Proposes a constitutional amendment to create a statewide transit authority with taxing powers.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to propose an amendment to add a new article to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to create a statewide transit authority.

SECTION 2. The Constitution of the State of Hawaii is amended by adding a new article to read as follows:

Section 1. A statewide transit authority is created as a political subdivision of the State, with the powers as provided herein and as conferred by general laws of the State. The statewide transit authority shall be a body corporate and a public instrumentality of the State.

The statewide transit authority shall be composed of the governor, the mayors of each county, and the transportation directors of the State and the counties, or their designees, and other members as provided by law. Each member shall have equal voting power.

The statewide transit authority shall have the power to plan, design, develop, finance, construct, operate, repair, maintain, and manage a mass transit system within each county of the State, as deemed appropriate by the members of the authority and as provided by law. The determination of an appropriate mass transit system for each county shall be made by the statewide transit authority.

The statewide transit authority shall have the power of income and excise taxation, including setting rates, and collection of taxes through the counties as appropriate. Any taxes imposed pursuant to this section shall be as provided by law.

The statewide transit authority shall have the power of eminent domain for its purposes.

SOURCES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES; ORGANIZATION; STAFFING

Section 2. The statewide transit authority shall be funded through contributions from the state government and the counties as provided by law, and by bond authority as provided by law.

The statewide transit authority shall expend funds for the planning, design, development, construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and management of mass transit systems in each county, as appropriate for each county.

The statewide transit authority shall have the power to provide for its organization, operations, and staffing, as provided by law."

SECTION 3. The question to be printed on the ballot shall be as follows:

SECTION 4. New constitutional material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This amendment shall take effect upon compliance with article XVII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.