Mayoral hopefuls split
on plan for Nimitz

Hannemann supports an elevated
freeway but Bainum does not

Mayoral candidate Mufi Hannemann said, if elected, he would support the state's proposed elevated two-lane freeway over Nimitz Highway, but he has one problem with it: It'll be ugly.

"It has nothing to do with the opportunity to alleviate and reduce traffic congestion. It's just that environmentally, it just doesn't appeal to me," Hannemann said.

Hannemann's comments came following a speech Thursday to the Professional Women's Network, during which he outlined his solutions for easing Oahu's traffic congestion.

He said that while the so-called Nimitz "flyover" might not be aesthetically pleasing, he would work with the state to make it happen.

"Will (the flyover) work? I believe it will," Hannemann said.

His main opponent, Duke Bainum, said later in the day that he does not like the flyover plan, even if it does alleviate traffic.

"It's a visual blight. In most cities they're tearing them down and not trying to build them," Bainum said. "It may help but the price is too high."

State Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa said the "flyover" is still in the planning stages.

Ishikawa said that because the flyover will only be two lanes, it might look more slender than the current viaduct. He also said it could be designed so that it would not be obtrusive, yet still withstand requirements for cars or eventually a light-rail system.

At his speech before several dozen businesswomen, Hannemann outlined his ideas for addressing Oahu's traffic crunch. His plans include:

>> A long-term solution of light rail that will not come online for at least 15 years.

>> Reversing traffic flow by having more people work where they live in Leeward and Central Oahu. This would include having more city departments working out of Kapolei.

>> Starting more staggered work hours for government employees.

>> Connecting city buses to a state ferry system that will run between Leeward Oahu and downtown Honolulu. A rider could use a single ticket to ride on both.

"None of these things are going to happen overnight, but I can't wait until 2016," when rail could come online, Hannemann said.

Hannemann is also proposing forming a Traffic Flow Council, or "T-Flo," made up of state and county agencies, such as transportation departments, permitting offices, police departments, utility companies, the Board of Water Supply and TheBus. This entity would be responsible for coordinating road construction, parades and other events to prevent traffic problems.

Bainum said he also has long- and short-term ideas to resolve traffic while rail is being developed. They include improvements to the current bus system, building additional transit centers, creating new express routes, more synchronization of traffic lights and developing a bicycle master plan.