To get us rolling, here one from James:

What exactly is your position on transit, and why? And as chairman, where is your leadership on this issue please?

Aloha, everyone, and thank you for this opportunity to join the Hot Seat and share my thoughts with you.

To answer your question, James:
I have from the start supported an elevated, fixed guideway system as one alternative to deal with traffic congestion, land use planning, and all the concerns related to our heavy reliance on imported oil to fuel our energy needs. As a leader, I try to listen to all sides on issues and take into account each person's concerns. After I've had a chance to weigh the inputs, I make a recommendation for my colleagues to consider.

Councilman, regarding rail noise, why would you reconsider the recommendation of the transit experts? The new rail system would not be like the old noisy subway systems. Please don't sell us short for your political gains. Please explain your decision.

And here’s one from Beth K.:
Please tell me why we can’t fix our roads and keep them in good condition! It’s so terrible on the vehicles.

Comment from: Debra [Visitor]
Councilman, regarding rail noise, why would you reconsider the recommendation of the transit experts? The new rail system would not be like the old noisy subway systems. Please don't sell us short for your political gains. Please explain your decision.

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Debra, mahalo for your question. To begin with, I've never made decisions with an eye toward political gain. In fact, if you know me, most of the decisions I've made have had the potential for more risk than reward. To answer your question on the issue of noice, while I do favor steel on steel, I am confident that technology exists to mitigate whatever noise impacts there may be with this technology.

Seems to me we got a dumb route by letting the council run amoke. Now, we're ignoring the experts and doing the same thing on technology.

Why are the most "conflicted" members of the council allowed to dictate the proceedings?

And here’s one from Beth K.:
Please tell me why we can’t fix our roads and keep them in good condition! It’s so terrible on the vehicles.

++++++
The City roads in our jurisdiction have been aggressively addressed and I think you will see that reflected in our upcoming budget. In fact the Mayor is proposing around $80 million for reconstruction and/or rehabilitation of streets and concrete roadways. However, I can't speak for the roads that are the responsibility of the State, such as freeways, highways and major thoroughfares.

Here's one sent in via e-mail from Debra K:

So please tell us what’s the deal with property taxes. Are you folks mathematicians? No offense here, but you might have guessed that many taxpayers don’t have much faith in the City Council. Please don’t confuse the system and make things worse than they already are. What is YOUR plan?

Comment from: Bob [Visitor]
Seems to me we got a dumb route by letting the council run amoke. Now, we're ignoring the experts and doing the same thing on technology.

Why are the most "conflicted" members of the council allowed to dictate the proceedings?

------

Thanks, Bob, for your question. I am confident the Environmental Impact Statement will answer all the questions and concerns raised about the route.

Councilman, after last night, what is the transit project still going to happen and is it on track. If more studies take place for the technology will that delay the project? Mahalo for keeping this project going. I support this project and am glad you are listening to us less vocal everyday people.

I think you're doing a great job as chair of the transportation committee (it can't be easy). I just wanted to know what the impacts will be once the rail starts getting built? Are alternate routes being made to help alleviate the horrible traffic (worse than we have now) we will have once construction starts?

Here's one sent in via e-mail from Debra K:

So please tell us what’s the deal with property taxes. Are you folks mathematicians? No offense here, but you might have guessed that many taxpayers don’t have much faith in the City Council. Please don’t confuse the system and make things worse than they already are. What is YOUR plan?

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No offense taken, Debra. I think tying the property tax rates to the Consumer Price Index is worthy of further discussion. That being said, we must also be careful about having sufficient funds to pay for needed City services, such as police, fire, garbage collection, parks maintenance, etc., because it is our primary source of revenue. It has been reported that Honolulu has one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation, according to tax policy experts.

And here’s another one sent in from Bill:

Hey! I’m in your district. Any good things happening for us?

Comment from: Stacy [Visitor]
Councilman, after last night, what is the transit project still going to happen and is it on track. If more studies take place for the technology will that delay the project? Mahalo for keeping this project going. I support this project and am glad you are listening to us less vocal everyday people.

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Aloha, Stacy. The project is still on track. All that happened last night was that the project was referred back to my committee for further discussion, which is normal procedure. That said, we will have thorough discussion and review of the three technologies as it should be for a project of this scope.

Comment from: Lisa [Visitor]
I think you're doing a great job as chair of the transportation committee (it can't be easy). I just wanted to know what the impacts will be once the rail starts getting built? Are alternate routes being made to help alleviate the horrible traffic (worse than we have now) we will have once construction starts?

------

Thank you, Lisa. I look forward to the day we can start construction, but you're correct, there will be impacts. That is why we're doing a lot of planning and discussion up front to try and recognize the impacts and address them before the project gets build. The discussions regarding Transit Oriented Developments now taking place in my community of Waipahu are a good example of how we're trying to stay out in front.

This one comes from Jason:

Please ask Nestor what the deal is with the EPA and the waiver I read about in the paper. Who is looking out for the environment? What are the plans here?
It is a mess.

With the city's infrastructure in disrepair, could you tell us what's being done to combat the problems of very old sewer lines? I see high rise buildings going up everywhere which tells me more people are moving in. I'm afraid that the sewer problems will only get worse and won't be able to sustain such a large population. Thanks for answering questions today.

And here’s another one sent in from Bill:

Hey! I’m in your district. Any good things happening for us?

-----

Aloha, Bill. There are many good things happening in our district! Here are just a few examples:

In Waipahu, we secured $2 million to repair and re-open the pool complex at Waipahu District Park, which was closed for more than two years.

In Makakilo, we are working with the City Administration and the community to advance the secondary access of Makakilo Drive which will connect to the new North-South Road Interchange, currently under construction.

In Mililani, we are working with Emergency Medical Services to find a permanent home for the new City ambulance that is now operating out of temporary quarters at Kaiser's Waipio Gentry clinic.

You can check my city website for more information at www.honolulu.gov/council/d9.

This one comes from Jason:

Please ask Nestor what the deal is with the EPA and the waiver I read about in the paper. Who is looking out for the environment? What are the plans here?
It is a mess.

-----

Aloha, Jason. Great question. As chair of the City Council's Transportation and Public Works Committee, I fully appreciate the importance of bringing our island's aging infrastructure up to date. As you may be aware, we have over 318 miles of pipeline that are 50 years old or older, including some 27 miles that are a hundred years old or older. Since the waivers were granted in 1991, the City completed significant physical upgrades to the wastewater treatment plants at Sand Island and Honouliuli and further has taken steps to increase the use of reclaimed water. If the EPA prevails against the City, the conservative estimated cost of compliance to the City will be $1.2 billion. Private sector environmental experts agree with the City: the upgrades are not necessary.

Comment from: Jo [Visitor]
With the city's infrastructure in disrepair, could you tell us what's being done to combat the problems of very old sewer lines? I see high rise buildings going up everywhere which tells me more people are moving in. I'm afraid that the sewer problems will only get worse and won't be able to sustain such a large population. Thanks for answering questions today.

--------

Aloha, Jo. I've addressed this issue in a previous answer, but if you are asking if we're able to have our infrastructure keep up with the population growth, experts at the Board of Water Supply and City Environmental Services Department are aware and have told me that they can accommodate the planned growth for the island.

And, this one comes from Jared S., a student in Mililani:

I’m in school, but please ask Nestor Garcia where he grew up, what he did in school to become successful and his advice for seventh grade people.

Here's one from e-mail from Kendall:

I’m Kendall. Please ask Councilman Garcia his future political plans. And who is he supporting for mayor?

Hello there, Coucilman Garcia! Thanks for taking time out of your schedule to answer our questions!

There's a radio ad on nowadays that is sort of an info-mercial about rail -- the female voice-over calls rail only PART of the solution; if that's the case, why isn't there also discussion about widening our roads (a subject that seems to be swept away anytime it seems to be brought up seriously in legislature or other political body)? Why do I get the feeling that it's only PRO-RAIL when it comes to remedying Oahu's traffic woes/pre-gridlock?

Thanks!

And, this one comes from Jared S., a student in Mililani:

I’m in school, but please ask Nestor Garcia where he grew up, what he did in school to become successful and his advice for seventh grade people.

--------

Hi, Jared. Terrific question. I grew up in Waipahu in one of the more disadvantaged areas, the Pupu-Aniani neighborhoods. But I never really thought much about it growing up. I just am grateful for the family support structure I had as well as a lot of good role models such as teachers and counselors who believed in me and that I could accomplish much. The seventh-grade is a most interesting time in the life of a young person. This is when you will be making some choices that will follow you for the rest of your life. I encourage you to talk to people you admire and get their advice. But most importantly, never lose faith in yourself.

I almost hate to ask this one, but, it's on my mind: we've had funds stated for certain items that ended up being raided; what's the prevent the fund for rail from being raided, especially if new things come up and it doesn't look like rail'll be completed? How would funds redirected from rail for other uses be justified?

Here's one from e-mail from Kendall:

I’m Kendall. Please ask Councilman Garcia his future political plans. And who is he supporting for mayor?

-----

Aloha, Kendall. My future plans as a politician are to run for re-election. I am hopeful the people of District 9 will look at my proven record of delivering on needed services and projects and give me another opportunity to serve them for another four years. As for the Mayor's race, I will wait until I know who all the candidates are. I will make my evaluation at that time.

correctoin: ". . . what's TO prevent the fund for real from being raided . . .

Thanks.

Hello there, Coucilman Garcia! Thanks for taking time out of your schedule to answer our questions!

There's a radio ad on nowadays that is sort of an info-mercial about rail -- the female voice-over calls rail only PART of the solution; if that's the case, why isn't there also discussion about widening our roads (a subject that seems to be swept away anytime it seems to be brought up seriously in legislature or other political body)? Why do I get the feeling that it's only PRO-RAIL when it comes to remedying Oahu's traffic woes/pre-gridlock?

Thanks!

-----

Thanks, Chicken Grease. Great blog name. Between now and the Year 2030, there are more than $3 billion worth of roadways projects planned by the City and State. These include widening of H-1 and improvement to the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, new interchanges, etc. Mass transit will enable the City to do the kind of land use planning that will help put jobs and people closer together and remove the need for a lot of travel, it will encourage a multi-modal approach towards dealing with traffic, and frees up funds to continue to make roadway improvements I described above.

Councilman, why is the council hesitant to pick steel on steel? The city experts and the technology panel all make it clear that the current technology is nothing like what people imagine when they think of old systems. Even BART isn't comparable to the system Honolulu could get now. Steel would be more competitive to buy, cheaper to maintain and has a long track record (no pun intended) of reliability.

Heh, oh, thanks, about my screen name.

OK . . . that's a great answer. I'll be looking forward to all of that.

Maybe that ad should be beefed up to mention other traffic projects, then? Just a suggestion.

Comment from: Chicken Grease [Visitor]

I almost hate to ask this one, but, it's on my mind: we've had funds stated for certain items that ended up being raided; what's the prevent the fund for rail from being raided, especially if new things come up and it doesn't look like rail'll be completed? How would funds redirected from rail for other uses be justified?

-----

Chicken Grease, there are specific restrictions placed on the fund by the State and City. Act 247 and City Ordinance 05-27 allows the funds to be used STRICTLY for the operating or capital costs of a locally preferred alternative for a mass transit project and Americans with Disabilities expenses. The money CANNOT be used for building or repairing roadways and highways, bicycle paths, or any public transportation system already in place on July 12, 2005 -- such as the city bus system.

Here’s another one sent I via e-mail from Kailua Karen:

What is the benefit to Windward residents regarding rail. It is way too expensive. And how much would it solve?

Comment from: Nahoaloha [Visitor]
Councilman, why is the council hesitant to pick steel on steel? The city experts and the technology panel all make it clear that the current technology is nothing like what people imagine when they think of old systems. Even BART isn't comparable to the system Honolulu could get now. Steel would be more competitive to buy, cheaper to maintain and has a long track record (no pun intended) of reliability.

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Aloha, Nahoaloha. While I tend to agree with you and have endorsed the panel's recommendation, as Chair of the committee, I must abide by the wishes of my fellow Councilmembers, who have asked that we take another look at two other technologies. At my committee hearing on April 3, we will do just that. I hope you can attend the hearing and share your thoughts with us.

Hi Councilman, with the price of oil going and the increase in population here I think rail is a necessity for the islands. Since rail won't be up and running for some time, is it possible to create more bus lanes. People might be more apt to ride the bus if they knew they would reach their destination on time. Because the bus travels with the rest of traffic pick up and drop off times can be unpredictable. Is this a possibility?

Here’s another one sent I via e-mail from Kailua Karen:

What is the benefit to Windward residents regarding rail. It is way too expensive. And how much would it solve?

-----

Aloha, Kailua Karen. It will help keep Kailua Kailua by focusing growth in central and leeward areas of Oahu, where 60 percent of the people live and where 70 percent of them work. We could do away with the mass transit project by directing future growth to the Windward and North Shore areas of the island. I hope people will recognize that the Council is listening to the folks that want to keep the Country Country.

Councilman,

Given the state's obsession with the motor-vehicle, how can we present the rail system as not just a "way to get more cars off the road so I can drive faster," solution but a "Hey, that rail will save me money and time" solution? Has the City Council thought of any subsidies or other bait to lure people into using the rail once it is used?

Comment from: Councilman Nestor Garcia [Member]

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Chicken Grease, there are specific restrictions placed on the fund by the State and City. Act 247 and City Ordinance 05-27 allows the funds to be used STRICTLY for the operating or capital costs of a locally preferred alternative for a mass transit project and Americans with Disabilities expenses. The money CANNOT be used for building or repairing roadways and highways, bicycle paths, or any public transportation system already in place on July 12, 2005 -- such as the city bus system.

This is the straightest answer I ever got on this question.

Right on. OK. That is quite satisfactory.

Comment from: Ladyluck [Visitor]
Hi Councilman, with the price of oil going and the increase in population here I think rail is a necessity for the islands. Since rail won't be up and running for some time, is it possible to create more bus lanes. People might be more apt to ride the bus if they knew they would reach their destination on time. Because the bus travels with the rest of traffic pick up and drop off times can be unpredictable. Is this a possibility?

------

Aloha, Lady Luck. Thank you for the great question. We tried that in 2003, but the majority of the Council rejected it. It was called Bus Rapid Transit, if you recall. The problem with focusing on buses alone is that they add to highway and street congestion and are stuck in the same traffic. As for adding more bus lanes, the people in downtown Honolulu and Waikiki have said they don't want the City to remove any car lanes to accommodate more buses.

Comment from: Angus [Visitor]
Councilman,

Given the state's obsession with the motor-vehicle, how can we present the rail system as not just a "way to get more cars off the road so I can drive faster," solution but a "Hey, that rail will save me money and time" solution? Has the City Council thought of any subsidies or other bait to lure people into using the rail once it is used?

---------

Hi, Angus. I really believe the greatest incentive is when people are stuck in traffic and see the transit system working smoothly.

Sorry, folks! We’re out of time, Thanks to all of you who participated in today’s Hot Seat. And a special thanks to City Councilman Nestor Garcia, for making time to chat with our readers.

Be sure to watch for excerpts of this community conversation in Sunday’s Focus Section.

And check this spot later today to find out who next week’s Hot Seat guest will be. Stay tuned.

Councilman,
Does the Honolulu International Airport have any place in the rail system? Last time I checked, it was not connected to the airport in any way. If this is the case, what are the justifications? In my opinion, a rail system that doesn't take advantage of the airport is missing out on a huge economic benefit and possible additional justification for the project.

Aloha, everyone and mahalo for this opportunity to talk issues with you. I've really enjoyed myself. If you would like to chat with me further, please e-mail me at ngarcia@honolulu.gov, or go to my website at www.honolulu.gov/council/d9.

Aloha,
Nestor

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Councilman Garcia
We have followed this long hard fight on the best solution for our Island. We would like to know if you are aware of the hidden cost that would over burden the tax payers of Hawaii? I've lived on the mainland for a number of years and you think our traffic is bad? Well Hawaii's not even close to the mainland traffic problems. What about the sewer system, land fill and just keeping our roads in working order. We feel that your voice and decision is important as a Council member. I hope the Mayor will just do his job and let the Council do their's. After all I followed the Mayors political career and if he is the same person as he was in his earlier years, he was very bullish and wanted to get his way all the time. I hope he will not influence any of the council members, although there are speculations that he is being hard nosed about the rail and trying to influence some of the council members by using hard nosed tactics! Nestor, Just do what you have to do, but think about the people of Hawaii and Keep Hawaii Paradise!

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