Meeting East Oahu's Needs Takes More than Talk

by MAYOR MUFI HANNEMANN
Sun Columnist
Archived July 2008 article

I'm very pleased that the council agreed to not raise taxes or fees, and to provide the $100 homeowner tax credit I proposed. It's very important to protect taxpayer money, and plan our spending wisely, so we can continue providing the important services that our residents expect and deserve.

The spending plans the council approved emphasize financial prudence and accountability, with steadfast commitments to basic city services like public safety, sewer operations and repairs, road construction and maintenance, and transportation.

I'm especially grateful to Council Chairwoman, Barbara Marshall and Council Budget Committee Chairman, Todd Apo for their hard work on these issues.

But it's important that East Oahu residents know that their councilmember, Charles Djou, was the only one to vote against both budgets, and therefore voted against all the important public safety and infrastructure programs and projects in your Council District Four neighborhoods, and in others across the island.

Let's be very clear: Councilmember Djou voted against the police and fire departments, environmental protection programs, sewer repairs and all the other important services and projects funded through these budgets.

In fact, Djou has voted against the final version of every city operating and capital budget since 2004. Because the majority of his council colleagues are more realistic and responsible, Djou's self-serving actions have had no effect on the important city projects and services funded through the budgets.

As a former councilmember, I know how much hard work it takes to scrutinize a budget appropriately, ask the right questions, and ensure the needs of a council district are met. But I also know that it doesn't take much to go through the motions of complaining and criticizing while having no real intention of doing anything constructive.

East Oahu and Waikiki residents should rest assured that the other council members and my administration are making sure their needs are met. It's very unfortunate that Councilmember Djou continually relies on others to carry his water and provide for Council District Four, while he pads his political resume with boasts about fighting government spending.

Among the budget items in Council District Four that Djou voted against were:

• $45 million for sewer system and pump station projects in Waikiki, Wilhelmina Rise, and along Kalanianaole Highway;
• $9 million in park renovation and construction projects at Ala Moana and Kapiolani regional parks, Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu Zoo;
• $4.8 million for street lighting in Hawaii Kai and Kuliouou;
• $300,000 in Kuhio Beach Park improvements;
• $200,000 for Waikiki drainage outfall improvements;
• $200,000 for flood control in Kuliouou;
• $200,000 for the Ala Wai canoe halau;
• $65,000 to reconstruct the Waikiki Shell parking lot;
• $40,000 for an Ocean Safety substation.

The $1.807 billion operating budget includes more than $349 million for police and fire protection, and for emergency medical services. The budget also includes more than $312 million for debt service; more than $232 million for sanitation expenses (garbage and sewage collection and disposal); and more than $27 million for road repair and maintenance.

The $954.8 million capital budget includes more than $336 million for bus, rail and other public transportation projects; more than $319 million for sanitation projects; more than $121 million for highway and street improvement projects; and more than $57 million for public safety projects.

We're working very hard to catch up on decades of neglect to our roads, sewers and other important infrastructure while prudently preparing for our island's future. It's easy to say no to all that for political reasons, especially if there's no risk because others will take up the slack. It takes a lot more to roll up your sleeves and get the job done.