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. 149 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to express legislative support for Hawaii Superferry, Inc., to establish an interisland ferry system in Hawaii.

This measure also requests the Department of Transportation and the Public Utilities Commission to expeditiously process the necessary certification requirements for Hawaii Superferry, Inc. It also requests assistance from Hawaii's congressional delegation to expedite Hawaii Superferry's application for Title XI guarantees from the United States Maritime Administration.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Public Utilities Commission, the Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Oahu Civil Defense Agency, Hawaii Superferry, Inc., Pineapple Growers Association, HiBEAM, Enterprise Honolulu, and Courier Corporation of Hawaii.

According to the testifiers, Hawaii Superferry could provide a low-cost, fast, convenient alternative for interisland travel for both passengers and cargo. The superferry could become a viable substitute for an interstate highway system linking the islands.

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. 149 and recommends its adoption.