HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1159
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO COMMERCIAL HARBORS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. (a) There is established the commercial

harbors emergency evacuation working group within the department of transportation for administrative purposes.

(b) The working group shall:

(1) Review current state and federal laws regarding emergency evacuation procedures for commercial harbors;

(2) Determine whether there is adequate space in commercial harbors for all vessels to moor should they be required to evacuate Honolulu harbor and come up with a comprehensive mooring plan; and

(3) Review and evaluate whether current state and federal penalties are sufficient to ensure compliance with emergency evacuation orders for commercial harbors.

(c) The working group shall consist of the following individuals:

(1) The deputy director of the department of transportation harbors division who shall serve as chair of the working group;

(2) The chairs of the senate and house of representatives standing committees whose subject matter purview includes transportation;

(3) The United States Coast Guard captain of the port Honolulu sector, to be invited by the chair of the working group; and

(4) All users of the commercial harbors, to be invited by the chair of the working group, including but not limited to transpacific ocean carriers; interisland ocean carriers; a representative of the Hawaii longline association; a representative of the united fishing agency; cruise line operators; and tug and barge operators.

(d) The chair of the working group shall provide an option to attend each meeting remotely.

(e) The members of the working group shall serve without compensation; provided that members who are employees of the State shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties. No member of the working group shall be subject to chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely because of the member's participation in the working group.

(f) The working group shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

(g) The department of transportation shall provide necessary administrative support to the working group in carrying out their duties, including preparation of the report pursuant to subsection (f).

(h) The working group shall be dissolved on June 30, 2027.

SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Department of Transportation; Commercial Harbors; Evacuation Orders; Emergencies; Working Group; Report

Description:

Establishes a Commercial Harbors Emergency Evacuation Working Group. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.