With plans for a $4 billion light rail system, the city of Honolulu is hoping to boost its economy and create more jobs by contracting a number of smaller firms to do the project's work instead of one big firm.
"The city hopes to attract more local companies to work on its $4 billion mass-transit system by creating smaller contracts, as opposed to larger, $100 million contracts that are typically awarded only to national and international firms."
"At a workshop presented by the city for construction companies yesterday at the Neal Blaisdell Center, Mayor Mufi Hannemann emphasized the importance of the number of jobs mass transit would create that would help spur the slowing economy."
"To help local companies capitalize on the system, the Hannemann administration will create multiple contracts, ranging from $20 million to $350 million."
"In 1992 the city was ready to issue large contract awards that excluded many firms from bidding on its rail transit system when the City Council refused to spend local funds, killing the project."
"'Local firms were left at the mercy of large companies whether to hire them,' said Toru Hamayasu, the deputy transportation director. 'That was a lesson learned from 1992.'"
FULL STORY: Mayor expects jobs with transit plan
Skyline Rail, Now Serving Honolulu
In a historic day for public transit, Skyline Rail, a project once deemed the worst transit project in the United States due to extreme cost overruns and construction delays, finally opened to the public at the end of June.
Honolulu Light Rail to Open in June
The city’s first light rail line will finally begin service after more than a half century of planning.
Honolulu Rail Cost Overruns Now Exceed $1 Billion
Add another $200 million to the $910 million shortfall already facing Honolulu's rail project. The changing circumstances surrounding the project won't make it any easier to create a viable funding plan to make up the difference.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont