Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNLRail groups closely watch results

By Zahid Arab - bio | email

HONOLULU- (KHNL) Both pro and anti rail groups gathered at their respective headquarters election night, watching results closely to see which way voters would side.

Down to the wire, a trolley is how "Go Rail Go" group volunteers get the word out about supporting rail mass transit.

"We're optimistic," said Campaign Manager Justin Fanslau.

Over at "Stop Rail Now" headquarters things are just as busy.

"We've been out canvassing, distributing brochures door to door. I hit about 600 homes in Makiki in the last week," said Co-Chair Dennis Callan.

Hours later as the last polls close, groups eagerly anticipate the first print out. Rail takes the early lead.

"My motto is always you never count your chickens before they hatch and you always wait for what comes up so this is very exciting," said Deputy Field Director Molly Lipka.

Back at "Stop Rail Now," a quieter, calmer crowd watches close. Controversy over the release of the proposed rail's environmental impact statement just days ago, has the anti-rail group questioning if any early voter was completely informed about the issue.

"There's a lot of things that went on in the last few weeks where the early voters would have not understood so we just have to really wait," said Co-Chair Cliff Slater.

The final votes eventually fuel victory for the city and county of Honolulu's Charter Rail Amendment. At a cost of $4.28 billion, those against the project say their fight to prevent the project from pushing forward is far from over.