PUNA – The feasibility and cost of constructing a small commercial boat harbor and small commercial airport in Puna could be studied by the Hawaii Department of Transportation, if the State House agrees to a resolution passed through the Senate this week.

Puna State Senator Russell Ruderman co-introduced SCR138 and SR 83, primarily in response to the June 27 lava flow that threatened to cut off lower Puna from critical infrastructure and services late last year. The lava is no longer an immediate threat, but the Senator still hopes to get the ball rolling on studying the idea.

The measures were passed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on April 8th (video above) and then adopted by the full Senate on April 9th.

The only no vote in Ways and Means and in the full Senate came from Hawaii Island Senator Lorraine Inouye.

SCR138 has now been transmitted to the House and referred to the Committees on Transportation and Finance.