You've got a good point about the political dimension of this issue, and I'm sure the legislature would agree that it's not fair for them to take the political heat for a city project. However, if they pass a bill that forces the city to raise property taxes, the voters will know the legislature put the gun to the city's head and left them no choice. Better to take the heat now for passing a controversial bill with a GET extension than be blamed for the pain Oahu residents will endure for many years to come if they don't. It's not fair to the legislature, politically, but most of them are from Oahu and they know how their constituents will react.