But these arguments ignore a fundamental point: The Legislature was asked by the city and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to continue funding rail beyond the general excise tax surcharge that sunsets in 2027.
Just because the city asked to continue funding doesn't mean the legislature had to do it.   Questions asked during the regular session with no definitive answers given.  All the testimony against using the TAT,  or extending the GET surcharge to continue funding rail,  was it all just an act?   Sure seemed like it.  
How much more money must we throw at this,  when does common sense prevail and say enough already.  The City and HART has been wrong at every figure throughout this project,  do you really think they'll be correct on the cost now.   Just watch,  Caldwell will be back again before he leaves office asking for more money.   That is almost guaranteed.