KITV4 and CivilBeat.com hosted a debate between the three leading candidates for Honolulu Mayor Wednesday night.

The debate was 90 minutes long and it went back and forth with just one month before the primary election.

From the opening round until closing remarks, the issue of rail dominated once again with Ben Cayetano, the sole opponent of the $5.2 billion project.

"Studies indicate these rail projects average a 40 percent cost overrun for construction," said Cayetano.

"It's a serious question -- if he can stop it and if he could.  First thing he can do for all of us is rip up a $1.55 billion check," said Mayor Peter Carlisle.

When the issue of labor came up, the candidates tried to explain how negotiating with police, fire and other groups would be handled.

"Make sure we remain the safest big city in America.  That means police officers, our firefighters, our ambulance drivers, EMS personnel and lifeguards are paid properly," said Kirk Caldwell.

"Kirk has been endorsed by the unions.  They know he will go along with what they want," said Cayetano.

"It's better for the taxpayers, in general, that city employees are not getting unreasonable benefits like 21 days off, 21 days of vacation, 13 days of that and all of that extra time off," said Carlisle.

The merger of Emergency Medical Services and the fire department revealed stark differences among the candidates.