RELATING TO PORT WORKERS.

HB196

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

196

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to port workers
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

����
SECTION 1.
�
Chapter 266, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read
as follows:

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"
�266-
��
��
Port worker advisory committee;
established
.
�
(a)

�
There is established the port worker
advisory committee within the department of transportation.
�
The
port worker
advisory committee shall make recommendations to the department of
transportation on methods to improve state-owned and state‑managed ports
.
�
The recommendations shall include suggested policies
that:

����
(1)
�
I
ncrease safety;

����
(2)
�
Improve the scheduling of workers and
shipments; and

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(3)
�
Improve operations and efficiency.

The port
worker advisory committee may make recommendations on methods to improve
harbors.

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(b)
�
The port worker advisory committee shall
comprise the following seven members:

����
(1)
�
The deputy
director of transportation, harbors division, who shall serve as an ex officio,
voting member;

����
(2)
�
A harbors
district manager to be selected by the director of transportation;

����
(3)
�
The head of a
union representing port workers, who shall be invited to be a member by the
director of transportation; and

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(4)
�
Four

port workers to be selected by the governor under section 26-34.

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(c)
�
The chairperson of the
port worker
advisory committee shall
be elected by the members from among their membership.
�
A majority of the members of the
port worker
advisory committee shall
constitute a quorum for the conduct of business of the
port worker
advisory committee.
�

A majority vote of the members present at a meeting at which a quorum is
established shall be necessary to validate any action of the
port worker
advisory committee.

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(d)
�
The port worker advisory committee shall
establish a process for port workers to anonymously:

����
(1)
�
R
eport challenges faced by port
workers; and

����
(2)
�
Suggested
improvements to ports.

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(e)
�
The port worker advisory committee shall
publish on the webpage of the department of transportation the reported
challenges, suggested improvements, and the responsive actions taken by the
port worker advisory committee or the department of transportation.

����
(f)
�
The members of the advisory committee shall
serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses
incurred in the performance of their duties, including travel expenses.

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(g)
�
The advisory committee may adopt rules pursuant
to chapter 91 for its governance.

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(h)
�
The department shall provide necessary staff
and other support required by the
port
worker advisory committee
for the performance of its duties.

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�266-
��
��
Department
of transportation feedback solicitation.
�

The department of transportation, harbors division shall conduct not
less than one public meeting each quarter pursuant to chapter 92 dedicated to
soliciting input from port workers on:

����
(1)
�
Methods to
improve ports; and

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(2)
�
Problems faced
by port workers.
"

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SECTION 2.
�
New statutory material is underscored.

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SECTION 3.
�
This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DOT;
Harbors; Port Workers; Port Worker Advisory Committee

Description:

Establishes
the Port Worker Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Department of
Transportation regarding management of state-owned and state-managed ports.
�
Requires the Department to conduct meetings
to solicit input from port workers on methods to improve ports and problems
faced by port workers.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.