Oahu City Transit Authority Establishment (November 2010)

An Oahu City Transit Authority Establishment measure was on the November 2, 2010 ballot in the city of Oahu which is in Honolulu County.

This measure was approved

• YES 169,041 (63.6%)a
• NO 77,285 (29.1%)

This was one of several proposed amendments to the city charter, it would establish an independent transit authority for the city to govern over rail and bus services. Since it was approved, the authority will be composed of six members, three elected by the mayor and three by the city council. The main purpose of the establishment is to have an organization oversee the proposed $5 billion rail project on the island. Though some noted that creating the authority before the plan has been approved is not prudent for the city council.

Opponents to the measure saw this as just adding another layer of bureaucracy while the benefits of the council would not extend far. Accountability for how funds would be allocated was also brought up, but city officials noted that the board would be accountable to the City council. Although the members would be appointed by the Manager and Council, it was still thought that they would work towards the transit goals rather than personal issues.