Hawaii Topia

There is a political battle brewing on Oahu over rail. In one corner is Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann with a few select friends on the city council and in the other corner is other city council members and outspoken “anti-rail” activists. Just this month Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle has pushed to allow rail to be put on the ballot for the people of Hawaii to cote this November. Today, the City Council voted 9-0 to allow the rail vote to move forward, yet it could be vetoed by Mayor Mufi Hanneman without the possibility of it being over-turned.

The subject of rail, or the proposed steel mass transit system on Oahu, Hawaii, has really heated up. City Council Woman Ann Kobayashi and Panos Prevedouros have thrown their hats into the rink to run for Mayor this November against incombant Mayor Mufi Hanneman. Having rail on the ballot really helps bring out the vote for rail and voters against Mufi.

Whether you are for or against rail coming to Oahu, expect to be bombarded by radio and TV ads leading up to the vote this November. You can read my article on the $6 billion price tag associated with building rail on Oahu to get a little more informed on the subject.