Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Higher Education and Transportation and Government Operations, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 266, H.D. 1, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the University of Hawaii and the Department of Transportation to work collaboratively to pursue, on a priority basis, the relocation of the University of Hawaii Marine Center from the former Kapalama Military Reservation, Honolulu harbor.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., Young Brothers, Ltd., Maritime Consultants of the Pacific, and the Hawaii Boaters Political Action Association. The School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) of the University of Hawaii stated that it "does not oppose" the measure. The Hawaii Harbor Users Group submitted comments.

Your Committees find that the Kapalama Military Reservation is identified in the DOT Oahu Commercial Harbors 2020 Master Plan as the primary area for harbor expansion to meet projected growth. An initial critical step in the redevelopment of the Reservation is the relocation of the SOEST Marine Center, a long-term tenant of the Department of Land and Natural Resources that currently holds a lease for sixteen acres of harbor frontage without charge. This harbor frontage and adjacent area are critically needed to develop new deep water berthing piers and handling areas for cargo ships. The DOT has an appropriation for planning funds to begin the redevelopment effort, and is currently finalizing contracts including one to complete due diligence and cost estimates for the relocation of the Marine Center.

Your Committees further find that SOEST is willing to negotiate regarding the relocation of the Marine Center, and accordingly this measure will help to ensure the ability of the University of Hawaii to continue its international marine science and other programs critical to the Hawaii recreational fishing industry.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Higher Education and Transportation and Government Operations that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 266, H.D. 1, and recommend its adoption.