Crucial for rail development, city acquires 2 acres of land in Kalihi Kai

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - The city, using federal funds, has acquired a nearly 2-acres parcel of land in Kalihi Kai for $20.6 million.

The property is located right next to the Middle Street Transit Center. It was owned by Yee Hop Realty, Limited.

Mayor Caldwell says the property will play an integral role in making sure people are able to move from the rail to the bus.

“This is an important step forward in continuing to build our multimodal transportation infrastructure,” Mayor Caldwell said.

"There are many challenges still ahead, but we continue to work to make sure the Rail project is completed to its full 20 miles and 21 stations, and this is a big step in that direction,” he added.

The city says the money is coming from the Federal Transit Authority.

City leaders have attempted in the past to acquire the land for expansion and improvements of the public transportation network. It wasn’t until recent negotiations that the owners decided to sell.

“The acquisition of the two acre private property within the Middle Street Transit Center makes perfect sense,” added Councilmember Joey Manahan. “The parcel was landlocked with no access except through the transit center, now it can be utilized to modernize the facility to further integrate bus with rail. The acquisition was done using federal funds, without the use of city funds, making it a real bonus for the city.”