City Council members yesterday all but finalized the framework for a proposed transit authority that would oversee design, construction and operation of Honolulu's planned commuter rail line.

The Executive Matters and Legal Affairs Committee unanimously passed a resolution proposing a City Charter amendment to create the authority. The measure is scheduled for a final vote by the council on Dec. 16. If approved, it would be put before voters next fall.

An effort to put a transit authority charter ammendment before voters last fall failed after council members were unable to agree on how much autonomy to give such an agency.

Under the resolution passed yesterday, the council would retain budget authority over the agency. Also, the transit authority would not be able to change the train's route or levy taxes.

The authority's board would be composed of 10 members, including three appointed by the City Council and three appointed by the city mayor. The state and city transportation directors also would be board members. The head of the city Department of Planning and Permitting would be a non-voting member. The board would then choose a 10th board member and hire an executive director.

The transit authority would be able to condemn land, make and execute contracts, establish fares and enter into private partnerships, among its powers. The council would have 45 days to oppose any proposed land condemnations .

City Transportation Director Wayne Yoshioka yesterday testified in support of the resolution, which was proposed by council member Donovan Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz said the proposed transit authority would formalize the participation of city planning and state transportation officials in the project's planning process.

The authority also would be subject to open-meetings laws, Dela Cruz said.

"All decisions are going to be made in meetings," he said. "Right now the decisions are made in (the Department of Transportation Services). In this case decisions have to be made by a group of people.

"One of the things you want to do is ensure public confidence in the project."

Executive Matters Committee Chairman Charles Djou said the proposed charter amendment provides the transit authority with autonomy, while preserving council oversight.

"I think it's fairly, reasonably balanced between the executive and legislative branches of government (and) you also have state government having some input here," he said.

To pass, the resolution will need the approval of at least six council members at the Dec. 16 meeting.

The city expects to break round on the proposed $5.5 billion elevated commuter train early next year. The 20-mile route would extend from East Kapolei to Ala Moana.