The Honolulu City Council today voted unanimously to allow voters to decide whether to build a commuter rail system.

However, the measure faces several key hurdles including Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who could kill the effort with a veto that cannot be overridden. Hannemann has opposed a separate attempt aimed at forcing a vote on rail onto the November ballot.

The proposed amendment to the city's charter, which was introduced by councilmember Charles Djou, also faces a tight timetable if it is to pass the city's legislative process in time to allow the issue to be placed as a referendum on the November ballot. Djou's bid follows a decision by the city clerk that Stop Rail Now did not meet a deadline to place its initiative on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The resolution, which passed first reading yesterday, will have to pass two more readings before it can be adopted.

The council voted 9-0 in favor of the measure despite misgivings by pro-rail councilmembers that had previously stated that a public vote on rail was not warranted.