The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii has released a new study, Debunking Honolulu Rail Transit Myths, which sheds new light on the proposed multi-billion dollar Oahu heavy rail system. Now available on the Institute's web site, it uses US Census and Department of Energy data to show that the City and County of Honolulu is incorrect in its communications about public transit in general and rail in particular.

"Using taxpayer money, the supporters of rail have spread misinformation about the largest proposed construction project in the history of our state," said Grassroot Institute President Jamie Story. "One example is the city's claim that it was required by the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) to spend tax dollars on educating the public about the project with television, radio and print ads. After spending $2.6 million it was recently confirmed that the FTA has no such requirement. And that's just one example of unsubstantiated facts used to railroad this project through over the concerns of taxpayers," she said.

The Debunking Honolulu Rail Transit Myths study found that:

• In the USA, the percentage share of public transportation usage has decreased in the great majority of metropolitan areas where rail has been built, while the share of car commuting has increased.

• The energy necessary to build a rail system offsets any forecasted energy savings. Portland’s environmental impact statement, for example, estimates its system would need 172 years of savings—moving commuters from cars to rail—in order to make up for energy used during construction.

• Rail transit has about the same energy efficiency per passenger mile as the most popular commute option—cars. And cars are being replaced constantly by more efficient models.

• The estimated CO2 output per passenger mile of rail, buses and the average car are presently almost the same. With the advent of hybrid and other technologies the average car will soon surpass rail as a 'greener' transportation option.

Please see the study at: http://www.grassrootinstitute.org/Publications/GRIH_Study_1008.pdf

The mission of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is to promote individual liberty, free market economic principles and limited, more accountable government. With research papers, policy briefings, commentaries and conferences, the Institute seeks to educate and inform Hawaii's citizens and policymakers on issues vital to Hawaii's future.

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