The City Council Committee on Infrastructure, Transportation and Technology on Sept. 24 amended and advanced a council‑initiated bill asking the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to undertake early planning for potential Skyline extensions beyond current termini.

Supporters said the measure would allow HART to plan proactively so the agency can discuss station integration and property acquisitions now, instead of paying much higher costs later. “This bill simply calls for an exercise in planning,” said Council Member Valarie Dos Santos‑Tam, the bill’s co‑introducer. “The only way that it's going to get to Manoa is if we start planning for it now.”

The bill — posted to the agenda with a proposed CD1 — was amended in committee to broaden the planning scope. Chair Kymberly Cordero recommended the CD1 be reported out for passage on second reading and for a public hearing to be scheduled; the committee adopted that recommendation.

HART Executive Director Lori Kahikina told the committee she had not yet discussed the bill with the HART board and asked for a deferral so the board could review it. “Unfortunately, at this time … the board has not even discussed this,” Kahikina said, and requested time for board feedback. The committee proceeded with its legislative process while noting that HART’s board review would be sought.

Public testimony at the committee included transit riders, labor groups and construction industry representatives who urged the council to support the bill as a way to preserve future expansion options. Donald Sakamoto, president of Citizens for Fair 80 Ride, asked that people with disabilities be included in studies and planning. “There should be more emphasis of studies been done for the people with disabilities,” Sakamoto said.

Committee members debated whether to wait for HART’s formal position. Some members urged coordination with HART; others said council initiation and early planning signals were appropriate now. The committee amended the bill to the posted CD1 (OCS 2025‑0749) and reported it out for second reading and scheduling of a public hearing.

The committee record shows the measure remains subject to further amendments during the public‑hearing process and to any language changes following HART board review.