EWA, Hawaii -- An elevated toll road or an underground tunnel to relieve traffic were two ideas discussed at a public meeting with Ewa residents on Thursday night.

Toll roads are not new ideas, but the proposals have never gotten very far in the past. State Rep. Rida Cabanilla is hoping to gather support on a measure that she said could alleviate ongoing traffic woes in West Oahu that are only expected to get worse.

The stop-and-go daily grind has West Oahu residents all saying the same thing.

"They need to do something. This is terrible," Waipahu resident Maxine Wilson said.

Cabanilla discussed the benefits of a toll road bill that would use public-private-partnerships as an alternative to constructing more highways.

"The reality is there is no relief in sight right now," Cabanilla said.

Road building expert and University of Hawaii Professor Panos Prevedouros was blunt when sharing his opinion on the city's rail system and new ferry service.

"My prediction here is it's going to be a resounding failure. So I'm now on TV telling you that," Prevedouros said.

Prevedouros said an elevated toll road, like one used in Tampa, Fla., would work in Honolulu.

He said a 15-16 mile elevated three-lane road from the H-1 Freeway and H-2 Freeway merge to Iwilei would cost about $900 million.

There are private sector financiers who are interested, Prevedouros said.

An underwater tunnel under Pearl Harbor is also being discussed.

Cost and feasibility has been the issue in the past. However, Cabanilla said she believes it can be done with private partners.

There is the question of will people pay to use the toll roads?

Cabanilla plans to reintroduce the bill in the next legislative session.