Urging The United States Congress To Enact Legislation Exempting From The Jones Act All Marine Cargo Shipments To And From The State Of Hawaii.
According to the resolution, the annual costs attributed to the Jones Act are estimated to be around $1.2 billion for the state, translating to approximately $1,800 per family. Proponents of HCR119 argue that removing these shipping restrictions could lead to a substantial decrease in living expenses for Hawaii residents, as it would permit greater competition in the shipping industry and lower transportation costs. This change could free up the state’s economy by enhancing access to lower-priced goods, potentially benefiting various sectors from retail to tourism.
HCR119 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii in 2023, urging the United States Congress to pass legislation that would exempt all marine cargo shipments to and from Hawaii from the restrictions imposed by the Jones Act. The Jones Act, established by the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, mandates that any goods transported between U.S. ports must be carried on vessels that are wholly owned and operated by U.S. citizens. Given Hawaii's unique geographic status as an archipelago, much of its inter-island and mainland-to-Hawaii cargo is subject to these regulations, which significantly impacts the state's economy and cost of living.
While the resolution itself does not detail specific points of contention, the broader discussion around the Jones Act often includes debates concerning national security and the protection of domestic maritime jobs. Some opponents of exemptions suggest that allowing foreign vessels to carry cargo to Hawaii could undermine U.S. maritime interests and workforce. Therefore, HCR119 may face challenges in garnering unanimous support from legislators who prioritize local employment in maritime industries versus those who seek immediate economic relief for Hawaii's residents.