NEWS RELEASE

KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE

COUNCILMEMBER

(808) 768-5001 (808) 768-1217 (fax)

E-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2/14/19

Councilmember Pine’s Statement on HART Subpoena

“This is a very disappointing development for a project that has been plagued by mis-management, broken promises and a lack of transparency. The people of the City and County of Honolulu deserve better and it is unfortunate that the federal government has to step in and investigate whether the systemic failures at HART are in fact the result of criminal waste, fraud and abuse.”

“I’ve repeatedly asked HART and the City administration to explain missing documents, contracts, change orders and correspondence between 2006 and 2012. No one seems able to produce them so far.”

“Last month, the City auditor released a report that highlighted incredible shortcomings within the organization responsible for managing a multi billion dollar public works project, the largest in Hawaii’s history. The audit confirmed some of our worst suspicions.”

“From the start of the project to June 2016 HART’s internal controls were ‘inadequate to prevent cost overruns and schedule delays.'”

“They kept incomplete paper records of large contracts. Nearly $200 million in contractor invoice payments lacked sufficient documentation or approvals. They did not follow their own policies and procedures or adhere to best practices for managing contracts and work flow.”

“The State auditor released a series of reports this month that confirm what the City auditor found.”

“This is a tough time for our City but I believe that honest, transparent leadership, will carry us through.”

Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine represents residents of District One (ʻEwa, ʻEwa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko ʻOlina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua)

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