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UPDATED: A draft copy says HART contributed to cost overruns with poor management. HART’s head says it’s flawed by political motivations.

UPDATED: Don Horner says he hopes his departure will help build a better relationship between the rail agency and the city.

An ethics scandal called into question more than 100 votes cast by Honolulu City Council members, some of which involved the city’s $6.6 billion rail project.

Well over 30 percent of respondents said it’s a bad idea while another 40 percent consider the $6.6 billion project’s progress troubling.

The city’s $6.6 billion commuter rail line, which is currently under construction, is already over budget and behind schedule.

The extra tax money will go toward paying for cost overruns and revenue shortfalls on the $6.6 billion project.

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee placed a $1.1 billion cap on spending, although it allowed for some leeway should those funds not be enough.

Even as City Council members decide whether to keep the cash flowing, uncertainty looms over Hawaii’s biggest public works endeavor.

The apparent low bidder to build stations at Aloha Stadium, Pearl Ridge and Pearl Highlands did not meet HART specifications.

The Honolulu City Council is weighing extending the general excise tax surcharge by five more years to raise $1.5 billion more for rail. But what else could all that money pay for?