Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 179 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of developing an access road on the southern end of Kawaihae Harbor to provide access to boating facilities and beachfronts in the area, and erecting a fence to separate the commercial side of Kawaihae Harbor from the recreational and public activities.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Kawaihae Harbor is a port located approximately 28 miles north of Kona Airport and is one of two commercial deep-draft harbors currently serving the Island of Hawaii. Your Committee finds that Hawaii's geographical location requires that nearly all imported goods arrive via island ports, including Kawaihae Harbor, which plays a vital role in the transportation of goods from around the State to the Island of Hawaii.

Kawaihae Harbor serves commercial and recreational users. Your Committee further finds that access to Kawaihae Harbor has been restricted during weekdays because of increased harbor security, with the main entrance being monitored by a guard on Saturdays and Sundays and the second entrance being entirely closed to the general public. This restricted access has prevented the public from accessing the shoreline and public recreational facilities during the week.

According to testimony of the DOT, it plans to initiate efforts to update all commercial harbor master plans statewide. The first part of the effort will likely focus on Honolulu Harbor and Kawaihae Harbor. The entry of Hawaii Superferry would increase usage of those harbors and would necessitate additional cargo area operations. However, your Committee wishes to impress upon the DOT the importance of accommodating recreational users in the master plan, and most importantly, to provide for safe passage of commercial and recreational boats.

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 H.C.R. No. 179, and recommends its adoption.