HI HR166

Department of Transportation requested to convene a working group to establish and recommend federal, state, and county subsidies for waterborne cargo transport to Hawaii.

Working group to include Director of Transportation (chair), Director of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Board of Agriculture Chairperson, one Senate member, one House member, transportation committee chairs, county mayors, and water carrier representatives.

Department of Transportation to lead coordination with U.S. Department of Transportation, Hawaii's congressional delegation, and state legislature to develop federal waterborne cargo subsidy programs and draft supporting legislation.

Resolution references prior 2020 working group findings that over 98% of Hawaii's imported goods (over 80% of total consumption) are transported by water, with shipping costs reaching 7.5% of goods cost, necessitating subsidy programs.

Department of Transportation to submit progress report to Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session convening.