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.

Let me make it clear right off the bat: I appreciate what cops do. But I’ve been a journalist long…

Let me make it clear right off the bat: I appreciate what cops do. But I’ve been a journalist long…