House Transportation Committee hears two nominees for Board of Marine Pilots; no vote taken

Juneau — The Alaska House Transportation Committee on March 4 heard testimony from two governor’s appointees to the Board of Marine Pilots but took no vote.

Co-Chair Eisheid opened the committee meeting at 1:31 p.m. in Room 124 and introduced Don Habiger of Juneau, who was present in the room, and James Michael Cunningham of Homer, who appeared by video. Habiger described local roots and a career that included work as a ship agent and running Port of Juneau operations for a stevedore/agency. “For the record, I’m Don Habiger, and I reside in Juneau,” he said.

Habiger told the panel he meets the statutory definition for a public member under the statute governing the board. Quoting the statute, he said the board “is made up of two public members, two ship agents, and two marine pilots” and explained that a public member may not be engaged in the occupation the board regulates. He also told members he has “no direct financial interest” in the maritime industry and said he divested prior holdings tied to the cruise industry while pursuing a state contract.

James Michael Cunningham, appearing remotely after an initial audio connection problem, said he has served on the board for three years and described a career in the shipping industry that included navigation officer work up to captain. He said he graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1997, worked in the industry until 2015 and became a co-pilot in 2021.

Representative Stutes praised Cunningham’s willingness to serve and asked about the Maine Maritime Academy; Cunningham contrasted it with the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point and noted similar certification outcomes. Stutes also thanked Habiger for his patience in answering questions about his community work with the Juneau Reentry Coalition.

The committee opened public testimony on the nominees and recorded that no one registered to speak. Members were reminded to remain after the hearing to sign the House Committee Report certifying the hearing.

Co-Chair Eisheid said the committee will reconvene at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 6, in Room 124, when Attorney General Traeg Taylor and staff from the governor’s office will introduce House Bill 71 (Obstruction of Certain Public Places) and DOT — with Commissioner Ryan Anderson — will provide an overview of summer construction planning to date.

The committee adjourned at 1:56 p.m.