HI HR113

Urges the Governor to reestablish an intra-island ferry between the Ewa region along the Leeward Coast of Oahu and downtown Honolulu by 2016 to reduce traffic congestion.

Requests the Governor submit a report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2022 Regular Session addressing the ferry's effect on traffic, associated costs with cost-benefit analysis, and necessary legislation.

Notes that commuters from Ewa to downtown Honolulu face average commute times of 75 minutes, with 20 percent spending nearly 90 minutes, and Honolulu ranked second-worst for traffic congestion nationwide.

Acknowledges ferry systems previously operated between Iroquois Point and Kalaeloa Harbor to Aloha Tower but ceased operations, and proposes the use of existing harbor infrastructure to avoid environmental studies and large construction costs.

Directs reassessment of the intra-island ferry system after completion of the high-speed rapid transit system expected in 2019.