Regardless of whether you are for or against rail, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is the document that should provide answers to all reasonable impacts. Does it? Here is a sample of questions:

» The bus routes will change. What happens to your route? What happens to express buses?

» Lanes will be taken away, some temporarily for construction and some permanently. Where are those lane closures and what's their duration? Are there traffic rerouting plans?

» Will bikes, surfboards or luggage be allowed on the train? What about large items purchased at a big box retailer? What's the size limitation?

» Will there be washrooms at the stations? How about convenience stores, vending machines? Will the platforms have seats? How many?

» The plan calls for Aloun farms to relocate. Is that possible? Where will they go?

» Sewer upgrades in Kailua and Kapiolani led to the loss of businesses and jobs. Are details provided about similar effects during the construction of the rail?

» Rail construction involves unique skills and certifications that Hawaii construction workers do not have. How will this be addressed?

» The city has declared that in many cases only a portion of a parcel needs to be condemned. Can the business survive with the remaining portion? Isn't this mandatory downsizing and fewer jobs?

» There are 16 schools adjacent to the route. Will the overhead structure, the continuous high current exposure and the intermittent noise and vibration affect the learning environment? Would it be prudent to relocate these schools?

» Does rail fit our Hawaiian sense of place? How was the impact to tourism and local quality of life by a large elevated structure through town been assessed?

» Does the DEIS address the affected vistas and scenery? Are the aesthetics of the structure and each station explained and presented adequately?

» What will happen in the event of a hurricane? Will the train operate? Light rail in Houston was shut down for 10 days due to Hurricane Ike.

» BART in the Bay Area uses rail cars made of aluminum to combat corrosion. Is the city's position that corrosion is not an issue?

» It appears that general excise tax surcharge proceeds for rail will be much lower than expected for at least four years in a row. How is this deficit going to be made up?

» If ridership turns out to be much lower than forecast, then what? If the city is forced to provide free train rides like in Puerto Rico, how is the shortfall going to be covered?

» Is there a detailed plan for the effect of rail construction on water, sewer, gas and electric utilities? Will there be disruptions of service? Does the budget cover all these?

I urge you to review the DEIS and seek answers to the questions that are important to you. Write to the city director of transportation with your questions and concerns and send copies to the City Council and the governor.

Regardless of whether you want rail or not, if the city builds the rail system, then make sure that it is done in a way that satisfies your needs and concerns.