HI HB1709

Requires water carriers transporting passengers or property between points in Hawaii for compensation to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Department of Transportation

Transfers regulatory authority over water carriers from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation

Authorizes the department to establish preferential water carrier service rates by tariff for ratepayers engaged in agricultural activities

Establishes liability requirements for water carriers, requiring them to issue receipts or bills of lading and be liable for loss, damage, or injury to property, with minimum claim filing periods of four months and two years for lawsuits

Removes water carriers from certain provisions of the public utilities commission special fund and related regulatory sections under Chapter 269