HI SR125

Department of Transportation and respective counties requested to provide combined total of at least $15,000,000 in funding to water carriers by September 30, 2020, to offset COVID-19 pandemic impacts on interisland cargo transportation services.

Funds cannot be used for parent company payments (except market-rate tug assist/lease/charter), company profits, loan repayment, capital expenditures, executive bonuses, advertising (except customer/employee communications), club dues, charitable/political contributions, travel, seminars, or entertainment expenses.

Public Utilities Commission requested to convene a working group by August 1, 2020, to develop mid-term and long-term solutions balancing continuous interisland water carrier service with financial sustainability of carriers.

Working group to include Senate President, House Speaker, county mayors, representatives from Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, legislative transportation committee chairs, water carrier representatives, and International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 representative.

Working group to submit final report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to Legislature and Governor no later than twenty days before Regular Session of 2022.