The Effects of the Jones Act on the Economy of Hawaii
Running head: THE EFFECTS OF THE JONES ACT ON THE ECONOMY OF HAWAII
The Effects of the Jones Act on the Economy of Hawaii
Christer Tvedt
Hawai’i Pacific University
February 10, 2010
ECON 6000
Dr. Leroy Laney
The effects of the Jones Act on the economy of Hawaii
The Jones Act, or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, which is the act’s name, is a United States Federal statute, or “cabotage law”, that regulates trade between ports within the United States. The act was passed 90 years ago, in an era where protectionism was a dominant political idea, and when strong forces were pushing for keeping as much American trading dollars in American hands.
This paper will focus on the background and intention of the Jones Act. Through examining the supporter and proponent arguments, a foundation for the act’s validity will be built. Further, the effect of the Jones Act on the Hawaiian economy will be looked in to, and to which extent it affects the cost of living in this state. Although little research has been done on the actual effect of the Jones Act on the Hawaiian economy, investigating the fundamental differences between American shipping and International shipping, will give some insight in the economic benefits of a waiver for the state.
Historical Background and Purpose of the Jones Act
The Jones act is officially named The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, but the original Act dates from 1898, and was, subsequently incorporated into the act of 1920. It was named the Jones Act after senator Wesley Jones who sponsored it, and the name stuck around. Concerns about the health of the merchant marine and the protection of U.S. seamen were the cause for passing the act in the first place. It recognized the innate dangers of working at sea, and the value of training and educating seamen. Wesley Jones was strongly influenced by protectionist political views to ensure U.S superiority and dominance in domestic marine trade.
“Considerable discussion has arisen with
The Effects of the Jones Act on the Economy of Hawaii
Christer Tvedt
Hawai’i Pacific University
February 10, 2010
ECON 6000
Dr. Leroy Laney
The effects of the Jones Act on the economy of Hawaii
The Jones Act, or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, which is the act’s name, is a United States Federal statute, or “cabotage law”, that regulates trade between ports within the United States. The act was passed 90 years ago, in an era where protectionism was a dominant political idea, and when strong forces were pushing for keeping as much American trading dollars in American hands.
This paper will focus on the background and intention of the Jones Act. Through examining the supporter and proponent arguments, a foundation for the act’s validity will be built. Further, the effect of the Jones Act on the Hawaiian economy will be looked in to, and to which extent it affects the cost of living in this state. Although little research has been done on the actual effect of the Jones Act on the Hawaiian economy, investigating the fundamental differences between American shipping and International shipping, will give some insight in the economic benefits of a waiver for the state.
Historical Background and Purpose of the Jones Act
The Jones act is officially named The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, but the original Act dates from 1898, and was, subsequently incorporated into the act of 1920. It was named the Jones Act after senator Wesley Jones who sponsored it, and the name stuck around. Concerns about the health of the merchant marine and the protection of U.S. seamen were the cause for passing the act in the first place. It recognized the innate dangers of working at sea, and the value of training and educating seamen. Wesley Jones was strongly influenced by protectionist political views to ensure U.S superiority and dominance in domestic marine trade.
“Considerable discussion has arisen with