The release of a much-anticipated draft environmental impact statement for Honolulu's elevated commuter rail could still come before Tuesday's rail referendum.

An official with the Federal Transit Administration yesterday said the agency and the city are working to release the document as soon as possible. FTA spokesman Paul Griffo said a potential release this week could not be ruled out. However, it's also possible the draft document won't be out before Tuesday, he said.

"The FTA has been working diligently with the city of Honolulu to bring this issue to a close and will continue to do so," Griffo said. "I just want to assure everyone that we're comfortable that the FTA has been timely in all of its responsibility."

The timing of the release of the document, which was originally scheduled to be finished in the spring, is key. That's because in the general election, O'ahu residents will vote on a proposed city charter amendment authorizing the establishment of a steel wheel on steel rail transit system. The draft environmental impact statement is expected to include the most up-to-date figures on how much Honolulu's planned commuter train from East Kapolei to Ala Moana could cost to build, operate and maintain.

A "yes" vote on Nov. 4 would give the city the political authority to begin construction on the 20-mile rail project. A "no" vote would all but kill the $3.7 billion project in its current form.

Polls indicate that the rail ballot issue may prevail, though the outcome could be close.

According to the city's 2006 Alternatives Analysis, the first 20-mile segment is expected to cost $3.7 billion to build, or about $5 billion when adjusted for inflation. Those costs are expected to increase in the draft environmental impact statement to account for recent rises in inflation. The updated draft environmental impact statement also will include updates on the number of potentially affected properties, noise and visual impacts, and potential impacts on archaeological sites.

The FTA has said it's aware of Honolulu's Nov. 4 vote on the rail system. However, that date will not dictate the release of the project's draft environmental statement, which must go through a proper vetting prior to release, according to the FTA.

Despite delays in the release of the draft environmental impact statement, city officials maintain the $3.7 billion project is still on track to break ground in December 2009 and begin partial operations by the end of 2012. The city plans to complete the full 20-mile, 19-station elevated commuter line in about a decade.

Voters can voice their opinion on the city's rail project on Nov. 4. Here is the proposed charter amendment:

"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?"

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