STAND. COM. REP. 120

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: H.B. No. 1064

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 1064 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to alleviate traffic demands on public roadways, especially on the island of Oahu. Specifically, this bill:

(1) Makes an appropriation for the establishment and implementation of a permanent intra-island water ferry transportation system; and

(2) Requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to work collaboratively with the counties, federal government, and other interested parties from the public and private sector to establish this water ferry system.

Current statewide population growth continues to push highways and public roadways to the point of capacity. The lack of a quick and reliable alternative method of commuting other than the bus system on Oahu only adds to the demands placed on state and county roadways. One method of relieving this pressure is through the use of an intra-island water ferry system.

The Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii submitted testimony in support of this bill. DOT supported the intent of this measure.

Your Committee notes that an intra-island water ferry demonstration project was completed by DOT and that the economic feasibility of this commuter ferry could not be substantiated. Nevertheless, alternative methods of mass transit need to be pursued and this measure warrants further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1064 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Water, Land Use, and Hawaiian Affairs.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

 

____________________________

JOSEPH M. SOUKI, Chair