STAND. COM. REP. NO. 238

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 1013

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation and Energy, to which was referred S.B. No. 1013 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to allow the State Department of Transportation Highways Division to collect an equitable compensation from franchise utility companies for the use of the state right of way.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that a safe, efficient, and effective highway system is essential to the safety and welfare of the public.  The State's highway system is in need of continuing repairs and maintenance which require significant funding.  As automobiles become more fuel-efficient and the demand for fuel decreases, the amount of revenues from the federal highway trust fund and the state highway fund will continue to decrease.  Therefore, it is necessary to generate increased revenues from other sources.  Allowing the Department of Transportation Highways Division to collect an equitable compensation from franchise utility companies for the use of the state right of way will help stabilize or increase revenues and provide infrastructure enhancements and remediation.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Energy that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1013 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

 

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

 

 

 

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair