Honolulu's rail line is about to move into one of the city's busiest neighborhoods. Starting Monday, Oct. 26, a less than three-quarter-mile stretch of Halekauwila Street in Kakaako, from Richards Street to Cooke Street, becomes a construction zone, Hawaii News Now reported. Drivers and pedestrians can expect several road closures over the next few weeks.
The work is part of segment three of the Skyline rail project, which extends the line to the civic center station. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, or HART, expects segment three construction to continue through December 2030, according to the station.
For contractors, it's a reminder of how much work is still ahead on the rail line, and how tricky it is to build in a dense neighborhood full of high-rises and small shops.
Hours and noise
HART CEO Lori Kahikina told Hawaii News Now the work will happen mostly on weekdays, but crews are permitted to work 24/7 if the job needs to be sped up.
She acknowledged noise will be part of it. "It is an unfortunate evil that there will be noise with our construction work," Kahikina said.
The state Department of Health has restrictions on evening noise levels, she said, and HART has noise monitors in place to make sure it stays within them.
Business owners worry
Several Halekauwila Street businesses told Hawaii News Now they're bracing for a hard stretch.
Courtney Monahan, who owns the Paiko plant shop, said she worries about the noise and that road closures and lost parking could keep customers away. "I think we just have no idea what's in store for us. I think it's going to be a pretty rude awakening," she said.
At sushi restaurant Up Roll Cafe, the owners are changing their hours, opening their pub on weekends and nights to work around construction. Owner Anna Maniwa said she's excited for rail, "but its construction makes it very hard to get here for the customer."
Kahikina said 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," she told the station.
Residents see both sides
Kakaako resident Sue Radcliffe said she's a bit worried about noise but is "looking forward to the impact that it's going to make for Hawaii's future."
Pedestrian Jacob Mendenhall said rail could help ease traffic in town.
HART said it will keep providing updates on its construction phases, according to Hawaii News Now.
Building in a crowded place
Working a construction corridor in a dense urban neighborhood is a different job than working along an open right-of-way. Maintaining business access, managing parking, staging equipment on tight streets and keeping noise within limits all add cost and complexity. In Kakaako's case, crews will be working next to high-rise residents and storefront businesses at the same time.
The fact that HART's permit allows round-the-clock work gives the agency flexibility on schedule. But it also puts more pressure on noise control, since the Health Department's evening limits still apply and HART says it is monitoring them.
What's next
Hawaii News Now's report did not list the specific closure dates or the contractors doing the Halekauwila Street work. Contractors, delivery drivers and suppliers who work in Kakaako should watch for HART's closure notices over the coming weeks, since several closures are expected.
Why it matters for contractors
Segment three is a multi-year public works program running through December 2030, and the Kakaako phase is one of the more demanding stretches of it. That means steady work for heavy civil crews, utility contractors, traffic control companies and the trucking and materials suppliers who support them.
It also matters for anyone else building in Kakaako. Contractors with projects near Halekauwila Street should plan for closures, tighter parking and longer delivery times, and should build that into schedules and bids. For everyone working nearby, staying on top of HART's updates will be the easiest way to avoid surprises.