Hawaii House Bill HR164

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Urging The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu City Council, And Honolulu Authority For Rapid Transportation To Find A Means To Fund The Construction Of The Park-and-ride Garage At Waiawa Station And Urging The Department Of Transportation Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Establish Additional Transit Services Between Central Oahu And Waiawa Station.

Impact

The resolution highlights the significant reduction in the original rail project due to financial shortfalls, which ultimately led to reduced rail length and fewer stations. The lack of the proposed park-and-ride garage at Waiawa Station, which is expected to accommodate 1,600 vehicles, is projected to limit the efficacy of the rail service for residents in Central Oahu. Additionally, this funding issue exacerbates the challenge of addressing long commute times as identified in the Central Oahu Transportation Study. Establishing a functional park-and-ride garage is viewed as essential to increase ridership and enhance public transportation utility.

Summary

House Resolution 164 (HR164), introduced in the Thirty-Second Legislature of Hawaii, is aimed at addressing the funding for a critical infrastructure component of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project. Specifically, this resolution urges the Mayor of Honolulu, the Honolulu City Council, and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to find financial means to construct a park-and-ride garage at Waiawa Station. This garage is crucial for accommodating residents who wish to utilize the transit system while alleviating traffic congestion in Central Oahu. The resolution also encourages the establishment of additional transit services connecting Central Oahu communities with Waiawa Station.

Contention

HR164 reflects ongoing debates over public transportation funding and priorities in Hawaii. Proponents argue that the construction of the garage is essential for a successful rail transit system that meets the needs of Central Oahu residents, enhancing accessibility and reducing road congestion. Opponents may raise concerns about the use of local funds for such projects or question the overall feasibility of the rail transit system given the budget overruns and previous plans. This resolution underscores the critical need for collaboration among local governance and transportation agencies to navigate these complex challenges.