Honolulu is asking some workers to take a pay cut, others will lose 24 days of pay to furloughs, but at the same time keeping almost $40 million in its budget for more than 1,000 unfilled full- and part-time positions.

Since Mayor Mufi Hannemann took office in 2005, the city's operating budget has increased 39 percent, from $869 million to $1.2 billion. Where other cities have navigated a brutal recession by slashing jobs, cutting services and reducing spending, Honolulu has grown its workforce every year — and this year is slapping city workers with pay cuts and furloughs.

Some city councilors say the way the city is handling its budget is unfair. Yes, the same ones who unanimously…

Some city councilors say the way the city is handling its budget is unfair. Yes, the same ones who unanimously…