Hannemann Testifies on Mass Transit Bill
Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann testifies before three Senate committees on Senate Bill 3213.
Three Senate committees held a joint hearing today to determine whether Senate Bill 3213 will move forward. The bill says that if the city and county of Honolulu does not decide which technology to use for its fixed guideway mass transit system by June 30, the 0.5 percent tax surcharge it currently charges to fund the project will be suspended. The bill also requires the county to award contracts for the technology by Dec. 31.
Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann testified before the Transportation and International Affairs (TIA), Economic Development and Taxation (EDT) and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs (IGM) committees that while he does not think the legislation is necessary, he appreciates the concern the legislature has over the progress of the mass transit plans. Testimony,
On Jan. 23, the Honolulu City Council voted 6-3 to approve a panel of experts to decide on the technology that will be used for the transit project.
Senators asked Hannemann during the hearing what would happen if they do not pass the bill and the council drags its feet. Hannemann told senators that he does not think there will be any more stalling because the councilmembers know that there is too much at stake to change their minds.
“The more we delay, the more we’re going to pay,” Hannemann said.
The Senate committees agreed to defer the measure until next week, giving senators time to re-word the bill. The bill will be reviewed again by the TIA and IGM committees on Monday at 1:15 p.m. and by the EDT Committee on Feb. 12.