Hawaii House Bill HR62

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 passage of HR62 is expected to realign the management of small boat harbors to better integrate with Hawaii's overall transportation system, promoting efficiency in planning and capital programming. This legislation highlights the need for a joint management team to oversee the transfer, which includes addressing operational matters such as personnel classifications and organizational structure adjustments necessary for effective management of the harbors within the Department of Transportation.

Summary

House Resolution 62 (HR62) aims to facilitate the transition of small boat harbors in Hawaii from the Department of Land and Natural Resources back to the Department of Transportation. Initially, the administration of these harbors was transferred under Act 272 in 1991, which mandated coordinated planning and management during such transitions. HR62 emphasizes the importance of a structured transition process, ensuring continuity of services, staff alignment, and administrative readiness as the state shifts control of these facilities.

Contention

While HR62 aims to enhance operational efficiency, the process of transferring authority raises questions about how local needs and the unique character of the harbors will be maintained. Legislators have expressed concerns about the implications of such a transition, especially regarding the responsible stewardship of public resources and the potential for interruption in services during the transfer. Discussions around HR62 may delve into broader themes about state authority versus local management, particularly in the context of community investment in these facilities.