HONOLULU -- Drivers commuting from Oahu's Leeward and Central neighborhoods would have faster commutes with light-rail transit. However, should drivers on the other side of island have to pay too?

East Honolulu stretches from Hawaii Kai to Waikiki. They are suburbs with their own traffic problems.

Residents balk at having to pay more taxes for a new rail system stretching from Kapolei to Iwilei they will not be riding. Possible tax increases to pay for it include the gas tax, vehicle registration fees, the vehicle weight tax or the excise tax.

"To me it is kind of stupid," Hawaii Kai resident Scott McCord said. "Just to increase taxes and not everyone is going to get served, to me that is the long and short of it. No, no."

"I would say no, especially if I am in an area it did not come to. I think that would be not fair," Hawaii Kai resident David Drummond said.

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"I would be against it, an overall tax increase, because of the fact there are other things in my opinion they could pull funds from," Hawaii Kai resident Ryan Arakaki said.

East Honolulu Councilman Charles Djou said he wants to put the transit tax hike issue to voters instead of deciding on it himself.

"Raising taxes is never a good idea and perhaps if this went to the votes, via initiative or referendum, and the voters speak, then so be it. That's the way the voters want it," Djou said.

Djou said some may see this as a "cop out," but he believes the rail system is such a big project, everyone should have a say on it.

Some East Honolulu residents said the proposed new rail system benefits everyone.

"Mass transit is a good thing I would be willing to pay for it certainly," Hawaii Kai resident Andrew Ainscough said.

"I'm willing to pay my taxes for it, sure, absolutely," Hawaii Kai resident Nani Todd said.

"Traffic is just horrendous and I wouldn't mind paying a few more bucks just to see traffic improve," Hawaii Kai resident Llewellyn Luke said.