STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1054-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2283

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 2283, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PORT PILOTAGE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Clarify the consulting role and responsibilities of the Department of Transportation in the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' development and implementation of port pilot licensure standards, requirements, and criteria; and

(2) Repeal the inclusion of Port Allen as part of the waters of the State that are regulated by statutory pilotage requirements.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Transportation; Matson Navigation Company, Inc.; Hawaii Pilots Association; The Maritime Group; Pasha Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Harbors Users Group; and Hawaii Ports Maritime Council.

Your Committee finds that clear delineation of agency roles is essential to the effective regulation of port pilot licensure and the safe and efficient operation of the State's commercial ports. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is responsible for establishing and administering licensure standards for port pilots, while the Department of Transportation possesses operational expertise related to harbor conditions, pilotage needs, and maritime safety.

Your Committee further finds that clarifying the consultative role of the Department of Transportation in the development and implementation of port pilot licensure standards will improve interagency coordination, support informed regulatory decision‑making, and enhance consistency in licensure requirements. This measure promotes effective oversight by ensuring that port pilotage licensure standards are developed with appropriate technical input from the Department of Transportation, while preserving the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' regulatory authority.

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. 2283, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair