Honolulu Says Rail Won’t Compromise Public Safety

Honolulu’s fire, police and emergency services departments say the rail project has not jeopardized capital improvement projects at their agencies.

The three departments issued a joint statement to refute criticism about Mayor Peter Carlisle’s budget priorities from a “Truth Squad” connected to mayoral candidate and former Gov. Ben Cayetano.

Fire Chief Kenneth Silva says changes to the fire departments’ CIP budget requests were due to long-range planning changes. He adds that the agency’s funding is adequate to meet its needs and keep the community safe.

HPD Deputy Chief Dave Kajihiro echoed Silva, adding that the police department hasn’t seen significant decreases in its CIP budget.

Dr. Jim Ireland, speaking for Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, said under Mayor Peter Carlisle, EMS services have increased on Oahu.