Bill > HB196

This bill establishes a Port Worker Advisory Committee within the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve state-owned and state-managed ports. The committee will consist of seven members, including the deputy director of transportation harbors division, a harbors district manager, a union representative, and four port workers selected by the governor. The committee's key responsibilities include making recommendations to enhance port safety, worker scheduling, shipment efficiency, and overall port operations. The committee will create an anonymous reporting process for port workers to share challenges and suggest improvements, and these reports will be published on the DOT's webpage. Additionally, the DOT's harbors division is required to conduct at least one public meeting per quarter to solicit input from port workers about port improvements and workplace problems. Committee members will serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses, and the DOT will provide necessary staff and support for the committee's work. The bill aims to create a more collaborative and responsive approach to managing state ports by directly involving workers in decision-making processes.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=196&year=2026