STAND. COM. REP. NO.  770

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2023

 

RE:   H.B. No. 24

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 24, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

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

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to remove the discretion for water carriers to secure prior approval of the Public Utilities Commission to enter into long-term leases of more than three years and leverage leases.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Young Brothers, LLC; Matson Navigation Company, Inc.; and Hawaii Harbor Users Group.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Public Utilities Commission.

 

     Your Committee finds that existing law relating to the Public Utilities Commission's regulatory approval process for water carriers could be interpreted to require the Commission to approve long-term leases of any type or amount, which could result in delays in the transport of necessary goods throughout the State.  Your Committee notes that no other entity regulated by the Public Utilities Commission is required to obtain the Commission's approval before entering into a lease of more than three years.  This measure ensures that consumers receive their goods in a timely manner and provides parity in the lease approval processes across entities regulated by the Public Utilities Commission.

 

     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. 24, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair