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HART is already paying a public relations firm $8,000 to $9,000 per month through another arrangement with a rail consultant.

Ultimately, Colleen Hanabusa turned down the lucrative consulting contract in favor of rejoining the unpaid board as public scrutiny grew.

Kahikina has been pressing for a multi-year contract, and is backed by Mayor Rick Blangiardi. She said Friday she wants a deal for a new contract by the end of August.

Unnamed current and former employees of Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation alleged Kahikina created a toxic work environment, and berated employees.

This is the second time the rail authority solicited proposals for that segment. Last time the bids were $1 billion too high, forcing years of delays and some major cost cutting.

The board says it will decide at its next meeting in two weeks what to do about Lori Kahikina’s soon-to-expire contract.

The discord among top leadership of the $10 billion Honolulu rail project has gotten so bad the mayor has stepped in.

The $10 billion Honolulu rail project has some big milestones ahead.

Imposing liquidated damages on contractor STG would be a turnabout. Last year it was the contractor that demanded cash compensation from the city for project delays.

At least one top executive candidate wants to see what happens to Lori Kahikina before considering a rail job.