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HRS §125-2

Governor's emergency powers over goods and shipping

During a declared emergency, the governor can take steps to make sure needed goods are available and can be shipped to or from Hawaii. This includes deciding how shipping space is used, arranging ships or other transport, buying and reselling goods, and controlling how goods are distributed. These powers are limited to the emergency period.

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The statute, as written — Powers in an emergency

If the governor declares that an emergency as defined in section 125-1 exists, the governor or the governor's authorized representatives, to make available commodities necessary to the public health, safety, or welfare, or to insure the availability of commodities required to maintain commerce to or within the State under normal conditions, may: (1) Whenever the availability of shipping space depends upon determination by the governor or the governor's authorized representatives, of the emergency needs of the population, allocate space to and among types of commodities and consignees, such distribution of space among consignees to be upon an equitable basis so far as reasonably practicable. (2) Charter or affreight a ship or ships, make any other arrangements, including contracts of guaranty, for the procurement of ships and any other means of transportation, and transport cargoes to the State. Cargoes from the State may be transported on any return voyage. (3) Purchase and resell, or otherwise distribute commodities. (4) Control the distribution of commodities by rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to chapter 91. [L Sp 1949, c 21, §2; RL 1955, §357-2; HRS §125-2; am L 1973, c 195, §2; am L 1974, c 5, §2; gen ch 1985]
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§125-1 What counts as an emergency

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.