Episode 18: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
This week, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) CEO, Lori Kahikina, and COO, Rick Keene join host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to talk about the interim opening for O’ahu’s Rail System and the long and difficult journey to get to this milestone.
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Mending broken relationships
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) CEO Lori Kahikina and COO Rick Keene assumed their new leadership roles just after the P3 procurement process for the rail project was canceled, a project that was already over budget and riddled with construction delays.
“When we came in we knew there was a reputational issue and a credibility issue,” explained HART Deputy Executive Director Rick Keene. “I mean, everyone in town knew that. So we came in and we made a list of our key stakeholders and said, okay, there are groups we need to start meeting with and talking to.”
Additionally, HART submitted its 2022 Recovery Plan to the FTA in June, one month ahead of schedule, and proposed a truncated project scope with an interim terminus at the Civic Center Station, located at the intersection of Halekauwila Street and South Street, and a temporary deferral of the Pearl Highlands Parking Garage. That plan was approved by the FTA three months later.
Internal struggles
HART’s leadership goes on to explain the changes made internally within the organization, an effort that included streamlining services and cutting staff.
“First day I said, here’s my expectations, here’s what we’re going to do, (what) the culture is,” explained HART Executive Director Kahikina. “We’re going to do what’s right for the taxpayer. Also within the first three months, I’m going to do streamlining of the organization…and I will be cutting people.”
Kahikina goes on to explain the move to get her entire team on one floor in an attempt to break down silos.
The future of HART
The next segments of the rail system will take passengers to Middle Street and the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and then to Kaka‘ako.
“As of right now, the way it is, we are slated to finish the second segment to Middle Street in two years, 2025. And then (in) the 2030-2031 timeframe to Kaka‘ako,” replied Kahikina. “So we’re not going away, unless the Charter changes. We still have a lot of work to do.”
Visit https://honolulutransit.org/ for more on HART’s construction overview and answers to some FAQs.
