Bill > HCR180

This Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Department of Transportation to establish a working group and various committees to develop and propose financial assistance, known as subsidies, from federal, state, and county governments for the transportation of goods by water. This action is based on the findings of a previous Water Carriers Working Group, which highlighted Hawaii's significant reliance on imported goods transported by sea, the high cost associated with this shipping, and the lack of existing subsidies for general cargo transport, unlike some other forms of transport or specific agricultural goods. The resolution outlines the composition of the working group, which includes legislative leaders, county mayors, and representatives from various state departments and industry groups, and directs the Department of Transportation to collaborate with federal agencies, Hawaii's congressional delegation, and local government bodies to create these subsidy programs, with interim and final reports due to the Legislature in 2023 and 2024 respectively.