Hawaii House Bill HCR51

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/8/24
• Report Pass: 3/27/24
• Refer: 4/2/24
• Engrossed: 3/27/24

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation And Adaption Commission, In Collaboration With The Department Of Transportation, To Develop Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction Strategies And Make Related Recommendations.

Impact

If implemented, the strategies proposed by the resolution could significantly impact state transportation policies and practices by establishing a reduction target for vehicle miles traveled. The commission is tasked with not only setting numerical targets but also developing benchmarks to evaluate progress towards these goals. Furthermore, the collaboration with various state and county agencies will likely lead to a more synchronized approach in tackling climate change related to transportation, thereby enhancing the efficiency of implementation efforts and aligning it with broader environmental objectives.

Summary

HCR51, a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii, seeks to address the increasing environmental concerns linked to transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. This resolution calls upon the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to work alongside the Department of Transportation to devise strategies aimed at reducing vehicle miles traveled across the state. Over the past 25 years, Hawaii has witnessed a significant increase in vehicle miles, which have risen nearly forty percent, prompting the urgent need for effective measures to curb this trend and meet the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR51 appears to be largely positive, especially among environmental advocates who see it as a critical step towards addressing the state’s climate challenges. Supporters argue that the resolution will play an essential role in standardizing efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, thereby contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment for future generations. However, there are potential points of contention regarding the feasibility of implementing the strategy and the breadth of its impact on local transport sectors.

Contention

Some concerns have been raised about the practical aspects and the potential unintended consequences of strictly regulating vehicle miles. Critics may argue that focusing solely on reducing travel might unintentionally burden residents without providing viable alternatives, such as improved public transportation or infrastructure for alternative modes of travel. The resolution’s success will depend on the commission's ability to propose actionable and effective recommendations that genuinely address the complexities of transportation emissions while considering the daily realities of Hawaii’s residents.