b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORPVA Assists Members The bills limit the operations of vessels of with State Issues more than 200 feet or carrying more than 100 passengers in these waters. The legislation, if When one thinks of the work that thepassed, would severely affect the operations Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) under- of several PVA member passenger vessel takes, one typically associates PVA workingoperators operating in the area. with Congress, the U.S. Coast Guard andA letter from PVA, over the signature other federal regulatory agencies. While thisof PVA President Bob Lawler, was sent to is certainly true, from time-to-time PVA alsoJohn Groundwater Maine State legislators urging them to defer weighs in on state issues. For example, PVAfurther action on this legislation as it would has had involvements in emissions matterscause economic harm to the operators, their in California undertaken by the California Air Resourcesemployees and others in the local economy that provide Board. It has gotten involved in state cross-border taxgoods and services to these vessel operators. One PVA questions and has even worked on local law enforcementmember must traverse these potentially restricted waters jurisdictional disputes relating to passenger vessel opera- to reach a local shipyard for maintenance and repairs. This tions. But such activities do not tend to crop up regularly. legislation would prevent this operator from being able to Last month, however, was a totally different storyuse this shipyard in the future. as two state issues surfaced almost concurrently. TheyCiting federal authority over these waters, PVA further were state legislative initiatives that directly impacted thestressed that, Congress has granted no such authority passenger vessel operations of PVA members. The firstfor Maine to restrict operations of specified commercial was in Hawaii and the second in Maine.vessels in and around southern Mount Desert Island. Safe Harbor Refuge for Passenger Vessels in HawaiiWhile we are indeed focused on federal matters Last year, Hawaiis Department of Transportationaffecting the passenger vessel industry in Washington hastily adopted a policy change which would preventD.C., we will nonetheless continue to weigh-in on state PVA member vessels from seeking refuge in commercialissues such as these to ensure that the interests of PVA harbors during severe storms or hurricanes. PVAs 22members are represented.member companies operating in Hawaii were negativelyPVA Congressional Fly-In Set for Tuesday, April 30affected by this rule. Most of these companies operate inin Washington D.C.small harbors that offer little protection during severeHave you considered taking part in PVAs weather of this kind. In the past they had been allowedCongressional Fly-In, scheduled Tuesday, April 30? If you to move their vessels to more protected harbors that offerhave not, I heartily encourage you to consider joining us sufficient protection.in Washington D.C. for this valuable and enjoyable event PVA felt strongly that it should assist its membersas we bring PVAs legislative message to Members of in Hawaii. As a result, PVA sent a letter to HawaiianCongress and key staff members. senators, over the signature of PVA 2019 President BobIf you have never participated in an event such as this, Lawler, expressing support for legislation introduced byor if you feel uncertain about your lobbying skills, dont Hawaiian State Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (SB1505). PVAlet that deter you, PVA staff will take care of all the details asked the legislature to direct the Hawaiian Departmentfor you. PVA staff orchestrates the entire full day event; of Transportation to make certain harbors temporarilyscheduling the meetings, developing issue briefs and available to commercial passenger vessels in which totalking points and making sure that your experience on seek refuge when the National Weather Service forecastsCapitol Hill is one to remember. If you have any questions severe storms or hurricanes. In the letter, Bob Lawler said,about this important PVA event please contact me at Throughout the United States, it is standard practicejgroundwater@passengervessel.com or Ed Welch at for passenger vessel operators to move their vessels toewelch@passengervessel.com. Your participation in this sheltered locations when a hurricane is bearing down onevent is critical to its success. I look forward to seeing you their customary harbors of operation. It is not standardin Washington D.C. this month.practice for these vessels to move into the open sea to rideIn the meantime, please let me know if we can ever be out hurricanes. of assistance to you.Maine Seeks to Limit Passenger Vessel Operations Sincerely,in Federal WatersTwo bills were introduced last month in the Maine State LegislatureLD331 and HP 265which would seek to prohibit large commercial passenger vessels fromJohn R. Groundwateroperating in the waters of southern Mount Desert Island.Executive Director nAPRIL 2019FOGHORN 5'