ALWAYS AN EXCUSE!CHUMPS... MILQUETOAST...PUSILLANIMOUS DUPES
4/17/2008
Lingle administration criticized for bypassing environmental review
State path set in '04 Awana, ferry talks
Hawaii, ferry at odds in '04 over environment
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By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Government Writer
PDF: Superferry state report
The state may have compromised its environmental policy because of pressure from Hawaii Superferry executives who were worried about financing for the interisland ferry project, the state auditor has concluded.
The auditor found that an internal June 2005 deadline imposed by Superferry executives "drove the process" and pushed the state Department of Transportation to bypass an environmental review. The deadline, according to the auditor, was tied to Superferry's agreement with Austal USA to secure financing to pay the Mobile, Ala.-based shipbuilder to construct two high-speed ferries.
THE SUPERFERRY SAYS JUMP AND THE LEGISLATURE SAYS, MOOOO.
Audit: Superferry drove state actions
"Except through their high-priced lobbyists, they have not approached many of the senators or representatives who now hold the key as to whether or not they will ever be able to operate," Hanabusa said.
"I don't know who is making these decisions," Hanabusa said, "but it doesn't seem very smart that when they see they are dividing our community -- there comes a point in time when you think someone would step back and say, 'Gee, isn't it time for us to be a good neighbor here? If we want to be part of this community, let's be part of it.'"
The angry protests on Kauai have opened up a political problem for Democratic leaders, and Hanabusa said the Superferry has not been helping.
"Maybe they feel they can threaten to sue us and that will be enough leverage. We have got people who are hurt, so the people are not going to be happy if the Legislature comes back in."
"If people take the time to make a personal effort to ask that the Legislature do some work, we should do some work," Green said.
Mayor says Honolulu rail needs quick start
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer
Mayor Mufi Hannemann
Hannemann says ...
... the longer the city waits, the more a transit system will cost. "The best thing that we can do is build it as quick as we can."
Critics say ...
... the mayor's timetable to launch a transit system by 2012 could lead to irresponsible spending and cost taxpayers millions more.
Changes in priorities and political will killed Honolulu's last two efforts to build major new mass-transit systems in 1982 and 1992.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann is determined to prevent history from repeating itself, even if it means beginning construction on a commuter rail system before the federal government commits to funding part of the project.
That move, which leaves a $700 million gap in the project's budget, could allow service to begin from East Kapolei to Leeward Community College as soon as 2012 — barring legal challenges, archaeological finds, construction problems and other potential delays. Full service to Ala Moana Center is expected to begin in 2017.
The longer the city waits, the more transit will cost, Hannemann said. For example, Honolulu could have built a light rail system in the 1990s for $1.8 billion, or half the current proposed price, he said. = 3.6
"To wait for your (federal) full funding grant approval to be finalized, it will take a lot longer for construction to begin," Hannemann said. "The best thing that we can do is build it as quick as we can."
However, rushing the project without federal funding approval is a gamble. If Hannemann is right, Honolulu's new transit system could be running years earlier and for millions of dollars less. If he's wrong, Hono-lulu taxpayers could end up paying millions of dollars more than planned for the 20-mile, elevated commuter rail.
Critics contend Hannemann's timetable is not realistic and could lead to irresponsible spending.
BRUCE ASATO | The Honolulu Advertiser
MASS TRANSIT TIME LINE
Mayor Mufi Hannemann hopes to break ground on Honolulu's commuter rail project in 2009, with the first segment starting service between East Kapolei and Leeward Community College in 2012.
Here's a list of the project's key dates:
Summer 2005: The state allows counties to create an excise tax surcharge for mass transit.
December 2006: Honolulu City Council approves the fixed-guideway project.
February 2007: The council selects the Kapolei-to-Ala Moana Center route.
February 2008: A city-appointed panel recommends the city use steel wheel/rail technology.
Spring 2008: Start preliminary engineering.
September 2008: Release draft Environmental Impact Statement.
June 2009: Release final Environmental Impact Statement.
October 2009: End of EIS process and selection of design/build contractor for phase one.
Late 2009: Groundbreaking for phase one (Kapolei to Leeward Community College).
February 2010: Selection of transit vehicle vendor.
Summer 2010: Enter final design for phase two (Leeward Community College to Ala Moana Center).
Spring 2011: Estimated $700 million federal grant.
Source: City & County of Honolulu
$3.7 billion
Estimated cost to build the 20-mile elevated mass-transit system
$700 million
Amount the mayor hopes the federal government will pay
2011
When Hawai'i finds out how much federal funds it will get
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