Hawaii Senate Bill SR51

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Passed: 4/4/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Transportation To Prioritize Remediation Of The Flooding Issues Present On Route 11 Around Mile Post Sixty As A Safety Project.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would mandate the Department of Transportation to undertake essential safety improvements to Route 11. It specifically requests a detailed report outlining the plans for addressing the flooding, which could include significant infrastructural changes such as raising the highway and installing flood monitoring systems. By prioritizing this project, it aims to enhance the safety of the roadway, ensuring that it remains a reliable access route for residents, particularly during extreme weather events.

Summary

Senate Resolution 51 (SR51) calls upon the Department of Transportation to prioritize remediation efforts for flooding issues on Route 11 near Mile Post 60 in Hawaii. This resolution highlights the severe impact that flooding has on the roadway, which serves as the primary access point for residents in the Kaʻū district, connecting essential services like medical care and evacuation routes. The frequent flooding incidents have been documented, with the route having closed at least six times since 2012 due to these conditions, raising safety concerns for the community that relies on this highway.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SR51 is positive, especially among local residents and advocates for improved infrastructural support. They view the resolution as a crucial step towards ensuring safer transportation conditions and maintaining access to vital services. There is, however, a context of urgency reflected in the discussions, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address ongoing flooding problems.

Contention

Despite the broad support, there may be underlying concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and the potential for delays in implementation. Discussions have alluded to the history of this issue, where previous attempts to secure funding for maintenance were made without sufficient follow-through. Legislators have expressed the need for the Department of Transportation to demonstrate a clear and actionable plan to not only remediate the flooding but also prevent further closures, which could deter support if not effectively addressed.