Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB948

Filed/Introduced
1/23/25  
Introduced
1/23/25  

Caption

RELATING TO HARBORS.

Summary

HB948 would add a new section to Chapter 266, Hawaii Revised Statutes, directing the Department of Transportation to construct, maintain, and operate customs and security facilities at state commercial harbors. The facilities would be used for federal customs inspections, examinations, and clearance operations, as well as security screening and enforcement activities consistent with federal and state law, including the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. The bill also authorizes the department to provide any other activity needed to support the safe, secure, and lawful operation of commercial harbors. The measure allows the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements or contracts with federal, state, and private entities to implement these facilities. It also permits the department to assess and collect fees, charges, or rentals for use of the facilities, with all revenues deposited into the harbor special fund and used only for the purposes of the new section. The department would be required to adopt rules under Chapter 91 to carry out the law, and the act would take effect upon approval.

Impact

HB948 would expand the Department of Transportation’s statutory responsibilities by expressly requiring it to provide customs and security infrastructure at state commercial harbors. It would create a dedicated legal basis for harbor-related customs and security operations, authorize partnerships with outside entities, and direct user-generated revenues into the harbor special fund for those purposes. The bill would affect Chapter 266 and potentially influence how harbor facilities are financed, operated, and regulated at commercial ports.

Sentiment

The available record suggests generally neutral-to-supportive treatment of the bill, with no recorded opposition, votes, or committee testimony in the provided materials. Its referral to Transportation, Consumer Protection, and Finance committees indicates it was being considered as an operational and fiscal harbor-management measure rather than a controversial policy change. Because no transcripts are available, there is no documented public debate in the provided context.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential issues implied by the bill’s structure could include the cost of constructing and maintaining the facilities, the use of harbor special fund revenues, and the scope of the Department of Transportation’s authority to contract with private entities. However, the record provided does not show any committee objections, amendments, or opposing arguments.

Companion Bills

HI HB948

Carry Over Relating To Harbors.

Previously Filed As

HI HB948

Relating To Harbors.

HI HB26

Relating To Harbors.

HI SB932

Relating To Harbors.

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