SB219 amends Hawaii law governing Maui County small boat facilities to give inter-island ferry vessels preferential consideration for ferry landings, including commercial operating permits, when the operator has a certificate of public convenience and necessity and the vessel can safely navigate and dock without unreasonably interfering with other users. The bill is aimed at facilitating inter-island ferry service within Maui County by clarifying how these vessels may access small boat harbor facilities.
At the same time, the bill narrows the existing fee waiver language by specifying that harbor use fees may not be waived under this subsection. It expressly preserves the collection of mooring fees, passenger fees, and certain commercial fees related to harbor use, while still allowing the preferential permit treatment described in the statute. The preferential treatment and any related waivers or permits would end once the operator stops providing inter-island ferry service within Maui County.
Impact
The bill would amend section 200-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, affecting the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ administration of Maui County small boat facilities and the permitting framework for inter-island ferry operators. It would preserve preferential access for qualifying ferry service while removing any interpretation that harbor use fees can be waived for those operations, thereby maintaining fee revenue for the state and clarifying the limits of the existing harbor-use exemption.
Sentiment
The available bill text and description suggest a generally practical, facilitative approach toward inter-island ferry service, with the main policy choice being to support ferry access while clarifying that certain fees remain payable. No committee transcripts or recorded votes are provided, so there is no direct evidence of broader support or opposition in the legislative record included here.
Contention
The central point of contention is likely the fee issue: the bill favors ferry operators by granting preferential consideration for landings and permits, but it also explicitly denies waiver of harbor use fees, including mooring, passenger, and related commercial fees. Ferry operators or advocates for expanded inter-island service may view the fee restriction as a cost burden, while harbor administrators or parties concerned with state revenue and equitable treatment of harbor users may support the clarification. Another potential issue is balancing ferry access with safety and avoiding interference with other vessels at Maui County facilities.