HI SCR34

Requests that Congress exempt Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico from the Jones Act requirement that large oceangoing ships used in domestic trade be U.S.-built, while maintaining U.S.-flag, U.S.-ownership, and U.S.-crew requirements.

Argues that U.S. shipyard costs are 4-5 times higher than international competitors, resulting in aging Jones Act fleets averaging 30+ years old in noncontiguous trades compared to 12-year international average.

Notes that the existing Guam exemption from the U.S.-build requirement has limited utility because trade routes naturally bind Guam's commerce to Hawaii, effectively requiring U.S.-built ships anyway.

Emphasizes that exemption would enable access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and other modern vessels, would not affect U.S. mainland shipping or tug-and-barge operations, and would not displace maritime jobs in noncontiguous jurisdictions.

Urges Hawaii's congressional delegation and Governor to work with Alaska, Guam, and Puerto Rico to introduce federal legislation implementing the requested exemption.