Hitachi Rail Celebrates Skyline Honolulu Segment Two Opening

Honolulu, HI – Hitachi Rail, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), and the City's Department of Transportation Services (DTS), announced the opening of Segment 2 of Skyline, the first fully autonomous, urban light railway system in the United States.

This milestone marked the launch of four new stations— Makalapa Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Lelepaua Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Ahua Lagoon Drive, and Kahauiki Kalihi Transit Center —extending the reach of Skyline and enhancing connectivity for both residents and visitors. As the largest public infrastructure project in Hawaii's history, Skyline continues to transform sustainable public transportation across O'ahu.

Strategic Connectivity to Key Destinations
Makalapa Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Station serves as a vital center for the Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hickam Air Force Base, Salt Lake, and surrounding residential communities. It will offer a faster, more reliable commuting option for thousands of military personnel and civilian employees that work on base.

Lelepaua Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Station provides a direct connection to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, supporting over 10,000 airport employees and offering travelers a convenient and efficient transit alternative. In addition, a new public express bus route will connect Skyline riders directly to Waikiki, enhancing accessibility to one of Honolulu's most popular destinations.

Kahauiki Middle Street Transit Center Station will serve as a vital transit hub, enabling seamless transfers between Honolulu's rail system and public bus network through the use of a single fare card. This integrated system enhances travel efficiency to downtown Honolulu. By reducing commute times, the new station is expected to significantly benefit passengers traveling between homes, schools, and workplaces.

Celebrating a Milestone
To commemorate the opening, a grand opening ceremony was held today at Kahauiki Middle Street Transit Center Station. The event began with an inaugural train ride from Halawa Aloha Stadium Station through the new Segment 2 stations. Upon arrival at Kahauiki Middle Street Transit Center Station, guests were welcomed with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and remarks from Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

Public Launch and What's Ahead
Passenger service on the new Segment 2 stations will officially begin on October 16th. To celebrate, free public ride days will be offered on October 18th and 19th, allowing the community to experience the full Skyline route, now spanning 13 stations across Segments 1 and 2.

Looking ahead, Segment 3 is anticipated to be completed by 2031. There will be six additional stations, further connecting Oahu's west side corridor to downtown Honolulu.

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