STAND. COM. REP. NO.  319-12

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2012

 

RE:   H.B. No. 2005

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 2005 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of present security practices at Hawaii's airports and harbors by providing funding to the Department of Transportation to hire a consultant to conduct a study and make recommendations to the Department about systems and technologies the Department can implement to enhance present security practices that provide cost savings by using the latest security systems and technologies.

 

     A concerned individual testified in support of this measure.  The Department of Transportation testified in opposition to this measure.

 

     As an island state, and one of the most isolated land masses in the world, Hawaii relies on its airports and harbors to serve as a lifeline for the transportation of people and commerce between our State and the rest of the world.  Unlike most areas in the continental United States, long-distance, land based transportation of people and goods is not an option in Hawaii.  As such, Hawaii's airports and harbors play a vital role in the State's economy.  This is particularly true with Hawaii's primary economic driver, tourism.

 

     As a result of the September 11th attacks on the United States, there were, and continue to be, efforts made to improve and increase security at airports and harbors nationwide.  While your Committee notes that the Hawaii Department of Transportation currently works with a number of stakeholders in maintaining and enforcing security of the airports and harbors, it is critically important that the Department be proactive in seeking to ensure its use of the best and latest technology to enhance present security practices.  This will help to deter and detect possible terrorist attacks and also protect Hawaii's image as a safe visitor and business destination.  Your Committee also finds that in implementing the latest security technology, the Department may realize economic benefits as well, since more advanced and efficient security systems may lower security costs while maintaining appropriate security coverage.

 

     However, your Committee understands the concerns raised regarding the spending of funds for a study to be completed during these austere economic times.  Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by deleting the funds appropriated to hire a consultant to conduct a study and make recommendations to the Department about systems and technologies the Department can implement to enhance present security practices at lower costs.  As amended, the Department, with the assistance of a security consultant if the Department so chooses, would simply be required to submit a report to the Legislature on providing the latest and best security technology at Hawaii's harbors and airports to detect and prevent terrorist activity.

 

     Technical, nonsubstantive amendments were also made for clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     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. 2005, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2005, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

JOSEPH M. SOUKI, Chair