Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 142 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request that the Governor convene a task force to assess the feasibility of establishing a light rail system on Oahu.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Your Committee finds that traffic congestion on Oahu has become unbearable, and that the State must examine alternative forms of transportation, in addition to TheBus. Therefore, your Committee supports the intent of this measure, so that the feasibility of a light rail system can be explored.

Your Committee also supports the collaborative efforts of the DOT and the City and County of Honolulu through the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization to examine additional possibilities for alternative transportation. While a light rail system may be advantageous, it is not the only possibility, and your Committee finds that the State must explore every possible method for reducing our reliance on automobiles.

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. 142 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.