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High-tech
bus plans raise
a bit of fuss

Loss of on-street parking
plus noise and congestion
are cited as sticking points

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By Leila Fujimori
Star-Bulletin

A proposed high-tech bus rapid transit system will anger people because it takes away on-street parking and creates increased traffic congestion and noise, say two neighborhood board chairmen whose communities would be affected by the proposal.

"Ward, Kapiolani, University are busy streets now. You take away two lanes of traffic.... They're sending these buses through our neighborhoods, and they're taking these parking spots," said John Steelquist, Makiki Neighborhood Board chairman, who echoed concerns from John Kato, chairman of the McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board.

The two were among 75 people who attended a presentation on the system at the Hawaii Convention Center last night.

However, proponents of the bus rapid transit system say it would reduce traffic and is cheaper and less intrusive than using trains on a light rail system. Instead of running on railroad tracks, the high-tech buses will operate quickly on exclusive transitways, high-occupancy vehicle lanes, expressways or regular streets, the city says.

The proposed system would run from a yet-to-be constructed Middle Street terminal to the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Waikiki. It includes new ramps running from the H-1 freeway zipper and express lanes to Middle Street. Buses from suburban and rural areas would feed commuters to the Middle Street terminal.

The city is looking at two technologies, both electric-based. One is a plate system that would deliver electric power through a power strip embedded in the roadway or installed in a track. The other is a hybrid propulsion system that would use a small propane or diesel engine to drive a generator that would produce electric power to charge on-board batteries.

The city is recommending "electric technology because of the lack of noise," said Cheryl Soon, director of city Department of Transportation Services. It also reduces air pollution.

The system would use regular buses at first. Soon said they are not making any decisions on the electric buses yet because the technology is still changing.

Michelle Matson of the Kapahulu Neighborhood Board was concerned that planned transit centers where riders would make transfers would be excessively large.

Others like John Jacobson, operations analyst of Hilton Hawaiian Village, asked if condemnation of private property would occur.

Soon said the only potential condemnation would be where proposed transit centers would be located, such as at Middle Street or in Iwilei.

The next public hearing on the draft environmental impact statement is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Hawaii Convention Center, Room 318-B.

Public testimony will be accepted. Those testifying must register in person by 6:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting or call 527-5265 by 4:30 p.m.