Carlisle, Caldwell question Cayetano’s ability to stop rail if elected
With their positions on major issues already established in previous debates, the three main candidates for Honolulu mayor took turns tonight swiping at each other’s leadership style, abilities and accomplishments in office during a debate broadcast live.
The forum marked the fourth and final live, televised debate for Mayor Peter Carlisle, former city Managing Director Kirk Caldwell and former two-term Gov. Ben Cayetano.
On the key issue of rail, Carlisle and Caldwell again questioned Cayetano’s ability to stop the project if elected.
“You can’t veto the City Charter,” Carlisle said. “That’s not legal.”
Cayetano scoffed at the notion that executive veto power could not be used to kill the project, adding that he would put the issue back on the ballot if necessary. “The fact that I am elected will be considered a mandate by the City Council that the people want this project stopped,” Cayetano said.