HI HB2756

Establishes the Hawaii Port Authority as an independent public entity within the Department of Budget and Finance to manage and set statewide policy for small airports throughout Hawaii.

Port Authority governed by four voting members: an administrator (ex-officio) and three appointed members with background in light aircraft or small airports, with at least one from a county with population under 500,000.

Transfers jurisdiction over small airports and related functions from the Department of Transportation's airports division to the Port Authority effective July 1, 2017, with employees transferred without loss of seniority or benefits.

Grants Port Authority powers including authority to develop, operate, and maintain small airports; impose rates and fees; issue revenue bonds; hire law enforcement; and prevent counties from adopting ordinances that obstruct Port Authority operations.

Appropriates unspecified general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 to implement the Port Authority, with the measure taking effect July 1, 2116 (except section 2 takes effect July 1, 2017).