Feb 28th 2020 | Posted in Public-Private Partnerships (P3) by Government Contracting Pipeline

Hawaii – State lawmakers are contemplating an underwater tunnel that would connect Ewa to downtown Honolulu. House Bill 1950 has been introduced and would require the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) to conduct a feasibility study of the route.

Honolulu Hawaii mulls P3 for underwater tunnel to Honolulu

City of Honolulu

The tunnel would offer a direct connection between the regions and increase transportation capacity, as population growth is expected to double or triple traffic congestion in the coming decades. To maximize use of the tunnel, roadways would be expanded as needed.

A public-private partnership (P3) would be required to design, build, and operate the tunnel.

The legislation is awaiting a hearing in the House Finance Committee. If approved, the bill would appropriate funding to the HDOT for the study.