HI SCR194

Urges the Department of Transportation to develop a plan for establishing a ports authority with jurisdiction over Hawaii's airports and harbors.

Identifies benefits of a ports authority including increased security, improved administrative efficiency, better coordination of environmental issues, and streamlined procurement processes.

Notes that a ports authority could seek exemption from procurement laws under HRS 103D-102(c), which would expedite operations.

Requires the Department of Transportation to report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2016 with a plan to establish the port authority and any proposed legislation.

Details current operations: Department manages eleven commercial-service and four general-aviation airports, and ten commercial harbors across the islands, with revenues going into separate airport and harbor special funds.