Hawaii House Bill HR166

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Transportation To Convene A Working Group To Establish And Recommend Federal And Local Subsidies For The Transport Of Waterborne Cargo And To Work And Consult With The United States Department Of Transportation, Hawaii's Congressional Delegation, And The Legislature.

Impact

The proposed resolution aims to address the rising costs associated with importing goods into Hawaii, which can constitute as much as 7.5% of the product cost. It highlights the need for subsidies specifically for general cargo transport, a gap in Hawaii’s current subsidy offerings. By establishing financial support for waterborne cargo, the resolution seeks to improve food security and operational sustainability of water carriers within the state.

Summary

House Resolution 166 (HR166) introduces a request to the Department of Transportation of Hawaii to convene a working group focused on establishing and recommending federal and local subsidies for the transport of waterborne cargo. This initiative arises from the significant reliance of Hawaii's communities on imported goods, over 80% of which depend heavily on maritime transport. The working group is charged with consulting relevant authorities including the United States Department of Transportation and Hawaii's congressional delegation to facilitate the creation of effective subsidy programs that will enhance maritime logistics in the state.

Contention

While HR166 does not seem to have contentious points explicitly stated in the provided consensus, potential concerns could arise from the process of implementing federal and local subsidies. Discussions may focus on the funding sources for such programs and whether existing or new resources can adequately support these initiatives. Additionally, there could be debates around the implications of increased government involvement in transportation costs and whether such measures will effectively decrease costs for consumers.

Recommendation

The final report related to the working group’s establishment reinforces the belief that strategic subsidies could play a pivotal role in maintaining the stability of goods transportation in Hawaii, which is fundamentally different from transportation dynamics seen in mainland America. This resolution underscores the need for a robust legislative and administrative response to bolster local economies and ensure efficient goods transportation.