The Mayor doesn't have a clue what's going on.  Notice how he has given up on the refrain about getting Rail costs under control and building Rail "smart".  Now, he knows the $10 billion estimate is bogus and he is in a panic for money from anywhere at any (political) cost.  He got the City Council to pass a bill allowing property tax revenue to be used for Rail and he's willing to hit up the tourists, who he knows is the City's cash cow, for more money at the hotels along with some of his cut of the existing TAT being earmarked for Rail.  

Desperation stinks up Honolulu Hale.  Now he's got to tell his tale to the Feds.