WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HCR 131

House concurrent resolution congratulating Westgate Housing Inc. of Brattleboro on the nonprofit corporation’s 25th anniversary

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mollie Burke and 4 co-sponsors

Urges FAA and Hawaii DOT to expand STOL-capable air service to rural islands and study a state rural air service program, with a report to the Legislature before the 2026 session.

Adopted pursuant to Joint Rule 16b
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 131

Summary — HCR 131 (HD1) — 2025 Regular Session (Concurrent Resolution)

Status: Adopted by the Legislature; sent to Governor 5/28/2025; signed 6/20/2025.
Primary sponsors: Reps. Hussey, Poepoe, Perruso. Companion: HR 127.

Purpose

HCR 131 (as amended in HD1) urges the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Hawai‘i State Department of Transportation (DOT) to encourage and facilitate expansion of alternative airline services that use short takeoff and landing (STOL)–capable aircraft to better serve rural and remote Hawai‘i communities. It also requests the DOT to study the feasibility and implementation of a rural air service program and report findings to the Legislature.

Key provisions

  • Urges the FAA and State DOT to encourage and facilitate expansion of alternative airline services that utilize STOL-capable aircraft to serve rural and remote communities.
  • Urges the State DOT to investigate potential incentives, partnerships, and regulatory changes to encourage operations of STOL aircraft into short/unpaved runways.
  • Requests the State DOT to conduct a feasibility study on a state rural air service program identifying:
    • best program options,
    • funding mechanisms,
    • relevant regulatory considerations,
    • potential airline and public‑private partnerships.
  • Requires the DOT to submit a report of findings and recommendations (including any proposed legislation) to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026.
  • Directs that certified copies of the concurrent resolution be transmitted to the FAA Administrator, Governor, DOT Director, and county mayors.

(Note: earlier draft requested the Legislative Reference Bureau to perform the study; HD1 places the study responsibility with the State DOT.)

Context and examples

  • Cites reliance of communities such as Moloka‘i, Lānaʻi, and Hāna on air service and recent service reductions/increased fares.
  • Identifies STOL-capable aircraft (DHC-6 Twin Otter, Pilatus PC-12, Cessna 208 Caravan, Dornier 228, Let L-410) and overseas/other models for rural support (U.S. Essential Air Service, Norway’s PSO routes, Alaska’s rural aviation network, Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service).

Who is affected

  • Rural residents and businesses on outer islands (access to health care, education, freight).
  • State DOT and county governments (planning, incentives, infrastructure).
  • FAA (regulatory facilitation).
  • Airlines and private operators (potential new route opportunities and partnerships).
  • Legislature (receives study and potential legislative recommendations).

Limitations and legal effect

HCR 131 is a concurrent resolution — nonbinding. It expresses the Legislature’s position and requests agencies take action and report back, but it does not create new statutory authority or appropriate funds. The requested study and any resulting program or funding would require subsequent administrative action or legislation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.