The Art In Transit Program will decorate each of the 21 stations that make up the proposed Honolulu rail project.

1. IN REPLY REFER TO:
I
f~ A ~
~ I C ~ C CF {~ILJLU
PECERY~~I1-435O92R
HONOLULU AUTHORITY for RAPID ~ p~4~
t L~. Z~ INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO
~EC2~n~T~r2Hamayasu,P.E.
CITY COUUCLI
HO~$OLULU~
~~qQ~flD OF DIRECTORS
December 2, 2011 Carrie K.S. Okinaga, Esq.
CHAIR
Ivan M. Lui-Kwan, Esq.
VICE CHAIR
Robert Bunda
William Buzz” Hong
Donald G. Homer
Keslie W. K. Hui
The Honorable ErnestY. Martin, Chair Damien T. K. Kim
and Members Glenn M. Okimoto, Ph.D.
David K. Tanoue
Honolulu City Council
Wayne Y. Yoshioka
530 South King Street, Room 202
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-3065
Dear Chair Martin and Councilmembers:
As requested in City Council Resolution 11~227,he Art in Transit Program is attached. The
t
established program will identify art opportunities at each of the 21 stations in the rail system,
and provide for commissioning of artists for integration of artwork within the station entry
structures and platforms.
Sincerely,
~(ennethToru
interim Executive Director and CEO
Attachments
cc: HART Board
DEPT. COM. 774
CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU. AIII Place, Suite 1700, 1099 Alakea Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: (8O8)76&6159 Fax: (808)768.5110 w~v.honoIulutransit.org

2. A Public Art Vision Plan for the
Honolulu Rail Transit Project
Art-in-Transit Program
November 2011
Prepared for:
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation

3. ART TRAIN
A Public Art Vision Plan for the
Honolulu Rail Transit Project
Art-in-Transit Program
How to Use This Plan
ART TRAIN sets forth a vision for an Art-in-Transit
Program for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project (HRTP).
In order to fully explain the Art-in-Transit Program
vision, the plan includes an overview of the HRTP and
the place that is Hawai‘i. A summary of each station
along the guideway is included to provide a better
understanding of station sites, architectural designs,
and station area cultural and historic information.
Finally, a vision for an Art-in-Transit program is
presented. This vision is specific to place. It seeks to
capture the history, culture, poetry and passions of
the people of the islands. Sixteen art opportunities
are included. These opportunities are considered a
palette, and, like the entire plan, visions. An Art
Program Manual, which defines the guidelines,
policies and procedures for the HRTP’s Art-in-Transit
Program, is included as an addendum to ART TRAIN.

4. ART TRAIN
Table of Contents
PROJECT OVERVIEW 3
PLACE 4
STATIONS 11
ART-IN-TRANSIT PROGRAM 45
2

5. ART TRAIN
Project Overview
The City & County of Honolulu, Hawai‘i has the
nation’s second highest metropolitan travel time
during peak commute hours, second only to Los
th
Angeles, and is ranked 4 for highest per-capita use
of mass transit in the United States. Currently, there
is no urban rail system in Honolulu. The City and
County of Honolulu is planning a 20-mile, transit line
that will connect Honolulu with outlying suburban
areas to the west of the city on the southwestern part
of O‘ahu. The Honolulu Rail Transit Project (HRTP)
will include construction and operation of a grade
separated fixed guideway transit system between
East Kapolei and Ala Moana Center. All parts of the
guideway will be elevated, except near Leeward
Community College. There will be twenty-one
stations along the guideway. The primary goals of the
HRTP are to improve mobility for travelers, improve
transportation system reliability, provide accessibility
to new development in the ‘Ewa-Kapolei-Makakilo
area in support of the City’s policy to develop this as a
“second city,” and improve transportation equity for
all travelers. By 2030, about 116,300 trips per
weekday are expected, thereby removing an
estimated 40,000 vehicles from the roads each
weekday by the year 2030. Public Art will be an
integral component at each of the twenty-one
stations.
3

6. ART TRAIN
isolated islands. The 1780s and 1790s brought
Place
chiefdoms and battles for power.
In the Hawaiian language, Hawai‘i means
“homeland.” Hawai‘i became a state in 1959. It is
the newest of the 50 United States, and the only state
Official claim to the land now called Honolulu came in
made up entirely of islands. Hawai‘i is the
1804 when King Kamehameha the Great conquered
northeastern most island group in Polynesia,
O‘ahu in the Battle of Nu‘uanu Pali and moved his
occupying most of an archipelago situated in the
royal court from the island of Hawai‘i to Waikīkī. His
Pacific Ocean approximately 2,000 miles southwest of
court relocated to what is now downtown Honolulu in
the North American “mainland,” southeast of Japan,
1809 and, with the forced cession of the island of
and northeast of Australia. The state encompasses
Kaua‘i in 1810, all inhabited islands were subjugated
nearly the entire volcanic island chain, which
under the house of Kamehameha, a dynasty that
comprises hundreds of islands spread over 1,500
ruled the kingdom until 1872. Although the capital of
miles. At the southeastern end of the archipelago,
the Hawaiian Kingdom moved during the early part of
the eight islands that make up the State of Hawai‘i
the nineteenth century, in 1845 Kamehameha III
are (from northeast to southeast) Ni‘ihau, Kaua‘i,
declared Honolulu the permanent capital. He and the
O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, Maui, and
kings that followed him transformed Honolulu into a
Hawai‘i (called the “Big Island” so as not to confuse it
modern city. Despite the turbulent history of the late
with the state name). Honolulu is the capital of th th
19 and early 20 centuries such as the overthrow of
Hawai‘i. Honolulu means “sheltered bay” or “place of
the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, Hawai‘i’s
shelter.”
subsequent annexation by the United States in 1898,
followed by a large fire in 1900 and the Japanese
Artifacts and oral histories indicate that Polynesians
attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Honolulu remained
from the Marquesas and possibly the Society Islands
the capital, largest city, and main airport and seaport
may have first settled on the islands between 300 and
of the Hawaiian Islands. Today, Honolulu is a city of
500 CE, followed by a second wave of migration from
commerce, technological advancement, and tourism.
th
Raiatea, Bora Bora and possibly Tahiti in the 11
But despite its contemporary city image, Honolulu
century. The first recorded European contact with
remains true to its native history, culture, traditions,
the islands was in 1778 by British explorer James
and language.
Cook. Cook named the islands the “Sandwich Islands”
th
in honor of his sponsor John Montagu, 4 Earl of
Sandwich. He published the islands’ location, wrote
books about them, and reported the native name as
Owyhee. Although Cook was killed trying to abduct
the King of the Big Island of Hawai‘i, Kalani‘ōpu‘u, it
wasn’t long before Europe’s presence increased
bringing visitors, explorers, traders, whalers,
missionaries and, before long, disease to the once-
4

7. ART TRAIN
Ancient Hawai‘i
THE KAPU SYSTEM
The social order of ancient Hawai‘i was defined by
the kapu system. Strict societal rules prevailed and
transgressors paid with their lives. Kapu offenses
were considered threats to spiritual power, or theft of
mana. Fishing out of season, stepping on a chief’s
shadow, and eating bananas or pig, if you were a
woman, were considered capital offenses. The ali‘i
(royal class) ruled the islands and enforced the kapu
system.
THE LAND
The ancient Hawaiians felt a strong connection with
the land (‘āina) and its spiritual power (mana). They MYTHS AND LEGENDS
believed that the forces that caused thunder and The direct relationship to nature was understood and
lightning, or created sunshine and rainbows, were the orally transmitted through living, imaginative stories,
same elemental forces that allowed them to stand, to myths, and legends. The traditional history
walk, and chant. These godly forces were so presented the world in such a way that values,
powerfully alive that they were recognized as beings meaning, and morality were often of greater
and identified with names. The Hawaiians perceived importance than, or at least equal to, the physical
a pantheon of gods, goddesses, and demigods as the events being chronicled. These legends imparted the
sources of fire, water, and snow, and as dwelling in knowledge that physical objects were the result of
fish, animals, and plants. Pele (volcano goddess), Kū creative deeds, and that facts were the by-product of
(the architect and maker of war), Kāne (the creator), godly activity. For instance, Pele, the volcano
Papa (the earth mother), Lono (god of fertility and goddess, is also credited with bringing the visual art
rain), and Kanaloa (ruler of the oceans) are some of of image making to the islands, because of the infinite
the better-known gods and goddesses. possibilities of lava rock structures attributed to her.
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8. ART TRAIN
VOYAGING CANOES
The sophisticated ancient Hawaiian voyaging canoes
(wa‘a) consisted of two identical hulls connected by
arched cross booms. Lashed on top of the arched
cross booms were narrow wooden platforms (decks)
called pola. Double-hull voyaging canoes were
equipped with a uniquely Hawaiian form of oceanic
spirit sail, called a “crab claw”. The sail material for
the crab claw was most often matting made of finely
FISHPONDS plaited lauhala leaves, also called pandanus.
Fishing was one of the most important livelihoods of
the ancient Hawaiians. Besides fishing along the
rugged shoreline and out at sea in carefully
engineered and crafted voyaging canoes, they
developed a very sophisticated aquaculture system
using loko i‘a (fishponds). The island of O‘ahu had
more fishponds than any other island because its
irregular coastline. At one time 200 ponds existed on
O‘ahu. Ponds were usually built by enclosing a
natural inlet or bay with coral or basalt rock walls,
and sand or dirt fill. Most ponds were brackish, but HOUSES
there were also inland freshwater fishponds fed by
Houses of many different construction types existed
streams or springs. Some of the most common fish
in the Hawaiian Islands. Usually a commoner
raised were moi (threadfish), ‘ama‘ama (mullet),
constructed his house with the help of friends. When
āholehole (sliver perch), and awa (milkfish), but
a chief needed a house, however, his retainers
ponds were also home to shrimp, crab, and eel.
assembled the materials and erected the structure
According to legend, almost every water source,
under the direction of an individual kahuna (priest)
including fishponds, were guarded by mo‘o (water
expert in the art of erecting a framework and
spirits).
applying thatch. Every step of the house building
process, from the selection of the site to the final
dedication, required careful religious supervision.
Certain prescribed rules governed the house's
location, method of construction, sleeping mat
arrangement, and the move-in procedure. Blessings
such as long life were expected to result from proper
respect of these rules.
6

9. ART TRAIN
Heiau exist throughout the Hawaiian Islands, but their
use ceased with the destruction of the kapu (taboo)
system in 1819.
TARO
Taro (kalo), and its sophisticated farming system, was
more than a dietary staple. At the economic, political
and spiritual center of Hawaiian agricultural society,
the taro plant and its history grew to mythological
proportions. In tales of taro's origins, Taro is the
stillborn first child of Wākea, the sky father, and his
daughter Ho`ohokukalani (daughter to Papa, the
earth mother). This child was buried near the house
and grew into a plant they named Hāloanaka, or long
stalk trembling. The second son born to Wākea and
SURFING
Ho`ohokukalani, Hāloa, took human form. From him,
the human race descended. The Ancient Hawaiians considered surfing a holistic
art. They referred to this art as he‘e nalu, which
translates into English as “wave sliding.” Prior to
entering the water, the Hawaiians prayed to the gods
for protection and strength to undertake the
powerful mystifying ocean. If the ocean were tame,
frustrated surfers would call upon the kahuna to
deliver great surf. The priest would also aid the
surfers in undertaking the spiritual ceremony of
TEMPLES constructing a surfboard. Once selected, the surfer
would dig the tree out and place fish in the hole as an
Heiau (ancient Hawaiian temples) were places of
offering to the gods.
worship that were central to Hawaiian religious
beliefs. From the heiau, the kahuna communicated
with the gods and advised the ali‘i.
7

10. ART TRAIN
HULA
Hula is a dance form accompanied by oli (chant) or
mele (song). The hula dramatizes or portrays the TRAILS
words of the oli or mele in a visual dance form. Hula
dancing is a complex art form, and there are many Ancient trails facilitated trading between upland and
hand motions used to represent the words in a song coastal villages, and communications between
or chant. For example, hand movements can signify districts, ahupua`a (ancient land divisions), and
aspects of nature, such as the basic coconut tree extended families. Ancient trails were usually narrow,
motions, or a wave in the ocean. following the natural topography of the land, and
sometimes paved with smooth, water-worn,
steppingstones (`alā or pa`alā). There were strict
CHANTING rules, punishable by death, governing access to the
Other than petroglyphs, the ancient Hawaiian people precious resources of the mountains and ocean. Trail
kept no written records. Other than the petroglyphs use restrictions were according to the laws of the
they knew no written language. Yet they lived with a chief ruling over the particular land division in which
sophisticated hierarchical system of land divisions, a the trail was located. However, the alaloa (long trails)
complex classification in ranks from commoner to circumscribing the island, were open to all in times of
highest chief, and a detailed genealogy. To keep track peace.
of this vital knowledge, any transition that might be
of importance, either to others or to future
generations, had to be memorized and passed on. To
aid with memorizing, a system of verses emerged
which over the years developed into an ingenious art
form. The verses were known as the oli (chants).
8

11. ART TRAIN
TATTOOS
The word “tattoo” originates from the Tahitian,
ToTooTongan, and the Samoan word, tatau. When
the Hawaiians migrated to the Hawaiian Islands, they
adapted the name for their body art to kākau.
Hawaiian tattoo practices were linked closely with
ancient tradition and laws. Tattoos held great
spiritual and social significance for ancient Hawaiians.
The act of tattooing was highly ritualized and sacred,
and only kahuna could apply them. Tattoos had the
power to distinguish a person's place in the social
hierarchy and to protect him from negative forces,
PETROGLYPHS
and some tattoos were believed to possess powers of
their own.
The ancient Hawaiians referred to petroglyphs as ki‘i
pōhaku (ki‘i means “image,” and pōhaku means
“stone”). Today, petroglyphs are virtually the only LEI MAKING
prehistoric art of the Hawaiian Islands not in
museums, private collections, or hidden away in The history of lei making in Hawai‘i began with the
caves. Common subjects of Hawaiian petroglyphs are arrival of the Polynesians. Throughout the South
canoes, paddles & sails, stick figures, supernatural Pacific, Polynesians honored their gods by twining
beings with horns, bird heads or wings, dogs, turtles, greens into wreaths and adorning their own bodies
and chickens. Fish petroglyphs are rare. Common also with strings of flowers and vines. When they arrived
are cryptic symbols of curving lines, dots, and circles. in Hawai‘i, in addition to the useful plants they
brought for food, medicine and building, they also
brought ginger (‘awapuhi), a fragrant flower used for
decoration and adornment. During the settlement
period - roughly 750 AD through the 1300s - lei
throughout Polynesia were very similar. Types
included temporary fragrant lei such as maile and
hala as well as non-perishable lei like lei niho palaoa
(whale or walrus bone), lei pūpū (shell) and lei hulu
manu (feather). After long ocean voyages ceased and
Hawaiians entered a period of cultural isolation
(1300s-1778), they developed a richer variety of lei. In
a lifestyle that fused ritual and nature with every
aspect of daily life, lei were a ubiquitous ornament
worn during any type of work activity, celebration or
rite, by maka`āinana (commoners) as well as ali`i.
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12. ART TRAIN
Storied Landscape
LAND DIVISIONS
O‘ahu was divided into six moku: Wai‘ānae, ‘Ewa,
In ancient times, the islands were subdivided, the
Kona, Ko‘olaupoko, Ko‘olauloa, and Waialua. The
land was equally divided, and a name given to each in
land, or ‘āina, of each ahupua‘a has both shared and
order to identify it. An entire island, or mokupuni,
unique histories. The guideway of the HRTP will pass
was divided in smaller parts, down to a basic unit
through two moku, ‘Ewa and Kona, and twenty
belonging to a single family. Each mokupuni was
ahupua‘a. To enhance understanding of the
divided into several moku, the largest units within
agricultural and land history associated with station
each island, usually wedge-shaped and running from
sites, the moku and ahupua‘a in which each lies is
the mountain crest to shore. Each moku was divided
identified and defined within the Station
into ahupua‘a, narrower wedge-shaped land
Characteristics section of this document.
sections, that usually included uplands and coastal
areas so that nature and people of these regions
mingled, and had access to the diversity of the
different climates and resources within their land
area.
AHUPUA‘A
The special characteristics of an ahupua‘a defined its
wahi pana (spirit of place), sometimes translated as
“storied landscape”. The kahuna (priests) accepted
their creative skills and abilities to experience the
qualitative or “beingness” of nature as an inheritance
from the ‘aumākua (ancestral spirits) and the Ko‘olau
(higher gods). Together with the ali‘i and the
commoners, they showed their gratitude and
reverence by presenting offerings at shrines and
heiau (temples), and by worshipping before sacred
pōhaku (stones) and wooden ki‘i (images). The word
ahupua‘a derives from ahu, meaning "heap" or
"altar", and pua‘a, meaning “pig”. The boundary
markers for ahupua‘a were traditionally heaps of
stones used to support offers to island chiefs, which
were often pigs. According to Hawaiian mythology,
Kāne and Kanaloa established each moku and
ahupua‘a boundary by throwing a stone.
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13. ART TRAIN
Stations
Kamehameha Stations Design Group
Currently, the twenty-one stations of the guideway
7. Pearl Highlands Station
are segmented into eight contract packages. Each
8. Pearlridge Center Station
Station(s) Design Group has different award, design
9. Aloha Stadium Station
and construction schedules. Design of the initial
segment – Farrington Station(s) Design Group (which
is actually the second segment of the guideway) – Airport Stations Design Group
began in February 2011. Design initiation for all other
segments will be staggered. Construction of all 10. Pearl Harbor Naval Base Station
stations is anticipated to be complete the last quarter 11. Honolulu International Airport Station
of 2017 or first quarter of 2018. Station(s) Design 12. Lagoon Drive Station
Groups and their respective stations are from ‘Ewa
(west) to Diamond Head (east): Dillingham Stations Design Group
13. Middle Street Station
14. Kalihi Station
15. Kapālama Station
City Center Stations Design Group
16. ‘Iwilei Station
17. Chinatown Station
18. Downtown Station
Kaka‘ako Stations Design Group
West O‘ahu Stations Design Group
19. Civic Center Station
1. East Kapolei Station
20. Kaka‘ako Station
2. UH West O‘ahu Station
3. Ho‘opili Station
Ala Moana Center Station Design Group
Farrington Stations Design Group
21. Ala Moana Center Station
4. West Loch Station
5. Waipahu Transit Center Station
6. Leeward Community College Station
11

14. ART TRAIN
Station Standards
The canopy design is standardized for all
Although each station has its own individual character
stations providing visual identity for the
and design, they share standard design features,
transit system. The cantilevered, stretched
amenities and requirements. To shorten and simplify
fabric membrane canopy evokes a sail-like
individual station descriptions, these standards are
visual effect.
listed below.
Station entrance levels may include the
Station entrance buildings are either two
following amenities: plazas, ticket vending
levels (entry, platform) or three levels
machines, maps, trash receptacles, fare
(entry, concourse, and platform).
gates, signage, and support spaces for the
maintenance and operation of the station.
Most platform configurations have a side
Some will have traction power substations.
platform configuration (two platforms
either side of the elevated guideway). Four
Station platform levels will have seating,
stations have center platforms.
map cases, trash receptacles, and
windscreens.
Platforms are 240-feet long.
Most stations will provide bus drop-off
Most stations include entry-level plazas
areas, park-and-ride facilities, kiss-and-ride
with access via stairways, escalators or
and taxi zones, and bicycle racks.
elevators to a concourse level.
All stations are ADA compliant.
Platform level access is via stairways,
escalators, or glass elevators.
Floors and columns are cast-in-place
concrete.
Most station entrance buildings have high
ceilings that span either two or three levels.
All station facilities are designed to be open
for view, airflow and sunlight to take
advantage of the tropical weather
conditions of the island of O‘ahu.
Appropriate roof overhang and canopies
are provided for inclement weather.
12

15. ART TRAIN
Station Characteristics
Stations Characteristics are divided into three
categories:
Station Type
Station Description
Historic and Cultural Significance
The “Station Descriptions” contained in this
document are subject to change.
13

16. ART TRAIN
West O‘ahu Stations Design Group
O‘ahu ali‘i, favoring ‘Ewa’s beautiful, rolling landscape,
chose to have their homes there. In the late 19th and early
20th centuries, ‘Ewa was one of the largest population
centers on the Island, with industry focused on sugar
cane production. The ‘Ewa Mill was a major
employer that set up residential villages. Sugarcane is
no longer grown on the ‘Ewa Plain and the area is
now one of O‘ahu’s suburban growth centers.
Stations
The three stations within the West O‘ahu Stations
Design Group are:
East Kapolei Station
UH West O‘ahu Station
Ho‘opili Station
District (Moku)
All three stations in the West O‘ahu Stations Design
Group are located in the ancient ‘Ewa District. In the
Hawaiian language, ‘Ewa means “unequal”. It is said
that when Kāne and Kanaloa were surveying the
island of O‘ahu, they stood atop the Red Hill and
looked down upon the broad plains of what is now
‘Ewa. When they saw the beautiful land below them,
it was their thought to include as much of the flat
level land as possible. They hurled the stone as far as
the Wai‘ānae range and it landed somewhere in the
Waimānalo section. When they went to find it, they
could not locate the spot where it fell, so ‘Ewa
became known as “the stone that strayed”, or the
“unequal” land. ‘Ewa is one of the largest districts on
O‘ahu. ‘Ewa is located between Moanalua, Lihue,
and Wai‘ānae and surrounds the Pearl River, or
harbor.
14

17. ART TRAIN
East Kapolei Station
Kapolei, now an unincorporated community, is
Station Type: Center Platform with Concourse
considered Honolulu’s “second city”. The community
takes its name from a volcanic cone, Pu‘u o Kapolei.
Station Description: The East Kapolei Station is the
In the Hawaiian language, pu‘u means hill and Kapolei
west terminus of the alignment. The station will be
means beloved Kapo. According to legend, Kapo was
situated adjacent and Diamond Head direction of
sister to Pele. It is said that there is a noted hill called
North-South road. It will be one of four stations
Pu‘u o Kapolei, which is one of the most famous of
along the corridor that has a center platform
ancient hills. The chant composed for games in the
configuration. Station entrance structures are
olden days began with the name of this hill and went
located on either side of North-South Road. The two
on (with place names) all around the island. The
entrance buildings will be connected by an elevated
chant was used for those who swung rope, played
pedestrian walkway spanning North-South Road at
wooden ‘ūkēkē instruments, or those who juggled
the station concourse level. The site design includes
with stones, noni fruit, or kukui nuts.
landscaping at the plazas of each entrance building.
While the station area is mostly rural today, land use
is expected to change significantly in the future and
will include a mix of commercial and residential
developments. These developments will include the
University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu campus to be
located approximately one-half mile from the station.
A variety of access modes are anticipated including
walk, bicycle, local bus, park-and-ride, kiss-and-ride,
Handi-van, and taxi zones.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The East Kapolei
Station site is located in what was once the Honouliuli
ahupua‘a. In the Hawaiian language, honouliuli
means “blue harbor”. While much of the agriculture
of the ‘Ewa Plain at one time consisted of sugarcane
and pineapple fields, and later pumpkin and
watermelon fields, the area surrounding the station
site is currently a grassy plan with low vegetation and
low brush. In ancient times, the ‘Ewa Plain was a
dense forest alive with plants, insects, and birds that
are now extinct.
15

18. ART TRAIN
UH West O‘ahu Station
In the ‘Ewa plains, there exists a legend of two old
Station Type: Side Platform with Concourse
women that turned to stone. It is said that if a
traveler were to leave the city of gold, Honouliuli, and
Station Description: The UH West O‘ahu Station will
climb Pu‘u o Kapolei, ‘Ewa would be hidden from
be situated adjacent to North-South Road, next to the
view. Down some small inclines, there was a plain
Kroc Center. Station entrance structures will be
called Pūkaua, and, on the mauka side of the road, a
located on either side of North-South Road. The two
large rock. According to legend, there were two
entrance buildings will be connected by an elevated
peculiar women with strange powers. While they
pedestrian walkway spanning North-South Road at
were fishing at Kualakai one evening, they caught
the station concourse level. The site design includes
a‘ama crabs and pipi shellfish. As they returned to
landscaping at the plazas of each entrance building.
the plain, they met a one-eyed person. They became
The area is currently agricultural but will undergo
frightened and began to run, leap, falling and
major new development, including the new
sprawling, rising up and running on, without thought
University of Hawai‘i campus and a mixed-use master
of the a‘ama crabs and seaweeds that dropped on
plan community. The UH West O‘ahu campus will be
the way. At daylight one of the women said to the
located approximately ¼ mile west of the station
other, “Let us hide lest people see us,” and so they
entrances. As the land is developed, the street
turned into the large rock of Pūkaua plain.
network will be expanded. It is anticipated that
access modes will include walk, bike, bus, kiss-and-
ride, taxi, and private shuttle.
Historic and Cultural Significance: Like the East
Kapolei Station area, the West O‘ahu Station site will
be situated in what was once the Honouliuli
ahupua‘a. Coral plains, and large terraces filled with
taro plants, bananas and sugarcane grew in
Honouliuli. Because of its mesic and wet forests,
Honouliuli, through the efforts of the Honouliuli
Preserve and The Nature Conservancy, is home to
over 90 rare and endangered plant and animal
species. In ancient times, the ‘Ewa Plain was a dense
forest alive with plants, insects, and birds, such as the
‘i‘iwi and ō‘ō, many of which are now extinct.
16

19. ART TRAIN
Ho‘opili Station
Station Type: Side Platform, No Concourse
Station Description: The Ho‘opili Station will be
situated in the median of a future East-West road
Diamond Head of North-South Road. Station
entrance structures will be located on either side of
the roadway. The site design includes landscaping at
the plazas of each entrance building. While the
station area is mostly rural today, land use is
expected to change significantly in the future and will
include a mix of commercial and residential
developments. The combination of mixed-use
development and a pedestrian-friendly street
network will provide maximum opportunities for
Transit Oriented Development (TOD) near the station.
A variety of access modes are anticipated including
walk, bike, bus, kiss-and-ride, and Handi-Van.
Historic and Cultural Significance: In the Hawaiian
language, ho‘opili means coming together. The
Ho‘opili Station will serve a new-planned community
that is envisioned to bring together families and
residents searching for a sustainable and lifestyle-
enhanced quality of life. Like the East Kapolei Station
and the UH West O‘ahu Station, the Ho‘opili Station
site is located in what was once the Honouliuli
ahupua‘a. The station will be situated adjacent to the
planned conservation site for the endangered
Ko‘oloa‘ula, or Red ‘ilima (Abutilon menziesii), and
the species is known to grow in this area.
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20. ART TRAIN
Farrington Stations Design Group
Stations
The three stations within the Farrington Stations
Design Group are:
West Loch Station
Waipahu Transit Center Station
Leeward Community College Station
Preliminary design is complete on The Farrington
Stations. Representative renderings are included.
District (Moku)
All three stations are located in the ‘Ewa District of
O‘ahu.
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21. ART TRAIN
West Loch Station
The site was named for the daughter of Konikonia
Station Type: Side Platform with Concourse
and his wife Hina‘ai mālama. As legend goes,
Kaihuopalaai saw a godly man by the name of
Station Description: The West Loch Station will be
Kapapaapuhi standing by the fishpond where the
situated in the Farrington Highway street median at
mullet were kept. When she fell in love with him, she
the intersection of Farrington Highway and
was changed into the fishpond. West Loch is also
Leo‘ole/Leoku Streets. At-grade station entrance
sometimes remembered as the location of the West
structures will be located on either side of Farrington
Loch Disaster. 163 men were killed, and 396
Highway. The two entrance buildings will be
wounded, when a naval vessel, being loaded with
connected by an elevated pedestrian walkway
ammunition and gas, accidentally exploded on May
spanning Farrington Highway at the station concourse
21, 1944, sinking not only itself, but also several other
level. An off-street transit center, which also includes
nearby Landing Ship Tank vessels.
landscaping, will be situated on the makai side of
Farrington Highway adjacent to the makai Station
Entrance Building. A large plaza, measuring
approximately 64 feet wide by 165 feet long, will
welcome users. The area surrounding the station is a
mix of commercial and low-density housing.
Farrington Highway, a heavily travelled arterial, is
characterized by strip commercial development and
large commercial parking lots fronting the street. A
variety of access modes are anticipated with local bus
being most dominant followed by walk/bike, kiss-and-
ride, and taxi.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The West Loch
Station will be situated in what was once the
Hōa‘ea‘e ahupua‘a. In the Hawaiian language,
hāa‘ea‘e is “a chant with lengthened vowels”. The
lowlands near West Loch were once filled with
terraces where kalo (taro) and Breadfruit grew in
abundance. The entire West Loch of Pearl Harbor
was once called Kaihuopalaai.
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22. ART TRAIN
Waipahu Transit Center Station
Station Type: Side Platform with Concourse
Station Description: The Waipahu Transit Center
Station will be situated in the Farrington Highway
street median near Mokoula Street. The design of
the Waipahu Station is reminiscent of the old
Waipahu Sugar Mill, for which the area is known.
Station entry structures and plazas will be located on
either side of Farrington Highway. The entry
buildings will be connected by an elevated pedestrian
walkway spanning Farrington Highway at the station
concourse level. The mauka entrance will have direct
access to the existing Waipahu (bus) Transit Center
on Hikimoe Street. The makai entrance will be
oriented to Farrington Highway. A long linear
entrance plaza to the side of the building breaks open
to a smaller entry plaza, 55 feet by 45 feet, to
encourage pedestrian-oriented redevelopment
consistent with the vision of the Waipahu
Neighborhood Oriented Development Plan. The
station area is urban with a mix of commercial, light
industrial and residential land uses. Farrington
Highway is a busy, heavily travelled street. It is
currently a difficult environment for pedestrians and
bicyclists. Buses and Handi-vans will use the existing
Waipahu Transit Center. A kiss-and-ride zone is
planned.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The place now
called Waipahu was originally in the Waikele
ahupua‘a. Waipahu was only a small place where a
tapa anvil was said to have come out and drifted
down the steam. In the flatland where the
Kamehameha Highway once crossed the lower valley
of Waikele Stream, there were terraces where
bananas, beans, and sugarcane grew.
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23. ART TRAIN
Waipahu means “bursting water”, which is derived
from wai, meaning “water”, and pahū, meaning
“burst or gush forth”. It is said that Madam
Ka‘ahupāhau (a shark goddess) was known to bathe
in the fresh water of the gushing spring of Waipahu.
Before Western civilization set foot in Hawai‘i, the
Hawaiians considered Waipahu to be the capital of
O‘ahu. Royalty in the Kingdom of Hawai‘i would
often gather to enjoy the fresh water from the
Waipahu spring. Waipahu, situated along the
northern shore of both Pearl Harbor’s Middle Loch
and West Loch, was also known as a sugar plantation
town. The O‘ahu Sugar Company opened in 1897.
Operations were shut down after the 1995 harvest.
The Waipahu plantation stable area was once the site
of the former heiau at Waikele. In about 1650, the
Heiau Po‘okanaka, was surprised during temple
worship and slain with his priest and attendant chiefs
by direction of the mō‘ī of O‘ahu. In 1973, the City
and County of Honolulu and the State of Hawai‘i
purchased 40 acres opposite the Waipahu sugar mill
to establish the Waipahu Cultural and Garden Park.
Today, the living history museum is known as Hawai‘i
Plantation Village.
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24. ART TRAIN
Leeward Community College Station
Station Type: Center Platform with Concourse; At-
Grade with Sunken Plaza
Station Description: The Leeward Community
College (LCC) Station will be the only at-grade station,
and one of four stations with a center platform
configuration. It will be situated at the northern edge
of the Leeward Community College campus. The
single station entrance will be situated on the makai
side of Ala‘ike Street near a surface parking lot. An
underground pedestrian passageway will connect the
partially below-grade entrance structure to the
station platform. The site design includes parking lot
redesign, a maintenance vehicle parking area, and a
larger than average landscaped area adjacent to the
station. Consideration has been given to planting a
salvaged native tree grove in this area. Other land
uses in the station area include Waipahu High School
Historic and Cultural Significance: The Leeward
and single-family housing. Virtually all the demand at
Community College Station is located on the eastern
the station will involve walk and bicycle access from
edge of the Middle Loch of Pearl Harbor in what was
LCC and the surrounding area. A Handi-van zone, and
once the ancient ahupua‘a of Waiawa, which means
kiss-and-ride and taxi zones are planned. Facilities for
“milkfish water”. Leeward Community College is a
local bus and park-and-ride will not be provided.
public, commuter community college. The 49-acre
campus also houses the temporary campus of the
University of Hawai‘i – West O‘ahu. Fishponds and
pineapple fields were once abundant in Waiawa. The
area is also known for the Maika Playing Fields,
smooth, level-hard packed tracks of ground, where
the game, Maika was played. Maika was a game of
precision, almost as distinctly Hawaiian as surf riding
or sledding. In the game a three-inch diameter and
inch and a half thick disc made of stone, called ‘ulu or
‘olohū, was tossed between sticks.
22

25. ART TRAIN
Kamehameha Stations Design Group
Stations
The three stations within the Kamehameha Stations
Design Group are:
Pearl Highlands Station and Parking
Structure
Pearlridge Station
Aloha Stadium Station
District (Moku)
All three stations are located in the ancient ‘Ewa
District.
23

26. ART TRAIN
Pearl Highlands Station and Parking
Structure
Station Type: Side Platform with Concourse
On the same kahua, or floor, men engaged in
another game, which they called Maita or Uru Maita.
Station Description: The Pearl Highlands Station and
In the game, like in Maika, two sticks were stuck in
Parking Structure will be located on approximately 21
the ground only a few inches apart, at a distance of
acres between Kamehameha and Farrington
thirty or forty yards, and between these, but without
Highways at the interchange of H-1 and H-2. The
striking either, the parties at play strove to throw,
Pearl Highlands Station is projected to have the third-
rather than roll (as in Maika) their stone. At other
highest passenger volume of all stations in the system
times, the only contention was who could throw or
and will serve as the transfer point for all transit users
bowl it furthest along the kahua.
in central O‘ahu. Waiawa Stream, its associated
floodway, and steep sloping terrain with large trees
and shrub characterize the station site. In order to
mitigate construction impact in the area, replanting
of riparian and native species is planned. The
elevated guideway near the station has been
designed to clear the post project 100-year
floodwater surface level. The station area includes
busy roadways, a mix of light industrial, “big box”
retail, and residential buildings. Convenient bridge
connections will provide safe and easy access from
the neighborhood and adjacent development. Access
modes anticipated include bus, park-and-ride, kiss-
and-ride, walk, bicycle, taxi, and Handi-Van.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The Pearl
Highlands Station will be, like the Leeward
Community College Station, located in what was once
the Waiawa ahupua‘a. The station will serve
residents of Central O‘ahu, specifically Pearl City,
Waikele, Crestview, and portions of Waipahu. Pearl
City is situated along the northern shore of Pearl
Harbor, Waiawa was known for its Maika Playing
Fields where men engaged in the game of Maika, a
game of accuracy, as distinctly Hawaiian as surfing or
sledding.
24

27. ART TRAIN
Pearlridge Station
Station Type: Side Platform with Concourse
Many photographers took pictures of the battle from
the hills in ‘Aiea. Today, ‘Aiea is an important suburb
Station Description: The Pearlridge Station will be
of Honolulu. The town's sugar history came to a close
situated in the Kamehameha Highway street median
in 1996, when C&H Sugar closed the refinery. In 1998,
in the ‘Aiea area of Honolulu. Station entrance
the 99-year old sugar mill was torn down.
structures will be located on both the makai and
mauka sides of Kamehameha Highway. An elevated
walkway will connect the station concourse level to
both entrance structures. The station area is highly
urbanized and includes strip malls, small independent
stores, light industrial activities, and medium-rise
residential developments. Pearlridge Shopping
Center, located within walking distance of the station,
is the main commercial activity in the area. On-street
bus stops and a bus transit center are planned for the
future. Pedestrian and bicycle access will be an
important component of the Pearlridge Station. The
nearby Pearl Harbor bicycle trail is very popular.
Bicycle parking will be provided. There will not be a
park-and-ride facility or kiss-and-ride and taxi zones.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The Pearlridge
Station site is located in what was once the ancient
ahupua‘a of Waimalu. Currently, the station will
serve the ‘Aiea area of Honolulu. Waimalu means
“sheltered water”. The extensive flats on the East
Loch of Pearl Harbor were formerly terraces irrigated
from Waimalu Stream, and Waipi Spring, east of the
Waipahu Pond. In the early 1800s, the area’s low
country overflowed with sugar and banana
plantations. The many stone, wall-surrounded estates
in the area were graced with fishponds. ‘Aiea has
several miles of shoreline on Pearl Harbor. The
December 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
greatly impacted the area. One damaged ship, the
USS Vestal, beached at ‘Aiea Bay to prevent sinking.
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28. ART TRAIN
Aloha Stadium Station
The boundaries of Leiwalo were Papakōlea (guarded
Station Type: Center Platform, No Concourse
by a plover), Koleana (guarded by a big caterpillar),
and Napehā (guarded by a lizard).
Station Description: The Aloha Stadium Station will
be situated adjacent to Kamehameha Highway near
Salt Lake Boulevard. A station entrance structure will
be located directly below the station platforms. Land
use activities include a major sports facility, Aloha
Stadium, mauka and ‘Ewa of the station, and the
Pearl Harbor Visitors Center situated makai and
Diamond Head of the station. The station area is
dominated by auto-oriented land uses, including
surface parking lots that serve the Stadium. A mix of
single-family housing and apartment buildings are
located mauka of the station. A park-and-ride lot, off-
street bus transit center, and Handi-Van, kiss-and-ride
and taxi zones are planned. Due to the wide, busy
streets in the area, there will be limited opportunities
for convenient pedestrian connections between the
station and surrounding neighborhoods.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The Aloha
Stadium Station site is located in what was once the
Hālawa ahupua‘a. Hālawa is the eastern-most
Located west of downtown Honolulu and two miles
ahupua‘a of the ‘Ewa District. According to ancient
north of Honolulu International Airport, Aloha
legend, there was place called Leilano, located at the
Stadium was built in 1975 at a cost of $37 million. It
boundary between the ‘Ewa and Kona Districts,
was intended as a replacement for the aging Honolulu
which was said to be the opening (about two feet in
Stadium on King Street, demolished in 1976.
circumference) through which ghosts of people
Currently Aloha Stadium is home to the University of
slipped through to enter eternal light. Through this
Hawai‘i Warriors football team. It has also been
opening appeared the supernatural branches of the
home to the National Football League's Pro Bowl and
breadfruit of Leiwalo. If a ghost who lacked
the NCAA's Hula Bowl. Aloha Stadium hosts
‘aumākua (ancestral spirits or personal gods) to save
numerous high school football games during the
him climbed on a branch of the western side of the
season, and serves as a venue for large concerts and
breadfruit tree, the branch withered at once and
events. A swap meet in the stadium's parking lot
broke off, thus plunging the ghost down to the pit of
every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday draws large
darkness.
crowds.
26

29. ART TRAIN
Airport Stations Design Group
Stations
The three stations in the Airport Station Design Group
are:
Pearl Harbor Naval Base Station
Honolulu International Airport Station
Lagoon Drive Station
District (Moku)
The Pearl Harbor Naval Base Station is located in the
‘Ewa District. The Honolulu International Airport and
Lagoon Drive Stations are located in what was once
the Kona District. In 1859, the Kona District was
officially named Honolulu. Its boundaries were
described as: “from Maunalua to Moanalua inclusive,
to be styled the Honolulu District”. In the Revised
Laws of Hawai‘i 1925 the district is described as:
“from Makapu‘u Head in Maunalua to Moanalua
inclusive, and the islands not included in any other
district, to be styled the Honolulu District”.
27

30. ART TRAIN
Pearl Harbor Naval Base Station who slept on the beach at Hālawa.
On waking, Kamapua‘a urinated in the sea and that is
why the fish of Pu‘uloa have such a strong odor.
Station Type: Side Platform with Concourse
Kunana Pond was situated at the base of the Hālawa
Stream and was once connected with Kūāhua Island.
Station Description: The Pearl Harbor Naval Base
The name is from the mother of Ka‘ahupahau who
Station will be situated in the Kamehameha Highway
often fished there. Her name was Kuanana, child of
street median near Radford Drive at the Mākalapa
Nana.
Gate entrance to the naval base. A station entrance
structure will be situated on the mauka side of the
roadway and will include an elevated pedestrian
walkway spanning Kamehameha Highway at the
station concourse level. A large pedestrian plaza will
provide a transition between the street and station
entrance. The Station site plan includes protecting
the site’s existing Banyan, Earpod, and Tropical
Almond trees. The attack on Pearl Harbor by the
Empire of Japan on December 7, 1941, brought the
United States into World War II. On January 29, 1964,
the naval base was recognized as a National Historic
Landmark district. Within its bounds, it contains
several other National Historic Landmarks associated
with the attack on Pearl Harbor, including the USS
Arizona, USS Bowfin, and USS Utah. Due to the
dominance of military-owned land, land use in the
area is not expected to change significantly in the
Pearl Harbor, a lagoon harbor, was originally an
future. Walk and bike are anticipated to be the
extensive shallow embayment called Wai Momi
primary access modes. Bicycle parking, bus access,
meaning “pearl water”, or Pu‘uloa meaning, “long
and a Handi-van zone will be provided. There will be
hill”. Small pearl oysters and speckled clams were
no park-and-ride facility, or kiss-and-ride and taxi
once quite abundant in the waters. In Hawaiian
zones.
legends, Pu‘uloa was regarded as the home of the
shark goddess, Ka‘ahupahau, and her brother (or
son), Kahi‘uka. Keaunui, the head of the powerful
Historic and Cultural Significance: The Pearl Harbor
‘Ewa chiefs, is credited with cutting a navigable
Naval Base Station will be located in what was once
channel near the Pu‘uloa saltworks, which made the
the Hālawa ahupua‘a, the eastern-most ahupua‘a of
estuary, then known as “Pearl River”, accessible for
the ‘Ewa District. The flatlands along the Hālawa
the navigation of canoes and larger vessels.
Stream were formerly terraces where taro grew.
There is a legend about a man named Kamapua‘a,
28

31. ART TRAIN
Honolulu International Airport Station
In 1951, the word "International" was added to its
Station Type: Side Platform, No Concourse
name. Due to the airport’s proximity to the center of
the Pacific Ocean, it was historically a stop for many
Station Description: The Honolulu International
transpacific flights to and from North America.
Airport Station will be situated on Ala Onaona Road,
between the Airport Lei Stands and parking garage
exit booths. The station entrance building will have an
at-grade connection to the Overseas and Inter-Island
Terminals of the airport. Located three miles
northwest of downtown, Honolulu International
Airport is the principal aviation gateway of the City
and County of Honolulu, and the State of Hawai‘i.
The airport has four major runways, which it shares
with the adjacent Hickam Air Force Base, two
designated offshore runways for use by seaplanes,
and three terminal buildings. A fleet of buses, known
as "Wiki Wiki" buses (from the Hawaiian word
"quick") provides inter-airport transportation. Given
the station’s immediate proximity to the airport,
walking will be its dominant mode of access. Existing
ground-level pedestrian routes will be updated and
enhanced. Bicycle parking, local bus, and Handi-Van
zones will be provided. There will be no park-and-
ride facilities, or kiss-and-ride and taxi zones.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The Honolulu
International Airport Station marks the transition
from the ‘Ewa District to the Kona District. Much of
the airport land is in what was once the Moanalua
ahupua‘a, a beautifully cultivated plain with taro
fields, sugar plantations, and banana trees. Honolulu
International Airport opened in March 1927 as John
Rodgers Airport, named after a World War I naval
officer. It was renamed Honolulu Airport in 1947. By
1950, it was the third-busiest airport in the US.
29

32. ART TRAIN
Lagoon Drive Station
After the battle of Nu‘uanu, Kalanikupule fled, but
Station Type: Side Platform, No Concourse
was finally caught and sacrificed on an altar at
Pu‘ukapa. Kamehameha gave Moanalua to
Station Description: The Lagoon Drive Station will be
Kame‘epili’s adopted son, Lot. It was later passed to
situated on the mauka shoulder of Aolele Street west
Ruth Ke‘elikolani, and then to Bernice Pauahi, who
of Lagoon Drive. Station entrances will be located on
willed the entire ahupua‘a to Samuel M. Damon in
either side of Aolele Street. The site design includes
1884. In 1974, the Damon family offered the valley to
two on-street bus stops. A new crosswalk will be
the people of Hawai‘i as a park for the preservation
installed across Aolele Street to provide access
of native Hawaiian flora and historic sites.
between the entrances and bus stops. A pedestrian
connection to Ualena Street will be included. An
existing maintenance facility for the airport is situated
on the makai side of the station. Most of the land
around the station is owned by the State and the
general nature of land uses in the area is not likely to
change dramatically over time. Narrow streets and a
lack of sidewalks make the area around the station
difficult for pedestrians and bicyclists, but, even so, it
is anticipated that pedestrians and bicyclists will make
up a significant portion of total station demand. A
Handi-Van loading zone will be provided. There will
be no park-and-ride facility, or kiss-and-ride and taxi
loading zones.
Historic and Cultural Significance: Like the Honolulu
International Airport Station, the Lagoon Drive
Station site is located in what was once the Moanalua
ahupua‘a. Accounts differ as to where Moanalua got
its name. Some say it is named for two encampments
(moana and lua) at taro patches, where travelers
bound for ‘Ewa rested. In another story, a young
chief, Kulai ‘Aiea, fell in love with a girl bathing in Iemi
pool. He cried out moana ka ho‘i ka wai o kena lua
wai (how wide the water of that water hole). She
accepted his offer of love. Much later, when Kahekili
of Maui conquered O‘ahu, he placed his son,
Kalanikupule, in charge of Moanalua.
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33. ART TRAIN
Dillingham Stations Design Group
Stations
The three stations within the Dillingham Stations
Design Group are:
Middle Street Transit Center Station
Kalihi Station
Kapālama Station
District (Moku)
All three stations are located in what was once the
Kona, now Honolulu, District. The Dillingham area
was named for Walter Francis Dillingham (1875-
1963). Called the Baron of Hawai‘i Industry,
Dillingham was a businessman and industrialist.
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34. ART TRAIN
Middle Street Transit Center Station
The cave led into the underground of the island of
Station Type: Side Platform with Concourse
O‘ahu. One branch of the cave led around and under
the mountains to Pearl Harbor. Another branch led
Station Description: The Middle Street Transit Center
to the center of the island where there was a sacred
Station will be situated on Kamehameha Highway
pool for swimming. In the early 1900s, an earthquake
near the existing Middle Street Transit Center. A
closed the caves. At the southern edge of Kalihi lies
station entrance structure will be located on the
the Kamehameha Schools – Kapālama campus and
mauka side of the roadway and will include an
the Bishop Museum, noted for its historic displays of
elevated pedestrian walkway spanning Kamehameha
Hawaiian culture.
Highway at the station concourse level. Currently,
there is no landscaping planned for the Middle Street
Transit Center. The station area is dominated by light
industrial and commercial land uses with large
surface parking lots, and the O‘ahu Community
Corrections Center. This transit center serves as the
major focal point for bus service in Kalihi and, when
the station opens, will support bus/rail transfers. A
relatively small share of daily station demand will
involve pedestrians and bicycles. Handi-Van loading
and park-and-ride areas are available at the adjacent
Middle Street Transit Center. No kiss-and-ride or taxi
zones are planned.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The Middle Street
Station site is located in what was once the Kalihi
ahupua‘a. The name comes from ka lihi, which
means "the edge". The Kalihi Valley was once
covered with extensive terraces. In the 1830s a
voyager described the Kalihi Valley as “a broad
pasture with tall waiving grasses intersected by a
footpath, reminiscent of rural scenes in England”. It
is said that there was once a shallow cave called
Keana Kamano on the Kamanike side of the Valley. It
was called the cave of the sharks because the shark
gods from Pearl Harbor often rested there.
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35. ART TRAIN
Kalihi Station
Kāne pushed his staff into the earth, and broke open
Station Type: Side Platform, No Concourse
a hole from which water leaped forth. This pool of
fresh water is known as Kapuka Wai o Kalihi, or the
Station Description: The Kalihi Station will be
“water door of Kalihi”. Kalihi was also known for its
situated in the Dillingham Boulevard street median at
fishponds – ‘Āpili, Pahouiki, Pahounui, ‘Auiki, and
Mokauea Street. Station entrance buildings will be
Ananoho – which have since been filled in.
situated on both the mauka and makai sides of the
roadway. An elevated pedestrian walkway from each
building will provide station platforms for the
respective eastbound and westbound trains. There is
no concourse level connecting the two platforms.
While currently there is a lack of green space near the
station site, plazas are planned for both entrances,
and the arrangement of the makai entrance building
will create a courtyard. The station area includes
residential developments mauka of Dillingham
Boulevard and Mokauea Street. Walk and bicycles
will make up most of the daily demand. On-street bus
and Handi-Van zones are planned. There will be no
park-and-ride facilities, or kiss-and-ride and taxi
zones.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The Kalihi
neighborhood community is flanked by downtown
Honolulu to the east and Māpunapuna, Moanalua
and Salt Lake to the west. Like the Middle Street
Station, the site for the Kalihi Station is located in
what was once the Kalihi ahupua‘a. The ahupua‘a
consisted of Kalihi Uka, Kalihi Waena and Kalihi Kai.
Historically, Kalihi Kai was the site of the former
Leprosy Receiving Station, where those suspected of
leprosy were examined prior to treatment or being
sent to Kalaupapa on the island of Moloka‘i. Legend
has it that when Kāne and Kanaloa journeyed along
the coast of O‘ahu and came to Kalihi they found a
number of ‘awa roots. They pulled up the roots and
prepared them for chewing. Kanaloa looked for fresh
water to go with the ‘awa, but couldn’t find any.
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36. ART TRAIN
Kapālama Station
Once mating was accomplished, they were allowed to
Station Type: Side Platform, No Concourse
leave. The ahupua‘a of Kapālama had two streams
watering its terraces, which was almost continuous
Station Description: The Kapālama Station will be
from ‘Iwilei up to the foothills above School Street, an
situated in the Dillingham Boulevard street median at
area measuring about three quarters of a mile both in
Kokea Street near the Kapālama Stream. Station
depth inland and in breadth.
entrance buildings will be located on the mauka and
makai sides of the roadway. An elevated pedestrian
walkway from each building will provide station
platforms for the respective eastbound and
westbound trains. There will be no concourse level
connecting the two platforms. Plazas will be located
at each station entrance. The station area has a mix
of land uses that includes industrial, retail, and
residential. The most significant generator of station
demand will be Honolulu Community College (HCC),
which is located on Dillingham Boulevard mauka of
the station. Most station users will be pedestrians
and bicyclists. There are on-street bus stops with
shelters that will likely be replaced with new shelters
that match the rail station design. One loading zone
for Handi-Vans is planned. There will not be a park-
and-ride facility, or loading zones for kiss-and-ride
and taxis.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The site of the
Kapālama Station is in what was once the Kapālama
ahupua‘a. The name comes from ka pā lama in the
Hawaiian language, which means "the enclosure of
lama wood". Lama was the Hawaiian name for the
endemic ebony trees of the genus Diospyros that
were used in religious ceremonies. In ancient times,
an enclosure made of the sacred wood from the lama
tree, surrounded an establishment in which the
young ali‘i, chief and chiefess, were kept just before
pairing off for offspring. The first-born child of a high
chief and chiefess was considered high-ranking ali‘i.
34

37. ART TRAIN
City Center Stations Design Group
Stations
The three stations within the Center City Stations
Design Group are:
‘Iwilei Station
Chinatown Station
Downtown Station
District (Moku)
All three stations are located in what was once the
ancient Kona District, now the Honolulu District.
35

38. ART TRAIN
‘Iwilei Station
Kamehameha landed at Waikīkī to Wai‘alae, to the
Station Type: Side Platform with Concourse
windward of Diamond Head, and made his way to the
Nu‘uanu Valley. The position of the O‘ahu army was
Station Description: The ‘Iwilei Station is situated on
on the steep side of the hill, about three miles in the
the makai corner of Dillingham Boulevard and Ka‘aahi
rear of the town of Honolulu. Believing themselves
Street. A station entrance structure will be located
secure, they defied the enemy with insulting gestures
on the makai side of Dillingham Boulevard. The
and bravado. Kamehameha’s forces charged. In the
station area includes a mix of commercial, industrial,
onslaught many of the O‘ahuans were slain, and the
and residential land uses, including Major Wright
rest pursued with great slaughter until they were
Homes and Kukui Gardens, both U.S. Housing and
driven to the end of the valley, and fell some 600 feet
Urban Development low-rise complexes. The
to their deaths.
adjacent train depot is a vestige of the area’s identity
as an industrial and warehousing district. Mid-rise
senior and low-income housing is planned for the
station area. Pedestrians and bicycles are anticipated
to account for about a quarter of daily demand.
There are two existing bus zones on Dillingham
Boulevard. Additional bus zones, and dedicated
Handi-Van, kiss-and-ride, and taxi zones will be
provided. There will be no park-and-ride facility.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The ‘Iwilei Station
site is located in what was once the Nu‘uanu
apuhua‘a. Nu‘uanu means “cool terrace”, referring
to the cold wind, or “notch in the mountain” referring
to the plat at the top of the Pali. It is said that in
upper Nu‘uanu there were many small taro-planted
valleys, which opened into the main valley on either
side of the Nu‘uanu stream. Nu‘uanu is perhaps best
known for the Battle of Nu‘uanu. In the year 1795
Kamehameha the First, King of Hawai‘i, in pursuance
of his policy of uniting the whole Hawaiian group
under his sway, came with immense army to O‘ahu to
make war against Kalanikupule, king of Maui and
O‘ahu, and son of Kahekili, the famous warrior king of
Maui.
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39. ART TRAIN
There are said to be petroglyphs on the west bank of
the Nu‘uanu stream, as well as on the rocks of a
section of land once called Kahapaakai (the salt pans).
The trail to Nu‘uanu began at Kalanikahua, led to
Kaumakapili pond, and on to the gap at Nu‘uanu Pali.
One old legend of the area is of the Guardian Dogs of
Kapena Falls. It is said that a couple that lived on the
trail had five dogs, one named Poki, and that the dogs
were kupua, or supernatural beings, in dog form.
In the 1800s, ‘Iwilei’s convenient dock and local
One day two men were journeying on the trail. The
railroad terminus location served as a red light district
dogs barked in warning. One heeded the warning.
for Captain Cook’s sailors. By the 1900s, as a means
The other petted the dogs and continued his journey,
to relegate the then legal and lucrative trade of
only to be robbed and killed. From then on when
prostitution to one area, city elders built a multi-block
people journeyed by Kapena Falls, they left gifts for
stockade. The district thrived until 1916 when the
the dogs: flowers, leis, ferns and food.
police closed the stockade. A prosperous industrial
complex lorded by pineapple canneries and gasworks
grew and thrived in ‘Iwilei until the late 1980s. ‘Iwilei
is also the home of the Hawaiian Pineapple Company
Ltd., which opened in 1907, but was later
transformed into a 250,000 square-foot outlet
shopping center, Dole Cannery.
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40. ART TRAIN
Chinatown Station During the 19th century laborers were imported from
China to work on sugar plantations in Hawai‘i; many
became merchants after their contracts expired. Two
Station Type: Side Platform with Concourse
major fires destroyed many buildings in 1886 and
1900. The latter was intentionally started in an
Station Description: The Chinatown Station will be
attempt to destroy a building infected with bubonic
situated on Nimitz Highway between River and
plague. However, on January 20, 1900, the winds
Kekaulike Streets at the western edge of the
shifted, and the fire got out of control, destroying
downtown district of Chinatown. A single entrance
most of the neighborhood. Many of the buildings in
will be located on the mauka side of Nimitz Highway.
Chinatown date from 1901. In 1904, the O‘ahu
The station area has a variety of land uses, including
Market was opened at the corner of King and
the historic O‘ahu food market, which is visited by
Kekaulike streets. The simply designed functional
locals and tourists. The station site is characterized
construction (a large open-air, but covered space
by Chinatown’s rich cultural legacy as well as its
divided into stalls) remains in use today. The
proximity to the Harbors Edge, a historic maritime
Chinatown district was added to the National Register
gateway to the islands. Walk and bicycle will be the
of Historic Places on January 17, 1973.
primary access modes at this station. A park-and-ride
facility and a loading zone for Handi-Vans are
planned. There are no bus stops in the station area
and no dedicated kiss-and-ride or taxi zones are
planned.
Historic and Cultural Significance: The Chinatown
Station site is located in what was once the Pāuoa
ahupua‘a. Pāuoa is an “ear”, or side valley to
Nu‘uanu. The flatland in the bottom of Pāuoa Valley,
between Pacific Heights and King Street, was once
covered with terraces. The Battle of Nu‘uanu
commenced in Pāuoa. Fought in May 1795, the
battle was key to King Kamehameha I's war to unify
the Hawaiian Islands. It is known in the Hawaiian
language as Kaleleka‘anae, which means "the leaping
mullet", and refers to the number of O‘ahu warriors
driven off the cliff in the final phase of the battle. The
Chinatown Historic District is one of the oldest
Chinatowns in the United States. The area was
probably a fisherman port during ancient times, but
little evidence remains.
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41. ART TRAIN
Downtown Station
The Capitol District contains federal, state, and city
Station Type: Side Platform with Concourse
governmental buildings and is centered on the
Hawai‘i State Capitol, ‘Iolani Palace, and Honolulu
Station Description: The Downtown Station will be
Hale (city hall). Skyscrapers characterize the Central
situated on Nimitz Highway between Bishop and
Business District. Honolulu's waterfront area centers
Alakea Streets in the Central Business District of
on Aloha Tower, once the tallest building in Hawai‘i,
Downtown Honolulu. Station entrances will be
where cruise ships docked before the advent of air
provided on both sides of Nimitz Highway. The
travel between Hawai‘i and the U.S. Mainland. Cruise
station area is dominated by high-density commercial
ships now dock at Honolulu Harbor. Also called
and residential uses, including office and
Kulolia and Ke Awa O Kou, Honolulu Harbor is the
condominium towers, and federal, state, and
principal seaport of Honolulu and the State of
city/county buildings. The mauka entrance will serve
Hawai‘i.
high-density developments in Downtown Honolulu.
The makai entrance will serve restaurant and retail
activities in the Aloha Tower Marketplace, and future
development. Walk, bicycle, and existing local bus
service will be major access modes at this station. A
loading zone for Handi-Van vehicles is planned. There
will be no park-and-ride facility, or kiss-and-ride and
taxi zones provided at the station.
Historic and Cultural Significance: Downtown
Honolulu is the current and historic central part of
Honolulu—bounded by Nu‘uanu Stream to the west,
Ward Avenue to the east, Vineyard Boulevard to the
north, and Honolulu Harbor to the south—situated
within the larger Honolulu District, and what was
once the ahupua‘a of Pāuoa. Both modern and
historic buildings and complexes, many of the latter
declared National Historic Landmarks, are located in
the area. Downtown Honolulu can be subdivided into
four neighborhoods, each with its own central focus
and mix of buildings. These areas are the Capitol
District, the Central Business District, Chinatown, and
the Waterfront.
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42. ART TRAIN
Kaka‘ako Stations Design Group
Stations
The two stations within the Kaka‘ako Stations Design
Group are:
Civic Center Station
Kaka‘ako Station
District (Moku)
Both stations are located in the ancient Kona District,
now the Honolulu District.
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