Inside Honolulu: April 15
This week at City Hall, the big focus is spending. The City Council has two special budget meetings, plus a full council meeting to urge state lawmakers not to dip into the city’s rail savings. All this, while companies that lost in their bid for a lucrative rail contract with the city are putting up a fight. Civil Beat is reporting from the inside.
Tea Partier Tom Berg to Kick Off Rally
11:22 a.m.
City Council member Tom Berg, the only self-described Tea Partier on the Honolulu City Council, will give remarks ahead of a Tea Party rally at the State Capitol today. A press release Berg’s office issued about the event says that the council member will be “using his wireless microphone a-la-Phil Donohue to solicit feedback from the passionate tea partiers between speeches and songs from the main podium.”
City Plans to Spend $248 Million to Acquire Property for Rail
9:03 a.m.
Honolulu is budgeting $248 million to acquire property and relocate residents along the route of the city’s $5.5 billion rail system, .
The weekly newspaper also reported that city officials issued a request for proposals for firms to help with “real estate professional services” to help with acquisitions, relocations and other property management related to rail. Bidders have until May 2 to submit proposals.
Read PBN’s (requires subscription).
Shootout in East Oahu Ends in Suspect Death, Traffic Gridlock
8:25 a.m.
East Oahu residents reported being stuck in traffic for hours Thursday evening after police chased and ultimately stopped two carjacking suspects. Police shot and killed one male suspect in his twenties, who reportedly fired multiple shots at them, according to KHON. Read more about what happened.
Previous Editions of Inside Honolulu
April 14, 2011: City Council member Stanley Chang turns to Charles Djou on “unfinished business;” City says Waimanalo Gulch back to “normal;” City Council member Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo defends possible cuts to the arts.
April 13, 2011: City Council Budget Chairman Ernie Martin calls mayor’s take on fuel tax “inaccurate;” Zoo considers sending rhino to hospice; Free parking for some city workers could end; City Council rejects move to reclaim some rail money.
April 12, 2011: City Council member Stanley Chang passionate about funds for roads; Council advances real property tax measure; Council on a roll with disclosures.
April 11, 2011: Two rail protests filed against city; Tom Berg speaks out against state money grab; U.S. Senate race could have ripple effect on City Hall.
April 8, 2011: City Council member Ernie Martin taps IBEW business manager for HART; Peter Carlisle distant from Big Island, Kauai mayors; Government leaders attend prayer breakfast.
April 7, 2011: Hawaii mayors issue joint response on tentative HGEA deal; Was Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle cut out of labor bargaining? U.S. Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood chats about Honolulu’s “light rail.”
April 6, 2011: City, state and other Hawaii counties agree to deal with HGEA; Council grows capital spending; City Council member asks for legal fees to fight administration.
April 5, 2011: Council member Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo says her deployment to Afghanistan is unlikely; HART nominees still not official; City cites $1.4 billion for Ansaldo contract.
April 4, 2011: Todd Apo and Don Horner surface as mayor’s possible picks for transit authority; Tom Berg nominates Panos Prevedouros for transit authority; State awaits results on more dengue cases; Losing rail bidders set for debriefs.
April 1, 2011: Gov. Neil Abercrombie taps former City Council candidate; GOP wants Nestor Garcia ethics investigation; Budget Chairman Ernie Martin schedules two special budget meetings.
