Honolulu poll: residents support rail transit

Written by jrood

Oahu residents clearly support the City's rail transit project, and supporters outnumber opponents in all nine City Council districts, according to results of a new poll released today by Mayor Peter Carlisle and City Council Transportation and Transit Planning Committee Chairman Breene Harimoto. Fifty-seven percent of residents polled said they support rail transit, while 40 percent said they were opposed, according the scientific survey conducted by QMark Research between May 9 to May 20 for PB Americas, Inc., the project's general engineering consultant. "These results taken from a scientific survey show sound support for the rail project as it moves forward," said Carlisle. "Taking this snapshot in time is important as we prepare to transition to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, and it provides useful information for the HART board of directors as its members prepare to make major decisions that will guide the rail project. The poll will also be helpful for HART members in determining how best to keep the public informed." The poll of about 900 Oahu residents included surveys of 100 residents from each of the nine City Council districts and found that supporters outnumbered opponents in all districts. Support ranged from a high of 68 percent in District 8 (Aiea-Pearl City-Moanalua) to 50 percent support in District 5 (Kaimuki-Manoa-McCully-Kakaako-Ala Moana). Top reasons for opposition included concerns about cost, the fact that rail will not service their area, not enough people will use it and a preference for other transportation options, such as the bus. "While 70 percent said they felt rail would bring much-needed jobs to Oahu and help the overall economy and 58 percent said they believe rail is a good investment in our island's future, concerns over cost underscore the importance of bringing the project in on time and on budget," said Carlisle.

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