REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO ESTABLISH AND RECOMMEND FEDERAL AND LOCAL SUBSIDIES FOR THE TRANSPORT OF WATERBORNE CARGO AND TO WORK AND CONSULT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, HAWAII'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION, AND THE LEGISLATURE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sue Lee Loy

HR 166 establishes a working group to recommend federal and local subsidies for waterborne cargo transport, aiming to lower costs and boost economic growth in maritime trade.

Referred to TRN, FIN, referral sheet 22

#dbedt #doa #dot #subsidyprograms #waterbornecarriers #workinggroup

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 166
Title: Requesting the Department of Transportation to Convene a Working Group to Establish and Recommend Federal and Local Subsidies for the Transport of Waterborne Cargo
Status: Referred to TRN, FIN, referral sheet 22
Introduced: January 03, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Subject Areas: DBEDT, DOA, DOT, Subsidy Programs, Waterborne Carriers, Working Group

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 166 is to establish a working group under the Department of Transportation (DOT) to explore and recommend both federal and local subsidies aimed at enhancing the transport of waterborne cargo. This initiative seeks to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of waterborne shipping, which is crucial for trade and economic development, particularly in regions reliant on maritime transport.

Key Provisions

Formation of a Working Group: The bill mandates the DOT to convene a working group that will focus on:

Evaluating current subsidy programs related to waterborne cargo transport.
Identifying potential federal and local subsidies that could be implemented to support waterborne carriers.
Consulting with relevant stakeholders, including:
The United States Department of Transportation
Hawaii's Congressional Delegation
The State Legislature

Recommendations: The working group is expected to provide recommendations on how to structure these subsidies effectively to benefit the transport of waterborne cargo.

Impact

Affected Parties: The bill primarily impacts:

Waterborne carriers and shipping companies that rely on maritime transport.
Local businesses and industries that depend on efficient cargo transport for their operations.
Government agencies involved in transportation and economic development.

Economic Implications: By potentially lowering transportation costs through subsidies, the bill aims to stimulate economic growth, enhance trade competitiveness, and improve supply chain logistics for businesses in Hawaii and beyond.

Procedural Timeline

January 03, 2025: HR 166 was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

March 07, 2025: The bill was offered for consideration.

March 14, 2025: The bill was referred to the TRN (Transportation) and FIN (Financial Services) committees, as noted in referral sheet 22.

Related Legislation

HCR 170: This bill is identified as a companion measure, indicating that there may be parallel efforts or additional legislative actions related to the same subject matter.

This summary provides a clear overview of HR 166, outlining its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on stakeholders involved in waterborne cargo transport.

Bill