City won't get head start on BRT

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Honolulu plans to begin construction of the initial leg of its controversial Bus Rapid Transit system next year while a court case against the project continues.

U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway yesterday denied a request for a temporary restraining order that would have halted work on the project until at least the next hearing in the court case in February.

The city plans to begin opening bids as early as today on more than $20 million worth of contracts for the first phase of the project, a 5.6-mile route between Iwilei and Waikiki.

However, actual construction work on the project would not begin until at least mid-February, when a hearing is scheduled on a preliminary injunction sought by the Alliance for Traffic Improvement.

“We’re definitely moving forward and going ahead with opening up the bid packages,” said Cheryl Soon, city transportation services director. “The judge made a clear decision that the TRO was not necessary.”

The Alliance for Traffic Improvement, which includes more than 100 individuals and businesses from state transportation industries, filed suit against the project, saying it should not proceed because it is connected to the larger BRT system that still awaits federal review.

City officials are trying to proceed with the first phase of the project to “get a toe in the door” for the next routes, which would involve converting some existing traffic lanes to semi-exclusive bus use, said Cliff Slater, a spokesman for the group.

City officials plan to use hybrid gas and electric buses on the route.

Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.