05-22-2013, 08:57 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Seeb
The Jones act costs everyone in Hawaii thousands of dollars a year, but most people don't know it exists
All the representatives support the Jones Act and don't see it as protectionism, rather for national security. Also, Hanabusa has talked about exceptions to the Jones act that Hawaii is looking at. The cruise ships currently exempt themselves by stopping at a NONCONUS port after they leave the first American port. Then they can go straight to a port like Hilo from the mainland. Cargo ships from the mainland could potentially do the same, making a stop in Canada first, then proceeding to the Oahu international port.
"The Jones act is supported by Gabbard and Sen. Mazie Hirono have gone on the record with their full support for the act.
Hirono last fall said the Jones Act is important from a national security standpoint, and is important because Jones Act ships comply with U.S. labor laws. The act leads to the employment of about 10,000 people in Hawaii, Hirono said, citing the Department of Labor.
Sen. Brian Schatz did issue a written statement expressing his ongoing support, saying the act is “is critical for our national and economic security. It is critical that America control its own shipping and maintain labor and environmental standards within the industry.”
"This island Hawaii on this island Earth"
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*