HONOLULU -- The Honolulu City Council is scheduled to make a critical vote Wednesday that will have an impact on Oahu for generations to come.

The council will decide if steel-on-steel technology will be used for Oahu's proposed mass transit system. The measure is expected to pass.

Some opponents said it will be too noisy and that rubber or magnetic technology should be considered.

Construction on the $3.7 billion system from Kapolei to Ala Moana could begin as early as next year.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann and officials with the transit project met with the public on Tuesday night to answer questions.