In their first debate since the Sept. 20 primary election, City Councilmember Ann H. Kobayashi and Mayor Mufi Hannemann this morning sparred over a variety of municipal issues, most notably on the contrasts between their mass transit plans.

Kobayashi yesterday announced her EzWay transportation plan, while Hannemann has been a staunch supporter of a steel-wheel-on-steel-rail train system.

For instance, the two candidates disagreed over whether Kobayashi's plan qualified for funding under the state's general excise tax increase and from federal sources.

The candidates, speaking at an "Eye on Hawaii" breakfast forum at The Plaza Club that was sponsored by The Honolulu Advertiser, also discussed their plans for the economy, the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill, and who deserves to take office Nov. 4.

"It's all about who is ready from day one to be mayor of one of the largest cities in America, who has the ability to bring people together from Hawai'i Kai to Wai'anae. I contend it's me and my very hard-working team," said Hannemann. "This is not time for on-the-job training."

Kobayashi touted her 25 years of experience in public office.

"I've reviewed the budget for four years as budget chair," said Kobayashi. "I would not set out to implement projects without knowing where the money is coming from."

In the primary, Hannemann fell just under the threshold for re-election and was forced into a runoff with Kobayashi, who finished ahead of University of Hawai'i-Manoa engineering professor Panos Prevedouros.

Prevedouros subsequently endorsed Kobayashi, and worked with her on her mass transit plan.

For more on this story, read tomorrow's edition of The Advertiser.