Harbors covered by the plan include Kahului Harbor on Maui, Honolulu Harbor and Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor on Oahu, Hilo and Kawaihae Harbors on the Big Island, and Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai. Improvements will be performed over a six-year time frame.
"We must expand and improve our harbors to ensure Hawaii's continued economic growth," said Governor Lingle. "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."
Currently, 98 percent of Hawaii'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. In addition, inter-island barge departures from Honolulu Harbor are increasing steadily, Hawaii's cruise industry has grown and the Hawaii Superferry is providing new opportunities for passengers to travel between the islands with their vehicles.
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.
