Hawaii House Bill HCR137

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/31/23
• Refer: 3/31/23

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit On The Department Of Transportation's Pali Highway Resurfacing.

Impact

The resolution aims to enhance oversight and transparency regarding the management of the Pali Highway resurfacing project. By empowering the Auditor to investigate the project, the proposal seeks to provide the public with timely insights into its progress, costs, and any potential inefficiencies in execution. The findings from the audit could lead to recommendations for corrective measures or improvements in state transportation management practices.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 137 (HCR137) is a request for the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Pali Highway resurfacing project managed by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. The project, which commenced in May 2017, was initially slated for completion by December 2020, but as of early 2023, it remains approximately seventy-five percent finished. This delay has resulted in ongoing lane closures and uneven surfaces, impacting daily commuters and overall traffic conditions on the Pali Highway.

Contention

While the resolution is primarily focused on auditing a specific project, it also underscores broader concerns regarding infrastructure maintenance and accountability within state agencies. Lawmakers and constituents alike may debate the necessity and scope of such audits, balancing the state's responsibility to maintain road conditions with the need for efficient use of public funds. Additionally, increasing calls for transparency in government operations may fuel support for similar audit initiatives in other ongoing infrastructure projects throughout Hawaii.