House Standing Committee on Transportation

Morning convening our House Committee on Transportation Committee hearing today Tuesday, March 31 at ten A. M. Here in the Conference Room at the Capital Room for thirty. We have several resolutions before us for consideration today, and I just want to remind folks that we do operate on a two minute testifying limits, so I want to acknowledge to that. All written testimony was submitted and considered for the committee yesterday.

They published online and for that purpose is to give the committee more than enough ample time to review what's being discussed and proposed. If there are technical issues that occur, we will do our best to restore connection, please for folks online. The zoom chat function is one for technical issues. And if you're disconnected, you may attempt to rejoin. In the event of a network failure.

We will reschedule and we will reschedule and notice the hearing as appropriate. Please avoid trademark copyright images and please refrain from please refrain from profanity or uncivil behavior. With that. I'd like to begin with their first resolution before us today. House commit House Concurrent Resolution one of four hr 96 in Tandem, urging department, transportation and Department of Transportation Services as the city and county of Honolulu to work community groups to advance the system of postal trails on the North Shore Of Oahu.

Vice chair for testimony.

Department of Transportation in support.

Aloha, chair and vice chair and members of the committee. I'm Larry Dill, highway's administrator for the Department of Transportation. We stand on our testimony as submitted in support.

Thank you. Hawaii Bicycling League in support, and one individual in support. Anyone in person or online wishing to testify on HCR 104 or HR 96?

Thank you. Members, any questions? Seeing none. Our next agenda item before US House Concurrent resolution 63 House Resolution 57 urging Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Transportation to determine and clearly defined jurisdictional responsibility for Hana Pole Bridge and take coordinated action to address related safety wildfire risk and emergency access concerns. We share for testimony.

Department of Transportation in support.

Larry, do it for the DOT. We stand in support on our testimony as submitted. Thank you.

Thank you. Individual, Laf Young, with comments.

Yes. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share some background on our issue here at Honopo. I have lived in the neighborhood for 51 years. And owning Honopo Valley requires crossing a single lane steel bridge. It was an emergency replacement that was built in 1994 when an old wooden bridge collapsed.

The bridge is located on state land administered by DLNR. DLNR has refused to inspect or maintain the bridge for the past thirty years. The bridge provides access to 32 properties. 14 have no structures. There are approximately 32 dwellings served by the bridge.

The bridge weight limit denies Valley owners fire protection, heavy truckloads like concrete, road based materials, and water delivery trucks. Landowners are denied building permits that would require a DOH approved septic system due to contracts of concern to stop leaking in heavy equipment over the bridge. Yet everyone in the Valley pays their property taxes, other than denied emergency fire and police protection, residential building permits, septic services, and road repair upgrades. Residents provide their own water and electricity.

Please direct DLNR and DOT to solve our bridge access issues into Honopo Valley with a two lane replacement bridge that resolves these isolation and safety issues.

Mahalo, Laf

Young. Thank you. We also got one individual in support. Anyone in person or online wishing to testify on HDR 63 and or HR 57? Say no, chair.

Thank you. DOT. Yes, chair. Larry, so what is the relationship right now with the DLNR and DOT as it relates to these bridges?

So with the fact of this bridge, we understand this bridge is on a road in limbo, and we have been working with the DLNR land agent. And the property that the bridge is on, we understand, is owned by the DLNR. They're the responsible agency. But in checking their records, there may be a determination that the actual jurisdictional authority may be with the county of Maui.

But that research is ongoing, and we are actively pursuing that to come to a resolution to get this bridge taken care of.

No. That's good to hear. Thank you, Larry. That's the only question. I appreciate the clarification.

Members, any other questions? Seeing none, we'll enter next agenda item before us, HCR 62, HR 56, in tandem, urging Department of Transportation to engage with the community to identify and implement alternative vegetation management methods along the Haina—along the Hana Highway. Vice chair for testimony.

Department of Transportation in support.

Larry Dill for the DOT. We stand in support of our testimony as submitted. Thank you.

Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition in support. Anyone in person or online wishing to testify on HCR 62 or HR 56? I think none, chair.

Thank you. Members, any questions? Seeing none. Let's move on to our next agenda item, HCR 43, HR 39, urging Department of Transportation services for the city and county of Honolulu to install race crosswalks at the University Avenue, Law Street, and Carmelo Street intersections.

But he, he, he by a street to improve pedestrian safety near Ala Wai Elementary School in the surrounding community. Vice chair for testimony.

McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board in support and one individual in support. Anyone online or in person wishing to testify on HCR 43 or HR 39? Seeing none, Chair.

Thank you. Members, any questions? Seeing none. Move on to our next agenda item, HCR 52, HR 48 in tandem, urging the counties to integrate the safe system approach into road and transportation design, especially when reducing or limiting off street parking requirements, increased pedestrian safety.

Vice chair for testimony.

We received one testimony in support from one individual. Anyone in person or online wishing to testify on HCR 52 or HR 48?

Thank you. Members, any questions? Seeing none, moving on to our next agenda item, HCR 120, HR 112, requesting Department of Transportation and Public Utilities permission to develop a framework to regulate transportation network companies under motor carrier law. Vice chair for testimony.

Department of transportation in support.

Larry Dill for the Department of Transportation, Chair. We stand on our comments, as submitted on this measure. Thank you.

Thank you. Public Utilities Commission with comments.

Hi. Jade Wong with the Public Utilities Commission, Consumer Affairs and Compliance Officer. I'm here on behalf of the chair and the commission. We stand on our written testimony. Here to answer any questions.

Thank you. We got Lyft in opposition.

Good morning, Chair Kila, Vice Chair Miyake, and the committee members. Mahalo for the opportunity to testify. My name is Francisco Avalos, and I'm the Senior Public Policy Manager with Lyft, and we respectfully oppose HR 112. As noted in our testimony, in 2022, the legislature established the regulatory framework specific to TNCs.

And of course, the DOT launched the permitting process in 2024 for all TNCs. And so, TNCs are permitted, safety standards are in place, and consumers are protected. We feel that the motor carrier law is the wrong fit for us. Motor current motor carrier law was designed for fixed route carriers that own their vehicle, employ their drivers, and file rates with the PUC. This is a technology platform connecting independent drivers and riders through an online marketplace app.

So, we think they're fundamentally different and we think, you know, there are various examples of where we think our platform maintains even more robust safety, as an example is our $1,000,000 insurance policy that we maintain on every ride in Hawaii.

And so, without belaboring the point, and happy to answer any particular questions, we think that this—we believe that the work has already been done and it's done well right by this legislature and so, we respectfully encourage the committee to let that framework continue to do its job and we respectfully request a no vote on these resolutions. Thank you for the opportunity.

Mahalo and happy to answer any questions if the committee has any.

Thank you. Anyone else online or in person wishing to testify on HCR 120 or HR 112? Seeing none.

Thank you. Please, we have a question.

Sure. Yes?

So, as it, as it stands right now, motor carrier law is under jurisdiction of PUC or DOT?

PUC.

And, but the transfer of enforcement was to DOT. Correct? So, when it's, when this is being proposed, you folks would have to work with DOT on what that would look like?

Correct.

Because TNCs in some framework has regulation under both of you.

Correct. Correct. They would come under the motor carrier law, which we, which we have jurisdiction over and we, we oversee. And then, the, the TNCs, they have the permitting. They already, DOT already—I don't wanna speak for the DOT, but, but, yeah, that's how it would, it, it, it would be a, a two-part function.

So, we would be very well aware of, by law, they would come under the, the definition of a motor carrier. They would operate as motor carrier. We would require all of the—we would stand by all the requirements by law, by Chapter 2—271.

And then the DOT would take care of all enforcement. So, any violations of, citations of, etcetera, etcetera, and the permitting also.

Okay. Thank you, Jade.

Yes.

Thank you. Yeah.

DOT, I have a question. Sorry, Larry, to put you on the spot today.

Okay. I'll try.

As it, as it relates to motor carrier law, how has DOT enforcement been on compliance with the transfer from the PUC to you folks?

I'm, I'm sorry, Chair. I'm not really prepared to answer that question.

Okay. Would you be willing to take that back to admin and could I get a follow-up, please?

Absolutely.

Specifically, as it relates to violations of motor carrier law and what, what steps DOT has taken, or DOT—what support DOT needs, please.

We'll do. I'll get back to you.

Thank you, Larry. Members, any other questions? Seeing none, HCR 119, HR 111 in tandem, requesting Department of Transportation to establish the Indirect Traffic Disruption Grant Program. Vice Chair for testimony.

Department of Transportation, in support. I'm sorry, that one's-- we don't have anybody--

Okay.

--testifying on that one.

Anybody in person or online need to testify? Seeing none. DOT, I have a question for you as it relates to HCR 119, HR 111. Larry, are you there?

Yeah. Yes, Chair. I'm sorry. I may have to get back to you on this one. It's--

No, no, no. That's fine. But I have a question. So I think what the intent and full disclosure and introduce are, my frustration has been, right, is that DOT will authorize road work based on a schedule, and then your folks' contractors or folks who are not submitting the correct road closure notices just go rogue, right, whether they're trying to make the deadline, they didn't follow their paperwork?

So when it's going with that, can you follow up and see what the DOT does in enforce of penalties or action taken upon the contractor or the violator? Because I think that's my intent, right, is that I don't want the department to be held liable, but all of our road users-- sorry, our road repair folks just cannot go-- there's a reason we have systems in place, and I just don't-- I see that more than not, folks going rogue.

So what would that potentially look like whether the contractor is held liable and DOT has to work with them or the pass-off cost is that DOT's expense than having to pursue against the company? Please?

Okay. Will do, Chair. I'll get back to you on that.

Thanks, Larry. Members, any other questions? Seeing none, let's move on to our next agenda item. HCR 96 HR 88, urging Department of Transportation to consider moving to a demerit point based system driver's licensing system by by share for testimony.

Department of Transportation in support.

Larry Dillard for the DOT. We stand, in support on our testimony as submitted. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else online or in person wishing to testify on HCR 96 and HR 98? 88. 88. Sorry.

Seeing none, Chair.

Thank you. Members, any questions? Seeing none, let's move on to our next agenda item, HCR 128 HR 120. Requesting Department of Transportation collaboration with Department of Hawaiian Homelands to convey the working group to coordinate capital improvement planning to reduce infrastructure cost for Hawaiian Homelands development. Bikes here for testimony.

Department of Transportation with comments.

Actually, chair, Department of Transportation stands in on our testimony in support.

Thank you. Department of Hawaiian Homelands in support. And one individual in support. Anyone in person or online wishing to testify on HCR 128 HR 120? Seeing none, Chair.

Thank you. Members, any questions? Seeing none. Moving on to your next agenda item. Each year 01/2019 requesting Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to collaborate to establish a state highway police force by sheriff.

Department of Transportation in support.

Larry, do for the DOT. We stand on our testimony as submitted in support. Thank you.

Thank you. HGEA with comments and one individual in support. Anyone in person or online wishing to testify on HCR 127 HR 119. Thank

you Members. Any questions? See none HCR 125 HR 117 in Tandem Request Department transportation to coordinate with utility providers operating within the state highway rights of way to develop a comprehensive statewide plan and scheduled to address their like or eating utility poles and lines along Farrington Highway and other high risk corridors. Vice chair for fiscal.

Department of Transportation with comments.

Larry Gill for the DOT. We stand, on our testimony in support with comments as submitted. Thank you.

Thank you. Hawaiian Electric in support.

Morning Chair, Vice Chair, Members. Hawaiian Electric, Shannon Alivado standing in support of the intent. As we point out in our testimony, Hawaiian Electric has been working diligently with our partners including telecom providers pursuant to HCR 41 from 2023. And we have a website in our testimony with the link available and we are here to answer any questions. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Hawaiian Telkom with comments.

Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, and Members of the Committee. Janine Suki for Hawaiian Telecom. Commenting on this bill. We do also support the intent and, look forward to working with state and other utility providers. We've been doing a lot of work, along the corridor.

And as you know in Farrington along Farrington Highway, that's one of the most sensitive, transportation corridors because there's not a lot of egress in and out of that area. And so we appreciate that there there ought to be some careful coordination, you know, with, the state and with our utility partners so that, crews can safely work in those, situations to make sure that the, the that that the pole repairs and all of the maintenance gets done timely and, safely. Thank you very much for your support.

Thank you. And one individual in support. Anyone in person or online wishing to testify on hcr 125 hr 117?

Thank you. This question is just for Hawaiian Electric and Hawaiian Telkom. I just I how what damages did you folks face along or if any, along Farrington after the flooding? Are you folks in for Shooki?

I don't think we have had that in, Chair. Wine Electric.

Wine Electric is good?

Yes. Same for us. Okay.

Our our It was good? Okay. Good to know. Thank you, folks. Members, any other questions?

Yeah. Morning, Chair. Sorry about my tardiness. No. Can DOT is here.

Correct? They're here online?

Larry.

Department of Trans.

for the Yeah. Larry for the DOT.

Do you

Hi. Good morning. Ellie Cochran here. So I'm just it appears that you really don't have, I guess, a way statutory authority to enforce, I guess, to force immediate removal of derelict poles and and infrastructure, things of that nature at this time, or do you?

Yeah. We do not.

Okay. And so and is that kind of the intent? So you do have some type of method? Because are we setting ourselves up for any type of liability, or does it fall in the hands of the companies? You know, like, where where would that you know, who gets

So there there are potential liabilities involved certainly with the state DOT if, one of our utility partners has an aging pole that comes down in our right of way and obviously creates a hazard for the motorists, for the users of the highway. So but the intent of this is to work collaboratively with our utility partners to create a data driven, robust, organized, systematic plan to address all of those so that they are made made safe for the traveler.

So we we plan to work with them to make that happen as expeditiously as possible.

Thank you. I appreciate those f o chair follow-up.

No, please.

And so would you be hiring outside consultants to map these, you know, things out, or this is again the collaboration of sorts between all entities?

It is a it is a collaboration. I would you know, I'm not sure where this is how it's gonna exactly work yet. I don't know that a consultant is necessary. We're gonna work with utilities to find out what sort of asset management plans they have in place so they and see what sort of information they have available to them of what their inventory is and the status and condition of that inventory.

So until we have that conversation, I don't think I can answer the question about what sort of consultant might be needed to support the effort.

Okay. Just wondering what, you know, cost to taxpayers will be at the end of the day. But, yeah, thank you. Appreciate the discussion. Thank you, chair.

Thank you. Members, any further questions? Seeing none, next one, move on to our next agenda item, HCR 58, HR 54 in Tandem, urging the Department of Transportation, the Department of Education, and the City and County of Honolulu to ensure the safety of Mililani ETA elementary students using school crosswalks. Vice chair for testimony.

Department of Education with comments. Not present. Mililani Eike Elementary principal in support, and three individuals in support. Anyone online or in person wishing to testify on HCR 58, HR 54?

Thank you. Members, any question? Department of Transportation.

Yeah. Larry, go for the DOT chair. I believe we submitted testimony. Perhaps we did not reach you, but we support these measures. And I'll also note that after we received some of those current concerns from our emergency responders on Molokai, we have already removed, rumble strips in locations where there would be a concern for those guys driving the large vehicles in emergency response situations.

Wait. Larry, rumble strips and relating to crosswalks for HCR 508?

I'm looking at oh, HR 58 or HR 58?

Oh, I apologize. I'm looking at the wrong resume.

No. No. No. Okay. I'm gonna resend that testimony.

Thank you. Anyone else online wishing to testify or in person? Seeing none. Members any questions? Seeing none, let's move on to our next agenda item.

Okay.

HCR 55 HR 51, urging the Hawaii Department of Transportation in the City, County, Honolulu to utilize artificial intelligence to mitigate traffic and improve road safety in the state. Vice chair participants.

Department of Transportation and Support.

Department of Transportation and Support.

Larry, HCR 55, HR 51.

We stand in, on our testimony as submitted in support. Thank you.

Thank you. We also received in the five testimony of individuals in support. Anyone in person or online wishing to testify on HCR 55, HR 51? Seeing that, sir.

Thank you. Members, any questions?

Sure. For DOT, please.

Rep Cochran, DOT.

Yes. Go ahead.

Yeah. Okay. Thanks. So how many traffic signals are currently, I guess, ready to be integrated into something like this? Do we have a account or area or anything like that of that?

Has that been determined?

I, I, I don't have account. Now the the main way that DOT is addressing this right now is we are developing a safety analytics platform with project the best safety countermeasure to implement using AI based on that safety analytics platform. That's that's a work in progress we've been working on for a little while now.

Okay. So sorry. Chair, follow-up.

No, please.

So you said with Google, because that my next question was gonna be about software upgrades and things. So this is all in in the making.

All all in the website?

In the making. You know? Yes. Looking for soft software upgrades and

Yes. Software and hardware upgrades. That's correct. Yeah. Right.

Okay. And, yeah, I guess that's I was just curious if you're ready or okay. Thanks.

Thank you. Members, any further questions? Seeing none, I go into our next agenda item before our seats here with 54 HR 146 in tandem, Pressing the county of Hawaii to expand heavily on shared ride program to serve the entire island of Hawaii, include including rural and underserved areas such as West Hawaii, North Kohala, South Kohala, Kahu, and Puna. May I share for testimony?

Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities in support.

Thank you. Chair, Vice Chair, Committee Members. Daintry Bardoldus, executive director for the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities. On behalf of our chair, CR Whiteside, who resides on the island of Hawaii, we're in strong support of this resolution. It came about, during our Kona legislative forum where 27 of our advocates, expressed his concern to representative Capella.

I apologize. The testimonies don't reflect those 27. We're working on them getting their test in, and they missed the deadline. But I just wanted to highlight that this is very important to us, and thank you so much for hearing it.

Thank you, Diedre. Full Life Hawaii in support. Kylie Swan in support.

Aloha, Cherokee members. My name is Kylie Swan. I support HCR154. I live in Oahu as a self advocate. I'm here to support my friend on Hawaii Island.

This bill asked the County of Hawaii to expand the Halleyon share ride program so people across the whole island can use it, including place like West Hawaii, Kohala, Kaua'u, and Puna. Transportation is very important. Many people with disability, Kupuna, and families have a hard time getting where they need to go, like work, doctor visit, school, or community activities. In rural areas, buses don't have always run often. Some many places don't have a good option at all.

Expanding ShareRise service would give people more flexible transportation, like, right, that can pick up closer to home and take you where you need to go. Just help people be more independent, stay connected, and live healthier lives. Everyone should have a better choice than to get around no matter where they live. Please support acr 154. Apologies for sending a testimony.

Please let me have any question made up. Mahalo.

Thank you, Kylie. We also received testimony and support from three other individuals. Anyone online or in person wishing to testify on HCR 154 hr 146.

Thank you. Thank you. Every question. Sorry. I don't want you to speak for the county.

But what? What is the county's I guess, opposition been to expanding, or are they willing to expand with you now? What are the premier discussion?

The major thing was just the cost of it to go out. So what we're talking about is maybe you don't have to have every day or something. Maybe we could look at trying to get routes that could go up to the other areas. That's where it's more affordable, but they're just off the beaten path. Like, our chair lives one mile off of that.

So she's in a wheelchair, so she has to get down to

Sorry. You're chair of the

I'm sorry. Our chair for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Thank you for clarifying that. And, so that's where the conversation came. So if they just have, like, one day a week, at this time, they'll be going out to the outskirts because we understand the cost would be very great.

And so it wasn't like people disagreed with it. It was just who's gonna pay for it. It's a very expensive to expand it so far out.

Right now, Hawaii County doesn't charge for their bus service. Correct?

Correct. But if you're outside of the range, we're very lucky here on Oahu. By law, you only have to go, like, five miles out of the fixed bus routes. But

And that's for handyman, sir?

For the handyman. For the paratransit. So but on the other on the neighbor islands, they don't have to go expanding. We just got so they don't have a head

They have a paratransit, but it it can't be door to door, but it's very difficult, and it won't go outside to certain fixed routes. It only goes up to five miles, and that's it. So if you live six miles, you won't be able to use it.

Right? And I believe that is much bigger. Correct. Thank you for providing that context. She did members any further questions?

Sure. Hi. If you might may have the answer, maybe not, but no one from Hawaii County to ask at this point. So do you know if there's been, like, missed medical appointments, things of that nature in these remote areas over in Hawaii Island to deem, you know, the service needed. Yes.

Yes. The main I wouldn't say miss because they know that they don't have transportation, but they have been delayed times being able to follow-up and get to the, appointments. Return in two weeks could be returned in a month because they don't have that transportation. Right. That is a hindrance.

Absolutely. Okay.

And share a follow-up?

Yes, please.

And so this is going to be, like, online type service. You'll need to be able to, you know, have computer and be somewhat tech savvy ish. Yes. So I'm wondering for Kupuna, right, who aren't Correct.

Tech savvy ish. Yeah. That that is a concern. It was there was a good discussion on that because they felt that being being able to go online and schedule that you could make things that makes it easier for people. But you're right.

There is that that gap for those that can't. So it can be easier to plan your ride because it can be difficult for Kupuna. So if I understood correctly, they wanna also be able to dial in as well and call in. But the online would they felt was easier so you could plan your appointments that way. Alright.

And so a follow-up, Tara, for this.

So do may perhaps has it been discussed to maybe teach, like, pretty simple, not like they have to navigate the entire web system or whatever, but just for this particular, you know, you know, just to teach them how to do this booking or online. Yes.

Yeah. So what we're working with is that came up in the executive office on aging. They have a, I think the acronym is SWN, but they have computer classes that they reach out to the kupuna. So there are, other entities that they use that could go and teach and have these classes for kupuna, and that's something that we wanted to bring in to the training. So there is the capability of doing that.

Very good. Okay. Great. Thank you, Chuck.

Thank you. Members, any further questions? Thank you, Daintree. I appreciate it. Well, did you have a question?

Oh. Next measure before us, HCR 64, HR 58, urging Department of Transportation to minimize rumble strips dimensions on a segment of Kamehameha Highway on Molokai to reduce unintended hazards and noise pollution. DOT, I think this is the one you're trying to testify on. Vice Chair for testimony.

Department of Transportation in support.

Yes, chair. Larry Dill for the DOT. We stand in support of our testimony as submitted. And I'll note that, our, Maui Dutschke has already removed some of the offending mobile rumble strips that affect the larger vehicles, the fire department guys, to traverse around some of the tight corners on that highway. Thanks.

Thank you. Anyone in person or online wishing to testify on HCR 64, HR 58? Seeing none, chair.

Thank you. DOT, sorry. Can you give me context? Is the cons—does this road run in a residential neighborhood? Is that the concern?

I don't know actually the details, Chair. The concern is the highway is narrow. I think it's as narrow as 16 feet in many locations. So, when there are curves that are a tight enough radius, the, the fire department vehicles are large enough that they actually go over the center line slightly, and they are affected by the rumble strips. So, in those locations, we've taken out the rumble strips.

Okay. I see what you're saying. Okay. That makes sense. Members, any further questions?

I have clarification.

Rep. Muraoka. For DOT.

DOT. So, you guys wanna take out the rumble strips because the emergency vehicles go over, as a nuisance. But don't the emergency vehicles have their lights and sirens on?

So, say they do have their lights and sirens on, I believe, but I believe the concern is that when they are driving, it actually, they say it affects the stability of the vehicle. So, it, as they're driving to respond to an event, we wanna make sure that doesn't happen. So, we're simply responding to the request from the emergency responders and removing these rumble strips.

And if I can jump in then, Larry, is it, is it only the issue and concern here is because of the width of the road. Right? Because in other roadways that these existed, this does not pose the same problem and hazard?

That's correct. If they didn't have to leave the lane, it wouldn't be an issue.

Okay. Is that the one right before?

So, just for clarification, it's a safety deal, not a noise nuisance.

Correct.

Okay. I'll probably just take a look at it over here. Okay. Thank you, Larry. Appreciate it.

Members any further questions? Seeing none as we move on to our next agenda item. HCR 159 HR 149, urging the city and county of Honolulu to take necessary steps to finalize, prioritize, and materialize the mic Makakilo Drive Extension Project.

May I share for testimony?

Makakilo Kapolei, Onoka'i Hale. Neighborhood board with comments. Free access coalition in support. Alehua Townhouses Association in support. Individual Sheila Maderas in support in person.

Are you gonna testify? Yes. Please.

Good morning, Chair. Fellow Committee Members. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. I am Sheila Maderas, a longtime resident of both Makakilo and Kapolei and currently serve on the Transportation Committee of the Neighborhood Board. I rise in strong support of House Resolution 149 and fully stand by my written testimony.

Also wish to amplify the voice of the Makakilo community, which received insufficient outreach during the hearings on House Bill 19. Oh, eight and House Bill 1910. Only 15 testimonies were submitted for House Bill 1908, which sought to transfer land to the Department of Transportation to advance the long awaited Makukilo Drive extension. And just six for hospital nineteen ten, which called for the planning and construction of critical emergency egress route in Makakilo.

This limited participation occurred because our representative, representative Kanani Souza, did not adequately notify or mobilize Makakila residents.

She had more than a year since the previous session and had publicly noted that representative Kila had not scheduled hearings for the bill. Had proper notification been given, we would have filled this room and your inboxes with testimony and strong support of these important measures. Despite this time, our community was not brought together to demonstrate our strong support. Families throughout Makakila have clearly expressed to me their desire for this road extension completed. From my direct engagement in the community.

I've seen the many homes located high at the top of Makakilo families who could left be left without any safe route. If a fire were to spread rapidly down the ridges. We share the same critical safety and emergency access concerns as Nanakuli, Wai'anae, Makaha. While other Westside communities now benefit from the relief through Kolekole Pass under the recent military memorandum of understanding, Makakilo still depends on a single point of access. This situation is unacceptable for the thousands of families who live there.

I confidently urge the committee to pass House Resolution 149 without delays so that our community receives a formal recognition and momentum this long overdue project deserves. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. We we received testimony and support from 17 individuals on HCR 159 and nineteen individuals on HR 149. Anyone in person or online wishing to testify on HCR 159 HR 149? Please.

Please state your name and your position for the record.

Good morning. My name is Jeffrey Petersen. I'm a longtime resident of Wahoo and of Makakilo. For this, I just found out about this actually only an hour ago. And so, with the previous testimony saying that we did not receive much in the way of notification or outreach to our community, I can definitely tell you on a personal basis that's the case.

My family has lived in Makayilo since 2001. I have been up there since 6 on and off. I've lived on other parts of the island. I bought my first property up there in 2008, and I bought

my second property up there about six years ago. So I have both rentals and a place where I live up there. As far as my personal opinion on this, to get Makakila Drive to finally come down to the former North South Road is about twenty years overdue at this point. From what I understand, there's thousands and thousands of residents up there, probably up in the low five figures at this point, and we have only one access in and one access out.

There's been a couple of times where we've had tsunami alerts, and that hill gets covered.

And, folks that are looking for a place to be. But if there's ever an emergency or an issue on that one way in or one way out, it's it could be a problem, for sure. Fire is another concern. One of my properties is on the edge of a valley. Now let me tell you, there's a lot a lot of growth on that hill that could catch fire.

I've actually seen fire a couple of times on that hill, and it does make people nervous. So, you know, it could happen here. It happened in California when I lived there over 25 years ago. So I do have firsthand experience with that, and it does make me a bit nervous. That's pretty much what I have to say about that.

Thank you very much for your time.

Thank you, Jeffrey. Anyone else or online or in person wishing to testify? Seeing none, Chair.

Thank you. Members, any questions?

Hi, Rep Cochran.

Sure.

Miss Maderas, I I have questions for you if possible since just the two of you are here. Sorry. You can you reiterate you're on a task force or a board? You're a board member?

board member? Transportation committee on the neighborhood board. Oh, okay. Okay. Okay.

So I think you could probably help clarify some things that having to do with this since you're seems you have some expertise with this. And are you aware of the I guess there is a this resolution points to a 2009 EIS. And do you think that's sufficient to be utilizing such an old EIS, you know, for I've asked that question,

in fact, on our latest neighborhood board to the mayor's office. And that's the question she has to get back to me because I asked if 2009 because the composition of Makahilo has changed. However, I don't know what the composition on under the in the Gulch area if that's changed. So she's going to get back with us. That was a question we've asked for about two months.

So if it does need to be redone, it's gonna cost us money.

Okay. Yeah.

Yes. Okay. And Chair, a follow-up? Please. And so in your discussions, the Makaquilou Drive extension has been omitted from the Oahu MPO, Metropolitan Planning Organization transportation.

Tip, are you did you folks discuss that? That was

briefed to us by Frank Giannotto because we haven't had a formal transportation committee meeting in a in a bit. So I'm going off of what Frank Gennado has been briefing the neighborhood board, and he did, in fact, say that it was removed.

Okay. I for me in Lahaina Lahaina Bypass went through the same issue right and I believe and so was it explained to you that you know without it being on the tip step. Then you you can't access any federal money. Absolutely.

So, from my understanding, we need a environment environmental assessment that needs to be done along with a plan. Without both, it can't get on to TIP. So we still need to resolve the 2009 whether or not that's going to be suffice or not or and the plan. So we we need a plan and we the city and county has been kicking this can down the road for a while and it really is incumbent on the city and county to do their part.

And I mean, I know this is a way to try to get the state through legislation to jump on and support.

We would love that. But all parties need to do their part. Yeah.

Thank you. And then just since you're from the area and live there, should something, god forbid, happen like a fire behind that we went through and the gentleman mentioned, what in your, you know, experience, how long would it take for people to evacuate and get to safe, you know, safety without this.

Good question. Because we haven't had a formal practice drill like why Nanakuli had with the Kolekole Pass. That's exactly what we need. We need to identify an emergency egress. We did have an emergency.

I think we still do, but there's a memorandum of understanding that needs to be signed. I don't think it's been signed. But once we can identify that and we can try to see if it can handle the capacity, then we should do rehearsals or do, you know, be part of the HAIMA exercise they have every year with Makani and Fahidi. We should be part of it. If it in fact, all of the areas that have one egress ingress should be figuring it out.

I am sure Palisades is in the same boat. You know?

Okay. Well, thank you. Thank you for your time and, yeah, comments, knowledge of the area. Thank you.

Thank you. Sure.

Can I call the other gentleman? I'm sorry. I didn't get your name.

Mister Jeffrey Patterson.

Oh, Patterson. Yeah. Mister Patterson. Then thank you, sir, for being here and, coming last minute like this. So did you have insight as to timing or, you know, the insufficiency?

Or if it's sufficient, should something, God forbid, happen such as a fire, you know, or, you know, emergency and you have to evacuate quickly. Thank you.

It would be the timing of sorts. Or

Thank you for act asking representative. My first name is Jeffrey, J E F F R E Y. Last name is Pedersen spelled p e d like delta, e r s e n, Pedersen. And thank you very much for giving me another chance to speak for just a moment. An answer to your question, yes, I do have direct experience with that.

I believe back in 2025, there was a power outage that happened that hit most of the Hill Of Makakilo on the West side before the Makakilo Drive for shoes up over and over the top. There's kind of two sections to the power grid from what I understand as a layman. The western half of that experienced a lengthy tower outage that affected also all of the stoplights coming down the hill ex except for one, I think.

And I had to get down the hill because there was a grocery run that my wife really needed done, unfortunately. For me to get from where I was, and I'm not at the top of the hill, I'm about two thirds of the way up just past the fire station.

It personally took me just under an hour to get down off that hill. Drive that normally takes something to the tune of about six to seven minutes on a normal day. And that's not when the entire hill is trying to evacuate. That was just when there was a power outage and the stoplights weren't working. I think also what complicated that is that there was a single vehicle accident that was down at the bottom of Machuquilo Drive right where the freeway exits onto it at.

And I think that greatly exasperated it. But if nothing else, I think that just brings home to the point what I said in my earlier testimony that if there was even a single accident or one problem, that entire artery just gets choked off very badly. And we're probably talking in in a total guess, maybe hundreds of people are trying to get off the hill at that point, not thousands.

So imagine if you're talking something to the tune of, you know, 5,000 or 10,000 people trying to get off that hill at the same time, and there happens to be, you know, an accident or something that causes a problem, like a downed tree, you know, in a storm.

Okay. Well, again, thank you thank you for sharing your knowledge of the area.

Yes. Be sure.

Thank you. Members, any further questions? Seeing none. Last agenda item before us, HCR 70, HR 64...in Honolulu to establish...Drive Extension Task Force. Vice Chair for testimony.

Department of Transportation in support. Back to Department of Transportation. Office of Planning and Sustainable Development with comments. Makokilo Kappolei Honokai Kalei Neighborhood Board number 34, with comments. Pallehua Townhouses Association in support, and 11 individuals in support.

Anyone online or in person wishing to testify on HCR 70, HR 64? Case, Mr. Patterson.

Hello again. I realized I'm test—testifying—the second time here, but hopefully, you folks can understand from my personal viewpoint and viewpoint of my family how frustrated we are. This really does feel like it's about twenty years overdue at this point. I'm gonna speak to another aspect now, other than fires and tsunamis, fallen trees, power outages, and accidents causing issues.

Now, we're talking about just for the general lifestyle of those of us who have to commute into town every day. To be able to continue the horseshoe of Machuquilla Drive down to the former North South Road, I think would be extremely helpful because it's gonna shave off, you know, a couple of miles.

It's gonna shave off, you know, probably about six to ten minutes per day, each direction, for, personally, our family to get to and from work. That really adds up over the course of a year. And the other thing I'd like to bring up is that I have heard some ideas where some folks have said that, well, wouldn't just be easier and cheaper to make use of, what's the name of that company? Great Specific. Thank you very much.

I appreciate the help. Great Specific's access road that they have currently to the quarry, and I don't think that that's really the answer. I think the answer is really to extend with the proper bridge and with the proper spacing and the proper capacity, to expand Machuquilla Drive itself with an actual bridge and to bring it down to North South Road in a in a proper way. I think that that would be the best solution to this.

Thank you very much for your time today, and I appreciate the opportunity to come up here a couple of times.

Thank you very much.

Thank you. Anyone else in person or online?

Aloha. Sheena Mendez. I just wanted to add the, the necessity for an emergency egress because right now we don't have any, and if we could work on getting that. I also would like to adopt the language in January to be added 264 because 149's language is more thorough. And thank you very much.

Thank you.

Oh, Department of Transportation in support.

Larry Dill for the DOT. We stand on our testimony in support, as submitted.

Thank you. Anyone online or in person wishing to testify? Seeing none, chair.

Thank you. Members, any further quest—any questions?

Chair.

Rep. Cochran.

For Department of Transportation.

Larry.

Hi. Hi, again. Thanks for being here. So, task force, you know, I guess there's been, as you hear from community members, twenty years in discussions and there's an old EIS and what have you. So, this isn't a new subject matter.

What will this task—how will this task force be different, I suppose, like, you know, from other coordinated efforts that have occurred throughout the decades? Will this body have, you know, authority to bypass certain, maybe, procurement and things to, to make to get this expedited, I guess, is the general question?

Excellent question. I don't have the, the history of background of why this hasn't been successful in the past. I can tell you, I know our director is committed to this effort, and, and I'm sure the city and county is as well and we, we hear the concerns and the complaints that are being made by the public today and we're committed to making this a success.

Beyond that, I'm afraid I can't really tell you definitively how this is gonna work yet until we establish the task force and move forward.

Okay. Well, thank you for trying to answer. And, Chair, another follow-up?

Yes.

And maybe you're not the person, but you're the only one here to ask.

This points to a green—the Green Infrastructure Authority. Are you familiar with that that body? And I guess the question is just why, I suppose, they're inserted here. But if you don't have the answer, then I understand.

Yeah. I'm sorry. I'm unable to answer that.

Okay. Like a public private partnership utilizing green bonds or something to that effect. I'm not sure, but if you don't, then it's okay. And lastly, Chair.

Please.

Lastly, if have—just wondering if you have any inkling or idea as to why the, you know, the dragging out of this happening?

Is it maybe over acquisition of land? Is it just disagreement of perhaps who's gonna, you know, maintain a perpetuity? Do you have any idea? Does the state, DOT, have any idea what the main, obstacles, I guess, have been for this particular thing?

No. Again, I apologize. I, I haven't been involved with this issue in the past, so I'll have to follow-up and get back to you on those things.

Okay. Alright. Well, thanks. Thanks for being there.

Thank you. Members, any further questions? Seeing none. Let's recess, please.

Okay, We're back. Members, let's start at the top of the agenda for decision making on our agenda.

I don't see for us. HCR 104 HR 96 in tandem. Members for this one. I wanted to adopt it as is, but I just want to note in the committee report the testimony put forth by Department of Transportation on this matter for the next committee to consider and as the resolution moves forward. Seeing that members any questions, comments or concerns?

Vice Chair for the vote, please.

Voting on HCR 104 and HR 96 in tandem. The recommendation is to pass as is. [Roll call]

[Roll call]

The patient is adopted.

Thank you, members. I'll try to go slow knowing the vice chair has to do the vote. She's done this one. Okay. So for our next one, HCR63 HR57.

I want to thank the introducing the community members for bringing forth the concerns of this issue in matter. There was proposed amendments submitted by Mr. Laugh Young, and I believe the committee should have gotten it. So for this one members, I want to adopt the HD one and do the following amendments. Is that on paragraph for clearly refresh that it should state whereas following community safety concerns and legislative review, Department of Land Natural Resources gathered structural engineering advice. And concluded with that improvements or maintenance.

The vehicle load reading could be increased to 13 tons if vehicle speeds are kept below five miles per hour In paragraph six, whereas Department of Transportation reports the bridges and rigid designed as an emergency replacement for failed wooden bridge in 1994 for significantly lighter loads of five tons, which is below the weight of modern fire apparatus and emergency response vehicles. And the recommended increasing and recommend increasing the low capacity to potentially 20 tons. And modest changes to the document clearly reflect the history of the neighborhood.

Yeah.

And with that and leaving everything else, the HD one is as recommended. Members, questions, comments, or concerns. Vice Chair for the vote, please.

Voting on HCR 63 and HR 57. The recommendation is to pass with amendments. Are there any reservations? Any no votes? Seeing none.

The recommendation is about

Thank you, members. HCR 62, HR 56, in tandem. Members for this, I don't wanna adopt the HD 1. We're gonna keep pretty much the majority languages put forth into resolution, but we're just going to request a reporting requirement from Department of Transportation to be done before the next legislative session for the Legislature's understanding on this one.

With that, members, questions, comments, or concerns? Vice chair for the vote, please.

[Roll Call]

Thank you, Members. HCR 43, HR 39, urging the turbine transportation services for city county, Honolulu, to install these race crosswalk is proposed at these intersections. Members, for this, under recommendation is to adopt as is. Any questions, comments, or concerns? Seeing none. Vice Chair for the vote, please.

[Roll Call]

Thank you, Members. HCR 52, HR 48 in tandem, urging the counties to integrate the safe system approach into road and transportation design when especially when reducing or eliminating Austrian parking requirements to increase pedestrian safety. Members for this one. I want to adopt it as is. Are there any questions, comments or concerns?

Saying none by sure for the testimony, please.

Voting on HCR 52, HR 48. The recommendation is to pass as is. Are there any reservations?

Sure.

Reservations for Rep Cochran. Any other reservations? Any no votes? Seeing none. The recommendation is adopted.

Thank you. Members are next agenda item each CR 120 HR 112 members. The chair's recommendation is to defer this measure. I appreciate the robust discussion we've continued to have around transportation network companies that you see and motor carrier law. I understand why there are some complexities that exist, but we will continue working in the interim with both the DOT.

The PUCRTNC is to figure out a path forward where everyone can safely succeed. HCR 119 HR 111 requesting Department of Transportation to establish an Indirect Transportation Disruption Grant Program for this one. I want to adopt the HD1 and do tech amendments for clarity, consistency and style.

And members. If you just indulge me the frustrating part and the reason we introduced this measure is that on our roadways, there are the same process to follow-up shutting down roads and lanes and time and time again, whether it's our private companies are contracted performing this work. Whether they choose to not notice it appropriately or don't communicate, they just go rogue. And I'm sure when you folks get complaints, I keep complaints about these road closures frustrating.

And time is money, and I think if somebody's gonna import impose on our roadways away that they just shut it down, I understand.

And I just wanna clarify. Emergencies are so much more different than road repair that can be done noticed. So I'm hoping my intent is that the DOT can find a path forward to make sure we have all of our contractors and private companies comply. And if they choose not to comply, somebody should have to justify a penalty. Members, any questions, comments, or concerns?

Chair. Great comment. Yeah. I I hear your frustration. So this is focusing on DOT in particular and not so much private entities, like private utility, you know, contractor

You're talking about the traffic disruption?

Sorry?

Traffic Disruption Grant Program?

Yeah. This one? Yeah. Yeah.

I think the intent is that the DOT, whether they choose to take the hit and then have to take the levy against the contractor or whether the contractor is then responsible for any disruption that is posed by their unscheduled road work that could have been properly noticed. Because I think that's a discussion we always has is we have like if there are continued contractors that continually do not notice properly. What has D O T done to leverage some sort sort of penalty or punitive?

Matter to make them understand why we have these procedures and policies in place. Because of that.

They just continue to do it. Unfortunately,

Right. Okay. Thank you, Jeremy.

Thank you. Members any further questions, comments or concerns? My share for the vote, please.

Voting on HCR 119 HR 111. The recommendation is to pass with amendments. Are there any reservations? Any no votes? Seeing none.

The recommendation is allowed.

Thank you. Members, HCR 96 HR 88 in tandem. I this, I think, is a discussion that we continue to have, especially at the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Because there are other states that have utilized this point based system, and we've talked about trying to stand it up for some time now. And I hope if that is the intent to try to whether it's next legislative session or or sooner that we can go to a place where we have a system that works.

And I I've applauded the different counties and states that have implemented this, and I've learned more about it. I think working on Humpu. And so if DOT is moving in this direction or can move in this direction, I think it could make a a huge impact on road safety and road users. With that, members, questions, comments, or concerns? Vice Chair for the vote, please.

Voting on HCR 96 HR 88. The recommendation is to pass as is. Are there any reservations? Any no votes? Seeing none, the recommendation is adopted.

Thank you, Members. HCR128, HR120. For this one, I could adopt the HD one. I'm gonna amend it to be a co chair model both between Department of Transportation, Department of Planning lands. I acknowledge that as the DHL has moved expeditiously in this project leases, DOT also has large scale planning that occurs of what capital improvement projects are gonna be doing across the state.

And if infrastructure more often than not continues to be the highest cost passed off to the homeowner. What ways can we at the state levels coordinate so that we can try to get a product to our Homestead beneficiaries and also acknowledging if we're going to close roads or do large scale projects. How can the department tie in with the O T to help lower cost or share? What that cost could be between the agencies with that.

That's my intent for this HD1. Co-chair [unintelligible]. Members, questions, comments or concerns.

My, Rep Cochran.

Sure.

Yeah. I think just money wise budgetary duties Highway fund. It's not gonna say commingling but was is there has there been discussion with their highway fund not typically used for infrastructure I mean, used for highways and then you have the DHHL in particular that 600,000,000 we had already given them for infrastructure. You know what I mean.

So wondering how the the if if there's a discussion going if this is what this is about to talk about, the different funding sources these two entities have, you know, and how they collaborate together to utilize it.

I don't think my intent is try to commingle funds. I think the intent is that if I know in the next five years, D O T or has already identified these projects or parcels or either integration upgrades or reforming.

The DHL can plan also with D O T not to crook commingle funds, but try to make sure and plan things accordingly, so they're not going Not in tandem because I think particularly on the neighbor islands, your folks state infrastructure state roadways cross paths more with the HHL than here on Oahu. So if there's already identified plans in the next five to seven years to do some of these roads, Canada Department point Homelands identified projects abating these areas and time it accordingly.

So that things can be done in tandem, both between the departments and not necessary poking coal.

But if they're really shutting it down or having to do upgrades this project and parcel exists for DHL. Let's identify and do the work here at the same time. So things could potentially be at a lower cost. At the same time.

I completely understand. And I mean, even within the counties, like, why water department, you laid the new pipe, and now you got environmental man digging up for sewer lines. Like, wait. What? You need to don't you talk to each other?

So, yes, I totally understand.

So thank you, rep Clifford. Members, any further question, comments, or concerns? Seeing none, vice chair for the vote, please.

Voting on HCR128 and HR120. Recommendation is to pass with amendments. Are there any reservations? Any no votes? Seeing none, the recommendation is adopted.

Thank you, members. HCR127, HR119. So for this one, I read it up to it as is, but I just wanna acknowledge that I think in the interim last year, this was potentially proposed legislation this year, but the department was not necessarily ready to stand it up. We're only having these discussions because I think largely at the county level, we have not been able to make progress with our county law enforcement.

So I think to us if our Swiss Army knife that we have in the toolbox is potentially activating our sheriff's.

I think more more than not. We should take a part in trying to make traffic enforcement. No, not just inherent onto the counties. I want to acknowledge that I think that D O T and d l e would have to work with the counties because I know that they have large concerns about this measure. And let's see if that's the intent next legislative session to stand this up.

I also want to know in the committee report each year's testimony, and I think there is merits to make sure that whatever positions are amended or prescribed that they continue to follow. The bargaining union bargaining unit request and also what that may look like with that members, questions, comments or concerns Sure. I've got.

I guess I mean, it was a no, but I I think this is Ruby of some type of discussion and vetting. I just there there's just been such a shortage, you know, just to fill the seats needed now and then to but, again, you know, I think, yeah, it's worthy of discussion just to see what how we can up maybe such things. Yeah.

And I wanna acknowledge that, like, on on Oahu, it's much more different, our sheriff force than the neighbor islands. I know you folks are still trying to fill many positions on our neighbor islands as it even just relates to getting them in the courtroom. So I wanna acknowledge that every island does look different. So I appreciate your willingness to just have the discussion.

With reservations at this time.

Totally fine, Rep Cochran. Members, any further question, comments, or concerns? Rep Muraoka.

I I agree with what Rep Cochran said about filling capacities, but I also hear your concern, you know, your influence on each island being different. However, I'm a no on this because creating a whole new program isn't, in my opinion, the answer. I know HPD does have those blue marked vehicles that do specialize in highways and certain DOT regulations. Maybe we can help that that department grow, but it'll be the whole new one or create a whole new one. For me, it's just not the answer.

So for that, I don't know.

Thank you, Rick. More welcome. Members, any further question, comments, or concerns? Make sure for the vote, please.

[Roll Call]

Thank you, Members. HCR 58, HR 54, urging Department of Transportation and Education, City and County of Honolulu to ensure safety...elementary school students using crosswalks. HD 1 for this one to just to tech amendments for clarity, consistency, and style. Members, question, comments, or concerns?

Vice Chair for the vote, please.

[Roll Call]

Thank you, members. HCR 55, HR 51. For this one, members, let's...

Wait, sorry. Sorry. I'm sorry, Chair. Wait. You talked about crosswalks, but we voted on tolls. Is that right?

Oh, I totally skipped 125. You're right, Rep.

Yeah. Like wait, wait.

I got it.

Now you're talking about the next two.

So, that was HCR 50, HR 54 we voted on now.

Yeah, 125.

We voted on 125 and 117. So, we're on 58 and 54 now.

Okay. Let me just go back. HCR125 HR117. I'm just gonna motion for reconsideration of a previous action. We actually may not have taken action, but I just wanna make that concurrent.

So motion to reconsider previous action. Second. You're proposing it. Oh, I'll make the motion. I've I've sent a new

Second. Second.

A concurrent. Members, anybody reservations or no? Okay. Sorry about that. I just thought I was reading ahead.

All good. HTR125HR117 for members. This one adopted HD one. I I wanna we're Cochrane. I know you're in asking the line of questioning.

I think the largest concern is just Should the public utilities have already identified a plan or potentially plans to do this? That DOT can help identify what is being done because to your point, Larry shared that we do.

We face liability with Egypt infrastructure, whether that is emergency road work or potentially lines or wires falling onto our state areas that have been identified as largely high risk potentially with our areas as it relates to PSPS specifically for an electric And our other utility providers, and I just want to acknowledge that even in the interim after the fires that did devastate your communities on Maui that our utility providers have done some effort, and I just think all we're asking is for continued effort and even forward planning, so the deal teaching also work as well.

Because I think if they can identify with the duty roads or areas that need to be closed, we can work with the public for them to understand that there is a plan. There is a schedule.

This is a schedule and this is how we're going to move it forward. So with that, HD one protect amendments, clarity, consistency and style. Members' questions, comments, or concerns?

Appreciate that. Yeah. No. I agree. And even prior to fire, I was getting calls about old tolls sitting just leaning against almost falling on their house, you know, and stuff.

So I'm glad. Yeah. We're gonna address that. So

You know? Great. We're okay.

For I I really appreciate you introducing this, and hopefully, this thing will go all the way. And, you know, the DOT and all utilities will take this serious because, as you know, if we're driving to our community, there's 19 poles, I think I counted. And if I had to get my protractor out, I wanna say they're close to 45 degrees in leaning. There's one outside of my house in Macaw Valley Road.

So let's just hope this thing carries the weight it should and these utilities take it serious and address it.

Yeah. And I wanna acknowledge too that on the Senate side that there was the introducer actually also shares parts of parenting highway in the communities. White Park is very thin. Highway is not just along the way. 9 quotes.

It's throughout the state. Burlington Highway exists, but acknowledging that there is a statewide just juxtaposition as it relates to providers operating in the state highway rights away across the state, so I think we can all benefit from coordination. Members any further questions, comments or concerns I share for the book, please.

Voting on HCR125 HR117. The recommendation is to pass with amendments. Are there any reservations? Any no votes? Seeing none, the recommendation is allowed.

Thank you, members. HCR 50, HR 54. For this one, if I can entertain a motion for reconsideration of the previous action taken.

I think the motion.

Second.

Second by Rep. Cochran and members. Any reservations, no votes? For this one, HCR 50, HR 54, if we can reconsider. So, without the HD 1 for this measure and do tech amendments regarding consistency and style. Members, any questions, comments, or concerns? Vice Chair for the vote, please.

[Roll Call]

Thank you, members. HCR 55, HR 51, urging the Hawaii Department of Transportation, city and county, to utilize artificial intelligence to mitigate traffic and improve road safety. Let's adopt the HD 1 with doing tech amendments for clarity, consistency, and style. Members, questions, comments, or concerns? Vice Chair for the vote, please.

[Roll Call]

Thank you. Members HCR 154 HR 146 requesting the county of Hawaii to expand the early on shared right program to serve an entire island of Hawaii, including the rural communities of Hawaii, North Bala, South Bala and Puna. I think the folks who came before the committee today to testify on this matter, and I hope that the county of Hawaii can see some value should this move forward. With that members. Any questions, comments or concerns or recommendation to adopt as is

sure. I'm not sure if it was asked about how this would, affect other rideshare programs or the existing fixed routes at all?

I don't know.

Oh, I think Endanger's testimony is that they're trying to acknowledge that. So No. I think maybe noting the committee report then at that point, should the Hawaii County adopt something like that? What the integration could look like? So there is no disruption.

Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Good. Thanks.

Thank you. Member's questions, comments or concerns. Please share for the vote, please.

Voting on HCR 154, HR 146. The recommendation is to pass as is. Any reservations? Are there any no votes? Seeing none, the recommendation is adopted.

Okay. Members, HCR64, HR58 for this one. I want to actually adopt the HD1. I want I and this is no intent or a slight at the introducer, but I just wanna acknowledge, I think largely, the minimizing the rumble strips as it's I think its intent is to reduce unintended hazards. I don't wanna include noise pollution.

I, I, I appreciate also DOT clarifying with the committee happening because rumble strips are a safer way than the balls that occur on roadways now. So for this specific area, it's largely just to reduce the unintended hazards. So for that, we're adopting HD1 and amending it as as noted. Member's questions, comments, or concerns. Seeing that mixture for the book, please

voting on HCR64 HR58. The recommendation is to pass with amendments. Are there any reservations? Any no votes saying on the recommendation is is

Thank you, Members. HCR159 HR149 for this one. We're gonna adopt it as is, and they acknowledge the communities that continue to try to find a path forward. And I think the first and then I'm sad that neither the Honolulu City Council. I mean, sorry Department transportation services.

Did they comment on any of these measures, and I think largely the frustration is that the city and county of Honolulu made this promises community. I would hope that the city and county will materialize the path forward. And if anybody wants to go and look, they should go and look at how much they collected weight taxes for rent vehicle registration.

And those numbers exist currently, and if there is a budget that they're trying to acknowledge that that is the path forward that these have these funds that exist and the reason For it also not being on any state plan or federal funding because the county has not materialized a plan for funding, and I think both our state agencies are ready and willing to assist when the county is ready to materialize a plan for these communities. I also wanna acknowledge that there are.

I'm not asking the community to figure it out. But there are committee members who have reached out that are concerned about seeing a road come into their communities, and I don't want to be the person to have that discussion if they want to see it forward or not, But I think it is worth noting that there are communities members that want that Have acknowledged. They just like the one way in one way out, but Whatever that discussion looks like.

I also wanna acknowledge that we are working with the DOT to establish the emergency egress with their great specific partners. We're just waiting on a couple more signatures.

So With that members. Any questions, comments or concerns? Seeing none. Very sure for the vote, please.

Voting on HCR159 HR149. The recommendation is to pass as is. Are there any reservations? You know what? Seeing none.

The recommendation is the doctor.

Thank you. And our last one is HCR 70, HR 64. This one, I wanna applaud the introducer on trying to make a path forward. Of—last one is just asking him to take what they need to done, but should they try to move forward with this one, it proposes a task force. But this one, I want to do an HD 1 or reduce several amendments. The county shall—amendment that the county shall lead us a quote, there's a convener with a quote with, with a co-chair model that the county, DTS, and the county managing director will serve as the co-chairs for this measure.

The city shall invite the county agencies as listed and the city may invite the state agencies to have this move forward, should they want to participate. Quarterly report to the Honolulu County and the area elected officials that exist in the Honolulu Council District for the area of this community.

And there should be a yearly report to the legislature on the project progress and updates on this. The, the task force shall disband two years after the enactment of and, and the adoption of the resolution or upon the final report, whichever comes first.

So, the final report would be the eighth report if that was the if that occurs, and that shall serve as their final report. And same comments. I hope the county can work with this community because when the county is ready to materialize the plan, the state stands ready to support them as well. With that, members, questions, comments, or concerns? Vice chair for the vote, please.

[Roll Call]

Thank you, members. I apologize. There was a resolution that we missed. We're gonna be setting something for, for Thursday, and my staff will work with you folks on that.

With that, no further business before the committee. We are adjourned.