Honolulu City Councilmember and Hawaii Congressional candidate Charles K. Djou (R-Waikiki, East Honolulu) reacted to Congressman Neil Abercrombie's political maneuver to dramatically increase the cost of relocating U.S. military forces from Japan to Guam by requiring such construction pay Hawaii prevailing wages.

"This is a reckless fiscal maneuver that dramatically increases taxpayers' cost and an inappropriate use of the defense budget to spread political pork.  This is nothing more than an all too typical Congressional move to spend public money for the sake of spending money," stated Djou.  "This is exactly the reason why Hawaii needs a new voice in D.C."

As reported by the Washington Post, Congressman Abercrombie inserted a provision in the fiscal 2010 defense authorization bill that doubles the construction costs, from $10 bil. to $20 bil., for the relocation of American forces from Japan to Guam.  Abercrombie's mandate requires construction companies pay Hawaii prevailing wages - estimated to be 250% higher than Guam's prevailing wages.  This mandate also limits the proportion of foreign workers to no more than 30%.

There is no requirement that any Hawaii firms or employees, however, be used in such construction contracts.

Djou is running as a Republican for the congressional seat being vacated by Abercrombie.  Djou currently serves on the Honolulu City Council and previously served as the Republican Floor Leader in the State House.  Djou is also an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and has trained on Guam as part of his military duties.

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Info: www.djou.com

RELATED: July 6, 2009 News Read: Washington Post editorial criticizes Abercrombie defense bill provision ($10B in pork for his contributors?)