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An $86.4 million supplemental budget request by Mayor Jeremy Harris that has divided the City Council has moved out of the Budget Committee. Harris’ budget moves
out of committeeBy Gordon Y.K. Pang
Star-BulletinBut several Council members yesterday were unhappy at what they felt was inadequate time to review the projects on the list.
"We have a regular budget process that's supposed to handle a lot of these projects," said Councilman Gary Okino.
Okino said it appeared to him that many of the projects weren't time-sensitive and were being put in so city officials could artificially boast of a smaller capital improvement list during the regular budget season.
"You're talking about a few months head start to get things done," he said.
"In the proper context and proper timing I support them," Councilman Andy Mirikitani said.
The two men urged the Budget Committee to hold the supplemental budget bill until the projects could be discussed individually at its meeting Wednesday. But both don't sit on the Budget Committee.
Councilman Romy Cachola, who also indicated he wanted more time to discuss the bill, said he contemplated moving for a deferral but didn't feel anyone else on the committee felt that way.
Mirikitani after the meeting accused Budget Chairwoman Rene Mansho of stifling discussion.
Mansho later said discussion can, and will, take place on the bill at next Wednesday's committee meeting even though the bill has moved forward to the Council for a final vote Feb. 21.
City & County of Honolulu
