2026-05-01 Special Budget PT2

The Honolulu City Council held a special budget meeting on May 2, 2026, focusing on the fiscal year 2027 operating and capital budgets. Key procurement-related discussions included budget amendments for the Honolulu Police Department, Department of Emergency Management, Department of Transportation Services, Department of Housing and Land Management, Department of Community Services, Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Enterprise Services, and Department of Environmental Services. The council reviewed funding requests for personnel additions, community policing, emergency management staffing, traffic engineering projects, housing development planning, and landfill expansion. Notably, the Department of Environmental Services emphasized the urgent need for a new landfill site, with discussions around the Maka Eva Hills property and legislative constraints. The council also addressed lapses in departmental budgets, the use of contract hires to improve staffing flexibility, and the establishment of a provisional fund for emergency and operational needs totaling over $41 million. Several amendments were accepted, including restoring funding for grants management and community services, while some proposed increases were declined or deferred due to budget constraints and federal compliance concerns. The meeting concluded with the council approving the amended budget bills for third reading and bond issuance authorization.