The Jones Act hinders trade in the Hawaiian islands by limiting the number of merchant vessels allowed to port in Hawai'i. Imports and exports in Hawai'i remain artificially high due to the oligopoly the Jones Act has created. Hawai'i is at an economic disadvantage because of this outdated act. Hawai'i is constantly in a potential state of emergency due to its lack of import options. Hawai'i imports almost all of its food and energy, and at anytime something could happen to the only two US merchant marine companies shipping to Hawai'i, which would leave our state stranded. The Jones Act was created before Hawai'i was a state, and there have been many occasions, such as hurricane Sandy, when the Jones act has been waived for emergency reasons. WE REQUEST THE JONES ACT BE WAIVED FOR HAWAI'I.
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