Transportation

An effective and efficient transportation system is important to building a livable city. I support the City's bus system and feel that it is an important part of transportation in our community that deserves support. A good public bus system is critical, but I do not believe that closing lanes of traffic is ever a good solution to our traffic ills.

The only long-term solution to traffic is to revitalize Hawaii's economy and build West Oahu as a true economic base. The City Council must encourage much more commercial development in West Oahu to compliment the large growth in residential development in the area. This will allow more people to work closer to where they live.

Although a rail system has merits, an increase in the general excise tax is too much for the Hawaii taxpayers to bear. I voted against the 12.5% increase in the general excise tax because it would cost the average Oahu family $450 a year and I am not confident that any rail project is worth such a steep price for Hawaii residents who are already over-taxed.