Hawaii House Bill HCR29

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/22
• Refer: 3/8/22
• Report Pass: 3/29/22
• Refer: 3/29/22
• Report Pass: 4/7/22
• Engrossed: 4/7/22
• Refer: 4/12/22
• Report Pass: 4/28/22
• Passed: 4/29/22

Caption

Encouraging The Department Of Transportation To Work With Stakeholders To Develop A Holistic Management Plan That Will Ensure Hana Highway Is Properly Maintained And Is Safe For Residents And Visitors.

Impact

The resolution has potential implications on local laws related to traffic enforcement and safety measures on Hana Highway. Notably, there has been a documented increase in the number of parking violations and requests for more law enforcement presence on the highway. With the existing law enforcement operating under budget constraints, HCR29 advocates for a collaborative approach that may lead to enhanced local enforcement and greater safety measures for both residents and visitors, reducing the strain on emergency services.

Summary

HCR29 encourages the Department of Transportation of Hawaii to collaborate with stakeholders to develop a holistic management plan aimed at ensuring the safe maintenance of Hana Highway. This highway is noted for its scenic beauty, but it also presents significant safety challenges due to its topography and increasing traffic, particularly from tourists. The resolution highlights concerns raised by emergency medical technicians regarding delays for ambulances due to heightened visitor traffic, indicating a growing need for emergency services in the area.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding HCR29 revolves around balancing visitor access and the preservation of public safety on Hana Highway. While there is broad support for increased management and maintenance to accommodate higher traffic loads, concerns have been voiced about the potential imposition of stricter regulations that could affect tourism. The resolution aims to unify various stakeholders, including government agencies and local volunteers, to navigate these challenges effectively.