It was to be expected, as the rail construction choo-choos toward town. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has drastically expanded the list of properties for which it wants the option to pursue condemnation and acquisition.

Keeping those options open for what is now a list of 32 properties is necessary to help the project hew more closely to its construction timetable.

And having that prospect hanging over the owners could prod the owners closer to settlements. They may figure they’ll get a better deal around the negotiation table than take their chances in court.