Honolulu performs first railcar test on track

WAIPAHU, Hawaii — Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) officials took a railcar on a three-mile ride, towing it along a partly-built elevated guideway between the Waipahu Transit Center and the West Loch Station, reported U.S. News & World Report.

As the train inched slowly toward the station, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell stood on the elevated guideway to watch along with rail officials and other politicians. The goal was to make sure there's enough clearance along the rail line for the train and there are no obstacles in its path.

So far, HART has spent about $2.6 billion total, including more than $700 million in federal dollars, but the rail project faces a funding shortfall estimated at $1.5 billion to $3 billion. Caldwell had asked state lawmakers to allow the city of Honolulu to extend the general excise tax surcharge to help pay for the rail project, but the Legislature adjourned without reaching agreement on a funding solution. For the full story, click here.