STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3340

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1936

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 1936, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HARBOR SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Transportation to require that the securing of mooring lines from vessels to commercial docks, wharves, piers, quays, and landings be performed by labor subject to collective bargaining.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 and fifty-seven individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Shippers' Council.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Transportation, Department of the Attorney General, Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiʻi Gas, and Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii relies on the State's harbor system for the majority of imported goods that are processed each day. Your Committee further finds that it is imperative to the State's supply chain to ensure safety when securing mooring lines from vessels requiring tug assistance within a commercial harbor. This measure will ensure skilled local workers handle harbor operations by requiring that the securing of mooring lines from vessels to commercial docks, wharves, piers, quays, and landings be performed by labor subject to collective bargaining.

Your Committee has amended this measure by adding language to the legislative findings to emphasize the necessity of experienced local longshore workers to improve harbor safety.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1936, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1936, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

________________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair