Hawaii House Bill HR40

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 proposed measures in HR40 aim to tackle the disparities that exist in infrastructure maintenance between affluent and less affluent neighborhoods. Aside from improving roads, the resolution highlights the potential for enhanced community access to critical sites such as the Polynesian Cultural Center, which plays a pivotal role in Hawaii's tourism sector. This, in turn, could contribute to better economic resilience for local residents, especially considering the intertwined issues of housing insecurity and infrastructure.

Summary

House Resolution 40 (HR40) seeks to address infrastructural deficiencies in the areas located between Kualoa and Laie on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It calls upon the Department of Transportation to enhance and maintain the infrastructure in these regions. The resolution underscores the need for equitable attention towards less affluent communities which have historically been overlooked in favor of wealthier coastal regions like Waikiki and Kahala. This initiative arises amidst growing concerns about systemic inequities as well as the impacts of climate change that exacerbate these challenges.

Contention

While HR40 seeks to improve conditions for specific communities, there may be divergent views about the allocation of resources and the feasibility of the proposed maintenance improvements. Concerns may arise regarding funding from the Department of Transportation and whether it can prioritize the areas requested by HR40 without compromising other infrastructural needs across the state. Stakeholders may debate the efficacy of systemic reforms that address not just infrastructural issues, but also broader social challenges like homelessness and economic disparities.