HI HB1239

Establishes the Hawaii State Ferry System Authority as a public instrumentality within the Department of Transportation to operate inter-island ferry service.

Authority comprises six public voting members (representing four counties and two with maritime expertise) plus the director of transportation as ex officio chairperson, appointed by the governor.

Requires the authority to operate at minimum one high speed ferry vessel (capable of 30+ knots transporting 500+ passengers and 200+ vehicles) and other vessels for service between islands including Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

Creates the Hawaii State Ferry System Special Fund to receive all fares, revenues, legislative appropriations, gifts, grants, and investment income, to be used for ferry operations.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 for start-up and operations, with the law taking effect July 1, 2030.