The Hawaii Legislature is hosting a public
informational briefing on state funding for the City & County of Honolulu’s
rail project at 10 a.m. Aug. 14 in the State Capitol auditorium
Key committee chairs
from both the House of Representatives and the State Senate have been meeting
to discuss rail funding and lawmakers want to hear from the public as they work
on an agreement on rail financing.
The City administration and
the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) will also update
financial issues at the briefing.
“Rail is at a
critical point in its construction and the Legislature wants to hear the public’s
input on the funding mechanisms and how to ensure greater accountability from
HART and the City on their rail project. We need the most accurate financial
information to make the best decision possible,” said House Speaker Scott K.
Saiki.
The leaders of the
two chambers have reaffirmed their commitment to resolve the outstanding rail
financing issues.
“In spite of our
impasse during the 2017 legislative session, the Legislature understands the
importance in crafting a legislative solution that will provide the City and
County of Honolulu a dedicated revenue stream to adhere to the Full Funding
Grant Agreement and complete construction of the Minimum Operable Segment of
the rail project,” said Senate President
Ronald D. Kouchi.
Lawmakers are also considering
a special legislative session to address rail financing.
Testimony for the
public briefing must be submitted via email to the Senate Committee on
Transportation and Energy at TRETestimony@capitol.hawai.gov. Testimony may be submitted up to 24 hours prior to the start of the
informational briefing.
For more
information, go to the Legislature’s web site or call the Committee Clerk at (808)
586-6697.
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