Honolulu's planned $3.7 billion commuter train could end up on the November ballot.

A newly formed citizens group called Stop Rail Now has launched an effort to gather 40,000 signatures needed to put an anti-rail ordinance on the general election ballot.

The issue of whether Honolulu should build a commuter rail has not been put to a vote. Rail proponents, including Mayor Mufi Hannemann and pro-rail council members, say the public has had a say on the project via elected representatives, extensive hearings and talk-story sessions.

Michael Uechi, a physician who's co-chairing the rail ballot campaign, said Honolulu residents deserve a chance to vote on what would be the largest public works project in state history.

But getting an issue placed on the ballot by collecting signatures on a petition is far from easy — the voter-initiated ordinance process is purposely arduous and restrictive to prevent placement of frivolous issues on the ballot.

The anti-rail group must gather about 40,000 signatures of registered voters by Aug. 1 to get on the November ballot. In addition to each voter's signature, they need the printed name and home address. They plan to gather signatures by going door-to-door, direct-mail, rallies and word of mouth.

"We realize it's a serious challenge," said Dennis Callan, who's also co-chairing the campaign. "We're creating the vehicle for the public. It's a grass-roots movement. If the public responds and gets involved, then it will be a snap."

Stop Rail Now, which is allied with other anti-rail organizations including www.honolulutraffic .com, maintains the city should explore non-rail road-construction projects that can reduce traffic congestion.

"A silent majority on the island are waiting for action," Uechi said. "They realize that rail won't get rid of traffic gridlock and if it's not going to get rid of the problem, why is it being considered?"

Studies show the transit system won't prevent traffic along the H-1 Freeway corridor from worsening due in part to population growth in West O'ahu. However, the rail would give commuters an alternative to congested highway travel while reducing urban sprawl. The 19 planned transit stations also are expected to foster the creation of live-work-play communities and opportunities for moderately priced, high-density housing.

The rail project is being financed by a half-percentage-point surcharge to the excise tax for O'ahu residents that started in January 2007. The tax is expected to raise about $160 million a year for 15 years.

The last major voter initiative to land on the ballet in Honolulu occurred in 1988 and dealt with development of land near Sandy Beach. Those opposed to the development of luxury housing next to Sandy Beach gathered 40,000 signatures needed to place the issue on the fall 1988 ballot. The measure to rezone the area from residential to preservation passed, but was later struck down by the state Supreme Court.

Eventually the City Council voted to rezone the area as preservation land.

Stop Rail Now's proposed ordinance reads: "Honolulu mass transit shall not include trains or rail."

An ordinance adopted by initiative cannot be vetoed by the mayor.

Stop Rail Now isn't the only group trying to get an initiative on the ballot. Let Honolulu Vote is attempting to change the city's charter to allow voter initiatives on tax issues. Currently, voters cannot initiate ordinances authorizing or repealing taxes, appropriating money and issuing bonds, among other things.

Paul Smith, co-chair of Let Honolulu Vote, said the group hopes to secure at least 45,000 signatures. "It's a real difficult job," Smith said. "The biggest problem is you can't find locations other than the sidewalk to collect signatures.

"Most people in Hawai'i don't want to talk to you, and if they do, they don't want to get involved."