KHON2 » Federal Transportation Administration officials estimate costs for Honolulu, Hawaii’s elevated rail line could increase to $8 billion, from the 2012 project estimate of $5.1 billion. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is now considering changes to the project’s plan in an effort to minimize potential cost overruns without delaying completion, which is expected in December 2024.

KHON2 »

Thus far, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) has issued nearly 1,200 non-conformance reports (NCRs) and approximately 130 of those remain open as construction of the 20-mile elevated rail line continues. Critics have pointed out numerous defects and raised concerns about the quality of the project, which has cost $7 billion so far.

The New York Times »

The 20-mile elevated rail line on the Hawaiian island of Oahu was originally projected to cost $4.6 billion. Currently under construction, and two years behind schedule, the rail line may now cost up to $7.1 billion. Hawaii state officials believe the project must be completed, regardless of the potential for multi-billion dollar cost overruns often associated with projects of this magnitude, much like Boston’s Big Dig or California’s high-speed rail.