation work area. Residents, commuters and businesses should watch for future construction notices and access changes as the project advances.

Sources

• HART: HART Completes Downtown Utility Relocation Work
• Hawaii News Now: Major milestone: HART completes Downtown utility relocation work
• HART 6-Year Capital Plan, FY2026-FY2031