HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 072 05/06/2008 2006-2008
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: May 6, 2008 Re: Comm. No. 1180/Res. 623-08
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 1:00 P.M.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred
Communication No. 1180, regarding Resolution 623-08, reports as follows:
Resolution 623-08, transmitted by Council Chair, Pete Hoffmann via Communication No. 1180
dated April 15, 2008, proposing a Resolution to Expand Public Bus Service in the County of
Hawaii.
There were two members from the public in support of this proposed resolution.
Council Chair Hoffmann stated the purpose of this resolution is to encourage the implementation
by the Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency of the recommendation included in the Hawaii
County Energy Sustainability Plan, to expand public bus service on the Island with the goal of
increasing ridership by 20 percent each year until 2015. He reiterated that this effort is overdue
and with the rising cost of gas and oil the process needs to begin with a plan from
Administration. This plan should include a timeline implementing how it will be accomplished,
establishing guidelines and drafting legislation alongside those recommendations. He seeks the
support of his colleagues on this proposed resolution.
Mass Transit Administrator Tom Brown appeared before your committee. Mr. Brown
commented that he currently has a two years plan and has access to Federal funds to purchase
more busses. He will work on expanding his plan to a six year plan to include increases in
ridership and additional routes. He thanked the Committee for offering assistance and additional
funding and will keep them informed as to the progress of the updated plan.
Discussion and comments among your Committee members such as 1) complementing
Administrator Brown for his excellent job performance providing support, 2) the additional help
or support administration might need to attain these goals, 3) proposing legislation to expand
public bus service to areas currently not being served or under served, 4) funding requirements
for Fiscal Year 2008 - 2009 to accommodate the requested increase in ridership.
PWIRC RPT NO. 72
Page 2 Communication No. 1180/Resolution 623-08
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution 623-08, and recommends its adoption.
dkr
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
FORD x
HIGA x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
HOFFMANN X INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
IKEDA x
JACOBSON x
NAEOLE X BRENDA J. FORD, HAIR
PILAGO x
YAGONG X PWIRC REPORT NO. 72
YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED: JUN 0 3 ~(JnR
2