Relating To Transportation.
The implementation of SB217 is expected to impact state transportation laws by introducing a system of toll charges on designated highways. It establishes a framework for the potential expansion of toll roads throughout Hawaii while also requiring the Department of Transportation to create a plan that exempts resident vehicle operators from toll charges on the Hana Highway. This exemption is intended to alleviate financial burdens on local residents, suggesting an effort to balance revenue generation with community impact.
SB217 proposes to authorize the Director of Transportation in Hawaii to designate existing state highways as toll roads and to impose toll charges for their use. Specifically, the bill mandates that a portion of the Hana Highway, from mile marker thirty-two to mile marker forty, be designated as a toll road. This measure aims to generate revenue for the maintenance and improvement of roadways, addressing concerns regarding the financial sustainability of transportation infrastructure in the state.
The bill may face contention regarding the fairness and effectiveness of imposing toll charges, especially on significant roadways like the Hana Highway that are critical for local access and tourism. Some stakeholders may argue that creating tolls could discourage travel and adversely affect local economies, particularly in regions reliant on tourism. Moreover, the execution of this bill will depend on forming clear guidelines that ensure resident exemptions are practical and do not hinder the intended revenue generation, raising questions about how such an exemption would be implemented operationally.