Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Transportation and Government Operations and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 7 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Transportation (DOT) to include a review of the economic feasibility of constructing a fixed rail system around the island of Hawaii in the long range land transportation plan.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the DOT. Testimony in opposition was received from one individual.

Your Committees find that the island of Hawaii, in contrast to Oahu, features wide-open spaces, with development just beginning to accelerate. A fixed rail system around the island of Hawaii may be an appropriate fit with the broader, strategic long-range plan for future growth of the island.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation and Government Operations and Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 7, and recommend that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.