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HART CEO Lori Kahikina’s annual evaluation was quite critical, citing a lack of progress in filling key positions and “limited transparency” with the rail board of directors.

HART board members describe project director Nate Meddings as critical to rail construction, and worry his departure “increases the risk of failure.”

DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg rode the new Skyline transit system and visited several other federally funded infrastructure projects on Oahu and Maui.

The city’s upcoming budgeting process will determine how much funding is available to dole out.

Issues on the board agenda included a proposal at the Legislature to extend the excise tax surcharge that provides most of the funding for the unfinished rail project.

In a costly condemnation suit, the decision from the state’s highest court reversed a key lower court ruling that strongly favored the city and HART.

The City Council approved an effort to jump-start an existing fund, but it’s unclear where the money will come from.

City officials tried to play down the recent flaking and spalling along the train tracks. That only prompted more questions.

The damage was fixed but rail experts say it is “still a serious concern” and could indicate long-term issues.

The suit had sought at least $99 million from HART. Agency leaders say the agreement won’t impact rail’s overall price tag.