HI HR61

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 management of the state's ten commercial harbors.

Task force to examine whether a separate authority could maximize harbors' economic contribution, ensure dedicated leadership, improve administrative efficiency, accelerate capital improvement programs, and increase financial flexibility and job creation.

Deputy Director of Transportation, Harbors Division to chair the task force with invited representatives from Hawaii Tourism Authority, Department of Budget and Finance, Department of Human Resources Development, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Health, multiple labor unions, and the Hawaii Harbors Users Group.

Task force directed to develop and recommend legislation to establish the Hawaii Commercial Harbors Authority and transfer all authority, powers, functions, and duties of the current Harbors Division to the new entity.

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