Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s administration has paid former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta $120,000 to lobby on behalf of steel wheel on steel rail technology for Oahu’s proposed 20-mile fixed guideway system.

Councilman Charles Djou, a light rail opponent, objected to the use of taxpayer funds to pay for Mineta’s lobbying efforts on behalf of the city. He lashed out at Mayor Hannemann’s administration for conducting a public relations campaign that is costing millions of dollars.

“(The city is) seeking to bribe taxpayers with their own money,” said Djou, “and I don't think that's right.”

During a City Council hearing Wednesday Mineta testified light rail would be the most cost effective technology for the proposed route that stretches from East Kapolei to Ala Moana. He also reminded council members of the $618 million in federal funding that was lost in 1992 when a light rail system was voted down. Mineta urged the Council to pass Bill 80, FD2, CD2, which would affirm light rail as the city’s preferred mass transit technology.

“It seems to me that it would behoove the Council to move forward on this legislation in order to be able to have the Federal Transit Administration consider your application,” said Mineta.

The former cabinet member under President George W. Bush who also served as the chairman of the U.S. House Public Works and Transportation Committee from 1992 to 1994 testified Honolulu could expect $900 million to $1 billion in federal funding for a mass transit system, which is expected to cost at least $3.7 billion.

Councilman Nestor Garcia asked Mineta if there was still support for mass transit on Capitol Hill. “It's still very high on the agenda,” replied Mineta, “because everything we eat, wear, whatever we do, everything is dependent on transportation.”

Councilman Romy Cachola, who represents the area around Salt Lake and the airport, raised concerns about noise from light rail and noted the estimate provided by Mineta on federal funding, in addition to the half percent transit tax surcharge, would not be enough to build out the entire system.

The city’s Alternative Analysis Report estimated the general excise tax surcharge would raise about $150 million per year for a rail system, requiring an additional $1.7 to $2.2 billion in federal funds

“Assuming we get $900 million to a billion dollars (in federal funding) and the funding for the half percent will end in 2022,” said Cachola, “then you know that we will be short of funds.”

Djou warned that if a light rail system was approved by the Council, Oahu taxpayers should prepare themselves for higher taxes. “Hold onto your wallets and your pocketbooks here because this is going to be very, very expensive,” he said. “It's going to be a ride that's going to cost everybody on Oahu a pretty penny.”

Council chairwoman Barbara Marshall was absent during Wednesday’s hearing because of a family emergency. As of 6:40 p.m. the Council had not voted on whether to approve steel wheel on steel rail technology.

A 4 to 4 vote would likely send the issue back to the Council; however no legislative action would result in an expert panel’s decision taking precedence. The panel voted 4 to 1 in February in favor of a light rail system.

“Absent City Council action the decision by the expert panel is the binding decision,” said Djou.

Andrew may be reached at apereira@khon2.com or ph. 591-4263.