Questions raised over rail project Questions raised over rail project ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s interim director says it would be cheaper to start construction now on support columns for the city’s planned rail line —
Questions raised over rail project
HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s interim director says it would be cheaper to start construction now on support columns for the city’s planned rail line — even if it means having to tear them down later.
Toru Hamayasu says each month of construction delays adds $10 million.
On Friday, members of the City Council suggested delaying construction on the $5.27 billion project until the federal government provides its share of funding.
Hamayasu says having contractor Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. build the guideway columns now will cost less. The city signed a contract with Kiewit in 2009 to build the first segment of elevated rail guideway, and heavy construction is scheduled to begin this month. The city will pay a $15 million change order because of delays.
Security hired at Oahu complex
HONOLULU (AP) — In response to recent fatal stabbings at a Honolulu public housing complex, the state has hired a security firm for the development’s 364 units.
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s contract with Matt Levi Security began Thursday for Mayor Wright Homes near downtown.
In January, one man died and three others were seriously injured during a Friday night melee. In September, a father of three young children was stabbed to death during an argument with a neighbor.
State Sheriff Shawn Tsuha had been trying to place a deputy sheriff at Mayor Wright Homes 24 hours a day as part of the governor’s commitment to improve public housing.
The security firm is in addition to other safety measures that include higher fences, tenant identification cards and curfews.
Suit filed against Kauai County
LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — A retired Kauai police officer is suing the county for an investigation against him that was later dismissed as meritless.
Vice Lt. Eric Shibuya’s lawsuit claims defamation, emotional distress, malicious prosecution and other claims. According to the complaint, Police Chief Darryl Perry and Assistant Chief Mark Begley had accused him of insubordination, dereliction of duty and transparency regarding standard operating procedures in the vice unit.
Last year, the Administrative Review Board dismissed all charges as meritless. He retired last month.
A county spokeswoman would not comment because it’s an active legal case.
