PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR HONOLULU RAIL TRANSIT'S DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 6

The Department of Transportation Services announced today that the public has until the end-of-day February 6, 2009, to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for Honolulu's proposed rail transit system.  Previously, the comment period was scheduled to conclude January 7.

     The comment period has been extended to allow stakeholders and residents additional time to review and comment on the Draft EIS.  Copies of the Draft EIS are available for review at State libraries, the City library, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) office (650 South King Street – 3^rd Floor), and the DTS – Rapid Transit Division office (1099 Alakea Street – Suite 1700).  In addition, the Draft EIS is online at the project's website: www.honolulutransit.org.

The public can comment in writing to the Department of Transportation Services (650 South King Street, 3^rd Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813) on online at the project website: www.honolulutransit.org.  The public comment period is mandated by federal and state laws.  All comments received will be considered as the Final EIS is prepared by the Federal Transit Administration and the City.  All relevant comments will be responded to in writing.

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Contact: Wayne Yoshioka at 768-8305