And while we need to work on the granular details, like Council Member Fukunaga's bill, we also need to create a long term vision that finds a way to reverse the decades-long subsidy for cars.  This means we need to start taxing carbon.   And while we're at it, we have to ensure the current plans for the train are completed and that policies and financing are put in place to ensure that it expands to include UH, Waikiki, Kapolei, the Salt Lake leg etc.  That means we need to bite the bullet and finally guarantee long-term financing, whether by extending the 0.5% GET surcharge, or by creating Tax Increment Finance areas along the rail route, or by requiring developers to subsidize rail in return for enhanced development rights or by raising property taxes.  It's a difficult conversation, but if we are to seriously plan for our future it's a conversation that can no longer be dodged.  It should be a conversation that engages everyone, not just a few elected officials.