Is It 'Reckless' To Build Honolulu Rail Before Feds Commit Funds?

Adrienne LaFrance/Civil Beat

What's the hurry?

With heavy, above-ground construction set to start any day, rail opponents have revved up their criticism of the $5.2 billion project.

They charge that it's "reckless" to move forward with construction without any guarantee that Honolulu will get the $1.55 billion in federal funds it's counting on to complete the 20-mile elevated line.

It may be, but it's certainly something that's done elsewhere, a Civil Beat investigation of other rail projects across the country found. Some followed a path similar to Honolulu's, beginning construction using local dollars before getting a commitment of federal funds.

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