STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1664

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

 

RE:   H.R. No. 127

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

 

Madame:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.R. No. 127 entitled:

 

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AND STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE THE EXPANSION OF ALTERNATIVE AIRLINE SERVICES THAT UTILIZE SHORT TAKEOFF AND LANDING-CAPABLE AIRCRAFTS AND REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A RURAL AIR SERVICE PROGRAM,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to:

 

     (1)  Urge the Federal Aviation Administration and State Department of Transportation to encourage and facilitate the expansion of alternative airline services that utilize short takeoff and landing-capable aircrafts; and

 

     (2)  Request the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a study on the feasibility and implementation of a rural air service program.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Transportation.

 

     Your Committee finds that rural communities in the State, including those in Molokai and Lanai, rely on air travel for essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.  Recent reductions in airline service and rising ticket costs have significantly limited access to reliable transportation, making it more difficult for residents to meet basic needs.  This measure aims to improve connectivity for rural and remote communities across the State through alternative airline services to ensure residents have access to essential services.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Requesting the Department of Transportation, instead of the Legislative Reference Bureau, to conduct the study;

 

     (2)  Amending its title in accordance with its amended purpose; and

 

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 127, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Legislative Management in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 127, H.D. 1.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

DARIUS KILA, Chair