STAND. COM. REP. NO.  402-08

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

RE:   H.B. No. 2856

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 2856 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to attempt to deal with traffic congestion through innovative means by:

     (1)  Requiring the Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct a feasibility study on implementing a system of electronic road pricing in Hawaii;

     (2)  Requiring the Director of DOT to submit a report to the Legislature on DOT's findings and recommendations; and

     (3)  Appropriating funds for this feasibility study.

     A concerned individual opposed this bill.  DOT submitted comments on this measure.

     Traffic congestion is often cited as a major concern for Hawaii residents.  This situation is only expected to worsen in the near future.  Although numerous proposals have been made to help alleviate this problem including fixed rail, bus rapid transit systems, carpooling, and high occupancy vehicle lanes, road pricing is an approach that has not been considered.

     Road pricing is a system in which motorists pay a fee for the use of certain roadways or for driving in a particular area, the most famous of which is established in Singapore.  While there are some drawbacks to such a system, studying the feasibility of establishing this type of system in Hawaii may be a step towards easing Hawaii's traffic congestion woes.

     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. 2856 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

JOSEPH M. SOUKI, Chair