Hawaii House Bill HCR68

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/26
• Refer: 3/18/26
• Report Pass: 4/2/26
• Refer: 4/2/26

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Transportation And Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Coordinate The Transfer Of Small Boat Harbors Back To The Department Of Transportation And To Establish A Management Team To Develop Transition Plans.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the need for a structured transition process, which includes the identification of necessary staff and the establishment of a management team tasked with developing transition and implementation plans. These plans are intended to facilitate an organized move of authority, responsibilities, and the associated personnel back to the Department of Transportation. This move may affect both operational and administrative aspects of the small boat harbor program, necessitating legislative changes for the transfer of jurisdiction and full regulatory authority.

Summary

HCR68 is a Concurrent Resolution from the House of Representatives of the State of Hawaii requesting the transfer of small boat harbors from the Department of Land and Natural Resources back to the Department of Transportation. This resolution stems from a desire to better synchronize harbor planning and operations with the State's integrated transportation system. The intent is to ensure continuity of management and services during the transition period while re-establishing the Department of Transportation's oversight of the harbors, which was altered in 1991 by Act 272 that initially transferred management responsibilities to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Contention

While the bill lays out a practical framework for this transfer, it is not without potential points of contention. The involvement of two state departments indicates a need for careful negotiation and coordination to achieve a seamless transition. Stakeholders may express concerns regarding the implications for staffing, funding, and operational efficiency during and after the transfer. Furthermore, the resolution calls on both departments to work together, raising questions about the dynamics of power and responsibility within the state's management structure for marine resources.