STAND. COM. REP. NO.2

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: H.B. No. 53

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 53 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S MARITIME RELATED USES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to provide the Harbors Division of the Department of Transportation with greater flexibility in leasing and developing harbor lands and facilities.

The Department of Transportation and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii testified in support of this measure.

Your Committee notes that Hawaii is the most maritime dependent state in the nation, critically dependent on our harbors and harbor infrastructure for receipt of supplies and goods. Our harbors also serve as an economic driver attracting vessels from the rapidly growing cruise ship industry, as well as ocean tourism activities. However, your Committee understands that the current procedures used by the Department of Transportation to lease and develop harbor lands are not conducive to the expeditious development of infrastructure that is necessary to expand Hawaii's maritime industry. This measure will allow for expedited development of these lands and facilities by expanding the types of public land leases that can be issued through direct negotiation to include disposition of public land for maritime related uses.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 53 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Water, Land Use, and Hawaiian Affairs.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

 

____________________________

JOSEPH M. SOUKI, Chair