HI SB1505

Authorizes the Department of Transportation to make harbor facilities temporarily available as a safe refuge for small vessels under 200 gross tons when the National Weather Service forecasts tropical storms (exceeding 38 mph) or hurricane-strength cyclones (exceeding 73 mph), unless prohibited by the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port.

Requires small vessels seeking refuge to be moored in non-essential areas and kept clear of harbor channels whenever possible.

Establishes a working group within the Department of Transportation to develop an action plan for small vessels during tropical storms or hurricanes and examine the feasibility of providing harbor refuge.

Working group membership includes the Transportation Director (chair), Board of Land and Natural Resources chairperson, U.S. Coast Guard representative, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency director, four small boating industry representatives from each county, and one Hawaii harbor users group representative.

Requires the working group to submit findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2020 regular legislative session and dissolves on June 30, 2020.