Letter: HART member Felix is right about rail

John Henry Felix is right (“To preserve Hawaii’s sense of place, stop rail at Middle Street,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Feb. 14).

At this time, rail should stop at Middle Street and get operating. Once the rail is operational, people will find that it is economical, fast, and gets you to your destination on time. After public opinion turns in its favor, the program can be restarted to continue to Ala Moana, Waikiki, the University of Hawaii or other destinations.

There are too many unknowns in the present plan. The start date has been pushed back and now it is unknown when it will be operational, if ever.

One scary factor is the expected but unknown cost overruns for operating and maintaining the system. Can Honolulu taxpayers continue to pay for this program at the expense of other issues, such as road repairs, the homeless situation, highway traffic jams on urban and rural roadways and other new urgent needs of the community?

Support Felix so his fellow Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board members will agree with his rationale to stop the rail at Middle Street.

Roy S. Tanouye

Waipahu

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