Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 20 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct a study of the feasibility of establishing an inter-island ferry system between all of the islands of the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the DOT and from the Chair and four members of the Maui County Council.

Your Committee finds that because Hawaii is an island state, residents and visitors have unique transportation needs. Persons residing on and visiting neighbor islands are forced to travel between islands via airplane, as there are no other public transportation options. Your Committee finds that it is inexcusable that the State of Hawaii has no public ferry system.

While your Committee recognizes that the DOT already has the statutory authority to operate an inter-island ferry service, a feasibility study will enable the DOT to develop administrative policies relating to the implementation of any ferry system. Therefore, your Committee supports such a study as a first step in implementing a public ferry system.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 20 and recommends its adoption.