Transportation

SB 3234 appropriates funds to the Department of Transportation to install all-way crosswalks at locations directly adjacent to school properties. This bill directly affects schools, students, and staff by funding physical safety infrastructure at school entrances and exits. The key provision requires the Department of Transportation to use allocated money for these specific crosswalk installations. The bill is currently under review by the TRS and WAM committees, with a public hearing scheduled for February 10, 2026.

SB 2400 proposes to exempt operators of "wing-in-ground craft" (vehicles that fly just above water, like certain hovercraft) from Hawaii's Water Carriers Act. It directly affects businesses or individuals operating these specific watercraft by removing a regulatory requirement they currently face. The bill defines "wing-in-ground craft" to clarify which vehicles qualify for the exemption. The bill is currently pending committee review and has not yet been voted on.

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish automatic adjustment mechanisms to address economic factors sua sponte or on application by a water carrier. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a water carrier inflationary cost index automatic adjustment mechanism. Beginning 7/1/2026, through 6/30/2029, requires the Public Utilities Commission to apply automatic adjustment mechanisms. Beginning 7/1/2029, through 6/30/2033, authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to apply automatic adjustment mechanisms. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to waive or exempt any water carrier from any requirement under the Hawaii Water Carrier Act. Sunsets 7/1/2033. (CD1)

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Department of Transportation to work with the Department of Education to study how to improve the process for hiring and training school bus drivers in Hawaii. The bill addresses ongoing shortages of qualified drivers that have led to canceled routes and disrupted transportation for students, particularly in rural and neighbor island communities. The requested evaluation will examine barriers to commercial driver's licensing, coordination between agencies and private contractors, and strategies to expand testing and training access. The departments must consult with various stakeholders and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 regular session.

Requires the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to implement a requirement that, no later than January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in certain counties for use in on-highway diesel-powered motor vehicles contains no less than five per cent biodiesel by volume, except in circumstances where the supply of biodiesel is insufficient. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit a report to the Legislature, including a comprehensive rollout plan. Requires the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to consult with the Department of Transportation during the development and implementation of the biodiesel requirements and present DBEDT's comprehensive rollout plan to the public. Effective 7/1/3050. (SD1)