Rail officials today said that the first 10 miles of tracks along the line are now fully electrified as testing of the system continues — issuing a public warning about the danger of electrocution.

“The contact rail that powers the train is now fully energized during testing, and anyone who touches this ‘third rail’ will be shocked and could die instantly from electrocution, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) said in a press release.

HART was prompted to issue the warning after it reported a “break-in” on Aug. 2, when four people scaled the Halawa (Aloha Stadium) Station fence and were walking along the track.

Rail Operations Center staff contacted Honolulu police about the 9:42 p.m. breach, which was captured by closed-circuit television cameras. Each of the rail stations and all of the trains along the system are equipped with dozens of cameras, HART said.

“We are currently running tests with the trains, and therefore, the “third rail” is energized at various times with 750 Volts DC, making it deadly to anyone who touches it,” said Interim

Executive Director and CEO Lori Kahikina. “In keeping with stringent safety protocols, no one should be anywhere on the rail guideway or in the station areas unless they are working on this project.”

The driverless train system is being tested on the first 10 miles of track by contractor Hitachi Rail Honolulu. “This means that from the Kualakai (East Kapolei) Station to the Halawa

(Aloha Stadium) Station, trains are running and may start and stop suddenly or switch direction, making the rail yard and the operating guideway dangerous and unsafe for those without rigorous safety training and proper authorization, HART said.

“Because the rail system is electric, and to move the trains at a top speed of 55 mph, a very high current must be used to transfer adequate power. That is why today we are reminding the public, for your safety, please stay off the tracks and out of the operations and maintenance facilities,” Kahikina said.

HART issued the following guidelines and information:

>>Never trespass on the rail guideway as the electrified rail could kill instantly.

>>The “third rail” has 750 Volts DC of electricity flowing through it at all times.

>>Keep out of HART’s Rail Operations Center 43-acre rail yard as this area is extremely dangerous with moving trains and the same electrified track.

>> Never cut or hop the perimeter fences to enter a station.

>> Trains may move in any direction at any time, without warning.

>>Never put anything on the tracks or throw objects into the railyard or onto the guideway.