RELATING TO VESSELS.

SB108

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

108

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to vessels
.

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

����
SECTION
1
.
�
The legislature finds that as working
harbors, many of Hawai
�
i'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 of
transportation to adopt rules to regulate excessive and harmful noises
emanating from these vessels.
�
The
legislature further finds that granting the department of transportation this
authority will help alleviate the concerns of individuals affected by the noise
from Hawai
�
i's harbors.

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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to
authorize the director of transportation to adopt rules
that
regulate and limit noise from vessels using the commercial harbors, ports,
roadsteads, docks, wharves, piers, quays, bulkheads, and landings of the State.

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SECTION
2
.
�
Section 266-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

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"(a)
�

The director of transportation may adopt rules as necessary:

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(1)
�
To regulate the manner in which all
vessels may enter and moor, anchor, or dock in the commercial harbors, ports,
and roadsteads of the State, or move from one dock, wharf, pier, quay,
bulkhead, landing, anchorage, or mooring to another within the commercial
harbors, ports, or roadsteads;

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(2)
�
For the examination, guidance, and
control of harbor masters and their assistants and their conduct while on duty;

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(3)
�
For the embarking or disembarking of
passengers;

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(4)
�
To regulate the allowable noise that
may emanate from vessels while using the commercial harbors, ports, roadsteads,
docks, wharves, piers, quays, bulkheads, and landings of the State, including
by establishing noise limits;

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[
(4)
]

(5)
�
For the expeditious and careful
handling of freight, goods, wares, and merchandise of every kind that may be
delivered for shipment or discharged on the commercial docks, wharves, piers,
quays, bulkheads, or landings belonging to or controlled by the State; and

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[
(5)
]

(6)
�
To define the duties and powers of
carriers, shippers, and consignees respecting passengers, freight, goods,
wares, and merchandise in and upon the docks, wharves, piers, quays, bulkheads,
or landings within the commercial harbors, ports, and roadsteads of the
State.
�
The director may also make
further rules for the safety of the docks, wharves, piers, quays, bulkheads,
and landings on, in, near, or affecting a commercial harbor and waterfront
improvements belonging to or controlled by the State."

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SECTION 3.
�

Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.
�
New statutory material is underscored.

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SECTION 4.
�

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Department
of Transportation; Vessels; Harbors; Regulation of Noise

Description:

Authorizes
the Director of Transportation to adopt rules
that
regulate and limit noise from vessels using the commercial harbors, ports,
roadsteads, docks, wharves, piers, quays, bulkheads, and landings of the State
.

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