STAND. COM. REP. NO. 688-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 2434

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 2434, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WATER CARRIERS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require each water carrier to file a strategic plan with the Public Utilities Commission every five years.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Public Utilities Commission, and Ulupono Initiative. Your Committee received comments on this measure from Young Brothers, LLC.

Your Committee finds that the water cargo transportation industry is critical to the State's economic health. Your Committee further finds that the interisland transportation of goods and property is a lifeline for residents and businesses in the State. Requiring each water carrier to file a strategic plan every five years that identifies measurable actions focused on the water carrier's services, goals, and initiatives will help facilitate achievement of certain strategic goals that balance the need for continuous interisland water carrier service with the need for water carriers to maintain financial sustainability.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2434, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair