Report Title:

Hawaii Marine Highway System; Establishment

Description:

Creates the Hawaii marine highway system to be administered by the DOT. Creates Hawaii marine highway system fund. Requires DOT to adopt rules.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1030

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to the hawaii marine highway system.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that residents of the State depend almost exclusively on air transportation when traveling from one island to another. Transportation by ferry routes has always been an alternative, especially as the cost of air transport continues to increase and as local air carriers cycle through successive bankruptcies. Technology has also advanced to the point where passenger and cargo water transport can be fast and relatively comfortable.

The legislature finds that federal funding may become available to assist a state that has a marine highway system in place, such as in Alaska. The state of Alaska has designated a "highway" to include "a ferry system, whether operated solely inside the state or to connect with a Canadian highway, and any such related facility."

The purpose of the Act is to establish the Hawaii marine highway system to be administered under the department of transportation.

SECTION 2. The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Chapter

HAWAII MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM

§   -1 Hawaii marine highway system; comprehensive long-range plan. The department of transportation shall develop a comprehensive long-range plan for the development and improvement of the Hawaii marine highway system and shall revise and update that plan at least every five years. The department shall submit the long-range comprehensive plan and revisions and updates to the legislature twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2010 and every five years thereafter.

§   -2 Acquisition and maintenance of ferry terminal facilities; rules. (a) The department shall construct, purchase, or lease ferry terminal facilities in Honolulu harbor on the island of Oahu, Nawiliwili harbor on the island of Kauai, and Kahului harbor on the island of Maui for the loading and unloading of passengers and vehicles under their own power, on and off ferries. The department shall repair and maintain these facilities.

(b) The department may connect ferry terminal facilities with local highway systems.

(c) The department shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 to implement this chapter including rules to govern the use of ferry terminal facilities by the public and charging of fees for the use of ferry terminal facilities.

§   -3 Hawaii marine highway system fund. (a) There is created the Hawaii marine highway system fund in the state treasury to be administered by the department of transportation into which shall be deposited:

(1) The gross revenue of the Hawaii marine highway system;

(2) Legislative appropriations; and

(3) Gifts or grants from any public or private sources, including federal funds.

For the purpose of this section, "gross revenue" means all money, except money refunded to ticket holders and others for unused services, that is generated from the operation of the Hawaii marine highway system, including that derived from vessel operations and use of the Hawaii marine highway system facilities.

(b) The moneys in the Hawaii marine highway system fund shall be expended only for the operation and maintenance of the Hawaii marine highway system."

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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