THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

109

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

  

STATE OF HAWAII

  
   

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

requesting a study on the feasibility of establishing an inter-island ferry system between the islands of moloka‘i, lana‘i, and maui.

 

WHEREAS, there currently is no inter-island ferry to transport passengers between all the islands of the State of Hawai‘i; and

WHEREAS, the existing inter-island ferries only provide limited routes between Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lana‘i; and

WHEREAS, due to the lack of a inter-island ferry system, residents and visitors are forced to travel by air between the islands; and

WHEREAS, fares have increased for inter-island flights because of rising fuel costs and the events of September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, while there are relatively numerous flights between the major islands of the State, there are very few options for travelers to the less populated islands, such as Lana‘i and Moloka‘i; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for the establishment of a broad based inter-island ferry system to serve the less populated islands of the State; and

WHEREAS, chapter 268, Hawai‘i 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, there are several potential sources of funds to implement an inter-island ferry system, including existing surpluses in special funds administered by the Department of Transportation, passenger charges, and possibly federal transportation assistance; and

WHEREAS, the development of an inter-island ferry would present a new and striking way to showcase Hawai‘i'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 Senate of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawai‘i, Regular Session of 2003, that the Department of Transportation is requested to study the feasibility of establishing an inter-island ferry system between the islands of Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, and Maui; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the feasibility study 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 the ferry system;

(5) The feasibility of allowing a private contractor to establish and operate the 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 county;

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

(7) The resolution of any other issues relating to the establishment and operation of a ferry system between Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, and Maui; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is requested to consult with appropriate transportation and other officials from Maui County 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 2004; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation and the Mayor of Maui County.

 

 
 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Ferry System Between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai; Feasibility Study