Statement on Mayor Veto to FY27 Budget Bill
June 2nd, 2026
"The Council's budget reflects careful deliberation, fiscal discipline, and a commitment to the services residents rely on every day. I support Budget Chair Val Okimoto and the Budget Committee for making difficult but necessary decisions to prioritize public safety, infrastructure, flood mitigation, and essential City operations while keeping the budget below the Administration's original proposal.
The mayor has often spoken about the need for the government to do more with less. That is exactly what this budget does. Given the many important investments it contains, it would be disappointing to see the entire budget vetoed over a $1.5 million reduction, approximately 0.03 percent of the Council's proposed $4.9 billion budget. Our responsibility is to focus on the bigger picture and deliver a budget that is fiscally responsible, accountable to taxpayers, and responsive to our communities' needs. The Council remains committed to working with the Administration to move Honolulu forward." - Council Chair Tommy Waters
Questions:
Mayor Blangiardi has stated he will veto the proposed budget if the Honolulu City Council moves to defund the city Office of Economic Revitalization. What is the Council Chair/Budget Committee Chair’s response to the mayor’s veto threat?
What is the amount of funding to be slashed from OER? Is it still $1.4 million? Has that funding amount changed at all?
Will the Council consider working with the city administration to come up with an alternate solution to prevent a mayoral veto on the latest city budget, or will the Council take action to defund the city Office of Economic Revitalization? Please explain.
Would the Council like to add anything else with regard to the FY27 city budget and the potential defunding of OER?
This official statement was published in Star Advertiser & KITV.
(Star Advertiser) Reporter: Ian Bauer | ARTICLE
(KITV) Reporter: Kimber Collins | ARTICLE
