The organization of the new City Council was announced today, with Gary Okino taking over as chairman and Ann Kobayashi, another veteran council member, named vice chair.

New City Council chairman Gary Okino, right, met today with council members, from left, Nestor Garcia, Barbara Marshall, Romy Cachola and Ann Kobayashi. Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

Romy Cachola will be floor leader.

While many of the council members-elect said during their campaigns they would not raise taxes, Okino informed the new members that with a projected $159 million budget deficit, it may be inevitable, since other solutions, such as increasing efficiency, could take years. He said the council would also look at raising user fees. "I think we have to look at the whole gamut of things we can do (including) cutting services," he said.

He noted that two months after they take office, the new council will have to begin the budget approval process. "In a way, it's kind of unfair to put you in that position," he told the incoming members, as they assembled to announce the new leadership posts today.

Okino said that from the outset, the freshmen council members will also have to deal with sewer system problems, a massive refuse disposal problem, growing traffic problems and road and infrastructure repairs. "The city has been cut to the bone, yet we're required to provide more services," he said.