So my main story today explores the relationship between Mayor Peter Carlisle and the Honolulu City Council as seen through the lens of how they’re wrestling with the funding for the second sewage digester at Sand Island.

I reached out to Carlisle’s office yesterday and eventually received a comment back. At the same time, the mayor’s office was sending a letter to the council on the same subject.

The memo is up on the Docushare site today, and strikes a decidedly friendlier tone than some earlier notes he’s sent to the council. Here’s the full text:

Dear Chair Martin and Councilmembers:

This letter relates to the Council proposed solid waste proviso included in Bill 14, FD1, CD2 which waives for one year only, all restrictions on expenditures for the accounts within the Solid Waste Special Fund as provided in Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), Section 6-49.3.

The proviso appears to be inconsistent with the Revised Charter of the City and County of Honolulu (Charter), Section 9-202 because it redefines the uses of the Solid Waste accounts thereby creating for one year, a new or different fund. As you are aware, the current Charter provides that only the Mayor, with Council approval, may establish special funds.

Despite this concern, I am willing to abide by the proviso for one fiscal year in the spirit of cooperation.

Thank you for your collaborative efforts in moving the City forward. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Michael R. Hansen, Director of the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services, at 768-3901.