STAND. COM. REP. NO.1549

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2001

RE: H.B. No. 1686

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1686, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS FOR INTER-ISLAND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to authorize the issuance of special facility revenue bonds for improvements to harbor facilities on the islands of Molokai, Maui, Lanai, Hawaii, and Oahu for use by Rainbow Island Express Company, Inc. to operate interisland and intraisland ferry services.

Your Committee finds that present modes of interisland travel for residents of and visitors to our island state are insufficient. The primary method of traveling between the islands is air transportation, which is costly and, for many, a less pleasant way to travel within an island state. Furthermore, those commuting intrastate have little choice but to depend primarily on private cars or the bus system and must contend with traffic congestion and attendant problems. Your Committee finds that a fast and efficient ferry service for interisland and intraisland travel would provide a viable, pleasant alternative means of transportation for residents and visitors alike.

Although your Committee is cognizant that the Department of Transportation and Rainbow Island Express have not yet reached a final agreement for ferry services, both parties have given assurances that a final agreement would be reached prior to this bill passing both houses of the Legislature. Accordingly, your Committee supports the intent of this bill, which will enable Rainbow Island Express to create the infrastructure necessary to begin regular ferry service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1686, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair