The Honolulu City Council just approved a $2 billion operating budget that includes more than $8 million in earmarks for nonprofits and other special interest groups.

These appropriations have been front and center during this year’s budget negotiations. The $8 million is in addition to $5.5 million that has already been set aside for charities in the budget.

Some council members, namely Breene Harimoto, opposed the additional expenditures, saying giving out taxpayer dollars without proper vetting wasn’t responsible or transparent.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell echoed this concern and even held a press conference to criticize the city council for its budgeting practices.

But despite all the chest-thumping the council passed a spending plan that several said kept intact the money for necessary community services.

—Nick Grube