Mufi Hannemann says the city has so far collected more than $217 million from the general excise tax surcharge.

And while some are questioning what will happen if tax revenues fall because of the economy.

He says there is a $900 million contingency plan built into the project to cover the loss.

"I don't think this is the time to worry about the fact that tax revenues being taken in appears to be slowing down and so forth. Thus far, all the approvals, all the messages that we've gotten from DC and the FTA and Congress is that we have a good project," said Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann.

The mayor says the rail transit project is on track to break ground in late 2009.

He expects it to generate 9,000 jobs in construction and other industries.

---