It's easy to understand why the better course for Honolulu's rail transit system is to connect with the airport, rather than cut through the residential community of Salt Lake.

In addition to the prudent position of having public transportation connect with the airport for travelers, it's common sense to have the system directly connect with large employment hubs — including airport-area businesses as well as Pearl Harbor.

The good news is that the city and consultants working on the project have studied both routes, so making the switch to the airport would be relatively smooth. That's provided the measure authorizing the change can clear political hurdles at the City Council.

The Salt Lake route — the path of least political resistance at the time it was first agreed on — is not the way to go.

While the airport route would run about $200 million more, the benefits far outweigh the additional cost. The Honolulu International Airport route has greater potential for more transit-oriented development and for affordable housing, which would create a sorely needed economic boost for the state. It also would result in increased ridership and create the least disruption for private, residential property owners along the route. Clearly it makes the most sense and would better serve the public interest.

To close the cost gap, the state, which now keeps 10 percent of the transit tax collections for administrative fees, should return at least a portion of that money now that a structure is already in place and the tax is being collected. The Legislature should make sure that happens, regardless of the route.

The council last week held off on the proposal to shift the route, to allow for public input. While a handful of Salt Lake residents have understandably voiced support for the Salt Lake route, it's time for the majority of residents to make their views heard.

The $4.3 billion project, the largest public works project in the city's history, is crucial for O'ahu. Selecting the right route is key, and that decision must be made promptly to avoid costly and unnecessary delays. Above all, it should serve the public interest; that ensures the most efficient use of tax dollars.

The airport route offers the best course for Honolulu's transit system — now it's up to taxpayers to make that clear to the City Council.