Hawaii Senate Bill SCR116

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Report Pass: 4/15/24
• Passed: 4/16/24

Caption

Urging The Department Of Transportation To Work With The City And County Of Honolulu To Plan And Implement Options For Alternative Ingress And Egress Routes In Pacific Palisades.

Impact

The resolution comes on the heels of severe natural disasters, particularly the recent Maui wildfires, which underscored the necessity for effective evacuation plans. The document emphasizes that best practices for emergency preparedness advocate for multiple access routes, enabling communities to evacuate safely in times of crisis. If implemented, SCR116 could lead to the development of reliable evacuation routes that enhance the area’s disaster response capabilities.

Summary

SCR116, a Senate Concurrent Resolution, calls upon the Department of Transportation to collaborate with the City and County of Honolulu. The goal is to plan and implement additional ingress and egress routes for the Pacific Palisades area. Pacific Palisades, which is situated on a plateau with only one existing access road, faces significant challenges concerning emergency access. The resolution highlights the importance of such routes in ensuring public safety and reducing the response times of emergency vehicles during critical situations.

Contention

While the bill seeks to enhance safety and preparedness in Pacific Palisades, it could also raise questions and concerns regarding funding, resource allocation, and potential impacts on local traffic patterns. Community feedback may be pivotal in shaping the specifics of the proposed routes, ensuring that they complement existing infrastructure rather than creating congestion or new hazards. Engagement with local stakeholders will be crucial to address any opposition or logistical challenges that may arise during the planning and implementation phases.