Honolulu's rail transit supporters and opponents could debate forever. With every good point raised, there is very likely a valid counterpoint to contradict it. Meanwhile, our traffic congestion grows worse with each new car purchased.

Hawaii's engineering industry has avoided public debates because there are endless opinions and no “;silver bullets”; when it comes to resolving traffic problems.

Even our best and most experienced engineers have differing opinions on significant issues such as route, technology and visual impact. However, this should not stop our community from moving forward.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii (ACEC-Hawaii) consists of 65 local engineering companies and represents more than 1,350 employees.

ACEC-Hawaii is the business association of Hawaii's engineering industry. Our organizational leaders are also leaders of their respective businesses.

Being effective leaders, we understand and appreciate how difficult it is to make tough business decisions. We identify the problem, introduce alternatives, analyze alternatives and make recommendations to advance our businesses. Ultimately, it is the process that allows effective leaders to make critical decisions, move forward and make necessary adjustments along the way.

When it comes to rail, our government should do the same and rely on their project process: planning (which often includes an environmental impact statement), design and construction.

Honolulu's rail project will be one of the largest projects in Honolulu's history. The ramifications are great. Still, we need to trust the process.

Since 2005, the City and County of Honolulu has made more than 600 public presentations to share planning concepts and gather public concerns on topics such as route, technology, ridership, cost and environmental impacts.

In November 2006, the city completed its Alternatives Analysis Report and the City Council's Transportation Committee held seven public meetings across Oahu to engage the public.

In 2007, the City Council vetted and voted in favor of a fixed guideway system that has become the rail project.

In November 2008, Honolulu residents voted in favor (53 percent) of the proposed rail project.

The draft environmental impact statement was completed in November 2008. In addition to the mandatory 45-day public review and comment period, five public meetings were held to gather public input.

Over the last five years, there have been many opportunities for public involvement. It is now time to trust the process, move forward — with our eyes wide open — and make the most of a project that will shape Honolulu's future.

When it comes to solving Hono-lulu's traffic problems there may never be a perfect solution that will gain 100 percent acceptance.

Until then, we at ACEC-Hawaii will do our part to ensure that our community has a safe and effective public transit system.

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