HI HCR60

Requests the Harbors Division of the Department of Transportation to establish a task force to study the feasibility of creating a Hawaii Commercial Harbors Authority to consolidate commercial harbor management currently distributed among multiple state agencies.

Task force must examine the proposed Authority's ability to maximize economic contribution of commercial harbors, ensure expert leadership with management continuity, improve administrative efficiency, accelerate capital improvement programs, and increase financial flexibility.

Deputy Director of Transportation, Harbors Division to serve as chairperson and invite representatives from Hawaii Tourism Authority, Department of Budget and Finance, Department of Human Resources Development, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Health, longshore unions (Local 142 and divisions), United Public Workers Local 646, Hawaii Government Employee Association Local 152, and Hawaii Harbors Users Group.

Task force directed to develop and recommend legislation to establish the Hawaii Commercial Harbors Authority and transfer all commercial maritime and harbors authority, powers, functions, and duties from the Harbors Division to the new Authority.

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2020 Regular Session convening.