Strongly Supporting The Construction Of A Floating Drydock At Pearl Harbor.
Summary
SR119 is a Senate resolution expressing the Hawaii Legislature’s strong support for constructing a floating drydock at Pearl Harbor. The resolution describes Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard as an important part of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet maintenance and readiness mission and states that a new drydock would expand the shipyard’s ability to repair, overhaul, and modernize submarines and surface ships.
The measure also frames the project as an economic development and workforce initiative for Hawaii, citing potential high-paying jobs, investment, and training opportunities in the state’s maritime and defense sectors. It notes that Act 45 (2019) previously authorized special purpose revenue bonds to assist Pearl Harbor Floating Drydock, LLC, but that the bonds were never issued after cost estimates rose above the authorized amount. Even so, the resolution states that the need for the drydock remains and that continued investment aligns with Navy strategic goals and Hawaii’s role in Pacific operations.
Impact
SR119 does not change Hawaii statutes or create new regulatory requirements; it is a nonbinding legislative expression of support. Its practical effect is to formally communicate the Senate’s backing for the Pearl Harbor floating drydock project to federal defense leaders and Hawaii’s congressional delegation, potentially helping advocacy efforts for funding, approvals, or future project development. The resolution references, but does not amend, Act 45, Session Laws of Hawaii 2019, which had authorized special purpose revenue bonds for the project.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around the bill is strongly supportive. The resolution passed the Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs committee unanimously, 5-0, and the bill text emphasizes national defense, shipyard readiness, economic benefits, and workforce development. There is no recorded opposition in the provided materials, and the tone of the measure is promotional and consensus-oriented.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be the project’s cost and financing rather than the concept of the drydock itself. The resolution acknowledges that later cost estimates were much higher than the amount authorized for special purpose revenue bonds in 2019, and that the bonds were never issued. That suggests the practical challenge is securing a viable funding structure for a large infrastructure project, even though the Legislature’s stated policy position is in favor of construction.