STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1730

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.C.R. No. 47

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 47 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE NEED AND FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A GOVERNMENT-SUBSIDIZED FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN THE ISLANDS OF MAUI AND MOLOKAI,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Transportation to study the need for and feasibility of establishing a government-subsidized interisland ferry system between the islands of Molokai and Maui.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation and two individuals.

     An individual submitted written comments on the measure.

     Your Committee recognizes that since the termination of ferry service between Molokai and Maui in 2016, air transportation has been the only commercial option for travel between Molokai and the other major islands.  Your Committee believes that a renewed ferry service between Molokai and Maui would provide a practical, cost-effective way for residents, visitors, and workers to travel between these two islands.  A study on the need for and feasibility of establishing that service would provide important information for further consideration.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 47, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair