Hawaii Senate Bill SR192

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Urging The Counties To Seek Revenues From Alternative Sources, Including Transit-based Advertising, Before Imposing Any New Or Increased Mass Transit Fare.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the importance of accessible public transit for individuals of all income levels, suggesting that fare increases should be a last resort. By adopting transit-based advertising, counties can charge market fees to both governmental and non-governmental entities, potentially generating essential revenue without imposing additional financial strains on riders. This approach could enhance funding for transit systems while maintaining affordability for users.

Summary

Senate Resolution 192, introduced in the Thirty-Third Legislature of Hawaii in 2025, urges the counties to explore alternative revenue sources, particularly through transit-based advertising, before considering any new or increased mass transit fares. The resolution addresses the increasing operational costs of county mass transit systems and highlights historical practices where fare increases have been the primary response to funding needs. These fare hikes often place a significant financial burden on riders, especially in light of Hawaii's high cost of living.

Contention

While the resolution promotes a proactive revenue-generating strategy, it may also evoke concerns regarding the content and type of advertisements displayed on public transit. Counties adopting this method are encouraged to impose reasonable restrictions on the advertisements' format, size, and content to reflect community standards and sensibilities. The resolution calls on county officials to consider these factors carefully, ensuring that the proposed advertising mechanisms align with the community values and do not detract from the public transit experience.