Honolulu City Council

With a relatively conservative budget in the works for the upcoming fiscal year, the Honolulu City Council and administration officials are brainstorming possible sources of revenue for Oʻahu.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is taking about $50 million from vacant city positions in a proposed $5.09 billion city budget that anticipates higher inflation and growing expenses, but little revenue growth.

While the eastbound extensions of the rail are more highly anticipated, a short segment extending the west side of the rail further into Kapolei could be an easier job.

The most notable proposed increases apply to annual passes — from the current $880 to $990 — and monthly passes, which increase from $80 to $90.

The administration wants to expand the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in West Oʻahu, which is scheduled to close in 2028 — ahead of reaching capacity.

Following a spike in Hawaiʻi traffic fatalities last year, the Honolulu City Council is entertaining the idea of testing drivers who want to renew their licenses.

The measure proposes increasing the price of annual passes from the current $880 to $990, and monthly passes from $80 to $90. Bill 54 also calls for a $0.25 price hike for single rides paid with cash, which currently cost $3 for adults.

The City and County of Honolulu says it’s out of options and is considering expanding the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill by 3.7 acres. HPR's Ashley Mizuo has the latest update on this yearslong development.

A city task force presented a report with recommendations on how to address the Honolulu Police Department’s chronic staffing shortage — and now it’s up to the Honolulu Police Commission to choose how to move forward.

A bill ordering the Honolulu Police Department to share information with news outlets has passed through its final hearing at the Honolulu City Council.