Former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa Resigns From Honolulu Rail Authority Board

Colleen Hanabusa, chair of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) board, announced her resignation effective at the end of September 2025, marking a significant loss for the rail project governance. Hanabusa was recognized for her substantial contributions and leadership in advancing the $10 billion Skyline rail project, with Mayor Rick Blangiardi and HART CEO Lori Kahikina publicly expressing their gratitude for her service. Hanabusa's tenure included periods of vocal and sometimes contentious oversight, notably involving disagreements with HART leadership and a workplace bullying complaint that was investigated and closed. Appointed by Mayor Blangiardi in 2021, Hanabusa's term was originally set to continue until 2026, but she chose to depart early for personal reasons, though no detailed explanation has been provided. The city plans to engage the community to identify a successor to continue the board's work on this critical infrastructure project. Hanabusa’s resignation is seen as a major shift in the board, given her experience and role as an outspoken advocate for accountability in the rail authority.