The Washington Public Ports Association website reminds us that settlers migrating into Washington chose locations near water to settle — easier to get home by water than over land.

So, in 1889, the state Constitution declared that navigable waters of Washington belonged to the people and established where harbors (e.g., Seattle seaport) could be situated, especially for access to water for movement of goods and people.

Citizens lobbied for the right to control access to the waterfront. And, in 1911 the Legislature passed the Port District Act, allowing the people of and within a defined area to form a port district.

In 1951, the Port District of Poulsbo was inaugurated within the jurisdiction of Kitsap County government and regulated by Revised Code of Washington, Title 53, i.e. how to administer port operations.

As citizens, we should become familiar with RCW 53; Chapter 53.04.085 is on annexation … mainly because the port commissioners want to expand the defined, taxable area of the port district, but also to expand the scope of the port’s business and purpose.

As citizens, we must understand that we regulate this expansion/growth and empower the Port Commission, accordingly. I, for one, see the port district as subject to the municipality of City of Poulsbo (and Kitsap County, next) and a duplication of administration and taxation.

The administration and operations of both are in place, the boundaries of both are in place, the visions of each are parallel, except there are duplicated costs and a smaller tax base in/for the port district.

We have the final say and should understand RCW 53.

Herb Kai
Poulsbo