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HR 62

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.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 9 co-sponsors

Hawaii bill requests DOT and DLNR coordinate transferring small boat harbor management from DLNR to DOT and develop transition plans for the administrative shift.

The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Morikawa, Belatti, Ichiyama, Poepoe, Woodson, Shimizu, Souza; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Iwamoto; Noes: none; and Excused: none.
#dlnr #dot #smallboatharbors #transfer
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Bill Summary · HR 62

Legislative bill overview

HR 62 requests Hawaii's Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to coordinate transferring management of small boat harbors from DLNR back to DOT and to establish a management team that develops transition plans for this administrative shift.

Why is this important

Small boat harbors are critical infrastructure for Hawaii's fishing industry, recreation, and local economies. The transfer request suggests current management under DLNR may be inefficient or misaligned with transportation infrastructure priorities, and clarifying jurisdiction could improve operational consistency and accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • Jurisdictional clarity: The bill doesn't explain why DOT should manage harbors or what specific problems prompted the transfer request, leaving the rationale unclear
  • Transition costs and disruption: Moving harbors between agencies risks operational disruptions, staff reorganization, and potential service gaps during the transition period
  • DLNR capacity concerns: The bill doesn't address whether DLNR currently lacks resources or expertise, or if the transfer reflects broader resource allocation questions that may resurface

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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