Bill > HR166

This resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a working group focused on developing federal, state, and county subsidies for waterborne cargo transportation. The resolution stems from a 2021 report highlighting Hawaii's unique dependence on maritime shipping, with over 98% of imported goods arriving via waterborne cargo and shipping costs accounting for up to 7.5% of goods' total cost. The proposed working group would include representatives from various state agencies, legislative bodies, county governments, and water carriers, and would be tasked with collaborating with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Hawaii's congressional delegation, and local transportation committees to explore potential subsidy programs. Specifically, the DOT is requested to lead efforts to draft potential legislation for establishing both federal and local waterborne cargo subsidy programs and to submit a report on the program's status to the Legislature prior to the 2026 Regular Session. The resolution emphasizes the critical need for maritime support to ensure food security and reduce transportation costs in Hawaii, where alternative transportation methods like trucking and rail are not feasible due to the state's island geography.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=166&year=2025