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February 13, 2014   Replica of train vehicle on display at Kapolei Hale     The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) today unveiled a replica of the train car for Honolulu's rail transit system at Kapolei Hale.   "This model provides the community with a beautiful preview of what our train cars will look and feel like," HART Executive Director and CEO Dan Grabauskas said. "Kapolei is the first community along the 20-mile rail alignment, so we felt it was appropriate to have the train model here at Kapolei Hale for the residents to view and experience."   Honolulu's rail system will feature a fleet of 80 rail cars. Each air conditioned four-car train will have seating for nearly 200 passengers, free Wi-Fi and room for wheelchairs, bicycles, surfboards and luggage.   Grabauskas was joined by Enrico Fontana, managing director for train car manufacturer Ansaldo Honolulu JV; members of the HART Board of Directors; representatives from Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's office; and representing Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin were Councilmembers Ikaika Anderson, Ron Menor and Kymberly Pine. Students from Waipahu High School's Academy of Engineering were also on hand for the unveiling.   "It is extremely fitting that these students from Waipahu High School are here today and are among the first to see what our train cars will look like," said HART Board Chairman Ivan Lui-Kwan. "This rail project will provide our young people with opportunities — opportunities to stay and work here at home in fields such as engineering, train system operations and public transit in general. This is a project for future generations that will improve our quality of life for years to come."   The train vehicle replica will be available for public viewing this Saturday and Sunday (February 15 and 16) in the Kapolei Hale courtyard at 1000 Uluohia St. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will also be on exhibit at Kapolei Hale through the end of April. To arrange a group or class tour of the train car model, please e-mail HART at info@HonoluluTransit.org or call our project hotline at 566-2299.       - END -   Media Contact: Jeanne Mariani-Belding, (808) 768-6145, cell: (808) 489-2530.