24 JUNE 2019 • FOGHORN LEGISLATIVEREPORT +1 920.686.5117 sales@burgerboat.com burgerboatcommercial.com Proudly built in the USA Refit & Repair Burger is recognized worldwide for quality custom vessels that provide years of dependable service. Quality Commercial Vessels... Built by Burger to Your Requirements • Aluminum and Steel Fabrication • Passenger Vessels • Water Taxis • Wind Farm Support Vessels • Crew Supply Vessels • Other Vessels to 260’ (80m) • Refit and Repair Services - Hull Plate Replacement - Exterior and Interior Coatings - Engine & Generator Repowers - All Vessel System Repairs - Interior Refresh Burger is a Authorized Dealer For MARINE AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION By Ed Welch, PV A Legislative Director M ost advocacy work of the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) takes place in Washington, DC, and deals with the federal government, either the U.S. Congress or regulatory agencies such as the Coast Guard or the Environmental Protection Agency. However, periodically state governments turn their gaze to the maritime industry and passenger vessels in particular. PVA tries to keep up with these efforts in the state capitals, occa- sionally weighing it on behalf of its members. For whatever reason, the first part of 2019 has witnessed a proliferation of efforts by the states to tell passenger vessel operators how to conduct their businesses. In Hawaii, PVA vessel members on Maui needed to move their vessels from exposed harbors when Hurricanes Lane and Olivia approached in 2018. In past years, vessel operators had been allowed to relocate to sheltered places in ports operated by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. However, state officials changed the prior practice and excluded the passenger vessels, saying they were concerned about potential obstruction to navigable channels and possible damage to shoreside facilities. After fruitless discussions with the harbor officials, the PVA operators sought help in the state legislature. Senator Lorraine Inouye sponsored a bill (SB 1505) to authorize the Department of State Legislation and Rules Can Affect PVA Members