Hawaii House Bill HB707

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

Relating To North Road.

Impact

The bill proposes creating a task force under the Department of Transportation, tasked with assessing the conditions of North Road and exploring potential solutions for its improvement. This initiative has the potential to fundamentally change the responsibility for road maintenance and safety in the area, particularly if the task force devises plans to transfer ownership of the road to the city and county of Honolulu. The implications of this ownership transfer could allow for enhanced infrastructure investments and a structured approach to address ongoing issues related to public health and safety.

Summary

House Bill 707 aims to address pressing public safety and environmental issues associated with North Road in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. The road has been identified as a significant health hazard due to its poor conditions, including lack of sidewalks, lighting, and regular bus service for children commuting to school. The legislature notes that North Road is frequently subject to illegal dumping, exacerbating the environmental concerns affecting the local community. The bill emphasizes the need for intervention as the road serves as a vital conduit for residents traveling to churches and schools, making its current state unacceptable.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 707 stems from the current ownership arrangement of North Road. As it stands, the road is owned by various entities, including a private golf course, which complicates the maintenance and repair responsibilities. Furthermore, the existing conditions do not meet state or county regulations for public roads, raising questions about legal and legislative processes needed to enable proper repairs. Stakeholders, including local government representatives and community members, will need to collaborate closely through the proposed task force to navigate these complexities and advocate for improvements that will safeguard the community.