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.
The resolution highlights the increasing number of visitors and the associated safety issues, such as delays for emergency medical services due to traffic and a lack of visitor awareness about the highway's dangers. These problems have necessitated increased law enforcement presence for traffic management, as the local police department is reportedly struggling with staffing shortages. Community efforts, including volunteer groups like the Hana Highway Regulation, have sought to address these issues by promoting safety awareness among visitors and enforcing parking regulations.
House Resolution 25 encourages the Department of Transportation to collaborate with various stakeholders to create a comprehensive management plan aimed at ensuring the safety and maintenance of Hana Highway. Recognized for its historical significance and scenic beauty, Hana Highway is designated as both the Hana Millennium Legacy Trail and a National Register of Historical Places. However, the highway has faced significant safety challenges, including steep drop-offs, inadequate guardrails, and a rise in tourist traffic contributing to traffic congestion and emergency response delays.
One notable point of contention arises from the community's response to safety issues and the emphasis on the need for enhanced governmental support. While residents and businesses have come together to form collective initiatives for highway regulation, there are concerns regarding the adequacy of state and county resources to implement effective safety measures and enforcement due to the ongoing lack of funding and staffing. Thus, the resolution underlines the necessity for all stakeholders, including local landowners and governmental agencies, to unite in creating a stable and safe environment along Hana Highway.