Honolulu City Council to Consider Skyline Rail Expansion

Proposal would extend fixed-rail system to original planned endpoints

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

The Honolulu City Council is expected to soon take an important step towards expanding the Skyline fixed-rail system, with the goal of eventually extending the route from West Kapolei to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, as originally envisioned.

Why it matters

The Skyline rail system has been a major infrastructure project for Honolulu, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving public transit. Expanding the system to its originally planned endpoints would fulfill the original vision and provide more comprehensive transportation options for residents and commuters across the city.

The details

The Honolulu City Council is poised to take a critical first step in the process of expanding the Skyline fixed-rail system. The expansion would eventually extend the route from its current western terminus in West Kapolei all the way to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, completing the original planned vision for the system.

  • The Honolulu City Council is expected to consider the expansion proposal in the near future.

The players

Honolulu City Council

The governing body of the City and County of Honolulu, responsible for making decisions about major infrastructure projects like the Skyline rail system.

Skyline Fixed-Rail System

Honolulu's light rail transit system, currently running from East Kapolei to the Ala Moana Center, with plans to eventually expand to other parts of the city.

University of Hawaii at Manoa

The flagship campus of the University of Hawaii system, located in Honolulu, which is envisioned as the eastern terminus of the expanded Skyline rail system.

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What’s next

If the Honolulu City Council approves the expansion proposal, the next steps would involve securing funding, planning the construction, and ultimately extending the Skyline rail line to its originally planned endpoints.

The takeaway

The potential expansion of the Skyline rail system represents an important milestone in fulfilling the original vision for Honolulu's public transportation infrastructure, which aims to provide more comprehensive and accessible transit options for residents and commuters across the city.