At-grade rail was only feasible Ewa of Chinatown, by utilizing the OR&L right-of-way, closing side streets, grade-separating major thoroughfares, and fencing off the 40 ft. right-of-way. At-grade rail from central Honolulu to Ala Moana and later to UH Manoa would be a nightmare. Savings from low cost at-grade rail from just Ewa of Chinatown to Kapolei would have made a subway from downtown to Ala Moana feasible.  However, the real purpose and need for this elevated rail system is to bolster tourism, our #1 export industry, not to provide Ewa residents an alternative means of transportation. Neither at-grade rail or a subway would satisfy that purpose. The only question remaining in order to complete this elevated system is "Who is going to pay for it?" The legislature and City Council have to bite the bullet and insist that the travel industry bear a portion of the burden. It is only fair as the GET tax is very regressive and hurts those less affluent the most.