Today’s lesson is on famous French words in Hawaii politics.

For instance, “fait accompli” is a noun meaning an accomplished fact, a done deal, but in Hawaii a fait accompli is the long-recognized form of government practiced by Honolulu mayors.

This is what former Mayor Mufi Hannemann was doing when he said the estimates for building a 20-mile rail line was just $3.8 billion, so when the price started to rise, we would be stuck because so much money had already been spent. And Hannemann was thinking “done deal” when everyone bought into the plan to start in Kapolei and not in town, so that with half of the rail already built but nowhere close to being on budget, how can you just stop? Fait accompli that, baby.

So how done is the deal now that $3.8 billion is a mere 38 percent of the new $10 billion estimate? And how done is the deal when the federal government wants to know by April 30 how the city is going to pay for the rail, or the feds take back their subsidy?

So far, all the Legislature, in the form of the state Senate, is offering to remove is the so-called state general excise tax skim from the extra rail taxes that Oahu consumers must pay. It amounts to about $300 million over the next decade.

The bill, Senate Bill 1183, now goes to the House and a mostly-unamused Rep. Sylvia Luke, the Finance Committee chairwoman.

In an interview last week, Luke repeatedly said the city and the rail authorities have failed to come up with any understable reasons for why the rail budget is so battered by cost overruns.

“The disappointment for me is the explanations they have given for every big cost overrun,” Luke said.

“The Pearl Highland park and ride structure for the rail cost estimate was $155 million but including design $200 million; two years later the estimate is $300 million. For something like that they should have a clear explanation,” she said. “What they are essentially telling me is that two years ago we underestimated it and our calculations were wrong, but believe me, it is correct now.

“I have a fundamental problem with that.”

In comparison, Luke said, the much larger and more complex state government has to justify spending estimates and cost overruns, even on something that is just $100,000 — but the city is “hoping that billions of dollars will drop into their lap, and that’s not responsible.”

Mayor Kirk Caldwell, also of the fait accompli school of government, is asking for the rail tax surcharge to become permanent with monthly goodies going to the city forever.

If there is any sort of legislative decision in the offing, Luke is not telling. Asked about the feds’ April 30 deadline, Luke said the deadline is between the city and the federal government and they are going to have to figure that out. Meanwhile, she said, “I continue to be troubled by these big ticket markups.”

Perhaps the deal is not so done after all.

Aloha, Judge Burns

On a closing note, Hawaii lost one of the good ones last week.

Jim Burns, the former chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals, who died Thursday, was just the sort of level- headed, disciplined and deep thinker we so need to help Hawaii.

Burns was one of those invaluable folks who didn’t want to be quoted, but was always available to give guidance and perspective. His clarity was matched only by his kindness.

Hawaii lost a true friend with his passing.

Richard Borreca writes on politics on Sundays. Reach him at 808onpolitics@gmail.com