Hawaii Senate Bill SCR136

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/4/22
• Engrossed: 4/5/22
• Refer: 4/6/22
• Report Pass: 4/18/22
• Refer: 4/18/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Transportation To Prepare A Proposed List And Prioritize Projects To Create Pedestrian-safe Routes And Pathways That Lead To And From Places Of Residence In Such A Manner That Adheres To The Unique Needs Of The Senior Citizen Population.

Impact

If implemented, SCR136 directs the Department of Transportation to address the safety and accessibility needs of senior citizens throughout the state. This includes the development of pedestrian pathways that link their residences to essential services and amenities. The resolution also calls for incorporating comprehensive safety protocols to identify and eliminate obstacles that hinder safe mobility for seniors, thereby potentially preventing injuries and fatalities that this demographic faces in traffic incidents.

Summary

SCR136 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii that requests the Department of Transportation to prioritize and propose a list of projects aimed at creating pedestrian-safe routes and pathways particularly suited for the senior citizen population. The resolution emphasizes the importance of independent living for seniors, advocating for improved access to transportation facilities that enhance their health, quality of life, and freedom of movement. It recognizes the unique challenges faced by seniors, including mobility limitations and increased vulnerability to accidents, which necessitate specifically designed pedestrian infrastructure.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR136 appears to be supportive and proactive, with an underlying consensus on the necessity of enhancing pedestrian safety for senior citizens. Legislative discussions show a recognition of the critical need to cater to this group's specific requirements in transportation planning. There’s a general acknowledgement among legislators that improving travel conditions for seniors not only benefits them individually but also contributes to overall community safety and well-being.

Contention

While the resolution itself mostly garners agreement, some points of contention may arise concerning budget allocations and the prioritization of projects given limited resources. Critics could argue about the potential for overreach or whether other community needs might take precedence over pedestrian safety initiatives specifically for seniors. However, the resolution is mainly framed as a comprehensive approach to ensuring that vulnerable populations can navigate their environments safely, suggesting that the challenges may lie mostly in implementation rather than in the intent of the resolution.