Hawaii launches major harbor modernization program

Hawaii launches major harbor modernization program Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle on Tuesday announced Tuesday six-year, $842 million overhaul of the state's major harbors.
   The Harbors Modernization Plan announced by Lingle and other state politicians covers Hilo and Kawaihae Harbors on the Big Island, N wiliwili Harbor on Kauai, Kahului Harbor on Maui, and Honolulu Harbor and Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor on Oahu.
   The state will rely upon the Harbors Special Fund to pay for the project and will not utilize any general government funds. The special fund derives revenue 'from harbor activities, rentals, leases and some proposed increases in harbor fees and land leases to be worked out over time,” Lingle explained. She also requested $124 million in harbor revenue bonds for the harbors project in her 2009 supplemental budget.
   The harbor plan, which still faces approval by the Hawaiian Legislature, was developed among officials from state and county governments and a consortium of harbor users including Hawaii Superferry, Hawaii Stevedores, Horizon Lines, Matson Navigation, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Young Bros.
   'We must expand and improve our harbors to ensure Hawaii's continued economic growth,' Lingle said. 'The development of the Harbors Modernization Plan was a true partnership effort that involved legislative leaders and key harbor users. It respects our environment while also taking into account the critical role ports play in our state's commercial well-being.'
   Hawaii relies on waterborne delivery for 98 percent of its imported goods, including consumer goods vehicles and fuel. Projections call for the volume of cargo handled by Hawaiian ports to climb as much as 27 percent by the end of 2010 and nearly double by 2020. Passenger travel and inter-island barge traffic are also increasing steadily through the islands.