There's not a single foot of rail laid for
the multi-billion dollar proposed rail system for Honolulu, yet the politicians are all ready falling over
themselves to make sure their campaign contributors get a piece of the action.
With what will be over $3 billion in construction contracts
before cost overruns you would think that current politicians
particularly those looking to become Governor or U.S. Senator someday
would bend over backwards to avoid the pay to play scheme that Mayor
Harris wound up losing his political career over.
Apparently that's not
the case.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann went out of his way to take part of a $9.7
million contract given to Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas Inc and
give without competitive bid to his campaign supporter Joe Pickard, who
maxed out his contributions to candidate Hannemann and helped to fundraise and campaign for Hannemann.
Then when this
non-bid letting of a contract to a supporter is questioned by Councilman
Charles Djou, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie steps in to try and intimidate
Djou into pulling his complaint and thereby saving Joe Pickard. I don't
think it's a coincidence that Pickard happens to have given Rep.
Abercrombie $11,900 in campaign contributions since 2001.
If this is the
type of unethical and probably illegal behavior of our leaders in future
contracts for this "pay to play" rail scheme maybe we should stop it now
before we waste any more money.
Hawaii has been notorious for the 'Pay to Play' system, where those seeking contracts, permits and zoning changes with the government pay off government officials through campaign contributions. This current contract is like Deja vou all over again.
At least we
have Council Member Charles Djou to help keep them honest.
Garry P. Smith is a resident of Ewa Beach, Hawaii and can be reached via email at mailto:garrypsmith@juno.com
