HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2762

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to ferries.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the traffic in the State is consistently ranked among the worst in the nation with drivers spending an average of eighty-eight hours a year in congestion.  Congestion not only increases commute time but also results in an economic loss of millions of dollars and environmental costs contributing to air pollution.  A water ferry system in the State, especially on the west side of Oahu, would reduce traffic congestion on the roadways and make better use of our waterways.

     The legislature further finds that the department of land and natural resources manages the State's aquatic resources as well as oversees all boating and ocean recreation in the State.  The department has the ability and authority to undertake environmental impact statements on behalf of the State and to protect the State's interests.  An environmental impact statement is needed to implement a ferry system in the State.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources to conduct any necessary environmental impact statements to enable the department of transportation to fully implement a Hawaii state ferry system.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 268, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§268-    Provision for an environmental impact statement.  (a)  The department of land and natural resources shall conduct any necessary environmental impact statements pursuant to Chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for an inter-island or intra-island ferry system authorized by this chapter.

     (b)  Any private ferry system currently in operation or created in the future may utilize environmental impact statements conducted pursuant to subsection (a) for future operations."

SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax pursuant to section 243-3.5 the sum of $                or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2017-2018 to carry out the purpose of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


Report Title:

Ferry System; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Environmental Impact Statement.

 

Description:

Requires the department of land and natural resources to conduct any necessary environmental impact statements to enable the department of transportation to fully implement a Hawaii state ferry system.  Makes an appropriation.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.