Requires Hawaii Superferry, Inc. to prepare an environmental impact statement for the superferry project.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that small studies have been completed to evaluate the superferry project; however, a comprehensive environmental review of the project has not be completed. A comprehensive environmental review would ensure that environmental concerns are given appropriate consideration, as well as economic and technical considerations in making decisions regarding this project.

Thus, the purpose of this Act is to require that an environmental impact statement be prepared in accordance with chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

SECTION 2. (a) An environmental impact statement shall be prepared for the Hawaii superferry project in compliance with the rules adopted under section 343-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and shall disclose the environmental effects resulting from the project.

Specifically, the statement shall include the effects on the economic activities arising from the project, measures proposed to minimize adverse effects, and alternatives to the project's actions and its environmental effects.

(b) The environmental impact statement shall be prepared by Hawaii Superferry, Inc.

(c) The environmental impact statement shall be submitted to the legislature not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2006.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon approval.