Modernization

The Department of Transportation came before the House Committee on Transportation today to provide status reports on all Harbors, Airports and Highways projects. Harbors and Airports divisions have started respective Modernization Plans. This past session bills to authorize a Highways Modernization Plan failed to pass and will carrry over to next session. SB1611. HB1167. The legislation proposes to raise fees and taxes to pay for needed improvements. Given the fiscal climate, the administration proposed to insert a trigger of two consecutive quarters of economic growth prior to assessing the fee/tax increases.

HARBORS

*The Harbors Modernization Plan (HMP) was passed into law as Act 200 in June 2008. It is budgeted at $618 million.

*The HMP is funded by special purpose revenue bonds supported by tariff increases. Industry users understand the need for the increase and support it.

*The HMP project co-managers are Sandy Pfund (ATDC) and Marshall Ando (DOT Harbors).

*First bond issuance of $120 million - First Qtr. FY11:
+Honolulu, Pier 35 improvements for UH SOEST Marine Center
+Hilo, Pier 4 construction
+Kahului Harbor land acquisition/improvements
+Kawaihae Harbor terminal yard improvements

*Second bond issuance of $200 million - FY15:
+KMR deep draft wharfs
+Shipyard relocation, Honolulu Harbor
+Honolulu Harbor, Pier 29
+Hilo Harbor, Pier 4
+Nawiliwili Harbor Pier 2

*Third ($155 million) and Fourth ($143 million) bond issuances after FY15.

AIRPORTS

*$2.3 billion Airports Modernization Program underway

*First bond issuance of $142 million - Second Qtr FY10
+Mauka Concourse Phase I
+HNL safety and security projects
+Ewa Concourse Sterile corridor
+Kona Terminal design
+Kahului Airfield improvements
+Kahului safety and security projects
+Lihue land acquisition
+Hilo Cargo facility

*Second bond issuance of $391 million - Third Qtr FY11
+Mauka Concourse program Phase II

*Photovoltaic projects. The Airports Division is one of the top 3 energy users in the state, with an electricity bill of $2 million per month. Photovoltaic technology has reduced their energy costs by 20%.

HIGHWAYS

*KAUAI, Kuhio Highway - Short term improvements, Highway widening, cane haul bridge widening. Widening expected to be advertised Nov. 2009.

*KAUAI, Kaumualii Highway - Widening, Phase IA from Lihue Bridge to Anonui Street. Processing award for construction.

*MAUI, Honoapiilani Highway - Widening, Aholo to Lahainaluna. To begin shortly.

*MAUI, Honoapiilani Highway - Realignment, Phase IA and IB-1. Started.

*MAUI, Kihei-Upcountry Highway - Design in progress, to be completed late 2009.

*BIG ISLAND, Queen Kaahumanu Highway Widending - Henry St. to Kona Airport. Phase I estimated completion by October 2009. Phase II, preparing to re-advertise project.

*BIG ISLAND, Saddle Road Improvements, MP 19-11. Project awarded September 2009.

*BIG ISLAND, Keaau-Pahoa Road, Shoulder Lane Conversion. Design in progress.

*OAHU, Fort Weaver Road Widening, Expected to be completed December 2009.

*OAHU, North-South Road. Multi-lane roadway from Kapolei Parkway to diamond interchange at H-1. Phase 1A completed. Phase 1B scehduled for January 2010 completion. Phase 1C - Dedication scheduled for October 2009.

*OAHU, Kapolei Interchange. In progress.

*OAHU, H-1 Pearl City and Waimalu Viaduct Repairs. In progress.

*OAHU, H-1 PM Contraflow. Planning.

*OAHU, Middle Street Merge. Environmental Assessment in progress. Proposals late 2010.