2aHawaii

General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: DonRow on January 19, 2012, 03:18:35 PM

Title: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: DonRow on January 19, 2012, 03:18:35 PM
So I heard on KIKI that Ben Cyatano (how the hell do you spell his last name, aa who cares) so anyways he said he's coming out of retirement and running for honolulu mayor, damn that sucks for Oahu. guys like this should just stay in there retirement home eating there jello.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: bass monkey on January 19, 2012, 04:08:20 PM
Ben said he coming out cause he's against rail and that's his "selling line" I guess.
Title: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: DonRow on January 19, 2012, 04:27:18 PM
Yeah I heard that one. I think he's coming out cause he like make chicken fight legal. :) no it no joke I feel bad for Oahu. :/
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: HiCarry on January 19, 2012, 04:59:13 PM
Of the three likely Mayoral candidates, Uncle Ben, Kirk Caldwell, and incumbent Peter Carlisle, Mr. Caldwell is the clear favorite for gun rights advocates. Let's hope he gets into office....
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on January 27, 2012, 02:17:20 PM
Based on the Rail platform, I'd vote Ben.  IMHO Caldwell had the time and opportunity to make changes and he failed to act.  I will never vote for him.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: 42itus on January 27, 2012, 11:08:46 PM
Based on the Rail platform, I'd vote Ben.  IMHO Caldwell had the time and opportunity to make changes and he failed to act.  I will never vote for him.

I'm with you.  Carlisle and Caldwell both had a chance to make something happen but didn't.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Heavies on January 28, 2012, 03:34:18 AM
What is Ben's stance on guns? 
What was his shortcomings as governor?

I'll ask and get back with his responses...
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Kingkeoni on January 28, 2012, 08:01:24 AM
What is Ben's stance on guns? 
What was his shortcomings as governor?

I'll ask and get back with his responses...

I don't know/remember his voting record but I've seen him in Security Equipment.

He was asking about transferring a gun to his son.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: HiCarry on January 28, 2012, 12:10:51 PM
What is Ben's stance on guns? 
What was his shortcomings as governor?

I'll ask and get back with his responses...
In 2000, then Governor Cayetrano, who professed to be a "gun owner" went on record as supporting yearly re-registration and allowing ammo sales only to individuals who had firearms registed in that caliber.

I suspect that he is one of those "OK for me, but not for thee" elitist gun owners....remember, there are Chicago Aldermen that "own guns" too. They were the ones that thought yearly re-registration was OK for the "common folks" of Chicago, but when they "forgot" to register their guns, they voted to allow them an exemption. So, vote for Cayetano based on his rail stance and we'll likely get yet another anti-gun politician. On the other hand, we know Caldwell is pro-gun and is a shooter.....at least in terms of electing a pro-gun candidate, Caldwell is the better choice.

http://archives.starbulletin.com/2000/02/15/news/story6.html (http://archives.starbulletin.com/2000/02/15/news/story6.html)
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Dregs on January 28, 2012, 12:49:14 PM
^^ Is the "Hawaii Firearms Coalition" still in existence?
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on January 30, 2012, 09:52:35 AM
In 2000, then Governor Cayetrano, who professed to be a "gun owner" went on record as supporting yearly re-registration and allowing ammo sales only to individuals who had firearms registed in that caliber.

I suspect that he is one of those "OK for me, but not for thee" elitist gun owners....remember, there are Chicago Aldermen that "own guns" too. They were the ones that thought yearly re-registration was OK for the "common folks" of Chicago, but when they "forgot" to register their guns, they voted to allow them an exemption. So, vote for Cayetano based on his rail stance and we'll likely get yet another anti-gun politician. On the other hand, we know Caldwell is pro-gun and is a shooter.....at least in terms of electing a pro-gun candidate, Caldwell is the better choice.

http://archives.starbulletin.com/2000/02/15/news/story6.html (http://archives.starbulletin.com/2000/02/15/news/story6.html)

Is Caldwell really pro gun?  Lets not forget that he was City Manager under Mufi and after Mufi the Mayor.  Did Caldwell do anything when in office?  I can't remember anything.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Dblnaknak on January 30, 2012, 10:11:26 AM
Cayetano is a fricken idiot. He sucked as a governor and now he's going to run for mayor just because he doesn't like the rail idea? Sound like another personal agenda to me. Id rather see bu'laia run for mayor then cayetano.  :shaka: I've ridden forms of the rail all over the world. Once the main line is connected to the transfer stations it would be beneficial to the island. Hawaii people are so afraid of change. That's probably the reason why we can't get concealed carry permits. Paranoia.  :shake:
Title: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: DonRow on January 30, 2012, 10:22:52 AM
BWAHAHAHAHHAHAHA

Bula'ia I haven't heard that name in awhile.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on January 30, 2012, 11:43:37 AM
Cayetano is a fricken idiot. He sucked as a governor and now he's going to run for mayor just because he doesn't like the rail idea? Sound like another personal agenda to me. Id rather see bu'laia run for mayor then cayetano.  :shaka: I've ridden forms of the rail all over the world. Once the main line is connected to the transfer stations it would be beneficial to the island. Hawaii people are so afraid of change. That's probably the reason why we can't get concealed carry permits. Paranoia.  :shake:

Let's review some facts of RAIL.  Originally Mufi promised RAIL would be $3B, others said it would be $5B.  We are currently projecting potentially into the $6B range.  In order for RAIL to have been approved to even move forward Mufi had to secure the vote from the Salt Lake folks with the guarantee that the RAIL would run through Salt Lake and not bypass them.  This turned out to be a lie.  As we now know the Salt Lake contingent got the shaft and are now bypassed.  The C&C for at least a year held onto a routing that they knew was too close to the runway approach for HNL International Airport.  The rerouting cost the C&C (that means you and me) $125M and lost momentum for the project.  Am I not supposed to assume that this was a political handout to the designers by the Hanneman Administration?  Unless you've forgotten the C&C lied and said they did not know anything about it, but later records clearly indicated otherwise.

Now with regards to the "main line" get connected to transfer stations?  There are no transfer stations, there is a single line running into town that's it.  No spurs out to other communities at this time.  The RAIL is being built from Kapolei into town.  The RAIL riders cannot hit downtown until the entire line is completed.  Instead of building from downtown outwards the construction is slated to go in the other direction.........stupid.  Any proposed RAIL spur to UH is not even on the horizon and there is absolutely no money to build it.  Heck there is not enough money to build the current RAIL. 

Now let's take a look at the RAIL stations themselves.  You need to condemn land and kick people out to build the stations, the parking lots (yes there will need to be parking lots at the stations), and rerouted The Bus to service the stations and implement new routes.  So.........the morning commuter catches The Bus to the station, waits at the station, gets let off somewhere outside of downtown Honolulu (until say 10 - 13 years from now), then catches another Bus to work?  Does that make sense?  It doesn't to me.  Even when the RAIL is completed you catch a Bus, get on a train, get on a Bus and repeat on the way back.


All this talk of RAIL and no one in the current administration or the former Hanneman Administration is talking about mandated changes to the current sewer system on Oahu.  These changes are at least in the $3B mark.........yes that's right just as much as the RAIL was to originally cost.  There is no money for those repairs.



Now why GZ should we listen to you?  Well I have a BSc in Civil Engineering, I work in the construction industry (yes I'm in construction and don't want RAIL and am not alone) and have nearly 20 years in, and finally I've read the RAIL plan and proposed alternate plan.  Nothing from my schooling to experience say that RAIL has ever been a good idea. 

We're currently into the construction guys and systems people for some serious money, but that doesn't mean we should continue to throw away money and money that we don't even have.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Dblnaknak on January 30, 2012, 12:20:57 PM
I agree that we don't have any money. I also agree that mufi lied and the cc covered it up. Then again we elected mufi as mayor knowing that he was a lemon. Just like how we elected abercrombie, and how most people will buy in to cayetanos campaign lies. I still think the rail is a good idea. All rail systems in the US and in Europe still utilize the bus system. The rail system by passes heavy traffic areas and provides faster service because it only stops at stations. No stop lights, no traffic. The bus service would then be more effective as a result. 

Everyone is only concerned with instant gratification. Their most common complaint is I don't live in an area that the rail is proposed so I'm against it. There is a huge UH campus being built right now in kapolei. Can you imagine what traffic will be like in 10 years being that there is only one 3 lane highway going in and out of that area from town. The majority of the islands population live on the west side. (pearl city to waianae)

I agree that the sewer system is screwed. I feel you can blame the zoning committee for that. They are converting land zoned for agriculture to land zoned for housing development. Then the city is approving housing developments in these areas that the current infrastructure cannot support. Why? Guess who pays for these politicans campaigns. Again, quid pro quo, rears its ugly head. So what can we do? Nothing? Everything?

How about this idea. A politician proposes what I call the good faith bill. When elected, a politician must fulfill his or her campaign promises with in their elected term. If they don't come thru with their promise they are ineligable for another term. WOW!!! Getting them to do what they promised, now that's epic.
Title: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: DonRow on January 30, 2012, 01:09:47 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I like this guy..
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on January 30, 2012, 01:46:02 PM
I agree that we don't have any money. I also agree that mufi lied and the cc covered it up. Then again we elected mufi as mayor knowing that he was a lemon. Just like how we elected abercrombie, and how most people will buy in to cayetanos campaign lies. I still think the rail is a good idea. All rail systems in the US and in Europe still utilize the bus system. The rail system by passes heavy traffic areas and provides faster service because it only stops at stations. No stop lights, no traffic. The bus service would then be more effective as a result. 

Everyone is only concerned with instant gratification. Their most common complaint is I don't live in an area that the rail is proposed so I'm against it. There is a huge UH campus being built right now in kapolei. Can you imagine what traffic will be like in 10 years being that there is only one 3 lane highway going in and out of that area from town. The majority of the islands population live on the west side. (pearl city to waianae)

I agree that the sewer system is screwed. I feel you can blame the zoning committee for that. They are converting land zoned for agriculture to land zoned for housing development. Then the city is approving housing developments in these areas that the current infrastructure cannot support. Why? Guess who pays for these politicans campaigns. Again, quid pro quo, rears its ugly head. So what can we do? Nothing? Everything?

How about this idea. A politician proposes what I call the good faith bill. When elected, a politician must fulfill his or her campaign promises with in their elected term. If they don't come thru with their promise they are ineligable for another term. WOW!!! Getting them to do what they promised, now that's epic.

What you are describing is the difference between a mass transit system and a rapid transit system.  A rapid transit system being further defined by exclusive use lanes/roadways (doesn't always consider traffic lights/off grade travel).  The alternate proposed plan amongst other things addresses this item and proposes expanded BRT or Bus Rapid Transit lanes.  These lanes were/are incorporated in Waikiki.  If you consider an elevated toll roadway which allows Bus travel, expanded BRT lanes, off grade interchanges/intersections, then you get at the heart of what the proposed alternative is.

Keep in mind that construction of this system could go into effect sooner (still) than RAIL and you can immediately help those areas where spurs would be proposed such as UH.  All the equipment is available on island or in country with no further need to hire specific skilled labor for repairs to the system, running the system, an additional transit authority/security force, etc.  Utilization of the Aloha Stadium parking lot would also be a revenue boost for the C&C/State whereas there is none at this time unless you have a sporting event.

There are better alternatives out there than RAIL.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: HiCarry on February 02, 2012, 09:17:16 AM
Is Caldwell really pro gun?  Lets not forget that he was City Manager under Mufi and after Mufi the Mayor.  Did Caldwell do anything when in office?  I can't remember anything.
Yes, he is pro-gun....and he was only in office a couple of months when Mufi stepped down. In that short time he tried to get improvements to the range and wanted to start shooting. He was legit in terms of his pro-gun stance.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Dregs on February 02, 2012, 09:27:57 AM
I'm still pissed off about the superferry debacle, and I see this whole rail situation dancing to a similar tune.

(http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/089/665/tumblr_l96b01l36p1qdhmifo1_500.jpg)

HAWAII, Y U NO LIKE CHANGE?!?
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Kingkeoni on February 02, 2012, 12:23:02 PM
I'm still pissed off about the superferry debacle, and I see this whole rail situation dancing to a similar tune.

(http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/089/665/tumblr_l96b01l36p1qdhmifo1_500.jpg)

HAWAII, Y U NO LIKE CHANGE?!?

That picture looks like a guy I went to school with.
  :rofl:
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Cougar8045 on February 02, 2012, 05:13:45 PM
Love me some Y U NO Guy!
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on February 03, 2012, 09:42:47 AM
Yes, he is pro-gun....and he was only in office a couple of months when Mufi stepped down. In that short time he tried to get improvements to the range and wanted to start shooting. He was legit in terms of his pro-gun stance.


.........so what did he accomplish?  Keep in mind that politicians like to toe the line to get people to vote for them.  He's far from someone like Sam Slom who's record is clear and his actions speak for themselves.  I remain unconvinced about Caldwell.  If he cannot get anything accomplished after years as City Manager and months as Mayor, then why would I want him in office?  I'm voting for results, not promises.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: HiCarry on February 03, 2012, 10:01:24 AM
As City manager, he was not in a position to make policy changes or act independently of his boss's desires. As for his accomplishments during the short time he was Mayor; well I can only tell you that I was impressed with his style (very businesslike) and demeanor. He was open to (and actually brought up making improvements to the range) and was a staunch advocate to doing so.  In one meeting where his Corporate Counsel and Parks Director were saying how the discussed changes couldn't be done, he flatly told them "I want this so make it happen." (I paraphrase, but his message to the two was very clear)

So, you are OK with Uncle Ben's stance on firearms and prior support of unacceptable gun-control control efforts?
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: tuor on February 03, 2012, 11:31:49 AM
I remember when Cayetano cut UH's budget as governor - he then got spat on while he was making a speech.  At the time as a student I thought he almost deserved it.  But now that I look back at how fubar'ed UH's spending priorities are I'm leaning towards thinking he was right just for that matter.   I used to work on campus and saw the yearly spending spree to use up money by buying computers - just so that the department doesn't get less money next year.  Then there were those two marble blocks at the two entrances to the campus.   However, I didn't get the feeling he was a proponent of the correct interpretation of the Second Amendment...  so he is apparently an elitist with some sense of fiscal responsibility. 

As for rail, as a fellow engineer I think if a traffic engineer like Panos says rail won't alleviate traffic - I would tend to believe him more than a politician.  Why anyone would think that sprouting more housing projects on one side of the island is a great idea WITHOUT building up infrastructure is mind boggling.  Unless all they're seeing is more property tax $$$ revenue.  And unless their intent is to coerce the population into giving up their cars by making it less practical and more expensive through increasing registration fees ala Tokyo.  So all the current and past administrations that let the Schulers and Hortons continue to build subdivisions all these years (at least since former agriculatural land became available as companies like Dole and C&H began to leave) without building more roads were either inept or they are a bunch of slimy authoritarians.   Hmm.... maybe both.

I don't see any good choices here.

Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Dregs on February 03, 2012, 02:34:36 PM
I don't know who Engineer Panos is, but I wouldn't give one man more credence than another based solely on his job. "Experts" have biases too.....
Just sayin.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on February 03, 2012, 04:39:32 PM
As City manager, he was not in a position to make policy changes or act independently of his boss's desires. As for his accomplishments during the short time he was Mayor; well I can only tell you that I was impressed with his style (very businesslike) and demeanor. He was open to (and actually brought up making improvements to the range) and was a staunch advocate to doing so.  In one meeting where his Corporate Counsel and Parks Director were saying how the discussed changes couldn't be done, he flatly told them "I want this so make it happen." (I paraphrase, but his message to the two was very clear)

So, you are OK with Uncle Ben's stance on firearms and prior support of unacceptable gun-control control efforts?

I'm not OK with Ben's stance on firearms. 

However given the fact that Caldwell wants to continue this $5 billion dollar (so far) BS that is RAIL including some $15 million in changes to Kiewit (so far) before the project has even begun on this guaranteed $3 billion project (that both Mufi, he, and our current Mayor back) said it was to first be..........I cannot stand that.

http://honolulu.politics.government.blogs.civilbeat.com/post/16591413896/about-that-15m-kiewit-change-order (http://honolulu.politics.government.blogs.civilbeat.com/post/16591413896/about-that-15m-kiewit-change-order)

We have constantly been lied to.  The project will more than likely end up being $6 billion and will not service UH, nor is there any realistic potential at this time for that spur to go in the future.

This is all happening while we have $3 billion of mandated changes that need to be made on the sewer systems on Oahu.



So let's add this up....................$5 plus billion (RAIL currently and up from the promised $3 billion) + $3 billion (estimated for sewer) is $8+ billion.  We are scrambling right now to get the money for the (optional) RAIL project.  Mayor Carlisle recently promised to float $450 million to get the Fed to buy in...........let's see we don't have money, so we're going to promise you money, so you can give us money............do you see the whole faulty logic in this?;
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/138451549.html (http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/138451549.html)

We don't have the money for the mandated sewer project.  Failure to finish the mandated changes will mean heavy EPA fines.  When all is said and done the two projects together you are probably looking at a cool $10 billion dollars.   

Now knowing this, do you think the C&C of Honolulu will have the funds to set aside for the Kokohead range?  I don't think so.  I also don't think Caldwell will alienate the voting constituents by going pro-gun.  I really wish I could believe in Caldwell, but I can't and have not after I saw his (lack of) performance on a RAIL debate.  He absolutely did not know what was within the C&C's own plans.  I was thoroughly shocked.  These are the facts that are the reason why I'm thinking of voting the way I am going to vote.

My bosses know I'm anti-RAIL and I'm in construction.  Hopefully that should tell you what kind of sacrifice that I would be willing to make to assure that RAIL does not go through.  I weigh that against Ben and don't think that he's got the kind of clout to push the anti-gun agenda further than it already is.  With RAIL and sewer you are talking about a bill that you and your children and perhaps their children will be paying.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on February 03, 2012, 04:45:07 PM
I don't know who Engineer Panos is, but I wouldn't give one man more credence than another based solely on his job. "Experts" have biases too.....
Just sayin.

Panos is a professor at UH along with Papacostos they handle the Traffic/Transportation Engineering at UH's School of Engineering.  Panos has been performing traffic studies, modeling, etc in Hawaii at least since I was in school back in the late 80's/early 90's.

If there is anyone in Hawaii who understands traffic on Oahu and has a reasonable expectation that is not influenced by political whim or $$$ from the incumbent elected administration (who are not Engineers), then it's Panos.  In Hawaii the only other guy less biased with knowledge would be Papacostas.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on February 03, 2012, 04:45:50 PM
..............I don't see any good choices here.


That's the way I see it.  I'm just trying to take the lesser of 3 Evils here.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: HiCarry on February 03, 2012, 05:30:56 PM
GZire - You have made a good argument for your decision, and ultimately that's what all of us have to do when we walk into the ballot box: weigh the alternatives and make a choice based on (hopefully) logic and due consideration of the facts. All too often that doesn't happen and folks (none of the folks here, of course...) just make a snap or emotional decision based on name recognition or some other nonsense reason. Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on February 04, 2012, 08:42:32 AM
No problem HiCarry.  Good to know a reasonable discussion can be made and not degenerate into a name calling fest.

Anywhoo.............damn I wish Slom would think about running for Mayor at some point in the future.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: DuckFat on February 04, 2012, 11:56:37 AM
Id rather see bu'laia run for mayor then cayetano.  :shaka:

 O0 Gotta vote for BU!  :rofl:

Maybe Jeremy Harris will come out of retirement, seemed like he was a good Mayor. But then again, I wasn't living on this island nor was I old enough to vote when he was in office....maybe I should stop talking :-X
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on February 05, 2012, 07:29:37 AM
O0 Gotta vote for BU!  :rofl:

Maybe Jeremy Harris will come out of retirement, seemed like he was a good Mayor. But then again, I wasn't living on this island nor was I old enough to vote when he was in office....maybe I should stop talking :-X


Of any name mentioned here Harris is the worst.  He's the guy that got us into the sewer predicament we are in now.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: astroboy on February 05, 2012, 11:37:54 PM
Gzire you hit the nail on the head. We will be on the hook for the billions and billions that we do not have. Some people need to be reminded that the 3 billion for the sewer up grade is only for the federaly mandated secondary treatment and does not include the extensive repairs our sewer system will need. The Kuhio project is just one example. The fines from the feds will have to be paid if we do not implement the secondary treatment up grade. How will we pay for these fines? With more increases to our sewer fees? It may not be enough.

The present mayor has said that we will build the rail even if the feds back out of the 1.5 billion grant. The total cost of the rail will probably exceed the latest cost projection. City agencies are being cut to fund the rail and other favored activities and rail construction has barely started.  I will vote for Ben. He is not the ideal candidate but IMHO he is so far the least harmful. Decades ago Ben used to shoot at the old Koko Head pistol range. Maybe we can bring him back into the fold one day.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on February 07, 2012, 09:54:58 AM
More funding info.  Don't know if this would affect RAIL or if RAIL pulls from another fund:

http://www.bnibooks.com/news_trustfund.asp (http://www.bnibooks.com/news_trustfund.asp)


Quote
Congress Faces Highway Trust Fund Budget Shortfall


The Highway Trust Fund, which finances U.S. road, bridge and mass-transit projects, may become insolvent just before the November presidential election unless lawmakers lock in additional funding sources.

The fund, which reimburses states for transportation projects, would be unable to meet its financial obligations as soon as October, according to an analysis of Congressional Budget Office data by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The federal government could have to ration payments to the states to keep the fund solvent, according to the CBO.

That would gradually halt highway projects, leaving hundreds of thousands of construction workers unemployed, said Brian Deery, director of transportation at Associated General Contractors of America, an Arlington, Virginia-based industry group. Congress needs to pass long-term legislation that raises the U.S. fuel tax, transfers money from the government’s general fund or finds a new revenue source to keep transportation projects going, he said.

"This is the day of reckoning," Deery said. "They have to come up with more money or make cuts. There are no two ways about it."


The fund's revenue, from U.S. fuel taxes, has declined as cars have become more fuel-efficient and Americans are driving less because of higher gasoline prices, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. States pay for transportation projects upfront and then apply for reimbursement.

"This would have a real impact on the states if the federal government turns off the spigot to reimburse them for money they have already spent," Deery said.

California has more than 600 construction projects under way, Tamie McGowen, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Transportation, said by e-mail. They include the Presidio Parkway, connecting San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge, and the world's largest carpool lane on Interstate 405 in Los Angeles, she said.

"Disruptions in future funding could negatively affect ongoing projects and have adverse economic consequences," McGowen said.

Surface-transportation legislation authorizing money for the Highway Trust Fund was last passed in 2005 and ran through 2009. Highway funding has continued through a series of extensions, the most-recent of which expires March 31.

The Highway Trust Fund has approached insolvency three times since 2008. Congress has moved $34.5 billion to it from the general fund to keep it solvent and to pass extensions of the surface-transportation bill.

President Barack Obama and Congressional Republicans have ruled out increasing the 18.4-cent-a-gallon vehicle-fuel tax, last raised in 1993. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Obama's deficit-reduction commission have recommended increasing the tax by as much as 15 cents a gallon.

House Republicans have also said they wouldn't transfer money from the general fund again. Without funding, by law, Congress wouldn't be able to extend the legislation without reducing authorized spending, said Jack Basso, AASHTO's chief financial officer.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Kevin on July 20, 2012, 07:19:05 AM
Maybe we should do this:


http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/cat-mayor-alaska-town-15-years-article-1.1116263 (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/cat-mayor-alaska-town-15-years-article-1.1116263)
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Old Guy on July 20, 2012, 08:35:57 AM
FYI, the reason the City has Sewer, Water and Road Problems is BECAUSE of Harris.

He Robbed the Funds for Sewer, Water and Road improvements to Pay for his "Beautification Projects"

Like the planter on Waipahu Depot Road, Waialae Ave and Kuhio Ave.  All which Reduced traffic flow.

Mufi inherited the problems Harris IGNORED. 

The Best Mayor Honolulu ever had was Frank Fasi.  Many people may not have liked him, But, He got the job done.

I worked under him and Harris.  Retired as soon as I could under Harris.

Five years after I retired, Mufi asked me and a few other retirees to return under contract to help the City.  Had to turn him down.

I was recieving SS Disability.  More gov't Humbug.

Of the 3 Mayoral canidates, I'm voting for Caldwell. 

If you are or have friends/relatives working for the City or State, Ben will SHAFT them.  Just look at his record.

Caldwell cares more about the rank and file than any other canidate.

Carlisle has no idea how to run  the City.  Caldwell does.

I may be retired, but doesn't mean I  don't have friends in the City 

Like me, they're Retiring as soon as they can.

And you know what they're taking with them?  The knowledge how make City/State run smoothly.

We all had our own network with others in the different departments to get the job done smoothly.

Want to know how well things are run, ask the people who do the actual day to day work.

Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: 808shooter on July 20, 2012, 08:58:44 AM
couldnt have said it better myself. :thumbsup:


FYI, the reason the City has Sewer, Water and Road Problems is BECAUSE of Harris.

He Robbed the Funds for Sewer, Water and Road improvements to Pay for his "Beautification Projects"

Like the planter on Waipahu Depot Road, Waialae Ave and Kuhio Ave.  All which Reduced traffic flow.

Mufi inherited the problems Harris IGNORED. 

The Best Mayor Honolulu ever had was Frank Fasi.  Many people may not have liked him, But, He got the job done.

I worked under him and Harris.  Retired as soon as I could under Harris.

Five years after I retired, Mufi asked me and a few other retirees to return under contract to help the City.  Had to turn him down.

I was recieving SS Disability.  More gov't Humbug.

Of the 3 Mayoral canidates, I'm voting for Caldwell. 

If you are or have friends/relatives working for the City or State, Ben will SHAFT them.  Just look at his record.

Caldwell cares more about the rank and file than any other canidate.

Carlisle has no idea how to run  the City.  Caldwell does.

I may be retired, but doesn't mean I  don't have friends in the City 

Like me, they're Retiring as soon as they can.

And you know what they're taking with them?  The knowledge how make City/State run smoothly.

We all had our own network with others in the different departments to get the job done smoothly.

Want to know how well things are run, ask the people who do the actual day to day work.
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on July 20, 2012, 09:45:47 AM
....................Of the 3 Mayoral canidates, I'm voting for Caldwell. 

If you are or have friends/relatives working for the City or State, Ben will SHAFT them.  Just look at his record.

Caldwell cares more about the rank and file than any other canidate.

Carlisle has no idea how to run  the City.  Caldwell does.

I may be retired, but doesn't mean I  don't have friends in the City 

Like me, they're Retiring as soon as they can.

And you know what they're taking with them?  The knowledge how make City/State run smoothly.

We all had our own network with others in the different departments to get the job done smoothly.

Want to know how well things are run, ask the people who do the actual day to day work.

Unfortunately I cannot in good conscience vote for Carlisle or Caldwell.  I do agree that Mufi and later Caldwell inherited Harris' problems with sewer and others, Mufi/Caldwell/Carlisle haven't addressed this issue at all.  Sewer is going to be $3B right now, probably $5B when all is said and done.  What is going on with that? Nothing.

Mufi/Caldwell/Carlisle are pushing Rail.  This is something that Mufi/Caldwell said was $3B, is now about $5.5B and by some estimates will be $7.5B without even factoring in eventual upkeep, repairs, replacement, etc.  It will make Harris' bungling look like nothing. 
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Old Guy on July 21, 2012, 07:42:17 PM
Things will get WORSE before if gets better, IF at all.

The new people in the City have no idea about the previous problems of the sewer and water systems and

the ground that their in.  Us old retired people know whats down there.

I know when I retired, I asked the "new" engineers if they wanted to know.  Nope, they didn't.

Same with my friends,  the new people will learn the Hard EXPENSIVE way.

We all know Rail will Fail.  When it does, where will all the pro rail people be?  Will they stand and ADMIT failure and ACCEPT responsibility?
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Pit808 on July 21, 2012, 09:33:34 PM
Imua rail  ;D
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: Heavies on July 21, 2012, 10:47:45 PM
Ho'omake rail.  ;D
Title: Re: Honolulu Next Mayor Race
Post by: GZire on July 23, 2012, 08:03:52 AM
Things will get WORSE before if gets better, IF at all.

The new people in the City have no idea about the previous problems of the sewer and water systems and

the ground that their in.  Us old retired people know whats down there.

I know when I retired, I asked the "new" engineers if they wanted to know.  Nope, they didn't.

Same with my friends,  the new people will learn the Hard EXPENSIVE way.

We all know Rail will Fail.  When it does, where will all the pro rail people be?  Will they stand and ADMIT failure and ACCEPT responsibility?

I know exactly what you are talking about.

Run into the same thing at Pearl dealing with the PWC.  Guy on the phone tells me there is a line feeding a building and where it is.  I tell him it's not there.  He insists it is.  I tell him it's not there, I'm standing where it should be.  Come to find out the guys over there must have jerry-rigged the system so they are feeding the entire wharehouse off a 3/4" waterline..........including their 2" fireline..........