HONOLULU -- Honolulu City Council members on Thursday had questions about the recommended technology for Oahu's planned $3.7 billion transit system.

Experts on a technology panel recommend steel wheel on steel rail as the best choice for Oahu's new transit system.

However, council members raised concerns about steel wheels on rail. They asked about noise, vibration and the lack of information on cost.

"I think that's critical. The whole idea there is we were supposed to select a system based on cost efficiency," Councilwoman Barbara Marshall said.

"Everything was preplanned from the beginning to get a steel wheel on steel rail system. From my perspective, I think the public is being railroaded on this. I think its unfortunate," Councilman Charles Djou said.

Another concern of some council members that was unanswered by panel members is what about the effect of salt air and volcanic emissions on a steel rail system.

Some architects and planners worried that elevated parts of the system would be ugly.

"Overhead stations that would create visual blight along the waterfront and obstruct the existing urban fabric of many of our urban and historic neighborhoods," architect Scott Wilson said.

"As for steel wheels on steel rail, we should not use this technology because it is not green. It is not even light green. Rail is the worst energy choice we have and it will not get any better in 30 years," rail opponent John Brizdle said.

Others defended steel wheel as proven technology that is efficiently used by cities throughout the mainland.

"I believe the panel has made the best choice," said Ken Stanley of Oahu Transit Services.

Council Transportation Committee members agreed voting 4 to 1 to give steel wheel technology first-round approval.