First proposed in the early 2000s as a cost-effective means of connecting parts of Oahu Island, Phase 1 of Skyline, Honolulu’s $10 billion light rail system, opened on June 30. Plans for Skyline originally called for service from East Kapolei to Kakaako, but current plans will leave areas such as West Kapolei and the University of Hawaii out of reach. Advocates argue that the system will see high demand when completed as Skyline will connect major employment centers and facilitate affordable housing development. Advocates also suggest future expansion could be funded through local mechanisms and federal subsidies.