Relating To Water Carriers.
The bill outlines specific qualifications and responsibilities for the members of the maritime commission, ensuring that only individuals with relevant experience in maritime transportation are appointed. The commission will have authority over planning, managing, and executing policies related to water carriers. This shift is expected to provide a more focused regulatory environment that can adapt to the unique characteristics of maritime operations in the state. The proposed legislation also emphasizes maintaining public convenience and necessity standards for water carrier services, aimed at enhancing reliability and addressing future demands.
Senate Bill 1348, entitled 'Relating To Water Carriers', seeks to establish a maritime commission to oversee the regulation of water carriers in Hawaii. The bill proposes transferring the oversight responsibilities from the current public utilities commission to the newly formed maritime commission. This is aimed at improving governance and regulatory functions pertaining to water carrier operations, which are vital for transportation between the Hawaiian islands. The establishment of the maritime commission will involve creating new sections in Chapter 271G of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which governs transportation by water.
Notably, the bill repeals several existing statutes, which may raise concerns about the adequacy of regulatory oversight as functions transition to the maritime commission. Stakeholders such as water carrier operators and the public may have differing views on the effectiveness of this transition. Some may argue that the continuity of policies and practices is crucial, while others may see this as an opportunity for better legislative oversight of water carriers, potentially leading to improved service standards and greater operational cohesion among water transport providers.