It's been a tumultuous four years at the Honolulu City Council. The city struggled with critical and complex issues — among them traffic and the rail system, sustainability, sewer and other infrastructure problems. These continuing challenges demand a council with strong, experienced leaders to move Ho-nolulu forward.

The incumbents up for re-election in November began their term working to cope with a disastrous sewer-line failure near Waikiki and the need to boost sewer fees to repair the terribly decayed system. With rising property taxes and an added tax to pay for a fixed-guideway transit system, the need to balance tax relief with providing essential city services has become more important than ever.

Other contentious issues range from curbside recycling to vacation rentals. And there was, of course, the rail debate, dominating discourse of the past year.

As tough as that's been, the next four years will be tougher. Especially if the rail project proceeds as expected, veterans will be needed to guide the community through transit-oriented development planning, cope with anticipated economic strains and help the city continue its move toward a more sustainable island plan.

There are four contested races, in which the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election; however, for races with more than two candidates, one can be elected outright in the primary by garnering more than half the vote.

DISTRICT 1 ('EWA TO MAKUA)

Todd Apo, currently the council's vice chairman and budget chairman, has served capably in both those roles, consulting broadly to arrive at a property tax system that balances budgetary needs with tax relief.

He also has worked on the H-Power expansion to benefit the community at large, and on Kapolei Parkway, North-South Road and Fort Weaver Road projects for the district.

DISTRICT 9 (WAIPAHU, MILILANI, MAKAKILO)

Apo and Nestor Garcia, his Central O'ahu counterpart, have been outspoken supporters of the rail project, as well as the bus and ferry services; their constituents rank traffic at the top of their list of woes.

Garcia heads the key transportation committee, and has worked closely with the Waipahu community, the first to begin the critical planning to ensure transit development fits their community. He's also meeting with District 9 residents to see that the city's "sustainable communities" plan provides the infrastructure to support the population growth.

Both deserve re-election by their constituents.

DISTRICT 3 (KANE'OHE, KAILUA, WAIMANALO)

So does Barbara Marshall, the council chair. Marshall has opposed the rail project, fearing that cost overruns will outweigh its benefits. Many of her Windward O'ahu constituents agree, but her primary service to her district lies elsewhere.

She has gamely grappled with the divisive issue of vacation rentals. Her proposals still sit in the council's zoning committee, but they're the best attempt yet at enforceable restrictions. And she cites her work on "circuit-breaker" rules limiting property taxes on lower-income groups, and on the plan to save Waimea from development.

DISTRICT 7 (ALIAMANU, AIRPORT, KALIHI)

Romy Cachola also should rejoin his colleagues at City Hall this year, although his performance during the rail debate was a disappointment.

During the key vote on the transit route, the council veteran decided to use his support as a bargaining chip to shift the alignment closer to his constituency, sacrificing the crucial link with the airport.

In other ways, however, Cachola's parochial bent has served his community well. He continues to be an advocate for business through the "enterprise zone" initiative between Sand Island and Kaka'ako. Residents report Cachola to be accessible and responsive to community needs; he has earned the votes he doubtlessly will receive from them.

Of course, there have been times when political newcomers have managed the steep learning curve the City Council demands. During this precipitous period of city growth and redevelopment, however, Honolulu needs its most experienced hands on deck.