STAND. COM. REP. NO.  855-08

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

 

RE:   H.B. No. 2437

 

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2437 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRAFFIC,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this bill is to improve traffic flow in an effort to reduce travel time along the central Oahu corridor by requiring and appropriating funds for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to perform a study to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations.  The study is to include:

 

     (1)  A comprehensive review of central Oahu traffic flow studies already conducted and any other factors deemed appropriate and relevant, including:

 

          (A)  Communities and areas affected, and the population densities and growth of those communities;

 

          (B)  Existing patterns and trends in traffic flows and density;

 

          (C)  Existing peak and off-peak usage and flows under varying conditions;

 

          (D)  Peak carrying capacity of area freeways, highways, and roads at current usage patterns; and

 

          (E)  A comparison of these patterns with projected patterns and usage with contra-flow lanes;

 

          and

 

     (2)  A review of alternatives for improving regional connectivity and reducing travel time, including:

 

          (A)  The feasibility of extending contra-flow lanes to Mililani;

 

          (B)  A determination of the effect on commuter travel time and carrying capacity of the regional transportation infrastructure resulting from the construction and proposed construction of additional housing units in central and leeward Oahu;

 

          (C)  An evaluation of the impact that a fully-developed light rail system on Oahu would have on central Oahu commuter times and connectivity; and

 

          (D)  An evaluation and prioritization of the impact on regional connectivity and commuter times of certain proposed transportation improvements in central Oahu.

 

     This bill also establishes a task force made up of area residents, state and county land use and transportation officials, and area developers to provide advice and assistance to DOT as it conducts its study.

 

     The Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu Neighborhood Board No. 25 testified in support of this bill.  DOT offered comments.

 

     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. 2437 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

MARCUS R. OSHIRO, Chair