Mayor signs tax,
calls for multi-faceted
traffic solutions

Rail transit is the way to go, Mayor Mufi Hannemann says.

"Prior to today, we couldn't pursue rail because we couldn't afford it, but at least it's out there," Hannemann said after signing the bill yesterday that helps finance a new mass transit system.

Hannemann said rail is at the center of his multi-prong plan that includes a commuter ferry and feeder buses, but there's still room for other ideas. "The state wants to do their double-decker freeway, that's fine. Somehow, we find other resources to do the toll roads, I'm fine with that. ... That's my whole feeling that they need to complement," he said.

The mayor signed into law a bill that increases the general excise tax on Oahu to 4.5 percent from 4 percent to help finance the mass transit system. The tax increase will go into effect Jan. 1, 2007.

Hannemann signed the bill during a ceremony in the Honolulu Hale courtyard, with rail supporters holding signs saying, "Rail Now" and "Transit Yes."

"Are we better off in terms of our traffic situation? Are we in a situation where we can truly say we enjoy traveling on our roads?" Hannemann asked those in attendance. "I think the answer is a resounding, 'No.' "

"I'm only hoping I'm around to see that first train take off," said City Councilman Gary Okino, who called the day historic.

At the end of the ceremony, the crowd of several dozen held hands and sang, "Hawaii Aloha."

Hannemann said the administration will choose a consultant by next week to conduct an analysis to select the best traffic alternative.

Rail opponent Cliff Slater said rail transit won't reduce traffic congestion and is going to cost millions more than the $2.7 billion initial estimate.

"I think the more you look at it, the more absurd it is," Slater said. "Why build something that's proven not to work?"

Council Transportation Chairman Todd Apo, who has proposed building a toll highway across Ford Island, said he agrees that rail is probably the leading contender but he would like to see the analysis take into account all options brought to the table.

"It's not going to be one piece that fits the whole puzzle. It's going to be multi-track," he said.

Hannemann is quick, however, to point out that he doesn't see high occupancy toll lanes as the sole solution to traffic congestion.

"I'm sorry, toll roads is not the alternative to a rail-transit system. Toll roads could complement a rail system but not the answer, not in (replacement) of a transit system," said Hannemann, whose office released a sheet called "The Facts Behind HOT Lanes" to counter arguments by rail opponents.

"For anyone to suggest that we don't have to do anything or that only the toll roads now will solve our traffic problems, that's not right, that's not going to happen. We need everything but the centerpiece of that has to be rail."

Slater, whose honolulutraffic.com organization supports building HOT lanes in Honolulu, said the city can't afford both rail and HOT lanes.

"It's trying to debunk (HOT lanes) and as usual it's wrong," Slater said, referring to Hannemann's written information.