STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1015
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2005
RE: H.C.R. No. 57
Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say
Speaker, House of Representatives
Twenty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2005
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 57 entitled:
"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REVIEW STATE AIRPORT AND HARBOR FEES AND ADJUST THESE FEES AS NECESSARY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to address decreased reserves in the Airports and Harbors Special Funds by requesting the Department of Transportation (DOT) to:
(1) Study its current rate and fee structure for the airports and harbors of the State of Hawaii relative to anticipated capital improvement projects needs for these facilities; and
(2) Determine whether the rate and fee structures must be increased to meet the needs of Hawaii's airports and harbors.
Matson Navigation Company testified in support of this measure. DOT supported the intent of this measure.
The State of Hawaii is faced with the challenge of funding priorities for harbor and airport projects to meet the growing demands for the use of these facilities due to Hawaii's expanding economy. To meet the demands of increased air service, cruise ship service, and special transportation systems such as the Hawaii Superferry and the City and County of Honolulu's proposed intra-island ferry, DOT has embarked on ambitious plans to modernize and remodel many of the airports and harbors throughout the islands to accommodate the increase in passengers, vessels, and cargo.
Your Committee notes that airport fees have not been adjusted since 1990 and harbor fees have not been adjusted since 1996 and is concerned that without an increase in these rates and fees, special fund reserves may fall below acceptable levels. This study will allow DOT, as well as the Legislature, to make fiscally prudent and sound decisions to meet the future demands of Hawaii's airports and harbors.
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 H.C.R. No. 57 and recommends its adoption.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,
____________________________ JOSEPH M. SOUKI, Chair |
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