HB 235: DOT; City and County of Honolulu; Traffic Safety; North Shore of Oahu

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that traffic safety is a significant and growing concern across the State.  The North Shore of Oahu, particularly Kamehameha highway, has long been recognized as a high-risk corridor for collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.  The legislature further finds that the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems has demonstrated success in improving safety outcomes.  Additionally, the safe routes to school advisory committee plays a key role in addressing school-adjacent infrastructure needs to protect keiki and their families.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to improve traffic and pedestrian safety along the North Shore of Oahu by:

     (1)  Requiring the department of transportation, after the city and county of Honolulu educates the public and expands its systems, to broaden implementation of the automated traffic enforcement systems to locations in the North Shore of Oahu; and

     (2)  Authorizing the safe routes to school advisory committee to prioritize infrastructure safety projects at schools adjacent to Kamehameha highway.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  Notwithstanding section 291J-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the department of transportation shall expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems, pursuant to chapter 291J, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and automated speed enforcement systems, pursuant to chapter 291L, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to locations on the North Shore of Oahu.

     (b)  Before expanding the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of Oahu pursuant to subsection (a), the city and county of Honolulu shall educate the public and adjust any systems necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

     (c)  The department of transportation may seek input from the judiciary and the surrounding community when selecting locations for implementation.

     (d)  The department of transportation shall submit a report about its progress in implementing subsection (a) to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 3.  The safe routes to school advisory committee may work with appropriate stakeholders to develop and prioritize up to three safe routes to school projects serving schools directly adjacent to Kamehameha highway.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

DOT; City and County of Honolulu; Traffic Safety; North Shore of Oahu

Description:

Requires the Department of Transportation, after the City and County of Honolulu educates the public and adjusts any systems, to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of Oahu.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Kamehameha highway, especially along the North Shore of Oahu, has long been recognized as one of the most dangerous stretches of roadway in the State. As it cuts through numerous communities, it presents heightened risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. For decades, concerns have been raised regarding the high number of accidents and fatalities along this corridor, underscoring the urgent need for additional safety measures.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the safe routes to schools advisory committee to develop and prioritize three safe routes to schools projects at three schools on Kamehameha highway.

     SECTION 2.  The safe routes to school advisory council shall work with the appropriate stakeholders to develop and prioritize no less than three safe routes to school projects serving schools directly adjacent to Kamehameha highway.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Traffic Safety; Kamehameha Highway; Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee

Description:

Requires the Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee to develop and prioritize no less than three safe routes to schools projects serving schools on Kamehameha Highway.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that traffic safety is a significant and growing concern across the State.  The legislature further finds that the use of photo red light imaging detector systems has demonstrated success in reducing collisions and that the use of automated speed enforcement systems will have similarly beneficial effects for traffic safety.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of transportation to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the north shore of Oahu.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  Notwithstanding section 291J-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the department of transportation shall expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems, pursuant to chapter 291J, Hawaii Revised Statues, and automated speed enforcement systems, pursuant to chapter 291L, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to locations on the north shore of Oahu.

     (b)  The department of transportation shall select locations on the north shore of Oahu at which to implement subsection (a).  In selecting these locations, the department of transportation shall seek input from the judiciary and the surrounding community.

     (c)  The department of transportation shall submit to the legislature a report concerning its progress in implementing subsection (a) no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000; provided that this Act shall take effect one year after its approval to allow counties sufficient time to educate the public and adjust their systems accordingly.

Report Title:

Traffic Safety; North Shore of Oahu; Department of Transportation

Description:

Requires the Department of Transportation to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of Oahu.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to traffic safety.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that traffic safety is a significant and growing concern across the State--in urban, suburban, and rural areas.  The legislature further finds that the use of photo red light imaging detector systems has demonstrated success in reducing collisions and that the use of automated speed enforcement systems will have similarly beneficial effects for traffic safety.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of transportation to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the north shore of Oahu.

SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of transportation shall expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems, pursuant to chapter 291J, Hawaii Revised Statues, and automated speed enforcement systems, pursuant to chapter 291L, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to locations on the north shore of Oahu.

(b)  The department of transportation shall select locations on the north shore of Oahu at which to implement subsection (a).  In selecting these locations, the department of transportation shall seek public input from the community.

(c)  No later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2026, the department of transportation shall submit to the legislature a report concerning its progress in implementing subsection (a).

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Traffic Safety; North Shore of Oahu; Department of Transportation

Description:

Requires the Department of Transportation to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of Oahu.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 208

Honolulu, Hawaii

                 , 2025

RE:    H.B. No. 235

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

       C.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madam and Sir:

     Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 235, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

     The purpose of this measure is to require the Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee to develop and prioritize no less than three safe routes to schools projects serving schools directly adjacent to Kamehameha Highway.

     Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Requiring the Department of Transportation to expand the use of the photo red light imaging detector and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of Oahu;

     (2)  Requiring the City and County of Honolulu to educate the public on the expansion of the photo red light imaging detector and automated speed enforcement systems;

     (3)  Authorizing the Department of Transportation to seek input from the Judiciary and affected communities when selecting locations for the expansion;

     (4)  Requiring the Department of Transportation to submit a report to the Legislature before the Regular Session of 2026 on the progress of this mandated expansion;

     (5)  Authorizing, rather than requiring, the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee to develop and prioritize a maximum, rather than a minimum, of three safe routes to school projects serving schools directly adjacent to Kamehameha Highway;

     (6)  Changing the effective date to upon approval; and

     (7)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 235, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 235, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1740

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 235

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 235, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee to develop and prioritize no fewer than three safe routes to school projects at three schools on Kamehameha Highway.

     Your Committees received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, and Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!.

     Your Committees find that increasing pedestrian safety along state roadways is urgent, as evidenced by the growing number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities.  Your Committees further find that Kamehameha Highway along Oahu's North Shore is particularly dangerous and poses risks to students traveling to schools located on or near the highway.  Your Committees are committed to developing safe routes to schools in this area to enable students who live nearby to safely walk, bike, and roll to school.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 235, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1318

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 235

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 235, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Transportation to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of Oahu.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Department of Law Enforcement, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, and one individual.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Judiciary.

     Your Committee finds that traffic safety is a significant and growing concern across the State.  Your Committee further finds that Kamehameha Highway, especially along the North Shore of Oahu, has long been recognized as one of the most dangerous stretches of roadway in the State.  Expanding critical traffic safety projects, particularly around schools, is critical to decreasing the high number of accidents and fatalities along Kamehameha Highway.  This measure requires the Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee to develop safe routes to schools projects on Kamehameha Highway.

Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting its contents and inserting language that requires the Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee to develop and prioritize no less than three safe routes to schools projects serving schools directly adjacent to Kamehameha Highway; and

     (2)  Amending section 1 to reflect its amended purpose.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 235, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 235, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  928

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 235

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 235, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Transportation to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of Oahu.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Judiciary and Department of Transportation.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 235, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  706

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 235

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 235 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Transportation to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of Oahu.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; Department of Law Enforcement; Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization; and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Judiciary.

     Your Committee finds that evidence from the use of photo red light imaging detector systems has shown a reduction in collisions and that automated speed enforcement systems are expected to yield similar safety benefits.  This measure expands the utilization of these traffic safety systems to the North Shore of Oahu, where residents and visitors are impacted by speeding and red-light violations.

     Your Committee notes the concerns raised in written testimony by the Judiciary that the expansion of the Photo Red Light Imaging Detector System Program and Automated Speed Enforcement System Program and its effect on existing workloads of the Judiciary.  Your Committee will continue to work with the Judiciary to ensure that the expansion of these programs do not overload their capacity to efficiently process citations from these programs.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Requiring the Department of Transportation to seek input from the Judiciary, in addition to the surrounding community, when selecting locations in the North Shore;

     (2)  Specifying that this measure shall take effect one year after its approval to allow counties sufficient time to educate the public and adjust their systems accordingly;

     (3)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an effective date of July 1, 2026.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 235, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 235, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,