Appropriates funds to establish and implement a permanent intra-island water ferry transportation system. The department of transportation to work collaboratively with the counties, the federal government, and interested public and private parties in establishing and implementing the system. (HB1640 HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that alternative methods of commuting must be pursued to alleviate the traffic demands of a growing population statewide, but particularly on the island of Oahu. The legislature also finds that Act 221, Session Laws of Hawaii 1998, authorized the department of transportation (DOT) to implement an intra-island water ferry transportation system. Subsequently, DOT conducted an intra-island water ferry transportation system demonstration project, that has since ended.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to establish and implement a permanent intra-island water ferry transportation system that is contingent on collaborative efforts among DOT, the counties, the federal government, and other interested parties from the public and private sectors.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002 to establish and implement a permanent intra-island water ferry transportation system; provided that the department of transportation shall work collaboratively with the counties, the federal government, and other interested parties from the public and private sectors in establishing and implementing the permanent intra-island water ferry transportation system.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.