Report Title:

Federal Stimulus Funds; Double-Deck H-1; Pearl Harbor Tunnel

 

Description:

Requires the State to prioritize the use of any federal economic stimulus package funds for double-decking the H-1 freeway and to finance construction of the Pearl Harbor tunnel.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

356

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

Relating to state finances.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State is undergoing a significant and possibly protracted economic downturn in tandem with the national and global economic and financial crises.  Numerous jobs have been lost, a number of large and small companies have declared bankruptcy or left the State, and many families have suffered foreclosure on their over-mortgaged houses.  In the past year, the council on revenues has consistently reduced its forecasts of Hawaii's tax revenues.  Across-the-board spending restrictions have already been put in place in state government, and a general hiring freeze has already been implemented except in areas that impact public health and safety.

     In recognition of this situation throughout the United States, there is widely expected a federal economic stimulus package of aid for distribution to the states.  In anticipation of these federal funds, the legislature finds that it is necessary to prioritize the use of these moneys to address the State's critical transportation needs.

     The purpose of this Act is to prioritize the expenditure of any federal economic stimulus package of aid for the construction of a submerged vehicular tunnel under Pearl Harbor connecting the Ewa plain to downtown Honolulu and to doubledeck the H-1 freeway in the leeward Oahu area.

     SECTION 2.  If any federal funds become available to the State under any federal economic stimulus package of aid to the states, priority for expenditures of those funds shall be assigned to:

     (1)  Construction of a submerged vehicular tunnel under Pearl Harbor connecting the Ewa plain to downtown Honolulu; and

     (2)  Doubledecking the H-1 freeway in the leeward area of Oahu.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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