HONOLULU -- Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann on Tuesday said a public opinion poll shows strong island-wide support for a fixed mass transit system.

The mayor unveiled the results of the poll of 900 respondents.

Forty-five percent said they support an elevated rail system from Leeward, O'ahu to Honolulu. More than half said at least one person in their household would use rail.

The poll found ridership would be highest in the Ewa-Waianae area.

"And we're seeing quantitative proof of what I've said all along. No matter where you reside, there is strong support for a fixed guide way system," Hannemann said.

Other respondents either preferred improving the bus system's efficiency or expanding it.

Five percent chose the no-build option. Ten percent had no opinion.

Q-Mark Research conducted the random telephone survey between Oct. 27 and Nov. 6.