THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	20
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the public utilities commission to establish a dedicated panel of commissioners to oversee matters related to intrastate water carriers and maritime commerce.

 

 

     WHEREAS, the State's intrastate water carriers are essential to the Hawaii's economic stability and public well‑being as they ensure the reliable movement of food, fuel, medicine, construction materials, and consumer goods across the islands; and

 

     WHEREAS, unlike most states, Hawaii relies on maritime transportation as a core component of its internal supply chain rather than a supplemental mode of transport; and

 

     WHEREAS, regulation of intrastate water carriers involves highly technical and operational considerations, including vessel safety, harbor operations, emergency preparedness, infrastructure investment, workforce requirements, and long-term maritime system planning; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates intrastate water carriers alongside electric, gas, telecommunications, and other utilities, despite the fundamentally distinct operational characteristics of maritime transportation; and

 

     WHEREAS, the complexity and criticality of maritime transportation warrant specialized regulatory focus and subject matter expertise to ensure informed, timely, and consistent decision-making; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation, through its Harbors Division, has direct responsibility for harbor infrastructure and maritime operations and serves as a key technical and operational partner to intrastate water carriers; and

 

     WHEREAS, closer alignment and structured coordination between the PUC's regulatory function and maritime operational expertise would strengthen regulatory effectiveness without altering existing statutory authority; and

 

     WHEREAS, establishing a dedicated maritime or intrastate commerce panel within the PUC would improve regulatory clarity, continuity, and capacity as the State advances clean energy, decarbonization, resilience, and supply-chain security goals; and

 

     WHEREAS, strengthening specialized oversight of intrastate water carriers supports supply-chain resilience, cost containment, emergency response readiness, and long-term investment certainty for businesses and communities across the State; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Public Utilities Commission is requested to establish a dedicated panel of commissioners, or other formal internal structure, to oversee matters related to intrastate water carriers and maritime commerce; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the PUC is encouraged to ensure that the oversight panel is supported by appropriate technical expertise, maritime operational knowledge, and stakeholder engagement to address the unique characteristics of intrastate maritime transportation; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body encourages enhanced coordination between the PUC, Department of Transportation, maritime operators, labor, and other stakeholders to inform regulatory decisions and improve system-wide outcomes; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body affirms that specialized maritime oversight within the existing regulatory framework would strengthen interisland supply-chain resilience, support the State's clean energy transition, and promote reliable and affordable maritime transportation residents and businesses; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to Director of Transportation; Chair of the Public Utilities Commission; Deputy Director of Transportation, Harbors Division; and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

PUC; DOT; Water Carriers; Maritime Commerce