Anti-Rail Effort Takes Two Blows to the Chops; HOT Lanes Talk ‘Burns Up’ HOT SEAT Sitter

The rail news is flying today and undoubtedly will get plenty of play on the local news this evening. Circuit Court Judge Sakamoto reaffirmed his earlier view that the Stop Rail Now group needs 45,000 signatures, not the 30,000 they’ve pinned their hopes on.

Then, City Clerk De Costa certified only 35,065 signatures of registered voters, leaving the “leading” anti-rail crowd far short of their goal to put this wording to a vote:

"Shall an ordinance be adopted to prohibit rail or trains for a mass-transit system?"

If that were to be on the ballot (and it may still get there if the Supreme Court overturns Sakamoto’s decision), voters who oppose rail would have had to vote “yes” and rail supporters would vote “no.” Confusing, no question about it.

Today’s events will propel the City Council-approved charter amendment onto the ballot if Mayor Mufi Hannemann carries through with his previous intent to allow a public vote on the system if the Stop Rail Now measure were thrown out. The Council’s version reads:

"Shall the powers, duties, and functions of the city, through its director of transportation services, include establishment of a steel wheel on steel rail transit system?"

If that’s the question on the ballot and you favor rail, you’ll vote “yes,” and the anti-rail faction will vote “no.” Confusion gone.

One way or another, the proposed Honolulu system seems destined for a vote by the public. As a rail supporter, we hope the electorate appreciates that rail will restore mobility to a city that has long since not enjoyed much. Rail will reduce congestion from levels that would exist if it’s not built and allow those who choose to ride to avoid traffic altogether and arrive at their destination on time, every time – something HOT lane proponents can’t deliver.

And on the HOT SEAT…

Alicia Maluafiti took her place on the Advertiser’s HOT SEAT discussion forum today. The Support Rail Transit spokesperson more than held her own and forcefully answered the anti-rail questions among the participants. We especially liked this answer:

“Discussion about 'Hot Lanes' really burns me up! So - the island says 'Go West' and develop to accommodate the growth on Oahu. And now that we’re out here - with the longest commute of any other location, sitting traffic longer than anyone else - you want us to pay for a 'Toll' to use the roads. If I can afford the toll or Hot Lane, it’ll get me into town quicker, then dump me onto the same congested roads where I can sit in traffic again. Oh - and by the way - where am I going to park once I get there?”

That’s telling it like it is.