City Clerk Railroads Rail Petition

HONOLULU -- The city clerk Tuesday blocked Stop Rail Nows petition. She said the rail issue must be put to voters in a special election because that's what Stop Rails petition ask for.

A special election couldn't be held until next year and could cost up to $2 million. Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona said it is up to the city council to put the rail question to voters as a charter amendment this year.

"Let's put it on the ballot and let the people decide if the current transit plan is what they want," Aiona said.

Councilman Charles Djou said he will try to get support for a charter amendment to ask voters if they want rail even though a council majority already strongly favors rail.

"I understand it might be politically difficult but I hope all my colleagues on the Honolulu City Council understand is whether you are a rail proponent or opponent the single best way to resolve this question is to let the voters decide," Djou said.

If the council does vote to put the rail issue on the ballot the mayor didn't say whether or not he would veto it.

"I suppose if they would like to take this up I need to see the wording. But I would have difficulty if a ballot initiative came forward and they took rail completely off the table," Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said.

The Mayor said no matter what, rail supporters will win.

"If it makes it on the ballot, whether it is November or next year, I am confident it will prevail," Hannemann said.