THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1257
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

making an appropriation for the construction of an airport in Puna.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the district of Puna needs a new small airport to service residents, particularly those living south of the anticipated lava flows.  The likelihood of lava crossing Highway 130 would result in a large part of the Puna district population being cut off from supplies and services, which would be detrimental to the community.  An airstrip could be constructed in less than thirty days, allowing for the transportation of supplies and people if the road becomes obstructed by the lava.

     Geographically Puna is a huge district, just slightly smaller than the island of Kauai.  A few factors make access to Puna challenging, specifically Puna has an extensive network of lava tubes creating terrain that is too risky for the construction of roads; therefore, road infrastructure cannot be developed to accommodate efficient transportation.  The closest airport to Puna is Hilo airport, a trip that takes approximately six to eight hours round trip from South Puna and requires a great amount of fuel.  Whether or not Puna is cut off by lava, Puna needs an airport in order to more efficiently transport supplies.

     Furthermore, Puna is the fastest growing district in the county of Hawaii, with a population of 45,326, according to the 2010 United States census, and is expected to grow to approximately 75,000 by 2030.  Puna is also becoming increasingly popular as a tourist attraction as it is near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is a world renowned destination for ecotourism and personal development opportunities.

     The purpose of this Act is to authorize an appropriation for construction of a small airport in South Puna.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for construction of a small airport in South Puna due to the threat of inaccessibility from lava flow..

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Airport; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for construction of a small airport in South Puna due to the threat of inaccessibility from lava flow.

 

 

 

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