HI HB1159

Establishes a Commercial Harbors Emergency Evacuation Working Group within the Department of Transportation to review emergency evacuation procedures and regulations for commercial harbors.

Working group shall review federal and state emergency evacuation laws, determine adequate mooring space in commercial harbors for evacuating vessels, and evaluate whether current penalties ensure compliance with evacuation orders.

Working group composition includes the deputy director of the harbors division (chair), legislative transportation committee chairs, U.S. Coast Guard captain of the port Honolulu, and invited commercial harbor users including ocean carriers, fishing associations, cruise line operators, and tug and barge operators.

Working group shall submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 regular session and shall be dissolved on June 30, 2027.

Department of Transportation shall provide administrative support including stakeholder engagement, informational briefings, site visits, and report preparation; members shall serve without compensation except state employees receive expense reimbursement.