The problem with the anti-rail initiative drive is not that it is ambitious but that it will accomplish too little in terms of alternatives to gridlock.

At least there's this much clarity: People who visit the Web site learn exactly what the goal is simply by typing in the address: www.stoprailnow.com. Stop Rail Now is all about stopping a project and delivers absolutely nothing in the way of transit solutions.

In forms currently downloadable online, the written instructions make it clear that success would mean simply asking voters: Shall an ordinance be adopted to prohibit trains and rail transit in the City and County of Honolulu?

This, according to the instructions to volunteers, is "a necessary first step in restoring voters' control over the rail transit controversy."

That's misleading. It would certainly sabotage Honolulu's latest shot at securing federal mass-transit funds in about 15 years. But that's not "control." That's merely "obstruction."

Actual control would revert to elected city officials. And with the majority favoring a fixed guideway system of some kind, it's hard to imagine what they could come up with as a workable alternative, once their hands are tied.

The alternatives have all been studied extensively, but little of that detailed study is available at Stop Rail Now.

The organizers are avowed supporters of the High Occupancy Toll lanes, such as those in Tampa, Fla. A pop-up window opens from the site to display an idealized artist's rendering of the lanes.

For those concerned about aesthetics, it's interesting that photos depicting the massive structure aren't shown. Nor are there details, such as how unlikely federal funds will be available for HOT lanes.

Honolulu needs a transit solution that moves people, not cars.

Other alternative strategies listed by the group include underpasses at congested intersections, adjusted traffic-signal timing and telecommuting. Even combined, none of these efforts comes close to an adequate solution to Honolulu's major traffic woes.

And have cost-conscious voters been given an accurate figure of total expenses, including all the street-widening that will be needed to accommodate all the extra vehicles? Not from Stop Rail Now, they haven't.

Volunteers are instructed that the "petition signer must read the petition and acknowledge that they understand the content."

But will they understand that they're blocking one solution and getting nothing adequate in its place?