STAND. COM. REP. NO.
Honolulu, Hawaii
MAR28 , 2025
RE: H.C.R. No. 131
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred
H.C.R. No. 131 entitled:
“HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE FEDERAL AVIATION
ADMINISTRATION AND STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO
ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE THE EXPANSION OF ALTERNATIVE AIRLINE
SERVICES THAT UTILIZE SHORT TAKEOFF AND LANDING-CAPABLE
AIRCRAFTS AND REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO
CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A
RURAL AIR SERVICE PROGRAM,”
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Urge the Federal Aviation Administration and State
Department of Transportation to encourage and facilitate
the expansion of alternative airline services that
utilize short takeoff and landing-capable aircrafts; and
(2) Request the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a
study on the feasibility and implementation of a rural
air service program.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure
from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this
2025-2931 HCR131 HD1 HSCR HMSO
 STAND. COM. REP. NO.
Page 2
measure from the Department of Transportation and Legislative
Reference Bureau.
Your Committee finds that rural communities in the State,
including those in Molokai and Lanai, rely on air travel for
essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic
opportunities. Recent reductions in airline service and rising
ticket costs have significantly limited access to reliable
transportation, making it more difficult for residents to meet
basic needs. This measure aims to improve connectivity for rural
and remote communities across the State through alternative
airline services to ensure residents have access to essential
services.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Requesting the Department of Transportation, instead of
the Legislative Reference Bureau, to conduct the study;
(2) Amending its title in accordance with its amended
purpose; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the
purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your
Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your
Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 131,
as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your
Committee on Legislative Management in the form attached hereto as
H.C.R. No. 131, H.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on
behalf of the members of the
Committee on Transportation,
DARIUS LA, Chair
2025-2931 HCR131 HD1 HSCR HMSO
 State of Hawaii
House of Representatives
The Thirty-third Legislature p5c~ (6 6ç
Record of Votes of the Committee on Transportation
Bill/Resolution No.: Commit e Referral: Date: -
~c~I
C The committee is reconsidering its previous decision on the measure.
The recommendation is to: 0 Pass, unamended (as is) Pass, with amendments (HD) C Hold
0 Pass short form bill with HD to recommit for future public hearing (recommit)
TRN Members Ayes Ayes (WR) Nays Excused
1. KILA, Darius K. (C)
2. GRANDINETTI, Tina Nakada (VC)
~-
-~
3. COCHRAN, Elle
4. EVSLIN, Luke A.
5. KITAGAWA, Lisa
~
6. LA CHICA, Trish
7. MIYAKE, Tyson K.
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8. MURAOKA, Christopher L.
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9. PIERICK, Elijah
TOTAL (9) —7
The recommendation is: ~~Adopted Li Not Adopted
If joint referral, did not support recommendation.
committee acronym(s)
Vice Chair’s or designee’s signature:
Distribution: Original (White) — Committee Duplicate (Yellow) — Chief Clerk’s Office Duplicate (Pink) — HMSO