State House members are encouraging Gov. Linda Lingle to promptly review and accept the final Environmental Impact Statement for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project as soon as it is released.

“;Gov. Lingle needs to move forward on this project without any additional meetings, studies or delays,”; said Rep. K. Mark Takai, D-Pearl City.

Lingle has said she plans a thorough review of the EIS and has questioned the planned financing for the project.

The letter, signed by 39 of the 51 House members, was delivered to the governor's office this morning.

“;President Obama and the Federal Transit Administration have said that more than $1.55 billion will be provided for the construction of Honolulu Rail Project,”; Takai continued. “;We cannot afford to turn our backs on this federal support. This is our very last opportunity to make rail a reality for Honolulu.”;