HONOLULU -- The 2003 session of the Hawaii State Legislature opened Wednesday with some surprises from state lawmakers.

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Besides the usual pomp and circumstance, there were specific and unexpected proposals.

The biggest surprise was the Senate president's proposal that the state once again look into a light rail system.

Hundreds attending the opening were told the Senate's key thrust will be stimulating the economy.

Senate President Robert Bunda surprised many when he said a key way to boost business would be to clear up traffic.

"I believe it is time we dusted off our plans for a light rail mass transit system," Bunda said. "It could link central points on Oahu with the city's proposed plans for urban Honolulu."

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In 1992, Honolulu lost its chance for a rail transit system when the City Council voted 5 to 4 to reject it, losing hundreds of millions of dollars in promised federal funding.

Bunda told the audience its imperative that we not back off transit again.

"If we fail, we will surely choke on the mounting traffic problems of a growing population," Bunda said.

He said U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie have agreed to again seek federal funding to underwrite a mass transit project.