THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

68

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


SENATE RESOLUTION

 

requesting the department of transportation to convene a traffic advisory task force to study Oahu traffic congestion issues and recommend solutions.

 

 

WHEREAS, the traffic problems on Oahu are a cause for concern island-wide, and the State has made traffic management problems a priority; and

WHEREAS, while many Oahu motorists may routinely encounter "rush-hour" traffic congestion on their way to or from work or school, certain accident or emergency situations create traffic gridlock that greatly inconveniences motorists; and

WHEREAS, motor vehicle accidents or other emergencies, such as past traffic nightmares created by broken water mains, police standoffs, spilled cargo or other debris, fire-related emergencies, rock-slides, and even hurricanes, contribute to even greater traffic-related difficulties and delays; and

WHEREAS, new residential and commercial property development may also contribute to traffic congestion, with certain projects causing concerns that the project may lead to a negative impact of police and other emergency services provided in the area; and

WHEREAS, pending new developments in Waikiki, Ala Moana, and Kakaako, for example, make it crucial for state and county transportation agencies to coordinate their efforts to prevent traffic congestion related to those development projects; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that the Department of Transportation is requested to convene a traffic advisory task force to study traffic congestion issues on Oahu and to submit recommendations to alleviate the problems. In particular, the traffic advisory task force is requested to:

(1) Identify the major contributors to traffic congestion and traffic jams, particularly during rush-hour travel;

(2) Examine how traffic congestion caused by motor vehicle accidents or spilled cargo or other debris on highways during traffic rush-hours can be removed or disposed of in the quickest and most efficient manner;

(3) Consider the feasibility of giving tow companies or related vehicles "authorized emergency vehicle" status when responding to motor vehicle accidents or related traffic emergencies during peak traffic hours;

(4) Identify other traffic issues caused by congested traffic, such as delayed response by emergency vehicles; and

(5) Provide specific recommendations, including any proposed legislation if necessary, to alleviate traffic congestion and traffic jams, including the time schedule for implementation of each recommended solution;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is requested to include in the traffic advisory task force members representing:

(1) The state Department of Transportation;

(2) The state Department of Public Safety;

(3) The state Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee;

(4) The City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services;

(5) The Honolulu Police Department;

(6) The City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Services;

(7) Towing companies; and

(8) Other interested or relevant public or private agencies or businesses;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the traffic advisory task force is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2004;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation; the Director of Public Safety; the Chair of the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee; the Director of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu; the Chief of the Honolulu Police Department; the Director of Emergency Services of the City and County of Honolulu; and representatives of towing companies.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Traffic Advisory Task Force; Traffic Concerns & Solutions