MAYOR HANNEMANN APPLAUDS $20 MILLION RAIL APPROPRIATION

            Mayor Mufi Hannemann said he is very pleased that the Senate Appropriations Committee voted unanimously today to approve funding measures that include $20 million for Honolulu’s rail transit project, following a similar appropriation of $15.5 million last year.

            “I’m very grateful to Senator Daniel Inouye for all his hard work to obtain the full amount requested for this project that is so vital to Oahu’s future,” Mayor Hannemann said. “This is another important step in the right direction for this project and for Oahu.”

            Upon final approval by the House and Senate, the appropriation will help fund preliminary engineering and other initial work on the project. Construction on the main 20-mile segment from Kapolei to Ala Moana is expected to being next year, and a spur to Honolulu International Airport could also begin soon. Key federal officials have indicated that Honolulu is likely to receive $900 million in federal support for construction.

            “Today’s vote further validated what we have said all along: there is strong federal support for this project, and we are on track to begin construction next year,” Mayor Hannemann said.

Contact: Bill Brennan, 527-6928