Yesterday Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said he is “a step closer” to running for Governor. To run, he would have to resign as mayor, which would put the Honolulu rail transit project at risk.
Rail transit is by far the most significant and expensive project in the history of Hawaii – costing over $5 billion to build and millions annually to operate.
Neil Abercrombie has always been a rail supporter. As a Congressman he helped secure federal funding and, as Governor, he will continue his partnership with the city to make it a reality.
But Honolulu’s rail transit project is and always will be a project of the City and County of Honolulu, led by whoever is the mayor.
The rail project hasn’t progressed as quickly as planned. Many now believe that it would be better if Mayor Hannemann stays in his current office instead of jeopardizing the future of rail and the jobs and community benefits that come with it.
Rail will have a huge impact on the state’s economy and alter the landscape of Oahu forever. We need to set politics aside and ask ourselves what’s in the best interest of the people. The impact of rail will last far beyond any current politician’s career.
‘Bill Kaneko is the Campaign Manager for Neil Abercrombie in his gubernatorial campaign’