Transportation (Roads & Highways)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 15, 2026

GM 1362: Informing the Legislature that on July 15, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2021 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 259).

This bill, signed into law as Act 259, establishes new safety and labeling rules for electric bicycles in Hawaii to ensure responsible use on public roads. It prohibits unsafe riding behaviors such as stunts, wheelies, or riding in non-standard positions, while allowing the Department of Transportation and counties to define additional reckless actions. The law also mandates that manufacturers and sellers label bikes with their class, speed, and motor wattage, and requires them to inform buyers about legal restrictions regarding helmets, age limits, and road access. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that insurance is not required for road-legal electric bicycles and authorizes the Department of Transportation to impose fines up to $500 for violations of these new regulations.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by establishing rules for electric bicycles and mandating clear labeling to ensure responsible use on public roads.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 4, 2026

GM 1173: Informing the Legislature that on June 3, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2697 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 073).

This bill, officially known as Act 073, amends Hawaii state laws regarding traffic violations and vehicle tax enforcement. It directly affects drivers and vehicle owners by establishing stricter penalties for driving on road shoulders and clarifying procedures for seizing vehicles with unpaid taxes. Under the new provisions, a first-time shoulder lane violation carries a $250 fine, while repeat offenses within five years incur a $1,000 fine. Additionally, the bill updates the rules for vehicle seizure and sale due to delinquent taxes, including specific timelines for redemption and auction, and grants an exemption from these penalties for owners of antique motor vehicles that are not in use.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by establishing stricter penalties for driving on road shoulders and clarifying vehicle tax enforcement procedures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 119: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ESTABLISH AN INDIRECT TRAFFIC DISRUPTION GRANT PROGRAM.

This bill requests the Department of Transportation to create a grant program that provides financial assistance to property owners and small businesses affected by unplanned road closures, detours, or utility disruptions caused by state or county roadwork. The program would offer grants to those who can demonstrate verifiable losses in property access or business revenue due to these disruptions, with eligibility based on factors such as the duration and severity of the roadwork and the economic impact on the applicant. The Department of Transportation is asked to develop application criteria, collaborate with counties on joint roadwork projects, and submit a progress report to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session detailing the number of applications, grants awarded, and process timelines.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes a grant program to compensate property owners and businesses affected by roadwork disruptions, supporting transportation infrastructure management and economic stability during road projects.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 52: URGING THE COUNTIES TO INTEGRATE THE SAFE SYSTEM APPROACH INTO ROAD AND TRANSPORTATION DESIGN, ESPECIALLY WHEN REDUCING OR ELIMINATING OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS, TO INCREASE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that urges Hawaii's county governments to apply the Safe System Approach to road and transportation design, particularly when reducing or eliminating off-street parking requirements. The resolution highlights that removing off-street parking has increased demand for on-street parking, which often blocks sidewalks and forces pedestrians, including children and vulnerable residents, to walk in traffic. It calls for counties to incorporate safety measures like improved crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and better visibility enhancements to protect people walking and biking. The document also notes existing federal funding available through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program to support these safety improvements. This resolution is non-binding and serves to encourage counties to prioritize pedestrian safety in their planning decisions.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes pedestrian safety through Safe System Approach and better road design, enhancing transportation infrastructure and safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 8, 2026

HR 51: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO UTILIZE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO MITIGATE TRAFFIC AND IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY IN THE STATE.

This House Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Transportation and Honolulu's transportation departments to explore using artificial intelligence to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety. It highlights concerns about rising traffic fatalities and congestion while noting that other states are already using AI for traffic management. The resolution requests that these agencies submit a report within 20 days assessing existing technologies and the feasibility of integrating AI systems into current infrastructure. This measure does not mandate implementation but asks agencies to evaluate and report on the potential for adopting AI-driven traffic solutions.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly urges adoption of AI for traffic mitigation and safety improvements, demonstrating clear support for advancing technology applications in public infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges DOT to use AI to improve road safety and reduce traffic, directly enhancing transportation infrastructure and safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 92: URGING THE COUNTIES TO INTEGRATE THE SAFE SYSTEM APPROACH INTO ROAD AND TRANSPORTATION DESIGN, ESPECIALLY WHEN REDUCING OR ELIMINATING OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS, TO INCREASE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii's counties to adopt the Safe System Approach in road and transportation design, particularly when reducing or eliminating off-street parking requirements. The bill aims to improve pedestrian safety by encouraging the use of proven safety measures like enhanced crosswalk visibility, pedestrian refuge islands, and bicycle lanes. It addresses concerns that removing off-street parking requirements has led to increased on-street parking, which obstructs sidewalks and forces pedestrians to walk on roadways. The resolution also emphasizes balancing infrastructure investments with the transportation needs of all residents, including blue-collar workers and elderly or disabled individuals.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes pedestrian safety through improved road design and Safe System Approach, enhancing transportation infrastructure and safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 127: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A STATE HIGHWAY POLICE FORCE.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to work together to create a state highway police force. It aims to address rising traffic fatalities by supplementing county police efforts with a specialized state-level enforcement unit focused on highway safety. The resolution highlights the potential benefits of combining transportation infrastructure expertise with law enforcement authority to improve traffic management and response to incidents. It does not authorize funding or mandate the creation of the force, but rather serves as a formal recommendation to the relevant state agencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill seeks to establish a state highway police force to improve traffic safety and supplement county police efforts, which aligns with strengthening law enforcement capabilities.65% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes state highway police force to enhance transportation safety and reduce traffic fatalities through specialized enforcement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 70: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A STATE HIGHWAY POLICE FORCE.

This Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to work together to create a state highway police force. The bill aims to improve road safety by adding a specialized enforcement unit that would supplement existing county police efforts. If established, this force would be trained to handle highway incidents, clear crash scenes quickly, and enforce traffic laws more effectively. The resolution directs these two state agencies to collaborate on the initiative, though it does not mandate funding or specific operational details.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes specialized highway police force to improve road safety and traffic law enforcement, strengthening law enforcement capabilities within criminal justice system.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates state highway police force to improve road safety and traffic law enforcement, directly advancing transportation safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 77: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO COORDINATE WITH UTILITY PROVIDERS OPERATING WITHIN STATE HIGHWAY RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE PLAN AND SCHEDULE TO ADDRESS DERELICT OR AGING UTILITY POLES AND LINES ALONG FARRINGTON HIGHWAY AND OTHER HIGH-RISK CORRIDORS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation to work with utility companies to create a statewide plan for fixing or removing old and unsafe utility poles and lines along highways like Farrington Highway. The bill directs officials to assess infrastructure risks, prioritize areas with high traffic or wildfire danger, and establish clear processes for maintenance and funding. It requires the Department of Transportation to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not mandate immediate spending or construction, but rather initiates a planning process to improve public safety and clarify responsibilities for aging utility infrastructure.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens energy infrastructure safety by addressing aging utility poles and lines, protecting consumers and reducing wildfire risks along high-risk corridors.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs DOT to coordinate with utilities to create a plan for fixing unsafe utility poles along highways, enhancing transportation infrastructure safety and addressing high-risk corridors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 8, 2026

HCR 55: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO UTILIZE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO MITIGATE TRAFFIC AND IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY IN THE STATE.

This House Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the City and County of Honolulu to explore using artificial intelligence to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety. The measure is based on concerns about rising traffic fatalities and congestion in Hawaii, noting that other states are already using AI for traffic management. It requests that these agencies submit a report within 20 days assessing the feasibility of integrating AI technologies into existing traffic systems. The resolution does not mandate immediate implementation but asks for a study to evaluate how AI could be applied to current infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly encourages adoption of AI technology for traffic mitigation and safety improvements, demonstrating clear support for advancing technology applications in public infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges DOT and Honolulu to use AI to reduce traffic and improve road safety, directly enhancing transportation infrastructure and safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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