HONOLULU -- The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday rejected Mayor Mufi Hannemann's proposed route for mass transit on Oahu.

Hannemann's proposed minimum operable segment was a 20-mile fixed-guideway system from Kapolei to Ala Moana.

Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz introduced an amendment that would have changed the plan to an Ewa Beach to University of Hawaii Manoa campus route. That measure was rejected before a vote on Hannemann's proposal.

"It's about time this state makes education a priority again and by sending this rail system to the University of Hawaii we can at least make a statement that that's a goal," UH student Matt Gerhardt said.

The council voted 6-3 against the mayor's route.

Councilman Gary Okino made a motion to reconsider the matter and put a proposal on the table that would bypass the Honolulu International Airport area. Okino's new proposal is the same as the mayor's, going from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center, except it goes through Salt Lake instead of Honolulu International Airport.

"I think it would be a lot better going to the airport, but, you know, if it means keeping the project alive or killing it -- let's go Salt Lake," Okino said.

The new route through Salt Lake will cost about $3.5 billion compared to the mayor's $3.6 billion plan.

That measure would likely turn one of the votes against the mayor's route to the side of the transit proponents. Councilman Romy Cachola constantly voiced his concern that his district that covers Salt Lake, Moanalua and Kalihi would be left out.

The Hannemann Administration said it is comfortable with the new Salt Lake route because it qualifies for federal funding.

After a 5-4 vote to consider the new proposal passed, the council needed to approve the waiving of a 48-hour period to move forward with the measure. The council voted against waiving the 48-hour period.

Council Chairwoman Barbara Marshall scheduled a special council meeting to discuss the matter further and vote on it for Tuesday at noon.