Mayor Mufi Hannemann today announced a scaled-down plan that connects Honolulu's planned rail system to the Honolulu International Airport at about half the cost of previous plan.

The new plan also could result in the airport connection happening much sooner than previously planned, however, Hannemann has not secured funding for the airport spur.

Under the plans, the $3.7 billion system would still run through the Salt Lake community en route to Ala Moana.

A $350 million spur would start at the airport heading diamondhead connecting with the main line at a station near Middle Street. Construction of the spur likely would not begin until around 2015, if the city can secure the needed funds.