But backers say it eventually would ease congestion in and out of downtown Honolulu.

The state has released a draft environmental impact statement on a proposal to build a two- or three-lane viaduct above Nimitz from Kalihi Stream to near Pier 32.

The estimated $150-million to $200-million project would complete the state's high occupancy vehicle lane (for vehicles with two or more occupants) system from the Keehi interchange to downtown, said Department of Transportation project manager Douglas Orimoto. A public hearing on the proposal is set for Nov. 21 at Puuhale Elementary School.

Bonnie Ching, co-owner of Hi-Line Distributors, one of about a dozen businesses west of Sand Island Access Road slated for displacement under the plan, is skeptical.

"Do they understand that all businesses are pretty fragile right now?" said Ching, who operates an auto parts and accessories outlet. "We don't feel we're strong enough to move. I'm worried now all of a sudden."

Parking along Kanakanui Street also would be lost, according to the report.

Under consideration are a two-lane and three-lane viaduct to accommodate high occupancy vehicles. The two-lane alternative would maintain three ground-level lanes in each direction on Nimitz. The three-lane viaduct would decrease the ground-level lanes to a total of five - three inbound and two outbound.

Both alternatives would include:

Bike lanes from Waiakamilo Road to the Keehi interchange.

Sidewalks where there were none or where they were substandard.

An additional right-turn lane from Nimitz Highway onto Sand Island Access Road.

An additional Honolulu-bound left-turn lane from Nimitz onto Waiakamilo Road.

An additional Honolulu-bound lane between the entrance to Pier 32 and Awa Street.

Traffic signals at the intersection of Awa Street and Nimitz Highway outbound.

"The intent is to get people to bus or car pool," Orimoto said. "This will complete the system."

Public comment on the report is being accepted until Dec. 13 by the state Office of Environmental Quality Control, 220 South King St., Suite 400, Honolulu 96813.

If accepted, the project would enter the design phase in mid-1997 and construction would be started in 1999, Orimoto said.

Funding for the project, which has yet to be secured, would come from a combination of state and federal monies.