HawaiiSB 31022025–2026 Regular Session (Year 2)Senate

RELATING TO PORT PILOTAGE.

Sponsored By: Ronald D. Kouchi (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Clarifies the consulting role and responsibilities of the Department of Transportation in the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' development and implementation of port pilot licensure standards, requirements, and criteria. Repeals Port Allen from the list of designated pilotage waters. (HD2)

DOTDCCAPort PilotsLicensurePilotage WatersPort AllenRepealTRN, CPC

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New exceptions to ship pilot rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, ships entering, leaving, or crossing Nawiliwili, Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo, Kawaihae, or Barbers Point generally must use a licensed pilot. Port Allen is no longer designated pilotage waters. When no pilot is immediately available, the transportation director may declare a ship an immediate harbor safety hazard or in immediate danger of destruction, allowing it to move without a pilot. The department retains authority to require pilotage for safety.

State agencies coordinate port pilot rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the commerce director must consult transportation officials on port pilot rules, licenses, and enforcement. The transportation director must provide information when asked, including on exams, fees, and safety rules. The transportation department and commerce director also decide how many pilots are needed. The department must consult port users and the pilots’ association, and prioritize safe, economical service; the law sets no fixed number.

Ship pilot fees get public review

Beginning July 1, 2026, the commerce director sets port pilotage rates with transportation department input. Rates must account for operating costs, maintenance, depreciation, investment returns, and rates at similar U.S. ports. Rates in effect on July 1, 1978, remain until changed. Any rate change requires a public hearing and at least 30 days’ mailed notice to licensed pilots, their association, and registered vessel interests. Aggrieved parties may appeal rate decisions to circuit court.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ronald D. Kouchi

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 150 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2026

The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The ...

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 3/24/2026

Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC...

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 3/19/2026

The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The ...

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 25 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...

Yes: 4 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/10/2026

The committee(s) on TRS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...

Yes: 5 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Act 023, 05/21/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1123).

    5/21/2026Senate
  2. Act 023, on 05/21/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1123).

    5/21/2026House
  3. Passed Final Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none.

    4/22/2026Senate
  4. Enrolled to Governor.

    4/22/2026Senate
  5. Reconsideration of action taken on 04-09-26 in disagreeing to the House amendments.

    4/21/2026Senate
  6. Senate agrees with House amendments. Placed on the calendar for Final Reading on 04-22-26.

    4/21/2026Senate
  7. One Day Notice 04-22-26

    4/21/2026Senate
  8. Received notice of reconsideration and Senate agreement (Sen. Com. No. 716).

    4/21/2026House
  9. Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 564).

    4/10/2026House
  10. Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 490).

    4/9/2026Senate
  11. Senate disagrees with House amendments.

    4/9/2026Senate
  12. Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). Transmitted to Senate.

    4/8/2026House
  13. Reported from CPC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1808-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading.

    4/6/2026House
  14. Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-08-26.

    4/6/2026House
  15. The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 11 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Grandinetti, Chun, Ilagan, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Kong, Lowen, Marten, Tam, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none.

    4/1/2026House
  16. Bill scheduled to be heard by CPC on Wednesday, 04-01-26 2:00PM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.

    3/30/2026House
  17. Reported from TRN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1335-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to CPC.

    3/24/2026House
  18. Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Garrett, Quinlan excused (2).

    3/24/2026House
  19. The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Kila, Miyake, Evslin, Grandinetti, La Chica, Cochran, Muraoka, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Kitagawa.

    3/19/2026House
  20. Bill scheduled to be heard by TRN on Thursday, 03-19-26 8:30AM in House conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.

    3/16/2026House
  21. Pass First Reading

    3/12/2026House
  22. Referred to TRN, CPC, referral sheet 17

    3/12/2026House
  23. Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.

    3/10/2026Senate
  24. Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 361) in amended form (SD 2).

    3/10/2026House
  25. Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2915) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2).

    3/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

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