This study will focus on the development of alternatives to increase the mobility capacity in this primary corridor. The Ewa to East Honolulu urban corridor is the site of a critical rush-hour traffic backlog. More than 600,000 people are expected to utilize this corridor on a daily basis within the next ten years. We need to determine cost-effective alternative modes of transportation to accommodate this demand. The marine ferry system of the United States provides an invaluable component to the transportation requirements of our nation.
Marine ferries are less costly than highways, bridges and tunnels.
In coastal urban centers, marine ferry service can provide cost-effective, environmentally friendly transportation to areas suffering from congestion. The State has conducted a thorough review of the feasibility of initiating such services and is prepared to issue a request for proposals that would allow for the demonstration of the latest technology in ferry service. Kamuela on the Island of Hawaii, currently receives EAS funds. The Fiscal Year 1999 Omnibus Appropriations Bill will now be transmitted to the White House.