Honolulu’s HART held a blessing and groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of the Ka‘ākaukukui (Civic Center) Station in Kaka‘ako to mark the start of construction on the next phase of the passenger rail project, the City Center Guideway and Stations (CCGS) segment.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi, HART Executive Director and CEO Lori Kahikina, Tutor Perini Corporation representatives, and local officials gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking with a traditional Hawaiian blessing led by Kahu Kordell Kekoa.

“Today marks a major milestone in our journey toward a better-connected and accessible Oʻahu,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “Breaking ground on the third segment of Skyline is not just about building the infrastructure to bring the rail system into the Downtown area; it’s about laying the foundation for the future of this island and developing sustainable transportation alternatives to serve neighboring communities.”

The City Center Guideway

The CCGS project includes the construction of six rail stations and approximately three miles of elevated guideway beginning near the Kahauiki (Middle Street Transit Center) Station and ending at the Ka‘ākaukukui (Civic Center) Station, which will be located just east of the intersection of Halekauwila Street and South Street. 

The initial phase of construction includes drilling shafts for the columns that will support the guideway, beginning in the Iwilei area, with CCGS construction expected to be complete by 2030.