Honolulu City Council

Honolulu’s operating budget for next fiscal year is receiving pushback for its proposed $1 million in cuts to the city’s Office of Economic Revitalization.

The Honolulu City Council and community members are calling on the City and County of Honolulu to improve its efforts to prevent, predict and respond to natural disasters.

The Honolulu Salary Commission this week voted to approve 4.7% raises for the mayor, the city’s department heads and members of the Honolulu City Council.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration has given the Honolulu City Council a preliminary cost and damage estimate of up to $52 million, and that's likely to grow.

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.