At a meeting that was more pep rally than political theater, mayoral rivals Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell joined U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to meet with construction workers anxious to begin work on the city’s $5.27 billion rail project.
"I want to thank all of you for participating in this project," Inouye told the group of about 100 at Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. in Waipahu. "I want you to know that it’s a very important one — important not only for the individuals, but important for the economy of Hawaii. Everyone will get some break in life, and you will provide that."
Inouye, who is in town while Congress is on a break, had asked for a meeting with Kiewit to receive a progress report and meet with the workers.
Kiewit is waiting to move forward on construction of a key facility to build concrete sections of the raised 30-foot-wide guideway that will be put on top of columns along the 20-mile route.
The city is asking the Federal Transit Administration to allow Kiewit to build the "precast" yard on vacant land in Campbell Industrial Park. Rail opponents have said the plans for the new facility could be the basis for new court challenges, and have filed a formal demand for public records from the FTA about the site and the selection process.
"Within the next few days, critical decisions will be made in terms of giving us the opportunity to move forward," Carlisle told workers. "We need you not only to be the army that builds this project; we need you to be the army that sells this project to everybody you know."
All three men said they were confident the federal government would come through with $1.55 billion to help finance the project.
Rail opponents, including former Gov. Ben Cayetano, also a major candidate in the mayor’s race, say it is premature to start construction when the money is not a done deal.
"It’s on track," Inouye said of the federal money. "The only thing that will stop it would be World War III.
"We’ve got the secretary of transportation (Ray LaHood) coming out and saying, in no uncertain words, ‘You’ve got my promise.’ The money is there ready to go. And that’s the way we operate in Washington."
Caldwell lent his support as well.
"When the opponents of the project say, ‘Yeah, but are we really going to get it?’ I know one thing," he said. "Dan Inouye has been delivering for this state for 50 years since statehood.
"He delivers. He delivers. He delivers. And then he delivers again."
There was no campaigning on the part of Carlisle or Caldwell. Inouye has not backed a candidate publicly, but said he would not support Cayetano because of his anti-rail stance.
When asked again Thursday whether he would be making an endorsement, Inouye declined to state a preference.
"It’s a secret ballot," he offered, then added, "but I won’t support someone who‘s opposed to it."
