HONOLULU -- The Honolulu Council Wednesday voted unanimously to let voters accept or reject the planned $3.7 billion dollar steel on steel transit system.

The council's proposed charter amendment will ensure the topic is on the November ballot.

"What the council did today was make sure there will be a question on the ballot on November on whether or not we move forward with this mass transit project," council Vice Chairman Todd Apo said.

After almost a full day of wrangling, all eight council members finally approved the protective measure in case Stop Rails effort fails to yield the required number of petition signatures to get on the ballot.

"I am happy there will definitely be a question on rail on the ballot this coming fall and I have always contended the best way to settle this is to by betting this to people and letting them decide," Honolulu Council Member Charles Djou said.

Council Chairwoman Barbara Marshall was absent for the vote. Her office said she is undergoing treatment for colon cancer.

The Hannemann administration had hoped the council would also approve a measure to let voters decide if they wanted a Transit Authority to guide the building and operation of transit.

Council critics said such a semi-autonomous body would give the mayor too much unchecked power. The Transit Authority measure failed.

"It is a little disappointing but I think as was discussed, it is difficult to get to a perfect proposal. But again we have time. This is not a one-year project. This is a multi year project," Djou said.

Meanwhile the Hannemann administration said it is moving full speed ahead on a steel rail system hoping to break ground late next year and as for the voter amendment that might stop it.

"It is not over yet. In the next 10 days, the mayor could veto the council's transit amendment," Djou said.