Most claims over rail project’s impact on sites are dismissed

A federal judge has dismissed a number of claims from a lawsuit that alleges the $5.27 billion Hono­ulu rail proj­ect would have a harmful effect on recreational and historic sites.

A statement from the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said Thursday’s ruling by Judge A. Wallace Ta­shima reduces the claims over disputed recreational and historic sites to fewer than 10 from more than 40.

"This is a significant and positive ruling that narrows the litigation," said Dan Grabauskas, executive director of the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. "We appreciate the court’s well-reasoned analysis."

The lawsuit over the rail proj­ect will continue, with Ta­shima scheduled to consider arguments over the remaining recreational and historic sites and a variety of other issues Aug. 21.

A group of rail opponents, including former Gov. Ben Caye­tano, is suing to block construction of the rail proj­­ect, arguing the 2010 environmental impact statement for the planned 20-mile rail line was inadequate.

The suit seeks to force the city to stop rail construction while city and federal officials conduct a supplemental environmental impact statement for the proj­ect.

Tashima’s ruling concluded members of the anti-rail group do not have legal standing to challenge the EIS evaluation of the impacts of the rail proj­ect on a number of sites.

Those sites included Piers 10/11, the Pacific War Memorial site, the Maka­lapa Navy Housing Historic District, the Hawaii Employers Council Building, the Tamura Building, Keehi Lagoon Park and Queen Street Park.

Tashima also dismissed allegations in connection with the Department of Transportation Harbors Division Building, Pearl Harbor National Historic Landmark and the Merchant Street Historic District because the rail opponents failed to raise concerns about those sites during the environmental review process.

However, Tashima allowed the rail opponents to continue to press claims in connection with alleged impacts on Mother Waldron Park in Kakaako.