To date I have never seen a newspaper article analyze the passenger aspect of the rail--how many people need to go from where to where?  This should be the major consideration in planning!  It would seem that more people need to go to the University than to Ala Moana, but maybe not.  How about a map showing the traffic patterns, including how many people are on the buses?  "Public-private partnership" is not some fairy godmother who will appear and save this project.  It is public transportation and should be owned by the people.  If there is only enough money to go to Middle Street for now, do that.  But also put in serious, very frequent bus service from there to all the places people need to go.  Then extend the rail in the future, when funding comes available.  And next time make realistic estimates and construction schedules.