Appropriates $1,900,000 for the department of transportation to purchase a state-owned aircraft to be used in the conduct of state business. Requires the department to adopt rules concerning the use and maintenance of the aircraft.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a significant number of other states own at least one aircraft that is used by the governor, state executives, and other officers of the State in the course of conducting state business. Given the State of Hawaii's location in the middle of the Pacific ocean at some distance from mainland states, a state-owned aircraft would be particularly useful and economical in providing timely information and perhaps prompt public assistance in the case of a natural or manmade disaster that occurs in our geographically isolated State.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the department of transportation's purchase of a state-owned aircraft and to require the department of transportation to adopt rules concerning the use and maintenance of the aircraft.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,900,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for the purchase of an aircraft to be used by governor, state executives, and other officers of the State in conducting state business, including disaster relief.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. Within six months of purchase of the aircraft, the department of transportation shall adopt rules, pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating the use and maintenance of the aircraft.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.