HI SR20

Requests Congress to grant Hawaii an exemption or sunset waiver from the Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920) to reduce shipping costs and increase maritime competition.

Cites that 80% of goods consumed in Hawaii are imported by ship, with freight rates between the mainland and Hawaii among the world's highest despite low transpacific shipping costs elsewhere.

Notes that Congress previously exempted the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa from the Jones Act, establishing precedent for Pacific region exceptions.

References an anticipated Government Accountability Office report (due February 28, 2013) expected to recommend a sunset waiver for Hawaii that would lower construction costs and enable new tonnage and additional ships to serve the state.

Directs certified copies be sent to the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, Secretary of Transportation, and Hawaii's Congressional delegation to urge support for Jones Act exemption legislation.