Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 12, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to express legislative support for increasing the depth of Barbers Point Harbor to 45 feet in a single dredging operation rather than in phases.

Paradise Cruises, Ltd., testified in support of this measure. The Department of Transportation supported the intent of this measure.

Your Committee finds that it is imperative that at least one port on Oahu has a deep draft. Currently, Honolulu Harbor has a draft of 40 feet and as such can only accommodate vessels with a draft of no more than 40 feet. However, some cargo ships and cruise ships have a draft of between 35 and 45 feet when fully loaded. Having a deep draft harbor to accommodate these vessels will relieve the pressure on Honolulu Harbor, which is operating at close to capacity, and will also help Hawaii diversify its economy.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 12, S.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.