A proposal that would increase how much Honolulu’s mayor and other top-level city officials get paid ran into opposition Tuesday, including from the mayor himself. The city's salary commission is considering a five-percent raise for Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the members of his cabinet, as well as for Honolulu's fire chief, police chief and prosecutor.
Critics believe Caldwell should not be given a raise until the city's rail budget is finalized. A recent study by the Ulupono Initiative, a pro-rail investment firm, suggested that the project faces a $2 billion funding gap.