STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2174

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.C.R. No. 73

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 73 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CONDUCT AN ASSESSMENT REPORT TO EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY AND PRACTICALITY OF IMPLEMENTING HIGHER LEVELS OF COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR THE GENERAL AVIATION INDUSTRY AND HELICOPTER OPERATIONS AT AIRPORTS IN THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Transportation to conduct an assessment report to evaluate the feasibility and practicality of implementing higher levels of commercial general liability insurance for the general aviation industry and helicopter operations at airports in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the United States Congressman Ed Case, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, and AeroPlex Group Partners. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Transportation.

Your Committee finds that the general aviation industry and operation of helicopters in a safe manner is of paramount importance to the State. Your Committee further finds that higher levels of required commercial general liability insurance may be associated with increased private sector incentives to adopt national or worldwide best practices. Your Committee therefore finds that this measure provides an opportunity for the Department of Transportation to collect valuable data to ensure the general aviation industry, particularly helicopters, hold sufficient levels of general liability insurance for the safety of operators and passengers.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 73 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

CHRIS TODD, Chair