Hawaii Senate Bill SR62

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/26
• Refer: 3/19/26

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 and accountable transition process for moving responsibilities, staff, operations, and assets related to the small boat harbors back to the DOT. This includes forming a management team to oversee the transition. The proposed changes are intended to streamline operations and ensure that the small boat harbors are managed efficiently within the context of state transportation infrastructure, which could enhance service delivery and operational readiness.

Summary

Senate Resolution 62 (SR62) requests the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to coordinate the transfer of small boat harbors back to the DOT. This resolution stems from a prior legislative act, Act 272, enacted in 1991, which initially transferred administration of these harbors to the DLNR. The aim of SR62 is to improve alignment between harbor operations and the state's broader transportation system by returning management to the DOT, where planners believe it will better integrate with other transport modalities.

Contention

While SR62 initiates steps for a transition back to DOT oversight, it acknowledges that complete regulatory authority transfer would necessitate further legislative changes. This suggestion of centralizing authority might raise concerns about the operational capabilities of DLNR, which has been managing these harbors for over thirty years. Stakeholders may debate whether the DOT can effectively oversee the small boat harbors' unique requirements, as there are complexities involved in managing marine infrastructure that may not align with traditional land transport management practices.