RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Hawaii's airports exist to serve the public convenience and necessity for residents and tourists; and

WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii, the airline industry both nationally and in Hawaii, and the global tourism economy have been devastated by recent acts of terrorism to the point where Hawaii's major airlines have cut interisland flights and furloughed some workers while domestic and international airlines have dramatically reduced service to Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, the federal Essential Air Service program subsidizes affordable, reliable, and conveniently-scheduled flights to remote and rural communities throughout Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, the Essential Air Service program makes it possible for residents of Hana, Kamuela, and Kalaupapa, to travel efficiently to and from larger airports such as Kahului or Honolulu for medical emergencies or family gatherings while providing economic support, supplies, and mail to these comparatively remote communities; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature understands that unused and unoccupied hangar space exists at Kahului Airport that is currently not generating any revenue for the State; and

WHEREAS, if these unused and unoccupied Kahului Airport facilities were made available for lease, it would greatly enhance the ability of Essential Air Service providers to conduct federally mandated aircraft inspections and maintenance activities; and

WHEREAS, these unoccupied facilities can generate lease rents for the State of Hawaii at a time when revenues are dropping due to the general economic downturn resulting from the drop in tourism revenues; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature understands that the U.S. Department of Transportation and Hawaii's congressional delegation would look favorably upon efforts to facilitate increases in airport revenues and help residents of rural communities without increasing costs to the State through subsidies, grants-in-aid, and the like; and

WHEREAS, at times such as these, it is necessary to "think creatively outside the box", which can be accomplished through exercising administrative discretion and utilizing all public facilities, including airport facilities, in a manner that maximizes their revenue generating potential; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Third Special Session of 2001, the Senate concurring, that the Legislature urges the state Director of Transportation to grant Hawaii-based scheduled air carriers highest priority on airport facilities' waiting lists, and to make land, hangar, and terminal space immediately available to support Essential Air Service operations at Kahului Airport; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state Department of Transportation is requested to work cooperatively and speedily with the Department of the Attorney General to make airport facilities of higher priority to Hawaii-based scheduled air carriers, to enhance airport revenue generating efforts, and to aid Essential Air Service providers to prevent loss or reduction of service to remote rural communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the state Director of Transportation, the Attorney General, and the members of Hawaii's congressional delegation.

Report Title:

Essential Air Service Air Carriers