Kahikina has been pressing for a multi-year contract, and is backed by Mayor Rick Blangiardi. She said Friday she wants a deal for a new contract by the end of August.

Unnamed current and former employees of Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation alleged Kahikina created a toxic work environment, and berated employees.

This is the second time the rail authority solicited proposals for that segment. Last time the bids were $1 billion too high, forcing years of delays and some major cost cutting.

The board says it will decide at its next meeting in two weeks what to do about Lori Kahikina's soon-to-expire contract.

The discord among top leadership of the $10 billion Honolulu rail project has gotten so bad the mayor has stepped in.

The $10 billion Honolulu rail project has some big milestones ahead.

Imposing liquidated damages on contractor STG would be a turnabout. Last year it was the contractor that demanded cash compensation from the city for project delays.

At least one top executive candidate wants to see what happens to Lori Kahikina before considering a rail job.

HART CEO Lori Kahikina's annual evaluation was quite critical, citing a lack of progress in filling key positions and "limited transparency" with the rail board of directors.

HART board members describe project director Nate Meddings as critical to rail construction, and worry his departure "increases the risk of failure."