Our Hawaiian Island cruise includes a side trip to the Republic of Kiribati, some 850 miles south of the big island and I found out why. Thanks to the Jones Act of 1920, which protects US shipping interests from cabotage: No foreign vessels may begin and end voyages from a US Port without making an international call. The law still stands on the books today and is strictly enforced. Thus, the jaunt to Fanning Island — the closest point. No complaints on this end. Close to the equator, this atoll looks like South Pacific Paradise!

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