According to a February article , “It’s unlikely Honolulu’s planned $3.7 billion transit system will affect deteriorating peak-hour traffic conditions along the H-1 corridor, according to city projections.” Rather than arguing over what form of rail should be used, the Mayor and City Council should be explaining why they’re committed to spending billions of taxpayer dollars on a project that fails to solve or at least mitigate the traffic problem.
In a recent legislative hearing, Mayor Hannemann said, “People want action now…” Taking expedient action that is projected to fail and yet costs $3.7 billion indicates our political leaders are failing to act in our best interest.
There are many more reasons we should consider scrapping the current rail system plan:
- It’s not faster. Multiple stops prevent the train from building up great speed.
- Let’s be honest. The system will exceed the stated cost. In October 2006, a 20 mile route was estimated to cost just $3.3 billion. The cost estimate rose 12% in just 18 months.
- Creating temporary construction jobs is not a reason to spend billions to build a rail system that won’t diminish H-1 traffic.
- This isn’t a one-time cost. We must not forget that we will pay to maintain the railway (no matter how much it’s used) for many years to come.
In summary, I quote Economist Thomas Sowell: “Many disastrous mistakes, in both public and private life, are not due to people thinking stupidly, but to their not bothering to think at all. If you don’t stop and think, then it doesn’t matter whether you are a genius or a moron.” Our elected officials need to stop and think.
If you think the current rail plan doesn’t make sense, you can sign Stop Rail Now’s petition.
