Mayor Rick Blangiardi says he’s opposed to the idea but the rail authority has submitted a proposal to the Honolulu Charter Commission anyway.

Honolulu rail authority CEO Lori Kahikina has proposed a change to the city charter to allow the authority to manage city construction jobs in addition to the $10 billion rail project, but Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi opposes that idea.

Blangiardi said in an interview Wednesday rail construction is entering its most complex phase yet in the dense city center from Middle Street to Kakaʻako, which features high-rise buildings, utilities that must be relocated out of the way, and other challenges. “We’re not even sure yet what we’re going to hit,” he said.

“That said, we want to stay focused on that.” He added: “My position is consistent and const

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