The owner of a Jacuzzi and bathroom accessory store says brining the rail line to the airport makes more sense. “For the people that normally would take a car here they could take the rail system,” said Bruce Okimoto, owner of T. Oki Trading on Waiwai Loop.

According to the city’s draft environmental impact statement properties located near transit stations could actually increase in value, something Okimoto experienced first hand when he lived in Japan. “Wherever you have a station,” said Okimoto, “the rent around that area is much more expensive.”

Other businesses like El’s Auto Body and Paint see the possibility of an airport route for rail as a chance to improve sales. “Might be a plus for us as far as exposure,” said company president El Ranon, who voted in favor of rail during the November 4th election.

The airport route is estimated to cost $226 million more then the Salt Lake Boulevard route according to the city’s environmental study. If left unchanged, the entire 20-mile elevated rail line from East Kapolei to Ala Moana is expected to cost $4.3 billion in 2008 dollars.

On 12th November, in a 7-1 vote the City Council gave preliminary approval for the plans to link the route to the airport.

Andrew Pereira, Khon2

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