Written Remarks into the House Journal: Stand Comm. Report No. 885, H.B. 617, H.D. 2, Relating to Mass Transit Route Economic Zones

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Remarks into the House Journal

March 10, 2009; 26^th Day

Stand Comm. Report No. 885, H.B. 617, H.D. 2, Relating to Mass Transit Route Economic Zones

I rise in support of House Bill 617, House Draft 2, Relating to Mass Transit Route Economic Zones.  This bill would create a task force to recommend parameters for the creation of mass transit route economic zones including eligibility, benefits, and incentives such as tax credits.  The task force shall report to legislature on their recommendation of the process to designate mass transit route economic zones and incentives to attract businesses and affordable housing to encourage ridership.  The policy goal is to make it very convenient for people who use mass transit to reside and do their errands, business, and social activities in the area of the mass transit stations.  With such an incentive, we can achieve a sufficient amount of mass transit ridership that will patronize businesses near the mass transit stations.  Thank you.