The bill proposes to amend Chapter 264 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to grant the Director of Transportation new authority to exempt certain ground transportation facility projects from historic preservation review, the environmental impact statement law, and the Hawaii public procurement code. These exemptions will apply to projects that prioritize the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and mobility device users, provided they meet specific criteria, such as being under $100,000 in contract value and not involving deep excavation. This could expedite the construction of protective infrastructure, facilitating quicker responses to safety concerns on Hawaii's roadways.
Summary
House Bill 1347 aims to enhance traffic safety in Hawaii, particularly for the vulnerable demographic of pedestrians aged sixty-five and over, who face significant risks on the State's roads. The bill responds to alarming statistics indicating that Hawaii has been identified as having the most hazardous roads for this age group, with an increase in traffic-related fatalities from ninety-five in 2014 to one hundred and seventeen in 2022. The legislation seeks to streamline the timeline for implementing safety measures by reducing bureaucratic delays, an issue identified in legislative discussions that currently lead to essential safety fixes taking five to seven years to approve and execute.
Contention
While proponents of HB1347 advocate that the measure will effectively save lives by enabling faster implementation of necessary safety infrastructure, there may be concerns regarding the oversight and environmental implications of granting such exemptions. Critics could argue that bypassing reviews designed to protect historical and ecological integrity could lead to adverse outcomes. Additionally, the potential for rushing projects without thorough scrutiny raises questions about the safety and effectiveness of the solutions being put in place to protect vulnerable citizens.
Notable_points
The act is designed to take effect on July 1, 2023, reflecting the urgency of the issue it addresses. It reinforces the state’s intent to take responsibility for improving safety in transportation and acknowledges the growing danger faced by older pedestrians by implementing practical, actionable change through legislative measures.