Bill > HB1159

This bill establishes a Commercial Harbors Emergency Evacuation Working Group within the Hawaii Department of Transportation to address potential emergency evacuation challenges for commercial harbors. The working group will be composed of key stakeholders including the deputy director of the harbors division (who will serve as chair), legislative committee chairs, the U.S. Coast Guard captain of the Honolulu sector, and various commercial harbor users such as ocean carriers, fishing associations, cruise line operators, and tug and barge operators. Their specific tasks include reviewing current federal and state emergency evacuation laws, determining adequate mooring space for vessels if Honolulu harbor needs evacuation, and evaluating whether existing penalties for non-compliance with evacuation orders are sufficient. Members will serve without compensation, though state employees will be reimbursed for expenses, and the group will have the option of remote meeting attendance. The working group is required to submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by twenty days before the 2027 regular legislative session, after which the group will be dissolved on June 30, 2027. The Department of Transportation will provide administrative support, including stakeholder engagement and report preparation.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1159&year=2025