Press Release
HART Moves to Condemn Four Properties for Rail Project in Downtown Honolulu
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is set to meet to discuss the potential condemnation of four properties in downtown Honolulu, specifically in the Kakaako and Kalihi areas. These acquisitions aim to facilitate the construction of the new Civic Center Guideway and Stations project, which includes the Civic Center station expected to open by 2031.
The targeted properties include three located on Halekauwila Street—owned by Design Partners Properties, Bank of Hawaii, and a partnership between Goodwill Kakaako Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii—as well as one on Dillingham Boulevard owned by Gerald Je Chul Kang and Kloe Sookhee Kang.
HART representatives indicated that portions of these properties are necessary for the installation of guideway straddle bent columns essential for the rail project. Despite formal offers made for acquisition, two owners have reportedly rejected the offers, and one has yet to respond. HART emphasizes that negotiations would continue in pursuit of amicable agreements.
Katy Chen, President and CEO of Goodwill Hawaii, expressed disappointment at the potential impact on the organization’s operations and facilities, which include important resources for at-risk youth and adults with disabilities. Kang also voiced concerns about the implications of the proposed acquisition.
As the HART board prepares for discussions, property owners have been granted a reasonable timeframe to consider their offers. The board may enter closed sessions to deliberate on these matters, and following deliberation, the City Council will have 45 days to act on HART’s proposal for condemnation.
In related news, HART will address House Resolution 37, which sought to extend the rail line to underserved communities in West Oahu but did not gain legislative support.
The board meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at Alii Place, 1099 Alakea St., Suite 150.
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