FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    July 21, 2006

Release M-85-06

MAYOR HAILS SENATE APPROPRIATIONS

FOR HONOLULU

            Mayor Mufi Hannemann today lauded U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye’s announcement that the Senate Appropriations Committee this week passed funding measures that provide $364 million for more than 60 Hawaii-related initiatives.

            “We are pleased and gratified that Senator Inouye obtained committee approval for these bills,” said Hannemann. “In particular, we note that the committee provided funds in the Department of Transportation budget for a commuter ferry for Oahu, our mass transit project and stabilization of Round Top Drive on Tantalus.”

            The transportation, treasury, housing and urban development and judiciary appropriations bill for fiscal year 2007 provides:

·   $7.5 million for capital investments in ferry infrastructure or vessels and support for Mayor Hannemann’s renewed call for ferry service between West Oahu and Downtown Honolulu.

·   $4 million for the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project. Senator Inouye said, “For the nearly two-thirds of the population of Oahu that live along this corridor, traffic congestion, especially while going to and from work, is an inescapable fact of life. The project, by providing a thorough review of all alternatives, gives hope that improved traffic flow is an achievable goal.  It certainly would make the lives of those who live along the Kapolei-to-Honolulu corridor less stressful.”

·   $4 million for Tantalus stabilization. Senator Inouye said, “When I toured Round Top Drive with Honolulu Mayor Hannemann in April, I saw the extensive damage, and I heard the concerns of residents of Maunalaha Road, who suffered greatly from the landslides.  That inspection tour strengthened my commitment to secure federal assistance.”

            Mayor Hannemann said, “We recognize that these appropriations still need approval by the Congress and the White House, and we are confident that those bodies will see our genuine need for them.”

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Contact:

            Bill Brennan, 527-6928

            Mark Matsunaga, 527-6928