Some of the biggest companies in town are raising the stakes in this year’s biggest political battle, throwing their support — and money — behind the controversial rail project.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported over the weekend that a new organization called Move Oahu Forward (get used to seeing that name bolded in this space) “will raise money and buy advertising to boost the project” in the face of flagging public support.

James Campbell Company CEO Richard Dahl and Hawaiian Electric Industries CEO Constance Lau are the co-chairs. Other companies in the mix as board members, according to the paper, include Hawaiian Airlines, Castle & Cooke Hawaii, The MacNaughton Group and First Hawaiian Bank (formerly run by Don Horner and current employer of Carrie Okinaga).

Read the rest of the story: Business leaders seek to raise funds to promote city rail project (subscription required)

Former anti-rail mayoral candidate Panos Prevedouros shot back today, writing on his website that the “usual pro-rail suspects” are back to their old tricks.