HCR34

Report Title:

Inter-island Ferry System; DOT Feasibility Study

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	34
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

requesting the department of transportation to study the feasibility of establishing an inter-island ferry system between all of the islands.

WHEREAS, the department of transportation has recently completed a demonstration project to implement an intra-island water ferry transportation system on Oahu pursuant to Act 221, Session Laws of Hawaii 1998; and

WHEREAS, the intra-island ferry is premised upon the transportation of commuters during peak traffic periods, although it may be used for other revenue-generating purposes during non-peak periods; and

WHEREAS, although an intra-island ferry for the island of Oahu is a worthwhile endeavor, there is a need for the establishment of a broader based inter-island ferry system for all of the major islands; and

WHEREAS, chapter 268, Hawaii Revised Statutes, already provides the statutory authorization for the department of transportation to operate an inter-island ferry system or contract for a privately operated ferry or ferry system; make investigations and surveys to obtain information relative to the acquisition, construction, or operation of the ferry or ferry facilities; and issue bonds to acquire, construct, and improve that system; and

WHEREAS, an inter-island ferry system could be used primarily for the transportation of tourists, and incidentally for the reduction of traffic, promotion of development, and facilitation of transportation statewide; and

WHEREAS, the development of an inter-island ferry would present a new and striking way to showcase Hawaii's ocean environment to both residents and visitors in a more leisurely and direct way than inter-island air travel; and

WHEREAS, the development of an inter-island ferry system is an important step in both promoting tourism and facilitating transportation statewide; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2001, the Senate concurring, that the department of transportation is requested to study the feasibility of establishing an inter-island ferry system between all of the islands; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department's feasibility study is requested to include a review of the following:

(1) The number of ferry terminals that would be constructed, including whether inter-island ferries may share terminals that have been constructed for intra-island ferries;

(2) Whether federal funds could be requested and used for the construction of ferry terminals and ferries;

(3) Proposed routes and schedules to maximize ridership and revenue;

(4) The estimated cost for the establishment and operation of an inter-island ferry system;

(5) The feasibility of allowing a private contractor to establish and operate the inter-island ferry system, or entering into a public-private partnership for this purpose, to provide for the operation of the system at no cost or nominal cost to the State and counties;

(6) Appropriate incentives for operating inter-island ferries, including statutory incentives such as those provided for operating inter-island ferry service between Molokai and Maui pursuant to section 200-9(c), Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

(7) The resolution of any other issues relating to the establishment and operation of an inter-island ferry system;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of transportation is requested to consult with appropriate transportation and tourism officials on each of the islands that would be served by an inter-island ferry system to obtain their input on proposed routes, appropriate siting of terminals, and related matters; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of transportation is requested to report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2002; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation and the Mayors and Chairpersons of the County Councils of the respective counties.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________