STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1300

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.R. No. 129

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.R. No. 129 entitled:

 

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DEVELOP A PLAN FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AIRPORT AUTHORITY,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the Department of Transportation to develop a plan for the establishment of an Airport Authority.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Hawaiian Airlines, Airlines Committee of Hawaii, and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the State Procurement Office.

 

     Your Committee finds that several airports in other jurisdictions have airport authorities that are highly regarded for their efficient operation.  This operational model offers the flexibility, stability, expertise, and accountability of a private sector business along with the necessary government oversight.  An airport authority in the State would provide a degree of independence and flexibility that is enjoyed by other jurisdictions.  Your Committee believes that airport operations could be improved by the creation of an airport authority.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Inserting language urging the Department of Transportation to develop a plan for the establishment of a ports authority, rather than an airport authority, to have jurisdiction over the management, construction, operations, and finances of the State's airports and harbors;

 

     (2)  Inserting language to provide background information that more clearly articulates the purpose and intent;

 

     (3)  Inserting language to request the Department of Transportation to submit a report to the Legislature on its plan to establish a port authority;

 

     (4)  Amending its title in accordance with its amended purpose; and

 

     (5)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 129, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.R. No. 129, S.D. 1.

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair