Report Title:

Complete Streets; Roads and Highways

 

Description:

Directs the department of transportation to adopt a complete streets policy regarding future transportation projects.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

306

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

relating to transportation.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that increasing traffic congestion is harmful not only to motorists, but to the environment and economy of the State as well.  Among the detrimental effects of increasing traffic congestion are increased fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, as well as rising costs of transportation maintenance, new infrastructure, and lost productivity.

     The legislature also finds that on November 7, 2006, the city and county of Honolulu adopted charter amendment 8, with support from seventy-seven per cent of Honolulu voters to establish Honolulu as a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly city.  Not only would a comprehensive plan to promote the use of non‑motorized modes of transportation serve to reduce traffic congestion, but it would also be a helpful step in decreasing the State's dependence on foreign oil.

     The legislature further finds that legislation based upon "complete streets" policies have been enacted in other states and that proposed federal legislation has recently been introduced.  "Complete streets" means roadways that accommodate all travelers, particularly users of public transit, bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists to enable all users to use the roadway safely and efficiently.  Complete streets policies are designed to ensure that:  all users of the transportation system, of all ages and physical ability, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit users are adequately accommodated in all phases of project planning and development; and the safety and convenience of all users are considered in all phases of project planning and development.

     The purpose of this Act is to direct the department of transportation to adopt a complete streets policy with regard to future transportation projects.

     SECTION 2.  The department of transportation is hereby directed to adopt, amend, or repeal rules, in accordance with chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, in order to adopt a complete streets policy with regard to future transportation projects.

     The department of transportation shall include the American Association of Retired Persons, the Hawaii Bicycling League, the Oahu Sierra Club, and other interested parties in a public involvement process to determine the best methods to establish or implement a complete streets policy.

     SECTION 3.  The department of transportation is directed to submit a report to the governor and the legislature of its findings and recommendations, proposed rules, and, if necessary, proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2010.

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

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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