For those wondering: A little research does show it’s fairly common for public agencies to offer stipends to unsuccessful bidders on major projects, in order to cover bid costs and encourage more bidders.

The issue comes up because Honolulu officials may pay up to $2.5 million each for the two bidders who don’t get the City Center contract of the rail project. April 12 is the deadline for bidders to submit their qualifications and enter Phase 2 of the process. That’s when we may know if the sweetener paid off.

Progress on the Pali

It’s hard to find a silver lining in the rockslides that have shut down much of the Pali Highway, but here’s one: The mitigation and repair work are proceeding on schedule, as is the previously planned repaving work on the town-bound side of the Pali. Yes, the schedule calls for the work to be completed in August — a long time, especially for Windward commuters and Kailua businesses that depend on outside visitors. But so far, things seem to be proceeding as well as can reasonably be expected. Fingers crossed.