Anti rail is anti transportation. 
Everyone knows that the main issue is too many single use drivers have congested the roadways with way too many vehicles. 
Advents in technology like self autonomous driven vehicles will only enable better urban development planning as I have witnessed in many metropolitan cities with ridesharing options. 
The egotistical wanderings of anti rail sentiments is moreso based upon speculation not on the success of many domestic rail systems including other island metropolitan environments.
The cost is irrelevant at birth for its growth from infancy is the forefront investment toward the transportation needs of the future generations. 
I still believe that one day the key holding individuals vision would improve and focus enough to realize to extend with surface street level rail to the west side and to waikiki. Because having the route of way through less developed region promotes responsible planning.