Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1785 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require Hawaii Superferry, Inc., to prepare an environmental impact statement for its superferry project.

Testimony in support of the measure was received from the Mayor of Maui County, the County Council of Kauai County, the Sierra Club, Matson Navigation Co., Horizon Lines, Tropical Orchid Farm, Inc., Fragrant Orchids of Maui, and 25 individuals. Testimony in opposition to the measure was received from Hawaii Superferry, Inc. The ILWU provided comments.

Your Committee finds that due to the scope and operation of the Superferry project there will be significant impacts to the environment. The economic, social, and cultural welfare of the islands may also be impacted. Your Committee therefore finds that an environmental impact statement pursuant to chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is the appropriate vehicle to identify these impacts and to determine what options are available to address these impacts.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1785 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Transportation and Government Operations.