Caldwell Lying About Federal Ultimatum?

Ernie Martin Regains Council Chairmanship As Council Squabbles Over Rail

CB: …The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation doesn’t need that $44 million under its current cash flows, officials say. But rail’s partners at the Federal Transit Administration have insisted in private meetings that the city pay up anyway or risk losing its remaining $744 million in federal dollars, city leaders say…..

Pine…wanted to see the FTA’s ultimatum in writing. So far, the closest thing to that is a Feb. 23 letter that Caldwell sent to FTA officials summarizing what they told him….

read … Caldwell Lying?

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Honolulu City Council Elects New Leaders United To Ensure Taxpayer Dollars Are Spent Wisely

News Release from Office of Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine March 19, 2018

Honolulu, HI – Citing their diversity as their strength, the Honolulu City Council elected new leadership today to refocus its priorities on ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Councilmembers selected Ernie Martin as Chairman, Kymberly Marcos Pine as Vice-Chairwoman, and Carol Fukunaga as Floor Leader.

The new Majority consists of Councilmembers from all sides of the island, various backgrounds, races, genders and ages. Members believe their diversity has shaped their shared policy values, which place the struggle of the Oahu taxpayer at top of mind. 

“I am truly humbled that my colleagues elected me to Chair the Honolulu City Council,” said Martin. “This new dynamic Council has important work to consider for Oahu residents, including rail oversight, various fee increases, potential property tax increases, and all of the city finances. We have the full intention to be a collaborative body with the administration, however, we will not be known as a “rubber stamp” to administration initiatives.”

“Leadership change at the Honolulu City Council is still about good women and men doing good work for the people of Oahu,” said Vice Chair Kymberly Marcos Pine, a known supporter of rail and Mayor Kirk Caldwell.  “Many of us come from working families and like many Oahu residents we are concerned about the handling of Rail and the Mayor’s proposed budget. Asking tough questions should not be considered as the council being against any project or person. We are simply doing our job of having the best interests of our constituents foremost in our efforts. The well-being of all Oahu residents will remain an important aspect of our day-to-day business,” Pine said.

City Council committee assignments will be released by Chair Martin later this week.

“The new committee assignments will be critical to strengthening oversight, negotiating the City budget, examining and debating legislation, engaging the public and asserting the Council’s independence. Our commitment is to empower committees and members to ensure all voices are heard within the Council,” said Martin.

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CB: Ernie Martin Regains Council Chairmanship As Council Squabbles Over Rail

Related: Grassroot: Bond plan for rail a bad sign for taxpayers, would violate city ordinance