SCR 148: strongly supporting the construction of a floating drydock at pearl harbor.

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

strongly supporting the construction of a floating drydock at pearl harbor.

     WHEREAS, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard serves as a critical component of the United States Navy's Pacific Fleet maintenance and readiness efforts, providing essential ship repair, overhaul, and modernization services; and

     WHEREAS, construction of a floating drydock at Pearl Harbor would expand the shipyard's capacity to service submarines and surface vessels, thereby strengthening national defense; and

     WHEREAS, establishing a new floating drydock would also generate significant economic benefits for Hawaii, create high‑paying jobs, attract investment, and foster workforce development opportunities within the State's maritime and defense industries; and

     WHEREAS, Act 45, Session Laws of Hawaii 2019, authorized the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds for the purpose of assisting Pearl Harbor Floating Drydock, LLC, a Hawaii corporation, for the construction of a purpose-built floating drydock at Pearl Harbor to service submarines and surface ships; and

     WHEREAS, although later cost estimates for the floating drydock were considerably higher than the authorized amount for the special purpose revenue bonds and they ultimately were never issued, the need for a floating drydock remains; and

     WHEREAS, continued investment in modern ship maintenance infrastructure aligns with the United States Navy's strategic objectives and reinforces Hawaii's role as a key hub for the Navy's operations in the Pacific; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Legislature expresses its strong support for the construction of a floating drydock at Pearl Harbor; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, and the members of Hawaii's congressional delegation.

Report Title:

Pearl Harbor; Floating Drydock; Support

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1459

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.C.R. No. 148

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 148 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION STRONGLY SUPPORTING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLOATING DRYDOCK AT PEARL HARBOR,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to strongly support the construction of a floating drydock at Pearl Harbor. 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Military and Community Relations Office of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; Pacific Marine & Supply Company; Pacific Shipyards International, LLC; Hawaii Military Affairs Council; and four individuals.

     Your Committee finds that new floating drydocks are designed for a service life of one hundred fifty years, making their construction a project that will serve the State and nation for generations to come.  This measure supports the construction of a floating drydock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, which will increase the shipyard's capacity to service submarines and surface vessels, bolstering national defense while also driving substantial economic benefits for the State. 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 148 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs,