Bill Text: HI HB1239 | 2012 | Regular Session | Amended

---

Bill Title: Transportation; State Ferry System

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2011-12-01 - Carried over to 2012 Regular Session. [HB1239 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2012-HB1239-Amended.html

---

 

 

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 885

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 1239

       H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation and International Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1239, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FERRIES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to enhance transportation between the Hawaiian Islands by:

 

     (1)  Establishing the Hawaii State Ferry System Authority to develop the Hawaii State Ferry System that will transport passengers and cargo between the Hawaiian Islands;

 

     (2)  Establishing the Hawaii State Ferry System Special Fund to operate the Hawaii State Ferry System; and

 

     (3)  Appropriating funds for the start-up and operation of the Hawaii State Ferry System.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Sea Link of Hawaii.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and one individual.

 

    

 

     Your Committee finds that viable agriculture in Hawaii is dependent upon an efficient, reliable, and affordable transportation system.  With the individual islands of Hawaii separated by vast expanses of water, and given that agricultural production areas are distant from population centers, the goal of increased self-sufficiency for the State is dependent upon a sound transportation system.  The Hawaii State Ferry System contemplated by this measure provides an option that merits further exploration.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1239, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and International Affairs,

 

		____________________________ J. KALANI ENGLISH, Chair