Concerned about rail? Affordable housing? Traffic?

In everything from roads to bikepaths, from zoning to permit approvals, and in matters great and small, city leaders have sought the input of the neighborhood boards.

It's one of the many ways citizens can have a say in what gets done on O'ahu.

If that appeals to your sense of civic responsibility, here's your chance to get involved.

With 444 vacancies, O'ahu's neighborhood boards need you.

It's true that what happens at the grassroots level is often overshadowed by the actions that take place in the more visible City Council chambers.

But most often, before these issues find their way to the Council they have been given a thorough hearing at the local neighborhood board level. If you've ever wanted to advise the city's decisionmakers on important city matters, this is your chance.

After a year when the neighborhood boards have been criticized for being ineffective and disorganized, fresh perspectives and new leadership are needed more than ever.

So, if you've got the time and the will, get involved. You can make a difference.