Hawaii Senate Bill SCR138

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

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation And Adaption Commission To Develop Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction Strategies And Make Related Recommendations.

Impact

If passed, SCR138 would have significant implications for state environmental policy by mandating the commission to create VMT reduction strategies. This introduces a collaborative approach among various state and county agencies, tasked with evaluating progress and establishing a statewide reduction target. The proposal emphasizes the importance of effective measures to shift vehicle use patterns, which could ultimately lead to more stringent environmental regulations aligned with Hawaii's sustainability goals.

Summary

SCR138 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Commission to develop strategies aimed at reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) across the state. The resolution identifies the alarming increase in vehicle miles traveled over the past twenty-five years, which have risen by nearly forty percent without effective intervention. Such increases are linked to rising transportation-related emissions, posing a risk to Hawaii's greenhouse gas reduction goals. The resolution is motivated by the need for urgent action to mitigate these emissions and promote sustainable transportation practices within the state.

Sentiment

Discussion surrounding SCR138 reflects a supportive sentiment towards proactive environmental measures aimed at mitigating climate change. Proponents argue that the resolution reflects a necessary recognition of transportation emissions as a critical aspect of Hawaii's climate strategy. However, potential issues could arise regarding the feasibility of the proposed benchmarks and the broader impact on transportation infrastructure and public behavior.

Contention

While the resolution appears to be largely supported, it might face scrutiny over the practical implementation of the proposed recommendations. Critics may question how effectively the commission can coordinate efforts among various state agencies, and whether administrative challenges or funding issues could impede progress. This debate highlights an underlying tension between ambitious environmental initiatives and the complexities involved in achieving effective and equitable outcomes.