Bill > HB649

This bill establishes a new Small Boat Harbor Commercial Vessel Special Fund to support improvements for commercial vessels using state small boat harbors. The bill modifies existing law to increase moorage fees for commercial vessels by requiring them to pay either three percent of gross revenues, $1.50 per passenger carried for hire, or two times the standard recreational vessel moorage rate, whichever is greater. A portion of these revenues will now be specifically deposited into the new special fund, which can only be used for improvements benefiting commercial vessels. The bill also authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to fund specific capital improvement projects at five small boat harbors across Hawaii, including repairs and upgrades at locations in Honolulu, Haleiwa, Honokohau, Maalaea, and Port Allen. These projects range from pier repairs and replacements to maintenance dredging and parking improvements. The appropriations for these projects will not lapse until June 30, 2028, providing flexibility in project implementation. The changes aim to generate dedicated funding for maintaining and improving small boat harbor infrastructure while ensuring that commercial vessel users contribute more directly to facility improvements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=649&year=2026