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.B. No. 1495 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to address transportation and traffic congestion needs for urban Honolulu by:

A concerned individual testified in support of this measure. The Department of Transportation (DOT) supported the intent of this bill. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) of the City and County of Honolulu opposed this measure.

Honolulu's urban core is experiencing rapid growth. The increase in retail, commercial, and entertainment development in downtown areas have caused a tremendous increase in traffic congestion. This problem needs to be addressed.

Although your Committee understands the concerns raised by DOT and DTS that this measure duplicates work already undertaken by the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Task Force established under this bill will be studying a specific area of metropolitan Honolulu and its establishment is, therefore, worthy of further consideration.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1495 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.