STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1090

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: H.B. No. 85

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Government Operations, to which was referred H.B. No. 85, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HARBORS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to exclude Piers 1 and 2 from the Kakaako Community Development District.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, ILWU Local 142, Aloha Cargo Transport, Young Brothers, Limited, Matson Navigation Company, Hawaii Ship Agents Association, Hawaii Stevedores, Inc., and three individuals. Testimony in opposition was received from the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Comments were received from the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Your Committee notes the difference of opinion as to whether Honolulu's main waterfront should be a part of the comprehensive development plan for the Kakaako area or be under the jurisdiction of the DOT. There are currently two significant and perhaps irreconcilable approaches to planning for Honolulu Harbor. One approach would emphasize cargo shipping, container space, and related parking. The other approach would emphasize holistic planning to meld the waterfront with the surrounding community development. The latter approach would plan for cruise ships and terminals. Both uses are of utmost importance. As an island state, Hawaii depends upon moving cargo and people in a constant stream of economic flow. The main artery of this flow is Pier 1 and Pier 2. The root of the problem is a lack of space.

Your Committee urges the DOT to plan prudently for Hawaii's future by ensuring there are sufficient cargo ship and container facilities, if not at Honolulu Harbor then at Barbers Point and Kalaeloa. Your Committee is passing out this measure on the basis that Hawaii must maintain the flow of shipping into and out of the State. Shipping is the lifeline of our citizens.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment and changing the effective date to upon approval.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 85, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 85, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Government Operations,

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair