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 S.B. No. 245, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to transfer jurisdiction and operation of the vanpool program to the respective counties in which the program is in operation.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Department of Transportation. Testimony in opposition was received from the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services, Vanpool Hawaii, Leeward Oahu Transportation Management Association, and two individuals. Comments were received from one individual.

Your Committee views this measure as a home rule issue. For years the counties have requested more autonomy over programs and operations that they view as uniquely local.

According to testimony of the DOT, it is in the process of advertising for a request for proposals to operate the vanpool program. It is anticipated that there will be an operator for the program selected by April 1, 2004. Your Committee has amended this measure accordingly by commencing the transfer on January 1, 2005.

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 245, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 245, S.D. 2.