Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR148

Introduced
3/11/22  
Refer
3/16/22  
Report Pass
4/6/22  
Engrossed
4/7/22  

Caption

Requesting The Convening Of A Task Force To Determine How The Department Of Transportation Can Better Address The Rapidly Escalating Costs Of Transportation In Hawaii.

Impact

The task force, as proposed in SCR148, will consist of various stakeholders including state officials, representatives from community organizations, and transport experts tasked with identifying best practices and effective strategies to mitigate transportation costs. Critical to this effort is an assessment of current Department of Transportation operations, policies, and priorities, which the task force will analyze to provide informed recommendations. Given Hawaii's unique geographic and economic circumstances, this initiative seeks to explore local adaptations of transportation strategies that have proven successful elsewhere, with an emphasis on developing cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

Summary

SCR148 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that requests the convening of a task force to examine the escalating costs of transportation in the state. The resolution notes that the cost of automobile-related expenses, which include fuel, insurance, maintenance, and ownership, has risen significantly, with an alarming twenty-three percent increase over the previous year. This growing financial burden on residents is highlighted by statistics indicating that transportation costs can range from $8,000 to $13,000 per individual and significantly higher for families. The initiative is aimed at addressing the urgent transportation challenges faced by Hawaii's residents by evaluating potential solutions and making recommendations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR148 appears largely supportive, with acknowledgment from various stakeholders of the need for intervention to reduce transportation costs for residents. However, there are underlying concerns regarding equity, as the brunt of transportation expenses disproportionately affects lower-income communities, particularly in urban areas. Advocates believe that enhancing public transit options, alongside the expansion of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, can improve overall accessibility and alleviate financial burdens on households.

Contention

While there is broad support for the task force’s creation, potential points of contention may arise regarding the execution of any proposed recommendations. Issues such as funding for infrastructure projects, prioritization of certain transportation modes, and how to balance development with environmental sustainability might challenge consensus. Ultimately, SCR148 reflects a recognition of the complexities surrounding transportation in Hawaii and the essential dialogue needed to cultivate effective, equitable solutions.

Companion Bills

HI SR132

Same As Requesting The Convening Of A Task Force To Determine How The Department Of Transportation Can Better Address The Rapidly Escalating Costs Of Transportation In Hawaii.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR140

Requesting The Convening Of A Task Force To Research And Develop A Green Highway Program In The State.

HI SR121

Requesting The Convening Of A Task Force To Research And Develop A Green Highway Program.

HI SCR200

Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.

HI HCR32

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.

HI SCR106

Urging The Department Of Health, Department Of Transportation, And Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Take Any Action Possible To Reduce The Carbon Emissions Arising From Airplane Transportation To And From The State.

HI SCR136

Requesting The Department Of Health To Establish A Housing Equity And Wellness Task Force.

HI HR21

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.

HI SCR68

Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.

HI SCR99

Requesting The United States Department Of Transportation To Conduct An Investigation Regarding The Safety Of The Bridges Along Hana Highway.

HI SR42

Requesting The Department Of Education To Convene The Erin's Law Task Force.

Similar Bills

CA SB538

Department of Transportation: Chief Advisor on Bicycling and Active Transportation.

HI SCR146

Requesting The Director Of Transportation To Convene A Task Force On Best Practices And Successful Efforts To Green Transportation Infrastructure And Public Infrastructure In Jurisdictions Outside Of Hawaii.

HI SR130

Requesting The Director Of Transportation To Convene A Task Force On Green Transportation And Public Infrastructure.

TX SB1747

Relating to funding and donations for transportation projects, including projects of county energy transportation reinvestment zones.

HI SR132

Requesting The Convening Of A Task Force To Determine How The Department Of Transportation Can Better Address The Rapidly Escalating Costs Of Transportation In Hawaii.

CA AB1060

Enhanced infrastructure financing districts.

LA HB979

Provides for the creation of the Louisiana Transportation Infrastructure Bank (REF SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)

NJ A2402

Requires Commissioner of Transportation to publish notice of certain transportation-related infrastructure projects and activities on Internet website, and directs State Comptroller to monitor publication of notifications.