2005-06 spending plan nears passage

Advertiser Staff

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee yesterday made recommendations on several key money issues as the entire council prepares to pass the spending plan for the 2005-06 fiscal year beginning in July.

ISSUE

Allow Honolulu police to charge a new fee for "special duty" officers to provide security and traffic control for events such as the Honolulu Marathon that attract large crowds.

WHAT'S NEXT

The bill goes back before the full council for a public hearing and the second of three votes before it could become law at a meeting June 6.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

The police union supports the move because even nonprofit organizations can make "millions of dollars" from such events. "This should be part of the cost."

ISSUE

The city Salary Commission recommended giving 4 percent raises to top elected and appointed city officials. Councilman Charles Djou introduced a measure to reject the raises because of the city's tight budget.

WHAT'S NEXT

The move to reject failed to gain enough support to continue so the raises will take effect in the new fiscal year.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

"We strongly feel that the 4 percent salary increases we recommend for our top city officials are fair and reasonable."