STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2324

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2400

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 2400 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Exempt persons operating wing-in-ground craft from the application of the Hawaii Water Carriers Act; and

(2) Define "wing-in-ground craft."

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation; Hawaiʻi Seaglider Initiative; Maritime Institute; Hawaii Medical Services Association; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1186, AFL-CIO; Grassroot Institute of Hawaii; and three individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Public Utilities Commission.

Your Committee finds that wing-in ground craft, commonly knowns as Seagliders, provide several statewide benefits, including zero operational emissions, additional rapid interisland transport opportunities for healthcare and essential services, and employment opportunities. Seagliders also align with the State's broader economic diversification goals and strengthen the State's innovation economy as the Seaglider industry is expected to attract sustainable infrastructure investment. This measure will remove unnecessary regulatory barriers, allowing the smooth adoption of Seagliders as a clean, efficient, and resilient interisland transportation solution.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2400 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

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

________________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair