STAND. COM. REP. NO. 245

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 103

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 103 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO VESSELS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the Director of Transportation to adopt rules that regulate and limit noise from vessels at harbors, ports, roadsteads, docks, wharves, piers, quays, bulkheads, and landings of the State.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Chinatown Gateway Plaza Tenant Association.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Transportation.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from Matson.

 

     Your Committee finds that as working harbors, many of Hawaii's harbors produce large amounts of noise.  While the Department of Transportation has the authority to adopt rules regulating the manner in which vessels may enter and moor, anchor, or dock in the commercial harbors, ports, and roadsteads, this authority does not allow the Department to adopt rules to regulate excessive and harmful noises emanating from these vessels.  Your Committee finds that granting the Department this authority will help alleviate the concerns of individuals affected by the noise from Hawaii's harbors.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 103 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

 

 

 

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair