The city is counting on another $600 million from the Federal Transit Administration to help pay for rail construction to Kakaako.

The debate over Hanabusa's role on the board became tense at times, with one board member agitating for new leadership.

Transportation officials discuss the ups and downs of Honolulu's first year running a new public transit system.

Lori Kahikina will earn $336,000 per year under the new contract. It also includes a requirement for her to complete a training program for top executives.

Other work may be delayed because a $1.66 billion bid was $300 million more than the rail authority had budgeted.

Tutor Perini Corp. bid $1.66 billion to design and build the rail segment east from Middle Street to Kakaako.

The city has tried and failed several times to award the contract for that work. Bids in the latest effort were due this week.

No information is being released yet about whether the bids fit HART's budget, but the rail authority plans to award the major contract in August.

HART is already paying a public relations firm $8,000 to $9,000 per month through another arrangement with a rail consultant.

Ultimately, Colleen Hanabusa turned down the lucrative consulting contract in favor of rejoining the unpaid board as public scrutiny grew.