Kakaako residents, businesses brace for next phase of rail construction
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The next stop for rail construction is a community of high-rises and small businesses that is about to get a lengthy dose of noise and road closures over the next several years.
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A less than three-quarter mile stretch of Halekauwila Street from Richards Street to Cooke Street will transform into a building zone Monday, and pedestrians and drivers can expect several road closures in the next few weeks.
Paiko plant shop sits along the soon-to-be building area.
“Paiko’s always been a special place for people to come into with greenery and flowers and happiness and laughter,” owner Courtney Monahan said.
After enjoying three years operating at her Halekauwila Street location, Monahan is preparing herself for the joyful noise of customers in her shop to be drowned out by that of drilling and heavy machinery.
“I just worry that it’s going to be a little bit loud,” Monahan laughed.
Kakaako resident Sue Radcliffe agreed.
“I am a bit worried about the noise, but looking forward to the impact that it’s going to make for Hawaii’s future,” Radcliffe said.
When asked about concerns over noise disruptions, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation CEO Lori Kahikina responded, “It is an unfortunate evil that there will be noise with our construction work.”
Kahikina mentioned the work will happen mostly during weekdays but is permitted to go 24/7 if the work needs to be accelerated.
The Department of Health, Kahikina added, has restrictions for noise levels in the evening.
“We have noise monitors to ensure we adhere to that,” she said.
Still, Monahan is worried the noise, road closures, and lack of parking will discourage customers from heading her way.
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“I think we just have no idea what’s in store for us. I think it’s going to be a pretty rude awakening,” Monahan said.
Kahikina emphasized there will still be access to businesses.
“We are looking at alternative parking areas in the area, so may not be on the street, but close by,” Kahikina said.
Down the road from Paiko at sushi restaurant Up Roll Cafe, the owners are modifying hours, opening their pub on weekends and nights to work around construction.
“I am excited for the rail, but its construction makes it very hard to get here for the customer,” owner Anna Maniwa said.
Others see the latest construction phase of Skyline’s segment three, extending it to the civic center station, as a milestone.
“I think the rail could be a great option to alleviate some of the traffic that we see here especially in the town area,” pedestrian Jacob Mendenhall said.
Construction segment three is expected to continue through December 2030 and HART said it will continue to provide updates on its phases.
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