HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 018 04/19/2005 2004-2006 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: April 19, 2005 Re: Comm. No. 189/Res. No. 68-OS
PLACE: Council Chambers
TIME: 1:35 p.m.
Council Chair Safarik and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Resolution No. 68-OS reports as follows:
Resolution No. 68-05, transmitted by Planning Committee Co-Chair Peter Hoffmann, via
Communication No. 189, dated March 18, 2005, request the preparation of an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed statewide Hawaii Superferry project.
The purpose of this measure is to request that the State Department of Transportation prepare an
EIS prior to the commencement of the Hawaii Superferry operation.
The Ilawai`i Superferry, in association with Austal USA, is proposing to provide roundtrip ferry
services daily between the islands of 1lawai`i, Kauai, Maui and Oahu, commencing in 2007.
The Hawaii Superferry intends to provide an efficient, environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art
ferry service for passengers and vehicles between the islands at approximately half the price of
Flying.
At its meeting on April 5, 2005, Council Member Stacy Higa, transmitted Resolution No. 68-05,
Drafr 2, which deletes the 6`~, 11`x, 15`" and 1T~ WHEREAS clauses. These clauses reference (1)
$40 million of public funds to facilitate the Superferry, (2) chapter 343, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, use of state funds or lands trigger, (3) the public utilities commission decision, (4) the
Department of Transportation F.A or EIS exemption, (5) Hawaii administrative rule § 1 1-200-8
regarding exemptions, (6) marine life and infrastructure, (7) foreclosure sale of a Superferry
between Ontario and New York, and (8) the Lingle administration. This drafr also includes the
Hawaii Delegation to the State Legislature to receive copies of the resolution.
Originally heard on April 5, 2005, this measure was postponed as Members of Your Committee
wished to consult with State Legislators prior to making a decision on this matter.
During today's discussion, Members stated that funding for the Superferry project had been
withdrawn by the State Senate due to the lack of a plan. They stated their desire to support the
project; however, some members felt they should wait until funding was reinstated by the
Legislature. In addition, it was mentioned that Governor Lingle had asked if the Council would
be coming forward with a resolution of support for the project, but she stated that other shipping
entities were not required to prepare an EIS.
PC REPORT NO. 18
Communication No. 189
Resolution No. 68-OS
Page 2
Communication No. 189.1 from County of Maui County Clerk Roy T. Hiraga, dated March 16,
2005, provided a copy of Resolution No. OS-46, which was adopted by the Council of the County
of Maui, State of Hawaii, on March 11, 2005.
Your Committee received numerous testimonies in favor of the measure.
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 68-05,
as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its adoption.
smc
nves rvoHS s~~ ex Respectfully submitted,
ARAKAKI X
HICA x _ COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
HOFFMANN X ~ ~ '
HOLSCHUH X _ J-~-t„_,-1~r7~ ~ J
IKEDA X t~~..--n ~ K.. ~ i/
ISBELL x _ Peter Hoffmann,"Co-Chair
JACOBSON X ~
PILAGO __X ,
SAFARIK X
K. Angel ~4 go, Co-Chair
PC REPORT NO. 18
ADOPTED: MAY b
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