Act 213, Where are You? – Mike Hansen
The 2014 Hawaii Legislature will be requested to consider passage of a resolution on reforming the Jones Act. I endorse and support the initiative of the Hawaii Shippers Council and urge your support and passage.
Placing this matter as a priority agenda item and formulating task forces in both chambers of the Hawaii Legislature to work jointly and collectively will be most helpful in securing passage of this legislative matter at the earliest time. The Resolution, directed to the non contiguous states, Hawaii being one, has a rippling and overall beneficial impact for all US Flag carriers, shipyards, port operators, consumers and most importantly merchant seamen.
Proponents and supporters of the Jones Act will inevitably view a resolution calling for reform of the Jones Act as activist, intrusive, subversive, and to some unpatriotic. Rest assured that activism as intended by the Resolution’s call for reform is based on fact and careful analysis. Often fact and truth are difficult to accept. For the longest time the proponents and supporters have deflected attempts to reform the Jones Act and have maintained a steadfast defensive posture. Denying the need for reform will accelerate the further and eventual damage to the maritime industry in the United States.
The substantive language of the Resolution calls for a bold and assertive reform of the Jones Act. From my view this is a wake up call is to unite and come to terms with a provision of law for which the time has come for reform. There needs to be a starting point. The Resolution will serve as a foundation for the industry, regulators, consumers, and the legislators to address a matter that is longstanding and of great import to the Nation.
Like an acorn that grows into a giant oak tree, the careful nurturing will ensure its growth and existence for many years. I am confident that The Hawaii Shippers Council will take your approval and outreach to other non contiguous and contiguous states to generate national support for reform of the Jones Act.
The host for this episode was Jay Fidell.
The host for this episode was Jay Fidell.
The host for this episode was Jay Fidell.
The host for this episode was Jay Fidell.
