Hawaii House Bill HCR36

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/10/23

Caption

Requesting That The Department Of Transportation Improve And Regularly Maintain The Infrastructure Located In And Between Kualoa And Laie On The Island Of Oahu.

Impact

The resolution addresses systemic inequalities by urging regular maintenance and improvements in the specified areas. Many residents' requests in locales such as Kaaawa, Hauula, and Laie have been historically neglected compared to their affluent counterparts. By focusing on these local communities, HCR36 seeks to mitigate adverse effects posed by climate change and the ongoing housing crisis, asserting that infrastructure is critical in preventing an increase in houselessness, particularly along the windward coast.

Summary

HCR36 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii, which requests that the Department of Transportation enhance and maintain the infrastructure between Kualoa and Laie on the island of Oahu. The bill highlights the existing disparities in infrastructural development and maintenance between affluent coastal communities and those that are primarily home to Native Hawaiians and lifelong residents. This resolution articulates a need for improvement in often-overlooked areas, ensuring that essential infrastructure serves local generational communities effectively.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HCR36 reflects broader concerns regarding the allocation of resources and prioritization of infrastructure projects in Hawaii. Supporters of the measure argue that improving the infrastructure is vital for the sustainability of local communities and the state's economy, particularly as they relate to tourism and accessibility to attractions like the Polynesian Cultural Center. In contrast, critics may voice concerns about funding and prioritization, questioning whether the state can commit the necessary resources to fulfill the resolution's requests amidst competing needs.