HI HR38

Urges the Public Utilities Commission to support transferring its complete regulatory authority over motor carriers and other transportation means, including water carriers, to the Department of Transportation, subject to legislative action

Notes that the Public Utilities Commission currently regulates approximately 1,741 motor carrier entities across the State as of fiscal year 2023, overseeing tariff structures, annual financial reporting, and compliance requirements

Points to Act 117 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2024) which transferred enforcement of the Motor Carrier Law to the Department of Transportation while leaving regulatory authority with the Public Utilities Commission

Argues the Department of Transportation has greater enforcement capacity with more enforcement officers and statewide presence, enabling more consistent and effective motor carrier regulation and road safety oversight

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Director of Transportation, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission