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Senate committee backs bill for "sea glider" vessels after industry pitches electric inter-island service
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Summary
SB 2400, which exempts wing-in-ground vessels ("sea gliders") from certain Hawaii water regulations, was approved unamended after company and agency witnesses described potential benefits for decarbonization, connectivity and resiliency; the industry said certification and EIS work are underway.
The Senate Committee on Transportation voted to pass SB 2400 unamended after hearing presentations from industry, the Public Utilities Commission and state economic-innovation staff about so-called "sea gliders," all-electric wing-in-ground craft intended to carry people and cargo between islands.
Andrew Kabe, a utility analyst for the Public Utilities Commission, said the commission supports the bill's intent while offering comment. Michael Pru, regional director for North America at Regent Craft, told the committee sea gliders are an "all electric" class of vehicle that could help Hawaii meet a 100% clean-energy goal by 2045, expand access for underserved communities and improve resiliency for emergency response. Pru described a prototyping and certification pathway (manufacture in Rhode Island after certification) and said operators would decide shore-power solutions; he also said the project team has identified 12 potential ports statewide and plans an environmental-impact study.
David Molinaro of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation and other industry and union representatives voiced support. The chair recommended passage, noting broad support, and the committee adopted the recommendation.
The vote advances SB 2400 without amendment; the committee suggested continued coordination between operators, DOT, DLNR and port authorities on certification, EIS and shore-power infrastructure.
