90% of the supposed "commuter rail" is REALLY being built for attracting tourists and promoting development in West Oahu. Even then newly hired HART director K. Murthy said so - before being told to "follow the Caldwell script."
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Why is the rail project being built?
K Murthy: "Promote development in West Oahu and make life easier for tourists..."
http://www.civilbeat.org/2016/10/hart-hires-former-la-official-as-interim-director-for-rail-project/
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Murthy: I Can Complete Elevated Rail Without A Tax Hike
KHON: If the State Legislature does not extend the surcharge, Murthy says a partnership with the private sector can help get the funding to complete the entire rail project….
http://khon2.com/2017/02/07/interim-director-ready-to-turn-things-around-for-honolulu-rail-project/
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Pressed for answers on how HART is going to stop rail’s price tag —now at $10 billion — from rising even higher…. Murthy: Some of the work was not "totally rendered and done" before the contracts were awarded...