Tourists would be able to ride the train from the airport to Ala Moana Center, where they would have a couple of options to get to Waikiki.

"One is they can disembark at the transit station and take a taxi," said Hannemann.

Or they can get on a new trolley system that will be located behind Nordstrom's. The bus is out because it doesn't allow riders with luggage.

The mayor hopes that airport spur will be enough to gain support from people who live in areas that will not otherwise be served by mass transit.

"I'm saying to you today there is something in it for you, because we are definitely planning to go to the airport. We have a plan and all we need now is a commitment of funding," said Hannemann.

In addition to the possibility of getting money from the state's airport fund, Hanneman said the state may be willing to refund the $18 million per year it is paid to collect excise taxes for the city.

"Keep in mind that this is a decision that will probably happen with the next governor," said Hannemann

That's because the funding won't be needed until 2010 at the earliest and 2015 at the latest.

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