GOVERNOR LINGLE SIGNS PETITION TO LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE ON RAIL

For Immediate Release:  July 12, 2008

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced she has signed a petition to allow O‘ahu voters the opportunity to decide whether or not they want a rail transit system.  The Governor did not advocate a position for or against the current rail plan, and is remaining neutral at this time on whether people should vote “yes” or “no” on the ballot issue.

“My reason for signing this petition is to give the people of O‘ahu the opportunity to make an informed decision on what will be the most expensive project in state history,” said Governor Lingle. 

The Governor’s support for putting the rail issue before voters is consistent with her long-standing position of letting the people decide on major public policy decisions such as local school boards and whether or not to hold a Constitutional Convention.  

Governor Lingle’s past support of rail transit has not changed.  She believes a rail system could be a viable transportation alternative for the island.  She has not weighed in on the City’s current rail transit plan up until this point, other than to express her opinion that if a rail system is built, it should include a route to the airport, which the Mayor has since proposed adding to the plan.

Given that the rail transit system would be the largest construction project ever undertaken in the State’s history, the Governor believes every citizen has a long-term stake.  She believes it is critical that the public have an opportunity to take part in this important issue that likely will shape O‘ahu’s future for generations and have long-term fiscal implications for the entire state.  

####

For more information, contact:

Lenny Klompus

Senior Advisor – Communications

Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang

Chief of Media Relations

Phone: (808) 586-0043