HART director takes his message to the street

Supporters of rail have said for years that this project is about generations to come.

So one of the first official visits the director of the project made was to Waipahu High School, answering student questions.

"I believe that there is also plans to have closed circuit television cameras that will also allow for additional security,” said Daniel Grabauskas, executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART).

"I asked about how many security there is going to be?" said student Amanda Celestino.  "And so security is a big deal for me because I personally ride the bus and I care if I get home safe or not."

After meeting with the students the new HART director got a personal tour of the popular Tanioka’s Seafoods and Catering to listen to any concerns they may have like construction worries.

"They worked out a pretty good work schedule, where they’re working when we’re not open. So, hopefully it doesn’t bother us too much. We wouldn’t want lane closures in front of our market or anything,” said Justin Tanioka, general manager.

"The fact of the matter is he was able to say that he has some good open lines of communication with local Kiewit folks. And what I told Justin is now we’re friends, okay we’ve met. And so if there is an issue I want to make sure that his business keeps thriving after 34 years, and that this is going to be a plus for him,” said Grabauskas.

Grabauskas says this tour will be the rule of his administration, not the exception.

"I think that what the people deserve is that the top person be out and about, as much as possible. I want people to feel that they can call on me, and that they can talk to me, and that they can tell me what their fears or what their concerns might be,” said Grabauskas.