Disappeared News

by Larry Geller

An op-ed in today’s Star-Advertiser is headlined “It’s not too late to make right call on rail” and is accompanied by a picture of New York City’s “High Line”, which is a disused elevated rail line repurposed as a public park.

The High Line, featuring innovative seating and other attractive features for individuals and families, is very popular among residents and tourists..

The Honolulu rail guideway is a bit narrower than the High Line but it might work anyway.

Great minds think alike. In May, with tongue firmly in cheek, I suggested we could emulate Copenhagen’s elevated bikeway.

Commuters could avoid traffic, get exercise, and not be packed like sardines into a hot train car to and from work.

Just leave what’s built as is, but provide entrance and exit ramps for the bikes.

Or check out this April Fool themed article in which Mayor Tam officially opens Honolulu’s new elevated ice skating rink in 2018.

It could transform an eyesore into a unique recreational resource eyesore, anyway.

As you read the op-ed in today’s paper, keep in mind that this elevated rail line/bike path/skating rink was to cost less than $3 billion initially, and now upwards of $10.5 billion is commonly cited. If you think my suggestions are crazy, please note that the real thing became crazy at some point and we’re still not laughing.

I wonder if Guiness recognizes a world record for cost overruns…

Permalink posted by Larry @ 9/18/2016 05:19:00 PM