1 - American Memory

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through 176 days of Interruptions in shipping service. This is aMn to having
the city of Washington totally barricaded for 176 days.
With the exception of a two-day local dispute, these Interruptions were entirely
ontslde of Hawaii's jurisdiction. Shipping to Hawaii was curtailed by longshore
and maritime disputes on the Mainland. Needless to say, such interruptions have
had an adverse effect on our total economy. It is Ironic that such interruptions do
not affect the Mainland states as they do Hawaii, which depends so heavily on
ocean shipping for our people's basic needs. This Is not to overlook the economic
effects on the export businesses on the Mainland, including the inland farmers
who need to have their products moved to overseas consumers to continue viable
operations. The important point is that basic Mainland supplies to Hawaii are
cut off whenever a maritime dispute occurs on the West Coast.
H.E. 7189, If it does not tread on the principle of free collective bargaining or
violate existing and effective concepts embodied in federal laws relating to marl-
time commerce, can Insure the maintenance of normal supply lines to Hawaii
while providing additional time necessary for the settlement of any future dis-
putes.
It is respectfully sugrgested that the Subcommittee on Transportation and
Aeronautics consider, at this time, a comprehensive study leading to a more
permanent solution to the Nation's total transportation problems.
Our Nation has faced recurrent interruptions in all our major modes of trans-
portation—in ocean, air and overland transportation systems. The consumers,
the citizens of this Nation, have been the victims in all these interruptions. Our
citizens should have the benefit of greater reliability and efficiency in our trans-
portation networks.
Perhaps the time has come for more serious consideration of alternatives that
have been accepted—and effectively implemented—by other countries. It is sug-
gested that initiatives be taken for the ultimate nationalization of our basic
transportation systems. It is recognized that the federalization of our major net-
works in ocean shipping, airlines and railroads raises myriad and complex prob-
lems. On the other hand, federal regulation of these industries has not led to the
dependability and efficiency that our citizens desire and deserve. We cannot con-
tinue to ignore the need for drastic changes that must be Initiated now if we are
to effectively meet our needs tomorrow.
In ndditinn to immediate consideration of H.R. 7189, we therefore urge a more
comprehensive and long-term approach to our country's total transportation
needs for the future.
The Nation, as well as Hawaii, can best be served by Congressional initiative
In this vital national problem.
THE SENATB,
STATE OF HAWAH,
June 4,1979.
Hon. SPABK M. MATStriTAOA,
House of Repre»entative»,
Wcuhington, B.C.
DEAB SPABK : Thank you for your message Inviting me to testify before the
Subcommittee on Transportation and Aeronautics of the House Committee on
Interstate and Foreign Commerce relative to H.R. 7189.
As yon know, all of us in Hawaii have been concerned with the problems caused
onr people by Interruptions in shipping service to and from Hawaii.
Last November I outlined what I thought was a sensible approach to resolving
this problem. Basically, it involved getting all of the unions and managements
concerned with maritime activity to sit down together and work out an
approach or approaches for handling labor management disputes in the maritime
Industry which would virtually eliminate interruptions in shipping.
Subsequent to this, I spent several days in Washington, Detroit, and San Francisco
discussing thi.s approach with high-level representatives of labor and management.
As a result of these meetings, I was Invited to present the problem to
the annual Executive Board meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFI/-
CIO. This was accomplished and a presentation made to the Executive Board on
February 16, 1973 in Miami, Florida. During the presentation I asked that the
MTD take the lead in calling a meeting for this purpose. Mr. Paul Hall, president
of the Maritime Trades Department, promised his full cooperation.
On Friday, May 2.5, 1973, a meeting was held in San Francisco with high-level
union officials to further discuss a resolution of the problem. Mr. Paul Hall,
president of the MTD, presided at the meeting. The meeting was actually put
together by Mr. Morris Welsburger, vice president of the SIU.
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