State Seeks Big Hike in Harbor Fees

The state Department of Transportation wants to hike fees for unloading cargo at Hawaii ports by about 50 percent over two years in a move that would pay for harbor improvements and likely make most things local consumers buy more expensive.

The Department of Transportation proposes to raise fees for using state wharves 17 percent next month, then 15 percent next July followed by another 15 percent in July 2018.

Compounded, the increases amount to a 55 percent hike and would add about $100 to the charge on a 40-foot container, from $179 today to $277 in 2018.

There also would be a $15 security fee added to each container or shipped item under 60,000 pounds.

Read more: http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/ID/18516/55-Hike-in-Harbor-Fees-Transportation-Department-Grabs-for-More-of-Your-Money.aspx