U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa will be among the panelists discussing the impact of the Jones Act on Hawaii’s shipping industry at a forum Thursday organized by the Hawaii Venture Capital Association and ThinkTech Hawaii.

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, requires that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports be carried in U.S.-flag ships, constructed in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. The goal was to prevent large shipping companies from circumventing U.S. labor and trade laws by using cheap labor in the construction of ships or transport of goods at the expense of U.S. shipbuilders and sailors.

Though the law has been amended several times over the last 90 years, and exemptions have been granted, some wonder whether this protectionist policy is still in the best interest of the United States and Hawaii in particular.

The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. at the Plaza Club in downtown Honolulu. Register at hvca.org or call 382-4638