STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3513

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 139

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.R. No. 139 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF BRINGING OTHER AIRLINES TO THE MOLOKAI AIRPORT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of bringing additional airlines to the island of Molokai.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, one member of the Maui County Council, and Arc of Maui County.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that since January 2021, only one passenger airline has provided service to the general public out of Molokai Airport. Your Committee further finds that while the airline has done its best to accommodate the needs of passengers, including additional routes, flight times, and ordering larger planes, the cost of plane tickets remains prohibitive to many Molokai residents who need to travel for essential reasons, including work, medical appointments, and family. This lack of dependable, accessible flights to major hubs such as Honolulu can potentially lead to health and safety issues for residents of rural communities. Your Committee concludes that by conducting a study, the State can gain valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of introducing additional airlines to Molokai.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 139 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

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CHRIS LEE, Chair