Hawaii RISE Bonds, HPD Overtime Spending, IRS Surveillance & the 2026 General Election
Should Hawaii counties be allowed to borrow beyond existing constitutional debt limits to finance infrastructure? Why is the Honolulu Police Department spending millions more than budgeted on overtime? And how did the IRS gain access to thousands of Honolulu license plate detection records?
On this episode of The Right Side with Gina Crabtree, airing on The Answer 94.3 FM and AM 690, Gina examines four stories raising questions about government accountability, taxpayer spending, privacy, public safety, and Hawaii's November 3, 2026 general election.
Hawaii Constitutional Amendment Question #2: What Are RISE Bonds?
Gina breaks down the proposed Resilient Infrastructure for Shelter and Equity (RISE) bond amendment appearing on Hawaii's 2026 general election ballot.
Supporters argue that RISE bonds could help counties finance essential infrastructure needed for housing development, including sewer systems, water lines, roads, and drainage, using future increases in property tax revenue.
But what happens if development projections fall short? And should qualifying infrastructure bonds be exempt from existing constitutional county debt limits?
The discussion explores how the financing mechanism works, the arguments surrounding affordable housing infrastructure, and the potential financial risks for county governments.
Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar Reassigns 100 Officers to Patrol
Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar announces plans to reassign 100 existing sworn officers to patrol duties beginning November 1.
Gina examines how the staffing changes could improve police visibility, emergency response times, and public safety across Oahu while addressing persistent personnel shortages.
The discussion also raises questions about the effects on investigative and administrative departments and whether reassignment alone can provide a sustainable solution.
HPD Overtime Spending: $12.8 Million in One Quarter
The Honolulu Police Department reportedly spent approximately $12.8 million on overtime during the first quarter of the fiscal year against a budget of approximately $6.8 million.
That's roughly $6 million above the quarterly budget.
Gina examines how staffing shortages, recruitment challenges, and the demands of patrol coverage contribute to rising overtime expenses—and what HPD leadership can do to improve accountability for taxpayer dollars.
IRS Access to Honolulu License Plate Reader Data Raises Privacy Questions
A reported data-sharing agreement between HPD and the Internal Revenue Service allowed IRS Criminal Investigation to access more than 2,000 vehicle detection records collected through automated license plate readers.
Gina discusses the agreement, the use of fixed and mobile license plate reader cameras, and Police Chief David Lazar's reported decision to end IRS access.
The conversation examines the balance between legitimate criminal investigations, cooperation with federal law enforcement, government transparency, and the privacy rights of Hawaii residents.
Hawaii Election 2026: Mail-In Voting, Ballot Access & Election Integrity
With the November 3 general election approaching, Gina addresses criticism surrounding Hawaii's mail-in voting system and the importance of voter participation.
Drawing on turnout figures discussed in the broadcast, she compares mail-in and in-person voting participation, revisits concerns about election procedures, and encourages listeners to understand the available voting options.
The episode also highlights the 20 proposed Honolulu Charter amendments and two state constitutional amendment questions facing Hawaii voters.
From government borrowing and police spending to surveillance technology and election administration, this episode asks an important question: How do we hold government accountable while protecting the future of our island communities?
Listen to The Right Side with Gina Crabtree for common-sense conversations about Hawaii politics, government transparency, taxpayer accountability, and the issues affecting you, your ohana, and your community.
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