Hawaii Senate Bill SR11

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Requesting The United States Congress, Postal Regulatory Commission, And United States Postal Service To Take Any Actions Necessary For The United States Postal Service To Lease To Private Businesses Advertising Space On Postal Property.

Impact

The implementation of SR11 could have notable implications for state laws and local economies. By potentially increasing revenue streams for the USPS, this resolution may alleviate some of the financial pressures that have led to cuts in services or facility maintenance. Additionally, the introduction of commercial advertising on postal properties could foster new local business opportunities, encouraging entrepreneurial ventures that can enhance community engagement and commerce. However, the resolution also raises questions about the commercialization of public assets, especially if local communities feel that their postal facilities are being 'turned into billboards.' Therefore, there may be objections from various community interests concerned about the aesthetic and functional consequences of such advertising arrangements.

Summary

Senate Resolution 11 (SR11) proposes an initiative requesting the United States Congress and the United States Postal Service (USPS) to take action to allow private businesses to lease advertising space on postal properties. This resolution aims to utilize the extensive reach of the USPS, which delivers to nearly every address in the United States and manages a substantial volume of mail. The resolution highlights the USPS's ongoing financial troubles, as it has consistently incurred significant losses over the years, with a specific mention of a net loss of approximately $473 million in fiscal year 2022. The authors of SR11 argue that gaining additional revenue through advertising leases could support essential infrastructure improvements at postal facilities across the country.

Contention

One of the primary points of contention surrounding SR11 could involve the balance between generating revenue and maintaining the integrity of public service missions. While proponents assert the importance of financial sustainability for the USPS, opponents might argue that allowing for advertising space could lead to inappropriate commercialization and distract from the core services of the postal system. Additionally, concerns may arise relating to how these advertising initiatives are executed—whether they are beneficial to local populations or primarily serve the interests of larger corporations seeking exposure.