Several former state and city transportation directors announced their support for a proposed elevated rail system on Oahu, including Gov. Linda Lingle's former transportation director, Rodney Haraga.

The announcement, in Mayor Mufi Hannemann's conference room, came on the eve of a public forum at the state Capitol today where the American Institute of Architects will outline its views opposing a completely elevated system.

Lingle said earlier this month she would host the meeting because of a “;compelling”; presentation by the AIA in December. She said the rail plan is not “;aesthetically pleasing.”;

The meeting will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. in the state Capitol auditorium.

Haraga said he thought developing an elevated rail system was the most practical approach through Honolulu.

“;I think the debate should stop here,”; Haraga said.

Caldwell said the city is waiting for the approval of an environmental impact statement by federal officials, and Lingle's acceptance of it is crucial.

Caldwell said if the Lingle fails to accept the EIS, she would “;doom”; the project.

“;We're hopeful she won't play politics,”; Caldwell said.

City transportation Director Wayne Yoshioka said the $5.5 billion project between Kapolei and Ala Moana would help to create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs at a time when the economy is suffering.

Yoshioka said the City Council has considered street-level rail and supports an elevated rail system.

“;This has been studied to death,”; he said.

Former state Transportation Director Kazu Hayashida said he is not sure what the cost of rail might be in the future, if the project is not supported now.

Hayashida said at one point the proposed rail system was going to cost $800 million and that the federal government was going to pay for 80 percent of it.

Hayashida said the cost of the project has gone up, and the federal government is now willing to pay for 30 percent of it.

Others supporting the elevated rail included former state Transportation Director Edward Hirata, former Council member Arnold Morgado, and former city transportation directors Keoki Miyamoto, Melvin Kaku, Cheryl Soon and Joe Magaldi.

Hannemann is headed to Washington to meet with federal officials about the rail project, Caldwell said.