Urging The Department Of Transportation To Conduct A Study To Establish Safe Routes To School.
Impact
The potential impacts of HR134 are significant, especially in rural and low socioeconomic communities where children face greater risks related to pedestrian and bicycle safety. The bill highlights the need for enhanced infrastructure such as complete and comfortable bike and pedestrian networks, which are currently lacking due to historical patterns of automobile-centered planning. By identifying these areas for improvement, the bill seeks to mitigate injuries that can occur while children commute to school.
Summary
House Resolution 134 (HR134) aims to address the pressing need for safe routes to school for children in Hawaii. The bill urges the Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study to identify and develop safe pathways for students who walk, bike, or take public transit to their school. By focusing on altering Hawaii's transportation infrastructure towards a more inclusive and health-conscious design, the bill aligns with broader state initiatives to improve public health and safety and to promote active transportation modes.
Contention
While the resolution is a proactive step towards improving children’s safety, it does indicate existing issues such as complicated funding mechanisms and a lack of coordination among various governmental and community bodies. These barriers could impede the effective implementation of the proposed initiatives. Some stakeholders may argue that without proper funding and strategic planning, the hoped-for improvements may not materialize, raising concerns about the efficiency and responsiveness of the Department of Transportation in executing the study and following through with actionable recommendations.
Recommendations
HR134 also requests that the Department of Transportation submit a report back to the Legislature with findings and recommended actions, including any required legislation, ahead of the Regular Session of 2024. This will enable lawmakers to consider potential next steps in transforming the current transportation framework to include safer routes for school children and thereby enhance the overall safety and wellbeing of Hawaii's youth.
Urging The Department Of Transportation Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Work With The Honolulu Police Department To Increase Enforcement Efforts Against Illegal Electric Bicycles And Dirt Bike Motorcycles To Make Sidewalks And Public Roadways Safer.
Urging The Department Of Education To Contract With A Qualified Nonprofit Organization To Establish An Aquatic Safety Education Program For Elementary School Students.
Urging The Department Of Education To Contract With A Qualified Nonprofit Organization To Establish An Aquatic Safety Education Program For Elementary School Students.
Relating to the creation of and the powers of a comprehensive multimodal urban transportation authority, including the power to impose taxes, issue bonds, and exercise limited eminent domain authority.