Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann reiterated today that he would consider supporting a charter amendment putting the issue of whether to build a commuter rail line on the November ballot.

The city council is considering two transit-related charter amendments. One would ask voters in November whether the city shall "establish a steel wheel on steel rail transit system." The other asks voter whether the city should create a public transit authority. The proposed transit authority would oversee design, construction and operation of the $3.7 billion, 20-mile commuter rail, which would link East Kapolei to Ala Moana.

Hannemann said he would support placing both questions before voters, depending on the wording of the amendments.

"I would endorse language that would put the Public Transit Authority and the overall question of whether to proceed with rail transit together," Hannemann said. "This is the clearest and most sensible way to present this issue to voters."

The announcement follows yesterday's 9-0 vote by the city council to put the question before the electorate. That was the first of three votes needed to adopt the measure.

On Friday, Hannemann said in response to media inquiries, "As I've stated previously, if at least six Council members are able to agree on a proposed Charter Amendment, we would certainly give it serious consideration. We look forward to discussing this issue, and other ideas on transportation-related Charter proposals, with the entire Council."

A hearing on those charter amendments is scheduled for the council's Executive Matters Committee meeting on Wednesday.