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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND <br /> INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS <br /> <br /> <br /> DATE: May 6, 2008 Re: Comm. No. 1180/Res. 623-08 <br /> PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa <br /> 78-128 Ehukai Street <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 1:00 P.M. <br /> <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> <br /> Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred <br /> Communication No. 1180, regarding Resolution 623-08, reports as follows: <br /> <br /> Resolution 623-08, transmitted by Council Chair, Pete Hoffmann via Communication No. 1180 <br /> dated April 15, 2008, proposing a Resolution to Expand Public Bus Service in the County of <br /> Hawaii. <br /> <br /> There were two members from the public in support of this proposed resolution. <br /> <br /> Council Chair Hoffmann stated the purpose of this resolution is to encourage the implementation <br /> by the Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency of the recommendation included in the Hawaii <br /> County Energy Sustainability Plan, to expand public bus service on the Island with the goal of <br /> increasing ridership by 20 percent each year until 2015. He reiterated that this effort is overdue <br /> and with the rising cost of gas and oil the process needs to begin with a plan from <br /> Administration. This plan should include a timeline implementing how it will be accomplished, <br /> establishing guidelines and drafting legislation alongside those recommendations. He seeks the <br /> support of his colleagues on this proposed resolution. <br /> <br /> Mass Transit Administrator Tom Brown appeared before your committee. Mr. Brown <br /> commented that he currently has a two years plan and has access to Federal funds to purchase <br /> more busses. He will work on expanding his plan to a six year plan to include increases in <br /> ridership and additional routes. He thanked the Committee for offering assistance and additional <br /> funding and will keep them informed as to the progress of the updated plan. <br /> <br /> Discussion and comments among your Committee members such as 1) complementing <br /> Administrator Brown for his excellent job performance providing support, 2) the additional help <br /> or support administration might need to attain these goals, 3) proposing legislation to expand <br /> public bus service to areas currently not being served or under served, 4) funding requirements <br /> for Fiscal Year 2008 - 2009 to accommodate the requested increase in ridership. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> PWIRC RPT NO. 72 <br />