Report Title:

Fixed Rail System; Implementation; Land Banking; DOT

Description:

Requires the Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, to develop an action plan for implementation of a fixed rail transit system on Oahu. Requires the DOT to begin process of acquiring land for the fixed rail system.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

464

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to implementation of a fixed rail transit system.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the traffic situation in downtown Honolulu, especially during morning and evening rush hours, remains intolerable. At the present rate of growth and development, the transportation needs of Honolulu commuters will soon exceed the capabilities of the existing highway system. Many solutions have been proposed to address peak rush hour traffic congestion, but so far no wide-scale traffic alleviation measures have been implemented.

The legislature also finds that action must be taken to address the traffic congestion and other transportation-related problems for Oahu. In 1992, the city and county of Honolulu explored the feasibility of developing a fixed rail system to ease Oahu's traffic congestion. After a lengthy period of study and planning, the project was not ultimately approved by the Honolulu city council.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of transportation to develop an action plan for the implementation of a fixed rail transit system, and to begin acquiring land for the project once the site has been selected.

SECTION 2. The department of transportation, in conjunction with the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, shall develop an action plan for the implementation of a fixed rail transit system for Oahu, describing site selection and feasibility, structure of the transit operations and facility development, economic analyses and financing, permits and approvals, and design and construction. The department shall submit the plan to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2004 regular session.

SECTION 3. Immediately upon selection of the site for the fixed rail transit system, the department of transportation shall initiate proceedings, through the State's eminent domain powers or direct negotiation, to acquire the land necessary to implement the fixed rail system.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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