HB 2415: DOT; Safe Routes to School; Pedestrian Safety Improvements; Appropriation

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 Hawaii experienced its deadliest year on the roads since 2007, with one hundred twenty-nine traffic fatalities in 2025, which is a staggering thirty-two per cent increase from the previous year.  The fatalities included forty motor vehicle occupants, thirty-nine motorcycle and motor scooter riders, and thirty-eight pedestrians, with over ninety per cent of these crashes attributed to risky behaviors such as speeding and impairment.

     The legislature further finds that among the lives lost was 19-year-old Tehya Mahelona, who was walking to her job in Nanakuli when she was fatally struck in a chain-reaction crash caused by speeding.  A devoted sister and aspiring pilot, Tehya was known for her independence, compassion, and commitment to helping others - qualities that defined her as a role model in her family and community.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to direct and appropriate funds for the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites.

     SECTION 2.  This Act shall be in honor of Tehya Mahelona.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the state highway fund established pursuant to section 248-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties; provided that the department may consider other sites.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the safe routes to school program special fund established pursuant to section 291C-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties; provided that the department may consider other sites.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties; provided that the department may consider other sites.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  For the installation of pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties pursuant to sections 3, 4, and 5, the following conditions shall apply:

     (1)  Eligible pedestrian safety improvements may include all-way crosswalks, raised intersections, or a combination of both, as well as other measures determined appropriate by the department of transportation to enhance pedestrian safety;

     (2)  The department of transportation shall prioritize installations in areas where crash data, pedestrian activity, or other traffic safety metrics support enhanced protections; and

     (3)  The department of transportation may utilize nationally recognized design guidance, including National Association of City Transportation Officials standards and applicable United States Department of Transportation or Federal Highway Administration guidance, to ensure the department's engineering discretion in determining suitability and feasibility at each site.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOT; Safe Routes to School; Pedestrian Safety Improvements; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

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 Hawaii experienced its deadliest year on the roads since 2007, with one hundred twenty-nine traffic fatalities in 2025, which is a staggering thirty-two per cent increase from the previous year.  The fatalities included forty motor vehicle occupants, thirty-nine motorcycle and motor scooter riders, and thirty-eight pedestrians, with over ninety per cent of these crashes attributed to risky behaviors such as speeding and impairment.

     The legislature further finds that among the lives lost was 19-year-old Tehya Mahelona, who was walking to her job in Nanakuli when she was fatally struck in a chain-reaction crash caused by speeding.  A devoted sister and aspiring pilot, Tehya was known for her independence, compassion, and commitment to helping others - qualities that defined her as a role model in her family and community.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to direct and appropriate funds for the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites.

     SECTION 2.  This Act shall be in honor of Tehya Mahelona.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the state highway fund established pursuant to section 248-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $4,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties; provided that the department may consider other sites.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties; provided that the department may consider other sites.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  For the installation of pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties pursuant to sections 3 and 4, the following conditions shall apply:

     (1)  An eligible pedestrian safety improvement shall include all-way crosswalks, raised intersections, or combination of both, where appropriate;

     (2)  The department of transportation shall prioritize installations in areas where crash data, pedestrian activity, or other traffic safety metrics support enhanced protections; and

     (3)  The department of transportation may utilize nationally recognized design guidance, including National Association of City Transportation Officials standards and applicable United States Department of Transportation or Federal Highway Administration guidance, to ensure the department's engineering discretion in determining suitability and feasibility at each site.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOT; Safe Routes to School; Pedestrian Safety Improvements; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites.  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.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to install all-way crosswalks at sites abutting school properties.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 2.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DOT; Safe Routes to School; All-Way Crosswalks; Potential Sites; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Transportation to install all-way crosswalks at sites abutting school properties.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  698-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2415

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 2415, 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 appropriate funds to the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education; one member of the Honolulu City Council; and numerous individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in support of the intent of this measure from the Department of Transportation.

     Your Committee finds that the installation of pedestrian safety improvements around school properties will encourage healthier, safer travel to school campuses and ensure the safety of students as they arrive at schools.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying the conditions for the installation of pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties to specify that eligible pedestrian safety improvements may include all-way crosswalks, raised intersections, or a combination of both, and other measures determined appropriate by the Department of Transportation to enhance pedestrian safety;

     (2)  Changing the appropriations to unspecified amounts;

     (3)  Inserting language that appropriates an unspecified amount out of the Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites; 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 appropriating the following amounts to install pedestrian safety improvements:

     (1)  $4,000,000 out of the State Highway Special Fund; and

     (2)  $1,000,000 out of the general revenues of the State.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2415, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2415, H.D. 2.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  85-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2415

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 2415 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Transportation to install all-way crosswalks at sites abutting school properties.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; Department of Education; Hawaiʻi Bicycling League; and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that pedestrian safety around school areas is a critical concern, as children and families are particularly vulnerable to traffic-related injuries during school arrival and dismissal times.  Installing pedestrian safety improvements, such as all-way crosswalks, at sites abutting school properties supports the State's commitment to Safe Routes to School Program and helps prevent avoidable injuries and fatalities.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting findings related to 2025 Hawaii traffic fatalities;

     (2)  Specifying that this measure is in honor of Tehya Mahelona;

     (3)  Inserting an appropriation for $4,000,000 out of the State Highway Fund for pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites;

     (4)  Inserting an appropriation amount of $1,000,000 out of general funds for pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites;

     (5)  Clarifying eligible pedestrian safety improvements;

     (6)  Directing the Department of Transportation to prioritize the installation of pedestrian safety improvements in certain areas based on specific metrics;

     (7)  Authorizing the Department of Transportation to utilize nationally recognized design guidance;

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

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

     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. 2415, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2415, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Education.

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