Hawaii House Bill HCR71

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/24/25
• Engrossed: 3/24/25
• Refer: 3/28/25
• Report Pass: 4/17/25
• Passed: 4/21/25

Caption

Requesting The Ko Olina Golf Club Owners And Management, In Coordination With The Department Of Transportation, To Implement Measures To Prevent Golf Balls From Reaching Farrington Highway.

Impact

The resolution highlights the need for proactive measures to safeguard public safety and prevent potential accidents associated with stray golf balls. The Department of Transportation has documented that the Farrington Highway corridor, which sees substantial daily commuter traffic, is vulnerable to such incidents. The call for measures aims to protect both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, thereby reducing the risk of injuries and accidents, and ultimately enhancing the overall safety of the area.

Summary

HCR71 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii, which requests the owners and management of Ko Olina Golf Club, in coordination with the Department of Transportation, to implement measures that prevent golf balls from reaching Farrington Highway. This resolution is driven by safety concerns resulting from reported incidents of golf balls landing on the highway, which poses hazards to drivers and pedestrians alike. The concerns are particularly pressing given the increase in traffic volume expected in that area, with estimates suggesting a 22% rise in commuters by 2040.

Contention

While the resolution itself does not impose legal obligations, it signals a critical need for collaboration between the golf club management and transportation officials. The strength of this approach lies in its focus on implementation of effective safety measures and the development of a response that meets both community and legislative expectations. The resolution also mandates a report from the Department of Transportation detailing their findings and recommendations, which may include potential legislative action to address the issue more comprehensively in the future.