Honolulu City Council clears way for city funds to pay for rail

A measure giving the go-ahead for city-backed bond money to be used for the first time for construction of rail was approved by the Honolulu City Council today.

The vote was 7-2, with members Ann Kobayashi and Trevor Ozawa the two “no” votes.

Bill 42 (2017) allows the city to spend up to $214 million — no more than $26 million annually — to help finance the administrative costs for construction of the now $8 billion-plus, East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana Center line.

Critics say Council members were going back on a 2006 vote to not use city funds for rail construction.

Read more: http://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/10/30/breaking-news/council-clears-way-for-city-funds-to-pay-for-rail/