GOVERNOR LINGLE ANNOUNCES STATE HARBORS MODERNIZATION PLAN

As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's focus on improving and expanding public infrastructure statewide, Governor Lingle announced the state's new Harbors Modernization Plan.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) Harbors Division worked in partnership with members of the Hawai`i Harbors User Group (HHUGS) to develop the comprehensive, system-wide harbor modernization plan, which will implement harbor infrastructure improvements to address projected increases in the ocean transportation of cargo and passengers through 2030.

Currently, 98 percent of Hawai`i's imported goods pass through its harbors, including consumer goods, vehicles and fuel. That volume is expected to climb by as much as 27 percent in 2010 and by as much as 93 percent in 2020.

As cargo and passenger traffic increases, harbor user operations have been hampered by a lack of adequate space. The improvements encompassed by the Harbors Modernization Plan will ensure that capacity is in place to meet current and future demand. The plan's statewide capital expenditures are estimated to total $842 million. Improvements will be paid for by the Harbors Special Fund and will not utilize any general funds.

The plan received strong Legislative and community support.

"This is a once-in-a-cycle opportunity," said Senator Kalani English, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.  "If we are unable to do this, I don't think this opportunity will come around for another 50 years."

Gary North, chairman of HHUGS and senior vice president of Matson, also expressed his support.

"We've identified specific projects, we've prioritized them and now we have a consensus," he said.

Harbors covered by the plan include Kahului Harbor on Maui, Honolulu Harbor and Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor on O`ahu, Hilo and Kawaihae Harbors on the Big Island, and Nawiliwili Harbor on Kaua`i. Improvements will be performed over a six-year time frame.

"In order to ensure the delivery of cargo and continued economic growth in our state, we must improve and expand our harbors," said Governor Lingle. "This modernization plan is a well-thought out effort that is collaborative, comprehensive and system-wide."

• Read the news release and fact sheet.
• View graphics of the harbors modernization plan.