HI SB1427

Adds new waiver authority to Chapter 271G allowing the Public Utilities Commission to exempt water carriers from Hawaii Water Carrier Act provisions upon determination that exemption is in the public interest, with ability to condition, limit, or rescind exemptions.

Authorizes the Department of Transportation to provide loans up to $3,000,000 per month (not exceeding $20,000,000 per twelve-month period) from the Harbor Special Fund to water carriers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but only to carriers that received at least $10,000,000 in county funding between the effective date and December 30, 2020.

Requires water carriers receiving state loans to maintain the same number of port calls as of January 1, 2020, continue transporting less than container load shipments to Lanai and Molokai, and negotiate in good faith with agriculture and livestock entities regarding interisland livestock shipment standards.

Prohibits loan funds from being used for payments to parent companies, profits, debt repayment, capital expenditures, executive bonuses, or non-operating expenses such as advertising, entertainment, or charitable contributions.

Temporarily transfers the Public Utilities Commission's ratemaking authority for water carriers to the Department of Transportation through December 31, 2021, after which authority reverts to the PUC.