HART COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL QUARTERLY PROGRESS MEETINGS WITH FTA OFFICIALS

News Release from HART, September 13, 2019

(HONOLULU) - The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has announced the successful completion of its quarterly progress meeting with representatives from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and its Project Oversight Management Contractor, further illustrating that the project continues to progressively move forward.

FTA Regional Administrator Ray Tellis had high praise for the efforts of the HART staff, contractors, and support teams, noting that HART is leading the project in a continually improving and consistently positive direction.

”I am very proud to see that the FTA recognizes the hard work and dedication of so many people here at HART” said Executive Director Robbins,”The incredible teamwork that goes into completing a project of this magnitude and importance to the people of Hawaii is truly awe-inspiring, and I am happy to see that our efforts are not only paying dividends as we move forward but is also being recognized by our Federal partners in this Project.”

The quarterly meeting comes a week after the FTA gave its formal approval of HART’s revised Recovery Plan submitted last June. The approval is an important step for the FTA to release an additional $744 million that is part of the city’s Full Funding Grant Agreement with the Federal Government.

The FTA recognized HART’s efforts in the overall construction of the 20-mile alignment.  Specifically, the Administration acknowledged HART Core Systems’ successful energizing of the Project’s Maintenance and Storage Facility and it praised HART’s ability to deliver upon substantial operations and maintenance milestones along with its contractor Hitachi Rail Honolulu Joint Venture.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell had this reaction to the news. “We welcome the FTA’s strong oversight on the rail project, and it’s good to hear they believe Honolulu continues to improve its practices” said Mayor Caldwell.

“There are serious problems yet to resolve, and there will always be issues on construction costs and delays, so we need to work even more closely with the FTA to ensure we finish this transformational project that will benefit all the people of O’ahu.”

Honolulu City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson said, “I am pleased to hear of the FTA’s recognition of the great strides HART has made under Andy Robbins’ leadership. I look forward to building stronger communication between the Council, HART and the Administration.”