Hawaii Senate Bill SCR73

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/11/22

Caption

Requesting The United States Department Of Transportation To Conduct An Investigation Regarding The Safety Of The Bridges Along Hana Highway.

Impact

The resolution highlights the dual role of the Hana Highway as both a vital transport route for local residents and a significant tourist destination. With a daily influx of 1,500 to 2,000 rental cars, along with multiple tour vehicles, the resolution indicates that the highway's capacity may be strained, posing risks to both traffic safety and environmental integrity. By requesting a federal investigation, SCR73 seeks to ensure that the necessary scrutiny is directed towards maintaining and improving this critical infrastructure, safeguarding both public safety and the tourism economy.

Summary

SCR73 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the 31st Legislature of Hawaii, which requests the United States Department of Transportation to investigate the safety of the bridges on Hana Highway. The Hana Highway, known for its popularity with tourists and residents alike, experiences severe traffic congestion due to the high number of rental and tour vehicles, leading to concerns over the structural integrity of its many bridges. This resolution aims to address these safety issues by leveraging federal resources allocated for infrastructure improvements, especially following a significant infrastructure bill passed by the U.S. government.

Contention

While the resolution itself appears straightforward in its intent to promote safety, concerns may arise regarding traffic management and environmental considerations. Stakeholders may debate the best approaches to handle increased congestion and how to balance tourism with the needs of the local community, particularly as it relates to the potential for enhanced regulation of visitor access and the preservation of local ecosystems affected by increased traffic.

Notable_points

Furthermore, SCR73 underscores the need for proactive measures regarding infrastructure maintenance and safety assessments. Given the proposed federal funding aimed at bridge repair and rehabilitation, this resolution could serve as an important catalyst for broader discussions about infrastructural priorities in Maui and across Hawaii, potentially influencing future legislation related to road safety and tourism management.