HI HR113

Requests Congress to exempt Hawaii from the U.S.-build requirement of the Jones Act (Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920) for large self-propelled oceangoing ships, with Alaska and Puerto Rico seeking the same exemption.

Argues that the U.S.-build requirement creates artificially high costs for shipping to noncontiguous jurisdictions, with U.S. deep-draft ship construction costing three or more times more than international alternatives.

Notes that the aging Jones Act fleet serving noncontiguous trades has an average vessel age of 28 years compared to the international average of 12 years, creating safety and efficiency concerns.

Urges Hawaii's congressional delegation to work with colleagues from Alaska, Guam, and Puerto Rico to introduce federal legislation implementing this exemption and requests support from the President and federal agencies.

States the exemption would be limited to large oceangoing ships and would not affect the U.S.-flag, U.S.-ownership, or U.S.-crew requirements, nor impact tug and barge industries or mainland coastal shipping.