COUNCIL MUST STOP THE 'PARALYSIS BY ANALYSIS'

After years of debate, our Honolulu City Council is scheduled to select a technology for the fixed-guideway transit project. Now there seem to be a few members of the Council who are once again dragging their feet. There is nothing new to discuss or debate. We have been talking about rail transit for the past 40 years.

And what good has this done for us? Hasn't traffic gotten worse since 1992, when we canceled the last rail project and let millions of federal dollars go, only to be given to another city instead?

And wouldn't these federal dollars injected into our local economy be a good thing right now, when business activity and tourism are beginning to slow down?

It's time to move out of the "paralysis by analysis" phase and build the rail. It's time to move forward decisively for the future of our island, for our economy and our environment. It's time to build rail.

HAWAI'I DESERVES A HIGH-QUALITY SYSTEM

It seems the predominant theme for public spending in Hawai'i is cost. I would argue that, in a state where tourism is a paramount source of income, quality should trump cost.

One of the best examples of this is the Sydney Opera House. The unique shell-sails building is an icon for Australia. More than 4 million visitors see it each year. During its construction, people complained about its cost. But its value as a tourist attraction is immeasurable.

In Hawai'i, the legislative building has a similar legacy. It was initially costly but a great tourist attraction. The majority of projects, however, are mediocre.

If we are to build a transit system, it should be unique. It should be something we are all proud of and then it will also be a great attraction. The quietest and most beautiful system should have the top priority.

GROWTH ON WEST SIDE CALLS FOR A SOLUTION

In response to a letter to the editor submitted by Gerhard Hamm on March 29, 2008, Gerhard Hamm lives in Wai'alae Iki, so of course he doesn't understand why we need mass transit.

That's because all of the island's growth is being concentrated here on the west side of the island, where we're absorbing new development, increased traffic and, oh yes, receiving most of the island's trash, enabling Mr. Hamm and his neighbors to enjoy their open space.

Come visit us and maybe you'll develop a sense of empathy.

Check me if I'm wrong, but there are lots of sewer improvements happening in East Honolulu, right along Kalaniana'ole Highway, which was one of the first of many major improvements initiated under Mayor Mufi Hannemann's watch. Also, if you were reading your Honolulu Advertiser carefully on March 29 and weren't so quick to pass judgment, there was a story headlined: "City pools repaired, back in business."

You see, we really don't have that problem in West O'ahu, because we spend so much time stuck in traffic, there's no time to go swimming.

Finally, regarding the mass-transit radio show — it is a small price to pay to keep us informed. I'm happy to be able to call in and talk directly to project planners and technical staff. From what I've heard on the radio, anybody can call in — even East O'ahu complainers.

UH-WEST O'AHU SITE SHOULD HAVE A STATION

I question the decision not to place a rail-transit station at the future UH-West O'ahu campus. As a supporter of the rail system, I believe a station should be built at the new campus. Since both the campus and Ho'opili community have yet to be built, planners and architects could develop a station to accommodate both projects.

UH-West O'ahu and the Ho'opili development will virtually be right across the street from each other. The permitting process is far from completed, and the City Council should look at the practical decision of building a rail station to benefit both projects.

Having to walk 10 to 15 minutes with books and other items may not be difficult for some people. But the idea of a rail station at one of the most important educational projects of higher education in West O'ahu is common sense, in my opinion. The campus will be a gathering place. The city should make it as easy as possible for all residents to access the campus.

REFINED TECHNOLOGY ADDRESSES NOISE ISSUE

Recent letters in The Advertiser say that rail is too noisy for O'ahu. I disagree.

Last fall I stayed in a bed/breakfast in a quiet suburb of Berlin, Germany, maybe 100 yards from an active suburban rail line. My window (which I left open) looked out the side of the building, not directly on the railroad.

While I am quite noise sensitive, I was almost completely unaware of the trains passing by. If that rail line had been a freeway, there would have been a constant roar.

Rail is an old technology, but it is also highly refined. A modern rail system will be far less intrusive than a highway.

SALT LAKE CONSTITUENTS NEED A VOICE ON RAIL

The residents along the proposed Salt Lake Boulevard transit route was been sent up the proverbial creek and our quality of life was sold for a vote by Councilman Romy Cachola when he voted in favor of the transit only if the route was changed to service, he claims, the 70,000 Salt Lake residents.

His vote into office does not give him carte blanche and his constituents should have been given a voice: not his voice, our voice. We say, nay!

COUNCIL SHOULD DECIDE TO MOVE RAIL FORWARD

I saw the coverage on the City Council meeting regarding technology. I was disappointed that the council is not moving forward with the selection for rail transit. An expert panel recommended rail and they gave their reasons based on logic and years of experience. Rail is proven technology, has lower operating costs, and will fulfill the transportation needs of our city.

Come on City Council, don't drop the ball. We can't afford to fumble on the goal line again, like we did in 1992. And has traffic gotten better since then? Of course not!

Let's not let history repeat itself again. Make the decision and let's build the rail.

RAISED SYSTEM WOULD DIMINISH ISLE'S BEAUTY

The type of transportation to be used in the proposed rail system has not been properly discussed in print, radio or television. A raised rail system would diminish Hawai'i's natural beauty. It would block and trash some of O'ahu's grand views. Elevated trains in Chicago, and New York are ugly and noisy operations. Even new improved elevated trains would destroy our natural beauty.

The physical and financial survival of Hawai'i as a world-class destination requires solving these problem.

PRICE TAG DEMANDS MOST EFFICIENT SYSTEM

In regards to the rail system, why are some people worrying about the cost? Since we are spending billions, efficiency is of the utmost importance.

Choosing steel wheels on steel rails is going backward toward the future.

Magnetic levitation may increase the cost of installation; however, in the long run the cost of maintenance will be lower than steel wheels. The ride is quiet, and pollution is nil.

Mag-lev is now running in Shanghai and Japan. Magnetic levitation is the transit for the future.