Re: OR&L Hawaii

It is my understanding that the right-of-way reverted to ownership by the State.

The HRS operates over 8 miles from Ewa to Kahe Point. Plans call to extend the line from Kahe Point to Nanakuli. That's the place Earl has photos of the railway covered by sand.

I visited a few years back and did follow the right of way out as far as the road goes along the Leeward coast of the island. Around Kaena Point the right-of way has deteriorated and would not be passable without a lot of work to create a cut along the shore. And the area is an ecological preserve, so any kind of rail would be an uphill battle.

Going towards Honolulu from Ewa the right of way is pretty much intact along the west loch of Pearl Harbor all the way to the parking lot at the Arizona Memorial visitors center. Beyond that it has pretty much given way to developement. There has been some planning for the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail which was to utilize the right of way along with the HRS to Nanakuli.

HRS is a nice group of folks doing a good job with what they have. A small but dedicated volunteer group keeps the trains running. Even managed to replace a good number of ties burned by an arson fire a few years ago. And they are working to bring steam back to the line. Purchasing a new boiler for the WACo 6 from Matt Austin.

If you're on Oahu, go for a visit. www.hawaiianrailway.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/20/2007 02:36AM by WP94.