Honolulu residents last night had their first opportunity to speak out on mass transit since the city announced a preference for rail. They had plenty to say.

Eight of the first 10 speakers at a public meeting sponsored by the City Council's Transportation Committee voiced opposition to the rail plan, mostly on the basis of its proposed $3.6 billion to $4.8 billion estimated cost.

Support for rail at the McKinley High School meeting came largely from University of Hawai'i-Manoa students, who said it was essential that the city build a full 28-mile elevated rail line from Kalaeloa to Manoa.

"I oppose rail only because it's so costly and won't affect traffic congestion at all," said Katherine Kupukaa, one of the first speakers. "Why spend all that money when there are plenty of better alternatives, like a toll road?"

"Rail is just not going to work," added Wai'anae resident Michael Simpson. "We already have a good bus system in our area, but few people use it."

Simpson drew a loud round of applause from about 75 people in the audience when he completed his one-minute remarks by telling council members: "All I ask is that you put this before the voters before you decide. It should not be left up to the politicians, because we can't afford a $5 billion mistake."

The council is expected to decide on a new mass transit system for O'ahu by the end of the year. Although it is officially still considering four alternatives, Mayor Mufi Hannemann and many on the council have voiced their preference for an elevated rail line over managed traffic lanes and improved bus service.

In a 35-minute video presentation at the start of last night's meeting, Hannemann urged residents to support the rail alternative. "Tell your council members that there's a need for them to make a decision on rail and route this year," he said near the end of the video.

Many in the audience, however, said they oppose rail.

"Last year they were talking about a $2 billion rail. Now it's up to $3.6 billion, and that's just in one year. That should raise a huge red flag," said Dr. Michael Uechi, a Honolulu urologist.

The city is recommending that the the council choose between two alternatives. One, a 20-mile, $3.6 billion project, would run from Kapolei to Ala Moana; the longer, more expensive ($4.8 billion) proposal would extend from Kalaeloa to Manoa.

Michelle Jaffe, a University of Hawai'i student, said she and many friends and fellow students support the longer rail system, even if it means they will be the ones paying for it for many years to come.

"We want rail, and that means a complete rail system that goes all the way to Manoa and can be used by everyone in the urban core," she said.

The council's Transportation Committee is planning six more public hearings throughout O'ahu in the next two weeks.

"The plan is to engage the public, engage the public, engage the public," said committee chairman Romy Cachola. "It's the biggest public works project in the history of the state, and it's always better to get the public's input before you act."

Reach Mike Leidemann at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.